With Or Without You
U2 · U218 Singles [2006]
See the thorn twist in your side
I wait for you
Sleight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails she makes me wait
And I wait without you
With or without you
With or without you
Through the storm, we reach the shore
You gave it all, but I want more
And I'm waiting for you
With or without you
With or without you
Ah ha
I can't live with or without you
And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give
And you give
And you give yourself away
My hands are tied
My body bruised
She's got me with
Nothing to win, and nothing left to lose
And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give
And you give
And you give yourself away
With or without you
With or without you
Oh
I can't live with or without you
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
With or without you
With or without you
Oh
I can't live with or without you
With or without you
Ooh
Ooh
With Or Without You
Released in 1987 on The Joshua Tree, this track stands as a defining moment in rock history, blending anthemic pop structures with the band's signature atmospheric depth. The song's enduring appeal lies in its ability to function as both a personal declaration of resilience and a universal anthem for collective struggle. Its distinctive production, featuring layered guitars and a driving rhythm, helped establish the album's status as a landmark in alternative rock. Decades later, the composition remains a staple of live performances, showcasing U2's mastery of songwriting and their capacity to craft music that resonates across generations. The track exemplifies the band's evolution during the mid-1980s, merging political undertones with melodic accessibility.