Jesus Christ
U2 Tribute Band Lyrics


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One, two, three, four

Well Jesus was a man
Who traveled through the land
A hard working man and brave
Well he said to the rich 'Give your money to the poor'
For they laid Jesus Christ in his grave
Hale, hallelujah
Hale, hallelujah
Hale, hallelujah
For they laid Jesus Christ is his grave

Well he went to the preacher
He went to the law
And told them all the same
He said sell all your jewelery and give it to the poor
For they laid Jesus Christ in his grave
Hale, hallelujah
Hale, hallelujah
Hale, hallelujah
For they laid Jesus Christ in his grave

When Jesus came to town all the working folks around
Believed what he did say
Well the bankers and the preachers
They nailed him on a cross
For they laid Jesus Christ in his grave

And (hard) working people
They followed him around
They sung and shouted gay
Well the cops and the soldiers
They nailed him in the head
And they laid Jesus Christ in his grave
Oh, hale, hallelujah
Hale, hallelujah
Hale, hallelujah
For they laid Jesus Christ in his grave

Hale, hallelujah
Hale, hallelujah
Hale, hallelujah
For they laid Jesus Christ in his grave

Well this song was written in New York City
A rich man, preacher and slave
Well if Jesus was to preach what he preached in Galilee
They would lay Jesus Christ in his grave
One, two, three, four!

Hale, hallelujah
Hale, hallelujah
Hale, hallelujah
For they laid Jesus Christ in his grave
Hale, hallelujah
Hale, hallelujah




Hale, hallelujah
For they laid Jesus Christ in his grave

Overall Meaning

The U2 Tribute Band's song "Jesus Christ" is a powerful commentary on the socio-political issues of the time, with references to Jesus Christ and his teachings. The song explores the idea of Jesus as a champion of the poor and downtrodden, and his conflict with those in power who opposed his message. The opening line emphasizes Jesus' humanity and the fact that he was a hard-working and brave man who was well-respected by the working class. The singer then goes on to talk about how Jesus implored the rich to give their money to the poor, setting an example of selflessness and love for one's fellow human being.


The song draws a sharp contrast between Jesus' teachings and the actions of the bankers and preachers, who nailed him to the cross for speaking the truth. The lyrics stress the importance of holding true to one's convictions and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. The repetition of "Hale, hallelujah" emphasizes the enduring nature of Jesus' message and the hope that it offers.


Overall, "Jesus Christ" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged tribute to one of history's most significant figures. It serves as a reminder that the struggle for justice and equality is ongoing, and that true heroes like Jesus are those who stand up for the marginalized and oppressed.


Line by Line Meaning

Well Jesus was a man
Jesus was a mortal human being


Who traveled through the land
He journeyed across various regions


A hard working man and brave
He was diligent and courageous


Well he said to the rich 'Give your money to the poor'
He instructed the wealthy to assist those in need


For they laid Jesus Christ in his grave
He was buried after his death


Hale, hallelujah
A chorus of joyful praise


Well he went to the preacher
He also spoke to the religious leaders


He went to the law
And engaged with those in positions of authority


And told them all the same
He shared a similar message with each of them


He said sell all your jewelery and give it to the poor
He advised them to relinquish their possessions in favor of assisting those less fortunate


When Jesus came to town all the working folks around
Those who were employed in the area recognized him


Believed what he did say
They had faith in his words


Well the bankers and the preachers
However, the wealthy and the religious leaders


They nailed him on a cross
Conspired to execute him by crucifixion


And (hard) working people
Meanwhile, the common and industrious individuals


They followed him around
Tracked his movements and actions closely


They sung and shouted gay
Expressed their enthusiasm through singing and cheering


Well the cops and the soldiers
However, the law enforcement and military personnel


They nailed him in the head
Were among those responsible for his violent demise


Oh, hale, hallelujah
Once again, a celebratory exclamation


Well this song was written in New York City
The composition originated in this metropolitan location


A rich man, preacher and slave
Referencing various societal classes


Well if Jesus was to preach what he preached in Galilee
Had Jesus reiterated the same teachings from his early ministry


They would lay Jesus Christ in his grave
The consequence would have been his burial once again




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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