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
Numb
U2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't talk out of time
Don't think
Don't worry
Everything's just fine
Just fine
Don't grab
Don't hope for too much
Don't breathe
Don't achieve
Or grieve without leave
Don't check
Just balance on the fence
Don't answer
Don't ask
Don't try and make sense
Don't whisper
Don't talk
Don't run if you can walk
Don't cheat, compete
Don't miss the one beat
Don't travel by train
Don't eat
Don't spill
Don't piss in the drain
Don't make a will
Don't fill out any forms
Don't compensate
Don't cower
Don't crawl
Don't come around late
Don't hover at the gate
Don't take it on board
Don't fall on your sword
Just play another chord
If you feel you're getting bored
I feel numb
I feel numb
Too much is not enough
I feel numb
Don't change your brand
Don't listen to the band
Don't gape
Don't ape
Don't change your shape
Have another grape
Too much is not enough
I feel numb
I feel numb
Don't plead
Don't bridle
Don't shackle
Don't grind
Don't curve
Don't swerve
Lie, die, serve
Don't theorize, realize, polarize
Chance, dance,dismiss, apologize
Too much is not enough
I feel numb
Don't spy
Don't lie
Don't try
Imply
Detain
Explain
Start again
I feel numb
Don't triumph
Don't coax
Don't cling
Don't hoax
Don't freak
Peak
Don't leak
Don't speak
I feel numb
Don't project
Don't connect
Protect
Don't expect
Suggest
I feel numb
Don't project
Don't connect
Protect
Don't expect
Suggest
I feel numb
Don't struggle
Don't jerk
Don't collar
Don't work
Don't wish
Don't fish
Don't teach
Don't reach
Too much is not enough
Don't borrow
Don't break
Don't fence
Don't steal
Don't pass
Don't press
Don't try
Don't feel
I feel numb
Don't touch
Don't dive
Don't suffer
Don't rhyme
Don't fantasize
Don't rise
Don't lie
Don't project
Don't connect
Protect
Don't expect
Suggest
Don't project
Don't connect
Protect
Don't expect
Suggest
I feel numb
The lyrics to U2's song "Numb" depict a world where conformity is valued above individuality. The song seems to be addressed to someone who is struggling to find their place in society and is being told to stop trying so hard. The recurring line "Too much is not enough, I feel numb" suggests that the person is feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from their emotions.
The verses are filled with a list of things the person should not do, such as "Don't grab, don't clutch, don't hope for too much," and "Don't travel by train, don't eat, don't spill, don't piss in the drain." These instructions reveal a society that values sameness and order over creativity and spontaneity. The chorus "I feel numb" echoes this sentiment, expressing a sense of numbness and disconnection from the world.
The song can be interpreted as a critique of consumer culture, in which people are encouraged to conform and not question the status quo. The repetition of the phrase "Don't project, don't connect, protect, don't expect, suggest" suggests that people should not try to connect with others or challenge the status quo.
