Promenade
U2 [1984] Lyrics

Earth sky sea and rain
The natural elements of the world, representing the cycle of life and its unpredictability.

Is she coming back again
The singer's anxieties about a loved one who may or may not return.

Men of straw, snooker hall
The superficiality and emptiness of modern society's male figures and pastimes.

Words that build or destroy
The power of language to shape our reality, for better or worse.

Dirt dry bone sand and stone
The basic elements of existence and decay, which will outlast any single human life.

Barbed-wire fence cut me down
The physical and emotional barriers that prevent the singer from reaching higher heights.

I'd like to be around
The singer's desire to be present and involved in the world around them, despite the challenges they face.

In a spiral staircase
The symbol of ascension, representing the journey towards a higher state of being.

To the higher ground
The ultimate goal of the artist's journey, which is improvement and enlightenment.

And I, like a firework, explode
The artist feels empowered and ready to burst forth with creativity and passion.

Roman candle lightning lights up the sky
The singer's explosive energy becomes visible to the world, illuminating everything around them.

In the cracked streets trampled under foot
The harsh reality of urban life, where the weak and vulnerable are often overlooked and mistreated.

Sidestep, sidewalk
The singer has to be nimble and adaptable to navigate this difficult terrain.

I see you stare into space
The singer observes the struggles of others around them, and empathizes with their pain.

Have I got closer now
The singer wonders if their journey towards enlightenment has brought them closer to understanding the world around them.

Behind the face
The true emotions and motivations that lie beneath the surface of other people's appearances.

Oh tell me
The artist pleads for answers and guidance from the universe.

Charity dance with me
The singer reaches out for human connection and a sense of community in the face of adversity.

Turn me around tonight
The singer invites the audience to join them in their journey towards enlightenment.

Up through spiral staircase
The symbol of ascension, representing the journey towards a higher state of being.

Slide show sea side town
The artist recalls a nostalgic memory of a simpler time and place, which they contrast with the difficulties of the present day.

Coca-Cola, football, radio, radio, radio
The dull, monotonous routines of modern life that the artist wishes to escape from in their quest for a higher purpose.