(What do you want?)
(What do you want?)
Zooropa...Vorsprung durch Technik
Zooropa...be all that you can be
Be a winner
Eat to get slimmer
Zooropa...a bluer kind of white
Zooropa...it could be yours tonight
We're mild and green
And squeaky clean
Zooropa...better by design
Zooropa...fly the friendly skies
Through appliance of science
We've got that ring of confidence
And I have no compass
And I have no map
And I have no reasons
No reasons to get back
And I have no religion
And I don't know what's what
And I don't know the limit
The limit of what we've got
Don't worry baby, it'll be all right
You got the right shoes
To get you through the night
It's cold outside, but brightly lit
Skip the subway
Let's go to the overground
Get your head out of the mud baby
Put flowers in the mud baby
Overground
No particular place names
No particular song
I've been hiding
What am I hiding from
Don't worry baby, it's gonna be all
right
Uncertainty can be a guiding light
I hear voices, ridiculous voices
Out in the slipstream
Let's go, let's go overground
Take your head out of the mud baby
She's gonna dream up
The world she wants to live in
She's gonna dream out loud
She's gonna dream out loud
Dream out loud
Babyface (4:00)
- I can't
believe I missed this before!! I thought it was originally a song about a
guy who is in love with a girl with a baby face. But it's so obviously
not. It's about a guy who comes home every night to watch porn. And
he becomes obsessed with this porn star, confusing this strong lust with
love. An intriguing song, with a honky tonky piano (or other baby
instrument) as the main melody. When The Edge comes in with his guitar,
it lends to an overall feeling of dominating sexuality. It's an okay
song.
Watching your bright blue eyes
In the freeze frame
I've seen them so many times
I feel like I must be your best friend
You're looking fine, so fine, oh my
Dressed up like a lovely day, oh
Babyface, babyface
Slow down child, let me untie your lace
Babyface, babyface
Cover girl with natural grace
How could beauty be so kind
To an ordinary guy
Coming home late at night
To turn you on
Checking out every frame
I've got slow motion on my side
Turning around and around
With the sound and colour
Under my control, go
Round and around, going down
Dressed up like a lovely day
Babyface, babyface
Tin foil hair all tied up in lace
Babyface, babyface
Bitter sweet girl won't you give me a taste
How could beauty be so kind
To an ordinary guy
Do do do do do do do do do...do do...
Do do do do do do do do do...do do...
Babyface, babyface
Slow down child, let me untie your lace
Babyface, babyface
Open the door, let me unpack my case
Babyface, babyface
You're everywhere child
You're all over the place
Babyface, babyface
You're coming to me from outer space
How could beauty be so kind
To an ordinary guy
Numb (4:18)
- I'm really
sorry, but I don't like this song that much! The weird mechanical grind
sound that's so prolific through the song is a bit on the annoying side.
But the thing I hate the most is The Edge's monotone "rap".
Bono once again does his gospel voice, which lends some artistic value to the
song, and brings more diversity to it. The middle synthesized tune with
the piano joining in is the best part I think, but on the whole, I don't like
the song that much. If you listen closely though, in the background you
hear television noises (like crowds cheering, etc.), so at least the song isn't
pointless. It does dramatically lend to the album's theme. The
music video is a different story. It's a hoot! It totally makes up
for the song. The Edge is looking at the camera with a light flashing in
his face (is he watching television?), and everyone around him is trying to
stop and distract him! The antics ensue as Adam blows cigarette smoke in
his face, a little girl beats on him, someone cuts off his shirt, and fans snap
photos of themselves with him. A daring move is attempted when The Edge
is shoved off his seat during the music break, and NOTHING ELSE IS ON THE
SCREEN. That's a huge no-no, but you know what? I think it's
brilliant!
