Running To Stand Still
U2 · The Joshua Tree
Woke up from where she was
Lying still
Said I gotta do something
About where we're going
Step on a steam train
Step out of the driving rain, maybe
Run from the darkness in the night
Singing Ha, Ah La La La De Day
Ah La La La De Day
Ah La La De Day
Sweet the sin
Bitter taste in my mouth
I see seven towers
But I only see one way out
You got to cry without weeping
Talk without speaking
Scream without raising your voice
You know I took the poison
From the poison stream
Then I floated out of here
Singing...Ha La La La De Day
Ha La La La De Day
Ha La La De Day
She runs through the streets
With her eyes painted red
Under black belly of cloud in the rain
In through a doorway she brings me
White gold and pearls stolen from the sea
She is raging
She is raging
And the storm blows up in her eyes
She will...
Suffer the needle chill
She is running to stand
Still.
Running To Stand Still
Released on The Joshua Tree in 1987, this track stands as a defining moment in U2's evolution from post-punk revival to expansive rock. The song features the band's signature layered harmonies and dynamic shifts, showcasing the group's ability to blend anthemic choruses with introspective verses. Recorded during their most commercially successful era, the recording captures the band's growing confidence and sonic maturity, influencing countless artists in alternative and indie rock. It remains a staple of their discography, often cited as a pivotal work that solidified their status as global icons while exploring themes of displacement and resilience. The track's enduring popularity reflects its universal appeal and the timeless quality of its composition within the context of late 1980s music.