When Love Comes to Town
U2 Lyrics


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I was a sailor, I was lost at sea
I was under the waves
Before love rescued me
I was a fighter, I could turn on a thread
Now I stand accused of the things I've said

Love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

I used to make love under a red sunset
I was making promises I was soon to forget
She was pale as the lace of her wedding gown
But I left her standing before love came to town

I ran into a juke joint when I heard a guitar scream
The notes were turning blue, I was dazing in a dream
As the music played I saw my life turn around
That was the day before love came to town

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

I was there when they crucified my Lord
I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
I threw the dice when they pierced his side
But I've seen love conquer the great divide

When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame




Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of U2's song "When Love Comes to Town" explore the transformative power of love. The singer describes himself as a lost sailor and fighter who was rescued by love. He admits to making mistakes and hurting others before love came into his life. The song portrays a sense of longing and hope for the arrival of love, symbolized by catching a train and catching a flame. The lyrics also reference the crucifixion of Jesus and the power of love to conquer even the greatest divides.


The first verse sets up the singer's previous state of despair โ€“ lost at sea, under the waves โ€“ before introducing the idea of love rescuing him. The second verse describes the singer's past love affairs as empty promises, leaving a woman "pale as the lace of her wedding gown" behind. He then describes a moment of awakening in a juke joint where he sees his life turn around as the music plays.


The chorus repeats the desire to jump on a train and catch a flame when love comes to town. The verse about the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ suggests that love has the power to overcome even the most difficult obstacles.


Overall, "When Love Comes to Town" is a song about the transformative power of love, and how it can change a person's life for the better.


Line by Line Meaning

I was a sailor, I was lost at sea
I was aimlessly wandering through life with no direction or purpose


I was under the waves
I was drowning in my own uncertainties and fears


Before love rescued me
But then I found someone or something that gave me hope and pulled me from the darkness


I was a fighter, I could turn on a thread
I had a quick temper and was always ready for a fight


Now I stand accused of the things I've said
But now I regret the harsh words I've spoken and the actions I've taken


I used to make love under a red sunset
I used to be reckless and think only of physical pleasure


I was making promises I was soon to forget
I made empty promises that I was never able to keep


She was pale as the lace of her wedding gown
The person I hurt was deeply affected by my actions


But I left her standing before love came to town
I abandoned her before I truly understood the power and importance of love


I ran into a juke joint when I heard a guitar scream
I sought refuge in music when I felt lost and alone


The notes were turning blue, I was dazing in a dream
The music transported me to another world and allowed me to forget my troubles


As the music played I saw my life turn around
Through the music, I was able to find hope and purpose in my life


That was the day before love came to town
Before I truly understood the power and transformative nature of love


I was there when they crucified my Lord
I have witnessed great suffering and loss


I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
I have played a role in acts of violence and aggression


I threw the dice when they pierced his side
But even in the face of great tragedy, I have come to see the power of love and forgiveness


But I've seen love conquer the great divide
Love has the power to overcome even the most seemingly insurmountable obstacles


When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that train
I am ready to embrace love and all that it entails


When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
I am eager to experience the transformative power of love


Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
I acknowledge my mistakes and the harm I have caused


But I did what I did before love came to town
But I am ready to learn and grow from my mistakes and embrace love moving forward




Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ADAM CLAYTON, DAVE EVANS, LARRY MULLEN, PAUL HEWSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@lucianolovito7283

I was a sailor, I was lost at sea
I was under the waves
Before love rescued me
I was a fighter, I could turn on a thread
Now I stand accused of the things I've said
Love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town
I used to make love under a red sunset
I was making promises I was soon to forget
She was pale as the lace of her wedding gown
But I left her standing before love came to town
I ran into a juke joint when I heard a guitar scream
The notes were turning blue, I was dazing in a dream
As the music played I saw my life turn around
That was the day before love came to town
When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town
When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town
I was there when they crucified my Lord
I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
I threw the dice when they pierced his side
But I've seen love conquer the great divide
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town



All comments from YouTube:

@johnnacalverase2871

BB's Voice is a freight train.

@dkat1108

This is the kind of music you get when legends jam.

@davidvolvostewart1592

Bb King makes this song happen

@connievino4226

Without the great BB it would not have worked miss him. Great version.

@user-kc7hl7mo5u

It would have worked, but BB KING gave it the magic

@andrewinstre

I am An African and when I saw this rock band U2 acknowledge Black Music(through their album, Rattle and Hum) how it came to the USA and influenced the USA, through Gospel,Jazz,Rock'n'Roll,The Blues, I say U2 thank you at least acknowledging that it was the Black Community through Gospel that birthed Rock'N'Roll

@robertcarroll57

r'n'b as we know it now, steamed form African and Irish musicians getting together and sharing each others music and 200 hundred years latter. hi presto

@robertcarroll57

I ment stemed ie( came from)

@rbb9753

Most musicians acknowledge it, and readily. Music business people, on the other hand, are shocked when anything bluesy or rootsy resonates with the public

@oggrease7720

Yes from slaves and death they play there music !! Thanks Africans

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