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
Every Breaking Wave
U2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tells the next one there'll be one more
And every gambler knows that to lose
Is what you're really there for
Summer I was fearless
Now I speak into an answer phone
Like every fallen leaf on the breeze
Alone
If you go
If you go your way and I go mine
Are we so
Are we so helpless against the tide
Baby, every dog on the street
Knows that we're in love with defeat
Are we ready to be swept off our feet
And stop chasing every breaking wave
Every sailor knows that the sea
Is a friend made enemy
And every shipwrecked soul knows what it is
To live without intimacy
I thought I heard the captain's voice
But it's hard to listen while you preach
Like every broken wave on the shore
This is as far as I could reach
If you go
If you go your way and I go mine
Are we so
Are we so helpless against the tide
Baby, every dog on the street
Knows that we're in love with defeat
Are we ready to be swept off our feet
And stop chasing every breaking wave
The sea knows where are the rocks
And drowning is no sin
You know where my heart is
The same place that yours has been
And we know that we fear to win
And so we end before we begin
Before we begin
If you go
If you go your way and I go mine
Are we so
Are we so helpless against the tide
Baby, every dog on the street
Knows that we're in love with defeat
Are we ready to be swept off our feet
And stop chasing every breaking wave
The opening lines of U2's song "Every Breaking Wave" suggest the inevitability of change and the cyclical nature of life. The waves crashing on the shore serve as a metaphor for life's challenges and disappointments, and the knowledge that there will always be more to come. The lyrics also explore themes of risk-taking and the fear of failure. The line "every gambler knows that to lose is what you're really there for" suggests that taking risks and accepting the possibility of failure is an essential part of life. The chorus questions whether we are willing to let go of the fear of defeat and surrender to the unpredictable nature of life.
The lyrics use seasonal metaphors to represent the different stages of a relationship. The singer reflects on a fearless summer and compares it to the loneliness of winter. He suggests that love is like a shipwrecked soul, and living without intimacy is a painful experience. The chorus repeats the question of whether we are ready to give up our fear of defeat and vulnerability and take a chance on love.
Overall, "Every Breaking Wave" is a song about the uncertainty of life and relationships, the importance of taking risks, and the fear of being vulnerable. The lyrics use powerful imagery to convey these themes, and the chorus poses challenging questions that invite the listener to reflect on their own lives and choices.
Line by Line Meaning
Every breaking wave on the shore
The waves that are crashing onto the shore are a reminder that there will always be more waves to come.
Tells the next one there'll be one more
The breaking of each wave signifies that more waves will come in their wake.
And every gambler knows that to lose
Anyone who takes risks knows that the possibility of losing is always a factor.
Is what you're really there for
Losing is sometimes an unavoidable but necessary part of trying to succeed.
Summer I was fearless
During the summer, the artist felt bold and unafraid.
Now I speak into an answer phone
The singer is currently in a different state of mind and feels isolated from others.
Like every fallen leaf on the breeze
The singer feels unable to control their life's direction, much like a leaf being blown by the wind.
Winter wouldn't leave it alone
The winter season and its associated hardships are constantly persisting in the artist's life.
Alone
The artist is currently lonely and isolated.
If you go
The artist is addressing someone who is considering leaving.
If you go your way and I go mine
The singer is acknowledging that two people may need to go separate ways.
Are we so
The artist is questioning whether humans are truly powerless against the forces of life.
Are we so helpless against the tide
The singer is addressing the idea that sometimes we feel unable to change the course of our lives, much like the rise and fall of the tide is inevitable.
Baby, every dog on the street
Everyone is aware that life can be difficult and filled with setbacks.
Knows that we're in love with defeat
The singer believes that humans often become comfortable with failing and giving up.
Are we ready to be swept off our feet
The artist is challenging the listener to step out of their comfort zone and take risks.
And stop chasing every breaking wave
The artist suggests that the listener should stop chasing things that are ultimately out of their control.
Every sailor knows that the sea
People who spend a lot of time on the water understand the power and unpredictability of the ocean.
Is a friend made enemy
Although the sea is often a source of enjoyment, it can also be dangerous and cause harm.
And every shipwrecked soul knows what it is
Those who have experienced great loss and difficulties in life know the extent of their pain and suffering.
To live without intimacy
The artist believes that the lack of emotional connection in one's life can cause deep loneliness.
I thought I heard the captain's voice
The artist believes that someone was trying to lead them in the right direction, but they were unable to listen.
But it's hard to listen while you preach
The singer thinks it is difficult to heed the advice of others when it comes in the form of lecturing or preaching.
This is as far as I could reach
The artist acknowledges that they have done as much as they can, but it may not be enough.
The sea knows where are the rocks
The singer believes that the ocean is aware of the places where danger and obstacles lie.
