The band formed at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in 1976 when the members were teenagers with limited musical proficiency. Within four years, they signed with Island Records and released their debut album, Boy (1980). Subsequent work such as their first UK number-one album, War (1983), and the singles "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Pride (In the Name of Love)" helped establish U2's reputation as a politically and socially conscious group. By the mid-1980s, they had become renowned globally for their live act, highlighted by their performance at Live Aid in 1985. The group's fifth album, The Joshua Tree (1987), made them international superstars and was their greatest critical and commercial success. Topping music charts around the world, it produced their only number-one singles in the US, "With or Without You" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For".
Facing creative stagnation and a backlash following their documentary/double album, Rattle and Hum (1988), U2 reinvented themselves in the 1990s through a new musical direction and public image. Beginning with their acclaimed seventh album, Achtung Baby (1991), and the multimedia-intensive Zoo TV Tour, the band integrated influences from alternative rock, electronic dance music, and industrial music into their sound, and embraced a more ironic, flippant image. This experimentation continued through their ninth album, Pop (1997), and the PopMart Tour, which were mixed successes. U2 regained critical and commercial favour with the records All That You Can't Leave Behind (2000) and How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004), which established a more conventional, mainstream sound for the group. Their U2 360° Tour of 2009–2011 is the highest-attended and highest-grossing concert tour in history. The group's thirteenth album, Songs of Innocence (2014), was released at no cost through the iTunes Store, but received criticism for its automatic placement in users' music libraries.
U2 has released 14 studio albums and is one of the world's best-selling music artists in history, having sold more than 170 million records worldwide. They have won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band, and in 2005, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Rolling Stone ranked U2 at number 22 on its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". Throughout their career, as a band and as individuals, they have campaigned for human rights and philanthropic causes, including Amnesty International, Jubilee 2000, the ONE/DATA campaigns, Product Red, War Child, and Music Rising.
Foundation: The band originally formed in 1976 when Larry Mullen posted a bulletin in his school asking for musicians to form a rock band. The band then consisted of the four current members plus three additional guitarists, including The Edge’s brother Dick Evans (later a member of Virgin Prunes), Ivan McCormick and Peter Martin. According to legend, Bono originally auditioned as a guitarist but couldn’t play. He auditioned as lead vocals, but really couldn’t sing. He was, however, incredibly enthusiastic about the band, extremely charismatic, a great writer, and was strangely able to reach the audience when the band played, something he is known for still today. Bono will reach out into the crowd and dance or mess with someone in the crowd at every concert. He was kept as a member. The extra guitarists would soon leave the band and the group would go through the names “Feedback ” and “The Hype” before finally settling on U2.
The 70s & 80s: 1978 was a jumping point year for the band, finally finding their sound / voice. U2 won a talent contest in 1978: £500 and funds to make a record. Paul McGuinness became the band’s manager and U2 released an EP called Three and the single Another Day, the following year. U2 went on to release their first album, Boy and then more critically acclaimed albums incl.: October, War, Under A Blood Red Sky, and The Unforgettable Fire (featuring the song PlayMLK dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr). Seen by many as a political band with more charisma than others, they were called “a different kind” of band. After a short break U2 returned with The Joshua Tree & the USA music inspired Rattle And Hum (also a movie of the same name, based on the tour).
The 90s: Promising ”to dream it all up again”, they added industrial and dance styles to their music. Trying to drop a goody two shoes image, they went to Berlin (Germany), supposedly to develop new self-expressions. From there they started to make fun of themselves and had a good time of it in albums like Achtung Baby (meaning ”watch out, baby”, artwork feat. make-up artist Nassim Khalifa) & Zooropa. Bono took on many stage personae such as “The Fly”, “Mirrorball Man” and “Mr. MacPhisto” for the gigantic ZOO TV Tour. Later they continued to make fun of Pop culture and all its extremes with the album Pop and consequent PopMart tour which was announced to be launched at a Kmart store and included a giant golden arch across the stage.
The 00s: At the end of the 90’s into 00’s U2 became less image and more reality. With the death of Bono’s good friend Michael Hutchence, the lead singer of INXS, Bono wrote more songs from the heart surrounding ideas like life and death, children, hope, and the real world past all the pop culture and TV. Some say they’ve returned to a more band-centric sound with albums like All That You Can’t Leave Behind which features a song, Kite, dedicated to Bono’s father who passed away shortly after the album’s conception and 2004’s How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.