Don't move
Don't talk out of time
Don't think
Don't worry
Everything's just fine
Just fine
Don't grab
Don't clutch
Don't hope for too much
Don't breathe
Don't achieve
Or grieve without leave
Don't check
Just balance on the fence
Don't answer
Don't ask
Don't try and make sense
Don't whisper
Don't talk
Don't run if you can walk
Don't cheat, compete
Don't miss the one beat
Don't travel by train
Don't eat
Don't spill
Don't piss in the drain
Don't make a will
Don't fill out any forms
Don't compensate
Don't cower
Don't crawl
Don't come around late
Don't hover at the gate
Don't take it on board
Don't fall on your sword
Just play another chord
If you feel you're getting bored
|
Don't change your brand
Don't listen to the band Don't gape Don't ape Don't change your shape Have another grape |
I feel numb I feel numb Too much is not enough I feel numb Gimme what you got Gimme what I don't get Gimme some more Too much is not enough |
|
Don't plead
Don't bridle Don't shackle Don't grind Don't curve Don't swerve Lie, die, serve Don't theorize, realize, polarize Glance, dance, dismiss, apologize Don't spy Don't triumph Don't project |
Gimme some more I feel
numb I feel numb I feel numb
|
|
Don't project
Don't connect Protect Don't expect Suggest Don't
struggle Don't borrow Don't touch Don't project I feel numb |
I feel numb I feel numb I feel numb Gimme some more I feel numb I feel numb I feel numb
|
Lemon (6:56)
- My favourite
song on the album by far, and it is quite dark as well. Not musically
dark, but thematically dark. The song seems to be about a woman who
delights in playing with men's emotions. The second theme to the song is
the lengths that an anonymous man will go to just to please a woman. The
song is rather simple musically, with just a synthesizer, until the musical
break when the piano becomes a major instrument. Now, may I draw special
attention to the music video. It fills out both of the traditions.
Firstly, it is filmed in black and white, although some objects are in
colour. Secondly, there are labels applied to everyone's actions, and who
is "Man Walking"? None other than The Edge! (ha!)
The music video shows very little of the Bono we know and love, in fact, he's
just one of the anonymous Men. The singer of the song is Macphisto the
Demon (okay, I know, it's Bono in a bad suit), and the fellow who is seen with
the microphone is The Fly (Bono in a cool suit). This video is one of
Larry's favourites, and one of mine.
Lemon
See through in the sunlight
She wore lemon
But never in the daylight
She's gonna make you cry
She's gonna make you whisper and moan
And when you're dry
She draws her water from the stone
And I feel
Like I'm slowly, slowly,
Slowly slipping under
And I feel
Like I'm holding onto nothing
She wore lemon
To colour in the cold grey night
She had heaven
And she held on so tight
A man makes a picture
A moving picture
Through the light projected
He can see himself up close
A man captures colour
A man likes to stare
He turns his money into light
To look for her
And I feel
Like I'm drifting, drifting,
Drifting from the shore
And I feel
Like I'm swimming out to her
Midnight is where the day begins
Midnight is where the day begins
Midnight is where the day begins
Lemon
See through in the sunlight
|
A man builds a city
With banks and cathedrals A man melts the sand so he can See the world outside A man makes a car And builds a road to run them on A man dreams of leaving But he always stays behind |
| | You're gonna meet her there She's your destination You gotta get to her She's imagination |
Midnight is where the day begins
Midnight is where the day begins
Midnight is where the day begins
Midnight is where the day begins
Midnight is where the day begins
Midnight is where the day begins
Midnight is where the day begins
Midnight is where the day begins
|
A man makes a picture
A moving picture Through the light projected He can see himself up close A man captures colour A man likes to stare He turns his money into light To look for her She is the dreamer She's imagination Through the light projected He can see himself up close |
You're gonna meet her there She's your destination There's no sleeping there She's imagination Lemon She had heaven She wore lemon |
Stay (Faraway, So Close!)
(4:58)
- Here's a good
song. It's one of the only true U2 style songs on the album, without
losing the overall feeling of the album. The song is sung by a guardian
angel to his charge. He feels pain at the misfortune she feels, but he
can't make actual contact with her. She has no idea he's there. All he
can do is stay there with her, and be with her, even though she doesn't know
he's there. The music video runs on the same theme and has the four band
members as angels watching over (and helping) a new band with their song. The
video runs with the regular traditions and is shot in black and white. It
really is a moving piece, and Bono is delightful to watch. So is Larry...he's
got a goatee going on!
