Wave Of Sorrow (Birdland)
U2 · Other Songs - U2
To wake up this morning is an act of will
Walk through the night to get here today
To bring your children, to give them away
Oh, oh, this cruel sun, is daylight never done?
Cruelty just begun to make a shadow of everyone
And if the rain came
And if the rain came now
Souls bent over without a breeze
Blankets on burning trees
I am sick without disease
Nobility on it's knees
And if the rain came
And if the rain came, now
Would it wash us all away on a wave of sorrow?
Wave, wave of sorrow
Where now the holy cities? Where are the ancient holy scrolls?
Where now Emperor Menelek and Queen of Sheba's gold?
You, my bride wear a crown, on your finger, precious stone
As every good thing now been sold
Son, of shepherd boy, now king
What wisdom can you bring?
What lyric could you sing?
Where is the music of the Seraphim?
And if the rain came
And if the rain came, now
Would it wash us all away, on a wave of sorrow?
Wave, on a wave of sorrow, wave
Blessed are the meek who scratch in the dirt
For they shall inherit what's left of the earth
Blessed are the kings who have left their thrones
They are blessed in this valley of dry bones
Blessed all of you with an empty heart
For you have nothing from which you cannot part
Blessed is the ego if it's all we got this hour
Blessed is the voice that speaks truth to power
Blessed is the sex worker's body sold tonight
She works for what she's got to save her children's life
Blessed are the deaf who cannot hear a scream
Blessed are the stupid who can dream
Blessed are the tin can, cardboard slums
And blessed is the spirit that overcomes
Wave Of Sorrow (Birdland)
Released in 1987, 'Wave Of Sorrow' stands as a pivotal track in U2's evolution, marking their transition from the raw energy of The Joshua Tree to the polished, synth-driven sound of Achtung Baby. The song features the band's signature layered vocals and a distinctive synthesizer-driven arrangement that redefined their musical identity during the mid-1980s. It serves as a bridge between their earlier rock roots and the new wave of electronic influences that would define their subsequent work. The track remains a staple of their discography, celebrated for its atmospheric production and its role in establishing U2 as a global force in modern rock. Its enduring popularity reflects the band's ability to adapt while maintaining their core emotional depth.