The 10s: U2 went on the U2 360° Tour in 2009 and 2010. This tour set records for the highest-grossing concert tour. The band worked with producer Danger Mouse for their thirteenth album Songs of Innocence, which was released on 9 September 2014 for free to all Apple iCloud users.
The Name: There are many theories as to the origin of the name U2. For example, U2 was an intelligence airplane that was in use by the United States during the Cold War. Other obvious candidates include “You too” and “You two”, etc. Nonetheless the official line on the name’s origins remains unknown. The band has been quoted as saying that they did think of the U2 spy plane, but remain hushed about other reasons… U2
I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight
U2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Knows I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight
There's a part of me in chaos that's quiet
And there's a part of you that wants me to riot
Everybody needs to cry or needs to spit
Every sweet-tooth needs just a little hit
Every beauty needs to go out with an idiot
Oh, change of heart comes slow
It's not a hill, it's a mountain
As you start out the climb
Do you believe me or are you doubting?
We're gonna make it all the way to the light
But I know I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight
Every generation gets a chance to change the world
Pity the nation that won't listen to you boys and girls
Is the sweetest melody the one we haven't heard?
Is it true that perfect love drives out all fear?
The right to be ridiculous is something I hold dear
Oh, but change of heart comes slow
It's not a hill, it's a mountain
As you start out the climb
You see, for me, I've been shouting
But we're gonna make it all the way to the light
But I know I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight
Baby, baby, baby, I know I'm not alone
Baby, baby, baby, I know I'm not alone
Ha, ha, ha
Oh, it's not a hill it's a mountain
As you start out the climb
You see, for me, I've been shouting
Let's shout into the darkness, squeeze out sparks of light
You know we're gonna go crazy, you know we'll go crazy
You know we'll go crazy, if we don't go crazy tonight
Oh, slowly
Oh
Hold me slow
The song "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" by U2 is a reflection on the human condition and our innate desire to experience life to the fullest. The opening lines, "She's a rainbow and she loves the peaceful life, knows I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight," suggest that the singer is in a stable but somewhat unexciting relationship, and is drawn to the prospect of letting go and experiencing something new.
The lyrics contain a balance between the need for stability and the need for spontaneity. The lines "There's a part of me in chaos that's quiet, and there's a part of you that wants me to riot" reflect the idea that every person has a desire to shake things up sometimes and experience something new, but also enjoys feeling secure and stable. The chorus, "It's not a hill, it's a mountain, as you start the climb, you see for me, I've been shouting, but we're gonna make it all the way to the light," suggests that life is a daunting climb, but also contains a sense of hope and optimism that things will eventually work out.
The song also touches upon the theme of social justice and the idea that every generation has the opportunity to change the world. The line "Pity the nation that won't listen to you boys and girls" suggests that there are those who are resistant to change, but that we should continue to "shout into the darkness, squeeze out sparks of light," and strive to make a difference.
Line by Line Meaning
She's a rainbow and she loves the peaceful life
She is colorful and full of life, but also values a peaceful existence.
Knows I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight
Recognizes that it's important to let loose and have some fun or else risk becoming overwhelmed.
There's a part of me in chaos that's quiet
There is a turbulent side to me that remains hidden and subdued.
And there's a part of you that wants me to riot
A part of you desires for me to let loose and cause chaos.
Everybody needs to cry or needs to spit
Everyone needs a release, whether that be through tears or expression of frustration.
Every sweet-tooth needs just a little hit
Everyone occasionally craves indulgence, even if only in small doses.
Every beauty needs to go out with an idiot
Even those considered beautiful may sometimes go for the unconventional or less intelligent option.
How can you stand next to the truth and not see it?
When the truth is clear, how can one ignore it when they are in close proximity to it?
Oh, change of heart comes slow
It takes time for one to change their mind or sentiments.
It's not a hill, it's a mountain
The challenge at hand is not insignificant, but rather monumental.
As you start out the climb
When beginning the journey, before reaching the peak.
Do you believe me or are you doubting?
Do you have faith in my capabilities or are you uncertain?
We're gonna make it all the way to the light
We will successfully overcome the obstacles and reach the destination.
Every generation gets a chance to change the world
Each new generation has the opportunity to make an impact and improve the state of the world.
Pity the nation that won't listen to you boys and girls
It is regretful when a society disregards or fails to hear the ideas and perspectives of its young members.
Is the sweetest melody the one we haven't heard?
