Spaceman, how do you know how Bono writes his songs? </strong><hr></blockquote>
I was basically paraphrasing what Bono himself said when he was talking about how he wrote "Walk On" - a song that I love, by the way. I don't remember Bono's exact words and I don't even remember where I read that interview but that was the gist of what he said. However, it seemed to me, at the time, to be less true for that song than it is for others. When writing Bono may begin in a certain place but he often steps back from the subject to say something more universal. This can be very good and is why I like "New York" so much. Written long before 9/11, it later spoke to a moment Bono couldn't have anticipated. Larry Mullin has said something similar, "He did a book as a favor for a friend of his in Ireland that 'explained' all the lyrics. I think that was a mistake because one of the most valuable things about his lyrics is that you can adapt them to any particular situation."
Like I said, this is often very effective. In this case it doesn't work for me. I like the song but it doesn't really talk to me about 9/11.
I was basically paraphrasing what Bono himself said when he was talking about how he wrote "Walk On" - a song that I love, by the way. I don't remember Bono's exact words and I don't even remember where I read that interview but that was the gist of what he said. However, it seemed to me, at the time, to be less true for that song than it is for others. When writing Bono may begin in a certain place but he often steps back from the subject to say something more universal. This can be very good and is why I like "New York" so much. Written long before 9/11, it spoke to a moment Bono couldn't have anticipated. Larry Mullin has said something similar, "He did a book as a favor for a friend of his in Ireland that 'explained' all the lyrics. I think that was a mistake because one of the most valuable things about his lyrics is that you can adapt them to any particular situation."
Like I said, this is often very effective. In this case it doesn't work for me. I like the song but it doesn't really talk to me about 9/11.
Yes, I agree with you now. New York has also been one of my favorite songs from ATYCLB. I envisioned the single with its soaring chorus to be very successful, but after 9/11 it wouldn't have been a very smart move.
[quote]Wow. How do you regard this song when compared to other songs that reference 9/11? <hr></blockquote>
It mixed obviousness and obliqueness in an unusual and difficult to describe manner. It strips the issue down to a very human scale as opposed to many of the patriotic, nationalistic and downright cheesy songs I have come across in the past year.
In that sense, it is much easier to relate to, and much more painful to hear. In the sense that it is not hard for one to see themselves in the song.
Comments
<strong>
Spaceman, how do you know how Bono writes his songs? </strong><hr></blockquote>
I was basically paraphrasing what Bono himself said when he was talking about how he wrote "Walk On" - a song that I love, by the way. I don't remember Bono's exact words and I don't even remember where I read that interview but that was the gist of what he said. However, it seemed to me, at the time, to be less true for that song than it is for others. When writing Bono may begin in a certain place but he often steps back from the subject to say something more universal. This can be very good and is why I like "New York" so much. Written long before 9/11, it later spoke to a moment Bono couldn't have anticipated. Larry Mullin has said something similar, "He did a book as a favor for a friend of his in Ireland that 'explained' all the lyrics. I think that was a mistake because one of the most valuable things about his lyrics is that you can adapt them to any particular situation."
Like I said, this is often very effective. In this case it doesn't work for me. I like the song but it doesn't really talk to me about 9/11.
[ 09-24-2002: Message edited by: spaceman_spiff ]</p>
<strong>
I was basically paraphrasing what Bono himself said when he was talking about how he wrote "Walk On" - a song that I love, by the way. I don't remember Bono's exact words and I don't even remember where I read that interview but that was the gist of what he said. However, it seemed to me, at the time, to be less true for that song than it is for others. When writing Bono may begin in a certain place but he often steps back from the subject to say something more universal. This can be very good and is why I like "New York" so much. Written long before 9/11, it spoke to a moment Bono couldn't have anticipated. Larry Mullin has said something similar, "He did a book as a favor for a friend of his in Ireland that 'explained' all the lyrics. I think that was a mistake because one of the most valuable things about his lyrics is that you can adapt them to any particular situation."
Like I said, this is often very effective. In this case it doesn't work for me. I like the song but it doesn't really talk to me about 9/11.
[ 09-24-2002: Message edited by: spaceman_spiff ]</strong><hr></blockquote>
Yes, I agree with you now. New York has also been one of my favorite songs from ATYCLB. I envisioned the single with its soaring chorus to be very successful, but after 9/11 it wouldn't have been a very smart move.
It mixed obviousness and obliqueness in an unusual and difficult to describe manner. It strips the issue down to a very human scale as opposed to many of the patriotic, nationalistic and downright cheesy songs I have come across in the past year.
In that sense, it is much easier to relate to, and much more painful to hear. In the sense that it is not hard for one to see themselves in the song.
I hope I'm making sense here.
TRU DAT!
TAAARUE DAT!