Overall, the song "Numb" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of a world where conformity is valued above individuality. It encourages listeners to break free from societal expectations and embrace their own unique identity.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't move
Remain still and do nothing
Don't talk out of time
Don't speak at the wrong moment or inappropriately
Don't think
Stop the mental process of considering or analyzing situations, ideas or possibilities
Don't worry
Do not stress, get upset or panic about anything
Everything's just fine
Despite the above instructions, there is no actual problem
Don't grab
Do not take hold of something or someone quickly and forcibly
Don't clutch
Do not grasp something tightly, especially out of fear or anxiety
Don't hope for too much
Lower your expectations and do not anticipate a lot
Don't breathe
Stop the physical process of inhaling and exhaling air
Don't achieve
Do not succeed in accomplishing a goal or task
Or grieve without leave
Do not mourn or feel sadness without proper authorization to do so
Don't check
Do not examine, verify or monitor anything
Just balance on the fence
Remain impartial and neutral, not taking a position or side
Don't answer
Do not respond to a question or statement
Don't ask
Do not request or inquire about something
Don't try and make sense
Do not attempt to comprehend or make logical sense of anything
Don't whisper
Do not speak softly or in a secretive manner
Don't talk
Remain silent
Don't run if you can walk
Do not hurry or rush, take it easy
Don't cheat, compete
Do not engage in deceptive practices, but instead participate in fair competition
Don't miss the one beat
Do not fail to stay in rhythm or miss an important opportunity
Don't travel by train
Do not use this mode of transport for your journey
Don't eat
Do not consume food or drink
Don't spill
Do not let a liquid escape or overflow from a container
Don't piss in the drain
Do not urinate in an inappropriate place
Don't make a will
Do not create a legal document detailing instructions to be followed after your death
Don't fill out any forms
Do not complete any formal documents requiring information
Don't compensate
Do not make amends or redress a wrong
Don't cower
Do not show submission or fear
Don't crawl
Do not move on your hands and knees like a baby or an animal
Don't come around late
Do not arrive to a meeting or appointment after it has already started
Don't hover at the gate
Do not remain close to an entrance or exit, waiting around
Don't take it on board
Do not accept or absorb something, eschew it
Don't fall on your sword
Do not accept responsibility and take the blame for something that wasn't your fault
Just play another chord
Carry on with a different approach or strategy
If you feel you're getting bored
Switch focus to something more engaging or interesting, if needed
I feel numb
I am emotionally numb, unresponsive and deadened
Too much is not enough
Excess is still lacking or inadequate despite the quantity
Don't change your brand
Do not alter your identity or personality to conform or impress others
Don't listen to the band
Do not pay attention to other people's opinions or advice
Don't gape
Do not stare in wonder or amazement, with mouth open
Don't ape
Do not imitate foolishly or slavishly
Don't change your shape
Do not transform or adapt your form or nature
Have another grape
Relax and enjoy the moment, no need to do anything else
Don't plead
Do not beg or request something insistently or desperately
Don't bridle
Do not show anger or offense at something
Don't shackle
Do not restrain or impede your freedom or independence
Don't grind
Do not perform repetitive, laborious or boring work
Don't curve
Do not bend or deviate from a straight line or path
Don't swerve
Do not avoid or change direction suddenly
Lie, die, serve
Three verbs that have no specific relation to each other or the song, but add intrigue and a poetic license
Don't theorize, realize, polarize
Do not formulate speculations or hypotheses, achieve awareness or cause division between people
Chance, dance, dismiss, apologize
Four random verbs that rhyme and do not particularly elaborate on the previous line
Don't spy
Do not secretly observe or gather information on someone or something
Don't lie
Do not say something that is false with the intention of deceiving
Don't try
Do not make an effort or attempt to do something
Imply
Suggest indirectly or hint at something without stating it explicitly
Detain
Keep (someone) in official custody, typically for questioning about a crime or wrongdoing
Explain
Make (an idea, situation or problem) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts
Start again
Begin anew or afresh, with a clean slate
Don't triumph
Do not celebrate or gloat excessively over a victory or success, remain modest
Don't coax
Do not persuade someone to do something by gentle urging or flattery
Don't cling
Do not hold on tightly to something or someone, especially in a desperate way
Don't hoax
Do not deceive or trick someone, especially through a prank or a false story
Don't freak
Do not panic or behave irrationally, stay calm
Peak
