A New Year With Classic U2
U2 New Year’s Day
U2 released “New Year’s Day” at the beginning of January 1983. This song is the lead single from the album “War. It ranks in as U2’s first UK Top 10 and their first single to chart in America. “New Year’s Day” lifted U2 from the fringes of college rock to the mainstream.
The lyrics refer to the movement for solidarity lead by Lech Walesa in Poland. Lech Walesa is a Polish politician and labor activist. He co-founded and headed Solidarity, the Soviet bloc’s first independent trade union. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983, and served as President of Poland from 1990 to 1995. After U2 recorded New Years Day, Poland announced they would abolish martial law, coincidentally, on New Year’s Day, 1983. The themes of understanding in a time of global unrest were a focal point for this album, whose title was inspired by the global conflicts of 1982.
Bono told Rolling Stone that he made up its lyrics, as he often did, on the spot. “We improvise, and the things that came out, I let them come out,” he said. “I must have been thinking about Lech Walesa being interned. Then, when we’d recorded the song, they announced that martial law would be lifted in Poland on New Year’s Day. Incredible.”
Regardless of the political meaning, this song feels like a love song and Bono considers it one. He’s said that while it is about war, it deals with “The struggle for love.” The haunting melodies, the promise of a return…so poignantly bittersweet. It’s easy to imagine lovers who share an enduring bond, one that cannot be broken by time, distance, or even death. “I will be here again.” So beautiful, and one of the most enduring songs of all time.
Related Posts
Latest News
-
The James McGowan Ensemble release 16-track inner journey, ‘Reaching In’
The James McGowan Ensemble is a 13-piece group consisting of...
- Posted November 29, 2023
- 0
-
Brooklyn-Austria-based power indie rockers superWAV release aTypical, a heady, bluesy EP
Brooklyn-and-Austria-based power indie rock band superWAV are back with aTypical, a heady,...
- Posted November 28, 2023
- 0
-
California Independent songwriter Patrick Ames releases two new powerful singles
At age 69, Songwriter Patrick Ames Grows Ever More Determined...
- Posted November 27, 2023
- 0
-
Ava Della Pietra’s Latest Single ‘talk it out’ – A Heartfelt Exploration of Emotional Connections
Ava Della Pietra, a name swiftly gaining traction in the...
- Posted November 10, 2023
- 0
-
Open Studio Pioneers a New Era in Jazz with the Upcoming Album ‘Peter Martin & Generation S’
Listen to the album’s lead single, “Groove Echo Chamber” Groundbreaking...
- Posted November 6, 2023
- 0
-
Exploring Connections and Destinies: Rebel Kicks Drop “Past Life” Ahead of ‘somewhere.in.between.’ EP
Rebel Kicks are set to perform at The Cutting Room...
- Posted November 1, 2023
- 0
-
#EgoDanceContest – Ava Della Pietra Hosts National Dance Competition
Join the dance challenge and win cash prizes while showcasing...
- Posted October 24, 2023
- 0
Like us on Facebook
Latest Backstories
-
The Real Story behind the song, “Mr. Bojangles”
In our continuing weekly series, we examine the backstory...
- September 6, 2023
- 0
-
RIP Robbie Robertson.
Canadian, Robbie Robertson, legendary lead guitarist of “The Band”...
- August 9, 2023
- 0
-
Celebrate Good Times: The Story Behind Kool and the Gang’s Hit Song
If you have ever been to a wedding, a...
- July 12, 2023
- 0
-
Gold Dust Woman: The Story Behind Stevie Nicks’ Signature Song
The song was written earlier in her life in...
- July 6, 2023
- 0
-
Stevie Nicks Honors Tom Petty at Emotional Louisville Show
Stevie Nicks, the High Priestess of Rock and Roll...
- June 28, 2023
- 0
Latest Photo Galleries
-
The Zombies in Nashville, Indiana 10.19.23
The Zombies are one of the most enduring and...
- October 20, 2023
- 0
-
Barry Manilow in Louisville, Review and Photos
If you are a fan of pop music, you...
- August 24, 2023
- 0
-
Post Malone delivers in Indianapolis
Ruoff Music Center was electric as Post Malone brought...
- July 10, 2023
- 0
-
Peter Frampton Rocks the House at the PNC Pavilion in Cincinnati
Peter Frampton is a living legend, and he proved...
- June 29, 2023
- 0
-
The Doobie Brothers Celebrate 50 Years of Rocking Down the Highway
The Doobie Brothers have been on the road for...
- June 29, 2023
- 0
0 comments