O is for Obvious Overtones

O-One. This has stood the test of time as my favorite U2 song. The lyrics are what I find most compelling: seemingly simple sentiments are conveyed in rather clever fashion. Some of my favorite quips include “Did I disappoint you, or leave a bad taste in your mouth?” and “It’s too late, tonight, to drag the past out into the light.” It is interesting that though the lyrics are often acrimonious, “One” has quite the mellow quality to it melodically. And, as with many U2 songs, it is also easy to sing along to…

Have you come here to play Jesus to the lepers in your head?

U2, “One,” Achtung Baby, 1991