Green light, Seven Eleven
You stop in for a pack of cigarettes
You don't smoke, don't even want to
Hey now, check your change
Dressed up like a car crash
Your wheels are turning but you're upside
down
You say when he hits you, you don't mind
Because when he hurts you, you feel alive
Hey babe, is that what it is
Red lights, gray morning
You stumble out of a hole in the ground
A vampire or a victim
It depends on who's around
You used to stay in to watch the adverts
You could lip synch to the talk shows
And if you look, you look through me
And when you talk, you talk at me
And when I touch you, you don't feel a
thing
If I could stay...
Then the night would give you up
Stay...and the day would keep its trust
Stay...and the night would be enough
Faraway, so close
Up with the static and the radio
With satellite television
You can go anywhere
Miami, New Orleans
London, Belfast and Berlin
And if you listen I can't call
And if you jump, you just might fall
And if you shout, I'll only hear you
If I could stay...
Then the night would give you up
Stay...then the day would keep its trust
Stay...with the demons you drowned
Stay...with the spirit I found
Stay...and the night would be enough
Three o'clock in the morning
It's quiet and there's no one around
Just the bang and the clatter
As an angel runs to ground
Just the bang
And the clatter
As an angel
Hits the ground
Daddy's Gonna Pay For Your Crashed Car
(5:19)
- The song
begins with the sound of a radio (?) dial being turned and stations being
scanned through quickly, before settling on a wartime piece done by an
orchestra, with trumpets leading (I've been told this is Nazi propaganda
music). Then it goes into the main musical number of the piece, that
being the drumline. The song is somewhat depressing, only because I want
this trouble making girl to get into a crapload of punishment. But she doesn't,
because no matter what she does, her father coddles her. How
depressing. The best part of the song in my opinion is when Bono sings
off the days of the week at the end, even though I think that would suit the
next song more.
You're a precious stone
You're out on your own
You know everyone in the world
But you feel alone
Daddy won't let you weep
Daddy won't let you ache
Daddy gives you as much as you can take
A-hay sha-la, a-hay sha-la
Daddy's gonna pay for your crashed car
A little uptight
You're a baby's fist
Butterfly kisses up and down your wrist
When you see daddy coming
You're licking your lip
Nails bitten down to the quick
A-hay sha-la, a-hay sha-la
Daddy's gonna pay for your crashed car
Daddy's gonna pay for your crashed car
You've got a head full of traffic
You're a siren's song
You cry for mama
And daddy's right along
He gives you the keys to a flamin' car
Daddy's with you wherever you are
Daddy's a comfort
Daddy's your best friend
Daddy'll hold your hand right up to the end
A-hay sha-la, a-hay sha-la
Daddy's gonna pay for your crashed car
Daddy's gonna pay for your crashed car
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
Friday, Saturday's all right...
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
Saturday's all right...
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
Saturday's all right...
Some Days Are Better Than Others
(4:15)
- This song
starts with Adam playing a little ditty, which leads into Bono's almost
whining. Not annoying, but getting close. It's the chorus that is very
close to being offkey, but isn't quite. This couple with the weird
synthesized melody makes for a unique sound. The song doesn't have much
meaning to it, simply that some days are better than others, and he lists off a
bunch of ways days can differ. Somewhat repetitive, but not as much as
Numb.
Some days are dry, some days are leaky
Some days come clean, other days are sneaky
Some days take less, but most days take
more
Some slip through your fingers and onto the
floor
Some days you're quick, but most days you're
speedy
Some days you use more force than is
necessary
Some days just drop in on us
Some days are better than others
Some days it all adds up
And what you got is not enough
Some days are better than others
Some days are slippy, other days sloppy
Some days you can't stand the sight of a
puppy
Your skin is white but you think you're a
brother
Some days are better than others
Some days you wake up with her
complaining
Some sunny days you wish it was raining
Some days are sulky, some days have a grin
And some days have bouncers and won't let you
in
Some days you hear a voice
Taking you to another place
Some days are better than others
Some days are honest, some days are not
Some days you're thankful for what you've
got
Some days you wake up in the army
And some days it's the enemy
Some days are work, most days you're
lazy
Some days you feel like a bit of a baby
Lookin' for Jesus and His mother
Some days are better than others
Some days you feel ahead
You're making sense of what she said
Some days are better than others
Some days you hear a voice
Taking you to another place
Some days are better than others
The First Time (3:45)
- This song on
the whole seems to be about sex, but isn't really. The first verse does
seem to be about being with your lover and getting it on, but then the second
verse shows up and is about two brothers, who are always there for each
other. The longest part of the song is about a rich father giving all his
riches to his son, but his son throwing it all away to feel loved by his
father. Musically, the song starts slowly, and focuses mainly on piano.