An intentionally rhyming verb that does not directly add to the meaning of the song
Don't leak
Do not allow secret or confidential information to become known or public
Don't speak
Do not talk or verbalize any thoughts or ideas
Don't project
Do not attribute your own thoughts or feelings to others or to the future
Don't connect
Do not establish a relationship, network or continuity between things or people
Protect
Shield or preserve someone or something from harm, damage or change
Don't expect
Do not anticipate or presume something will happen
Suggest
Propose or recommend something for consideration or implementation
Don't struggle
Do not strive or fight with great effort or resistance
Don't jerk
Do not move suddenly, with a sharp or spasmodic motion
Don't collar
Do not grab or seize someone by the neck or the collar of their shirt
Don't work
Do not engage in labor or effort to achieve something
Don't wish
Do not express a desire or hope for something unlikely or impossible
Don't fish
Do not try to get information or resources in a subtle or indirect way
Don't teach
Do not impart knowledge or skills on a subject to someone else
Don't reach
Do not extend your arm or hand in a certain direction or for something specific
Don't borrow
Do not take or use someone else's property temporarily, with the intention of returning it
Don't break
Do not damage or separate something into pieces
Don't fence
Do not enclose an area with a barrier or fence
Don't steal
Do not take someone else's property without their permission, illegally
Don't pass
Do not move past an obstacle or a person, especially in a race, a line or a vehicle
Don't press
Do not push down on something, squeeze or compress it
Don't feel
Do not experience emotions or sensations physically or emotionally
Don't touch
Do not come into physical contact with something or someone
Don't dive
Do not jump headfirst or plunge deeply into water or other substances
Don't suffer
Do not experience pain or hardship, either voluntarily or involuntarily
Don't rhyme
Do not match or sound together in a similar or patterned way
Don't fantasize
Do not indulge in sexual or unrealistic thoughts or dreams
Don't rise
Do not move up or upward in altitude, status, or importance
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Adam Clayton, Dave Evans, Larry Mullen, Paul David Hewson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thiagomartins3415
Don't move
Don't talk out of time
Don't think
Don't worry
Everything's just fine
Just fine
Don't grab
Don't clutch
Don't hope for too much
Don't breathe
Don't achieve
Or grieve without leave
Don't check
Just balance on the fence
Don't answer
Don't ask
Don't try and make sense
Don't whisper
Don't talk
Don't run if you can walk
Don't cheat, compete
Don't miss the one beat
Don't travel by train
Don't eat
Don't spill
Don't piss in the drain
Don't make a will
Don't fill out any forms
Don't compensate
Don't cower
Don't crawl
Don't come around late
Don't hover at the gate
Don't take it on board
Don't fall on your sword
Just play another chord
If you feel you're getting bored
Don't change your brand (Gimme what you got)
Don't listen to the band
Don't gape (Gimme what I don't get)
Don't ape
Don't change your shape (Gimme some more)
Have another grape
(Too much is not enough)
(I feel numb)
(Gimme some more)
(A piece of me, baby)
Don't plead
Don't bridle
Don't shackle
Don't grind (Gimme some more)
Don't curve
Don't swerve (I feel numb)
Lie, die, serve (Gimme some more)
Don't theorize, realise, polarise (I feel numb)
Chance, dance, dismiss, apologise (Gimme what you got)
(Gimme what I don't get)
(Gimme what you got)
(Too much is not enough)
Don't spy (I feel numb)
Don't lie
Don't try
Imply
Detain
Explain
Start again (I feel numb)
Don't triumph
Don't coax
Don't cling
Don't hoax
Don't freak
Peak
Don't leak
Don't speak (I feel numb)
Don't project
Don't connect
Protect
Don't expect
Suggest
(I feel numb)
Don't project
Don't connect
Protect
Don't expect
Suggest
(I feel numb)
Don't struggle
Don't jerk
Don't collar
Don't work
Don't wish
Don't fish
Don't teach
Don't reach
(I feel numb)
Don't borrow
Don't break (I feel numb)
Don't fence
Don't steal
Don't pass
Don't press
Don't try
Don't feel
(Gimme some more)
Don't touch
Don't dive
Don't suffer
Don't rhyme
Don't fantasize
Don't rise
Don't lie
(I feel numb)
Don't project
Don't connect
Protect (I feel numb)
Don't expect
Suggest
Don't project
Don't connect
Protect (I feel numb)
Don't expect
Suggest
@sonyold5457
4:00 that's how 90's girls looked like. God, how I miss them..
@PoppieLand
they were doing selfies then too
@josetijerino5198
THE EDGE: In the "can we take a selfie" business since 1993. Gotta love THE EDGE y'all!
@ESL-O.G.
He's great
@petersmithyy4556
I guess selfies were always there even with disposable cameras LOL
@celieboo
@@petersmithyy4556 exactly. I remember doing them in the 90's with your finger in the picture almost every time. Lol .
@anngulliver5964
@@celiebooI once took a photo of my eye because I had the camera the wrong way around 😂
@eugeneshadwell6596
I truly believe this is one of the finest music videos ever.
@bholmes00
Oh yeah.
@tiagofreitas66
No doubt about it