And drowning is no sin
Dying due to circumstances beyond one's control is not a moral failing or wrongdoing.
You know where my heart is
The singer is implying that the listener knows how they feel and what is important to them.
The same place that yours has been
The artist and the listener share similar experiences and feelings.
And we know that we fear to win
The artist acknowledges that they and the listener are afraid of succeeding.
And so we end before we begin
The singer believes that their fear of starting something new or taking risks is causing them to miss out on opportunities.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Adam Clayton, Dave Evans, Larry Mullen, Paul David Hewson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@fabianapaulinadasilva7448
Cada onda quebrando na costa
Every breaking wave on the shore
Diz ao próximo que haverá mais um
Tells the next one there'll be one more
E todo jogador sabe que perder
And every gambler knows that to lose
É o que você está realmente lá para
Is what you're really there for
Verão eu era destemido
Summer I was fearlessness
Agora eu falo em uma secretária eletrônica
Now I speak into an answer phone
Como cada folha caída na brisa
Like every fallen leaf on the breeze
O inverno não o deixaria sozinho, sozinho
Winter wouldn't leave it alone, alone
Se tu vais
If you go
Se você seguir seu caminho e eu seguir o meu
If you go your way and I go mine
somos assim
Are we so
Estamos tão impotentes contra a maré?
Are we so helpless against the tide?
Baby, todo cachorro na rua
Baby, every dog on the street
Sabe que estamos apaixonados pela derrota
Knows that we're in love with defeat
Estamos prontos para sermos arrebatados
Are we ready to be swept off our feet
E pare de perseguir cada onda quebrando
And stop chasing every breaking wave
Todo marinheiro sabe que o mar
Every sailor knows that the sea
É um amigo feito inimigo
Is a friend made enemy
E todo náufrago sabe o que é
And every shipwrecked soul knows what it is
Viver sem intimidade
To live without intimacy
Eu pensei ter ouvido a voz do capitão
I thought I heard the captain's voice
Mas é difícil ouvir enquanto você prega
But it's hard to listen while you preach
Como toda onda quebrada na praia
Like every broken wave on the shore
Isso é o mais longe que eu poderia alcançar
This is as far as I could reach
Se tu vais
If you go
Se você seguir seu caminho e eu seguir o meu
If you go your way and I go mine
somos assim
Are we so
Estamos tão impotentes contra a maré?
Are we so helpless against the tide?
Baby, todo cachorro na rua
Baby, every dog on the street
Sabe que estamos apaixonados pela derrota
Knows that we're in love with defeat
Estamos prontos para sermos arrebatados
Are we ready to be swept off our feet
E pare de perseguir cada onda quebrando
And stop chasing every breaking wave
O mar sabe onde estão as rochas
The sea knows where are the rocks
E se afogar não é pecado
And drowning is no sin
Você sabe onde está meu coração
You know where my heart is
O mesmo lugar que o seu tem estado
The same place that yours has been
Sabemos que tememos vencer
We know that we fear to win
E assim terminamos antes de começar
And so we end before we begin
Antes de começarmos
Before we begin
Se tu vais
If you go
Se você seguir seu caminho e eu seguir o meu
If you go your way and I go mine
somos assim
Are we so
Estamos tão impotentes contra a maré?
Are we so helpless against the tide?
Baby, todo cachorro na rua
Baby, every dog on the street
Sabe que estamos apaixonados pela derrota
Knows that we're in love with defeat
Estamos prontos para sermos arrebatados
Are we ready to be swept off our feet
E pare de perseguir cada onda quebrando
And stop chasing every breaking wave
@armandocardona4478
How can a rock band stay fresh and contemporary and accomplished for 40 years and not sound dated or worn out?
@stanvixxstantalent
I think they know how to adjust to the time period but won't go to the trash most modern music is.
@robtyman4281
By experimenting and not 'staying safe'. People derided them for this during their highly experimental 90's - but they were ground breaking. How many other rock bands could have produced something like Zooropa or Pop?? It also helps that they have someone like The Edge.....but all four of them are f*****g amazing.
@johansmitphotography
Just incredible. Shows the talent.
@DJGra-jy711
Talent
@johan.m_
Easily: They are one of the greatest bands of the last 50 years.
@victor123430
I discovered this song with the free album in my iPhone in 2015. Now 2023 I still hearing it, one of my favorites ❤
@christianrankinofficial
Me too ❤
@miketigs5867
haha same here
@mysticenoctua
this song feels like something from childhood, something that warms your heart and soul when something hurts inside of you, i discover this song when i was 13 and its definitely one of favorites since nowadays that im 20. thank you U2 for be who you guys are and for made what you guys made for this planet, me and so many people will be ALWAYS grateful.