It has been noted by many critics that there are key melody factors that make
this song sound remarkably similar to "Running To Stand Still" and
"All I Want Is You". It doesn't really seem to fit in the
album, but it's an okay song.
I have a lover
A lover like no other
She got soul, soul, soul, sweet soul
And she teach me how to sing
Shows me colours when there's none to
see
Gives me hope when I can't believe
That for the first time
I feel love
I have a brother
When I'm a brother in need
I spend my whole time running
He spends his running after me
When I feel myself going down
I just call and he comes around
But for the first time
I feel love
My father is a rich man
He wears a rich man's cloak
Gave me the keys to his kingdom coming
Gave me a cup of gold
He said I have many mansions
And there are many rooms to see
But I left by the back door
And I threw away the key
And I threw away the key
Yeah, I threw away the key
Yeah, I threw away the key
For the first time
For the first time
For the first time
I feel love
Dirty Day (5:24)
- I'm having a
hard time thinking of what to say about this song, because really it's kind of
bland. Musically it's kind of slow, but certainly not hard to do, or
anything you'd expect of U2. Lyrically, it seems to be about some guy who
just went through hell. And that's really about it.
I don't know you
And you don't know the half of it
I had a starring role
I was the bad guy who walked out
They said be careful where you aim
'cause where you aim you just might hit
You can hold on to something so tight
You've already lost it
Dragging me down
That's not the way it used to be
You can't even remember
What I'm trying to forget
It was a dirty day
Dirty day
You're looking for explanations
I don't even understand
If you need someone to blame
Throw a rock in the air
You'll hit someone guilty
From father to son
In one life has begun
A work that's never done
Father to son
And love...it won't last kissin' time
And love...it won't last kissin' time
And love...it won't last kissin' time
Get it right
There's no blood thicker than ink
Hear what I say
Nothing's simple as you think
Wake up
Some things you can't get around
I'm in you
More so when they put me in the ground
These days, days, days run away like horses over
the hill
These days, days, days run away like horses over the
hill...
The Wanderer (featuring Johnny Cash)
(4:44)
- What an awful
way to end any album. Or really, to have in any album. This song is
so dumb, I really can't stand it. For starters, the band is barely in
it. I'm not sure if that's Adam strumming his bass, or The Edge playing a
few notes on the synthesizer. But Bono doesn't do anything (except at the
end), and Larry must have been sick that day. The worst part of all is
the fact that they got this old coot of a country singer to come in and remark
on how he wanders around in a different world, or something like that. It
comes off as being deep and meaningful, but I think Cash is like that all the
time anyway, so why write a song about it? Tell you what, let's forget it
ever happened.
I went out walking
Through streets paved with gold
Lifted some stones
Saw the skin and bones
Of a city without a soul
I went out walking
Under an atomic sky
Where the ground won't turn
And the rain it burns
Like the tears when I said goodbye
Yeah I went with nothing
Nothing but the thought of you
I went wandering
I went drifting
Through the capitals of tin
Where men can't walk
Or freely talk
And sons turn their fathers in
I stopped outside a church house
Where the citizens like to sit
They say they want the kingdom
But they don't want God in it
I went out riding
Down that old eight lane
I passed by a thousand signs
Looking for my own name
I went with nothing
But the thought you'd be there too
Looking for you
I went out there
In search of experience
To taste and to touch
And to feel as much
As a man can
Before he repents
I went out searching
Looking for one good man
A spirit who would not bend or break
Who would sit at his father's right hand
I went out walking
With a bible and a gun
The word of God lay heavy on my heart
I was sure I was the one
Now Jesus, don't you wait up
Jesus, I'll be home soon
Yeah I went out for the papers
Told her I'd be back by noon
Yeah I left with nothing
But the thought you'd be there too
Looking for you
Yeah I left with nothing
Nothing but the thought of you
I went wandering