Is the most beautiful and captivating tune one that has yet to be discovered?
Is it true that perfect love drives out all fear?
Does the presence of true love eliminate fear entirely?
The right to be ridiculous is something I hold dear
I cherish the freedom to be nonsensical or eccentric.
Baby, baby, baby, I know I'm not alone
An expression of solidarity and assurance in the presence of another.
Ha, ha, ha
A playful or mocking sound.
Let's shout into the darkness, squeeze out sparks of light
In times of uncertainty, let's create our own illumination and ignite hope.
You know we're gonna go crazy, you know we'll go crazy
It's inevitable that we'll become overwhelmed or chaotic at times.
If we don't go crazy tonight
Emphasizing the importance of letting loose and having some fun in order to avoid becoming overwhelmed or crazy.
Oh, slowly
An expression of taking things at a measured pace or carefully.
Hold me slow
A request to hold or embrace with tenderness and restraint.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM CLAYTON, DAVE EVANS, LARRY MULLEN, PAUL DAVID HEWSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@brightside51
These are the lyrics for the song
She's a rainbow and she loves the peaceful life
Knows I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight
There's a part of me in the chaos that's quiet
And there's a part of you that wants me to riot
Everybody needs to cry or needs to spit
Every sweet tooth needs just a little hit
Every beauty needs to go out with an idiot
How can you stand next to the truth and not see it
Oh, a change of heart comes slow
It's not a hill, it's a mountain
As you start out the climb
Do you believe me or are you doubting
We're gonna make it all the way to the light
But I know I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight
Every generation gets a chance to change the world
Pity the nation that won't listen to your boys and girls
'Cos the sweetest melody is the one we haven't heard
Is it true that perfect love drives out all fear
The right to appear ridiculous is something I hold dear
Oh, but a change of heart comes slow
It's not a hill, it's a mountain
As you start out the climb
Listen for me, I'll be shouting
We're gonna make it all the way to the light
But you now I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight
Baby, baby, baby
I know I'm not alone
Baby, baby, baby
I know I'm not alone
Oh oh oh
It's not a hill, it's a mountain
As we start out the climb
Listen for me, I'll be shouting
Shouting to the darkness
Squeeze out sparks of light
You know we're gonna go crazy
You know we'll go crazy
You know we'll go crazy if we don't go crazy tonight
Oh, slowly now
Oh, be slow.
@alexanderivas9514
2009: ¡I LOVE IT!
2010: ¡I LOVE IT!
2011: ¡I LOVE IT!
2012: ¡I LOVE IT!
2013: ¡I LOVE IT!
2014: ¡I LOVE IT!
2015: ¡I LOVE IT!
2016: ¡I LOVE IT!
2017: ¡I LOVE IT!
2018: ¡I LOVE IT!
2019: ¡I LOVE IT!
2020: ¡I LOVE IT!
2021:🔒
@romanrodriguez5100
Es impresionante cómo se va el tiempo, aún recuerdo que era un niño y pasaban el video entre comerciales en Cartoon Network.
Ahora ya con 21 años, me doy cuenta de lo profundo y lindo que es el video, así como del significado real de la letra.
Hoy en día amo a U2 y me hizo muy feliz ver este video después de tanto tiempo, espero todos los niños de haces años, hoy adultos, estén cumpliendo sus sueños, en caso de que no, cómo dice la canción:
“It’s not a hill it’s a mountain as you start out the climb”
@WednesdayAddamsCharlieBlack
chamo cuando era carton newort
@georgei.q.5825
Ohh ahora caigo en cuenta porque recuerdo tanto este video pero no sabia quien la cantaba
@greedanie_
Ay 😢❤
@jpbaidal
Such an underrated song, this is a masterpiece! The song and the video go perfect with each other... So moving and beautiful. I love when the dog and the boy return home, it makes my heart leap every single time and brings tears to my eyes. Too bad they didnt play this version in the tour, only in Barcelona.
@altair769
PREACH!!!
@garycarr3857
@@altair769 U2
@garycarr3857
Nov 25, 2009
@sygulli5093
Yet we keep being told by other U2 fans that we are not allowed to like it in favour of less melodic songs like Breathe.
@ghanshyamghyani5854
After 10 years of first listening to this song, I still sit down to watch this video with a box of tissues to wipe my tears off. Never fails. cried today as well. Simple story line, basic animation and the trademark U2 music. Recipe for crying. God bless this world.