Staring At The Sun
08. U2 Lyrics

Summer stretching on the grass
The warm summer season is here, with greenery covering the ground around us.

Summer dresses pass
People are flaunting their summer clothes, walking around and enjoying the weather.

In the shade of a willow tree
Beneath a big tree with long, drooping branches, the air feels much cooler and comfortable even during the hot weather.

Creeps a crawling over me
A sensation of ants or crawling insects on your body could start to make you feel uneasy.

Over me and over you
This uncomfortable crawling feeling is not only on you but on anyone nearby as well.

Stuck together with God's glue
The connection between you and others feels strong, like it was meant to be, with blessings from God.

It's going to get stickier too
The bond between you and the people around you will become stronger over time, just like glue that hardens more as it dries.

It's been a long hot summer
The summer season feels like it has been going on for a long time, with the heat and humidity becoming unbearable.

Let's get undercover
It's time to find some shade or a cooler place to get away from the heat.

Don't try too hard to think
Relax and don't overthink things or worry too much, just enjoy the present moment.

Don't think at all
Try to clear your thoughts and be in the moment without any distractions or stress.

I'm not the only one
Others feel the same way as I do or have similar experiences to share.

Starin' at the sun
Looking at the bright, shining sun in the sky could cause temporary vision loss or even physical harm.

Afraid of what you'd find
People are afraid of introspection, looking inward and facing their fears, flaws or shortcomings.

If you took a look inside
If someone finally decides to go introspective and looks inside themselves, they might discover things they are uncomfortable with.

Not just deaf and dumb
People who stare at the sun or refuse to look inside themselves are not necessarily ignorant or stupid.

Staring at the sun
Some people are so afraid to confront their inner selves that they choose to look away and ignore the issue.

Not the only one
There are others out there who feel the same way and face the same issues of fear and self-doubt.

Who's happy to go blind
Some people feel like ignorance is bliss and would rather remain in the dark about certain issues or truths.

There's an insect in your ear
This line is a metaphor for the discomfort or annoyance of having an issue or problem that won't go away.

If you scratch it won't disappear
Trying to ignore or brush off the issue won't help solve it, it needs to be confronted head-on.

It's gonna itch and burn and sting
The issue will cause pain and discomfort, especially if it is not dealt with as soon as possible.

Do you want to see what the scratching brings
Confronting the issue head-on, even if it might be uncomfortable, could bring about a solution or positive change.

Waves that leave me out of reach
Some events or situations might feel like they are happening to someone else, leaving you feeling isolated or disconnected.

Breaking on your back like a beach
Difficult situations can come crashing down on you like waves breaking on the shore, causing pain and discomfort.

Will we ever live in peace?
Questions remain about whether humans will ever be able to live in harmony and peace with each other and the world around us.

'Cause those that can't do often have to
Those who are unable to do something might try to gain influence by preaching or promoting ideologies instead.

And those that can't do often have to preach
People who feel inadequate might use their beliefs or arguments as a platform to boost their own self-worth and gain influence.

To the ones staring at the sun
This line is addressing those who choose to ignore or look away from important issues, hoping they will go away on their own.

I'm nearly great
The singer feels like they are almost great or accomplished, but there is still something missing.

But there's something I'm missing
The singer recognizes that there is something they need or are lacking in their life or personality.

But I'm feeling like duty free, ah
The artist feels free from obligations or worries, like how people feel when shopping at duty-free stores in airports.

You never really belonged to me
This line is directed at someone who was never really a part of the artist's life or belonged to them in any way.

Intransigence is all around
There is an air of stubbornness or inflexibility among people or situations, making it difficult to reach a compromise or agreement.

Military still in town
The presence of the military suggests a state of tension or conflict, with people taking sides or trying to gain power and control.

Armour plated suits and ties
People in positions of power or with authority might be hiding behind their image or appearance, lacking authenticity.

Daddy just won't say goodbye
Someone important to the singer is refusing to leave or let go, causing tension and discomfort.

Referee won't blow the whistle
Someone or something needs to intervene and make a decision, but no one is stepping forward to take charge or responsibility.

God is good but will he listen
The singer is questioning the existence or effectiveness of God, wondering if their prayers or wishes will be answered.

I'm not sucking on my thumb
The artist is not naive or ignorant about their situation, they are aware of what's going on and are ready to face it.

Ah ah I
This repeated line serves as a vocalized expression of the artist's thoughts or emotions, without any specific meaning.