"I am an American!" he cried, back in the Superdome, and what followed was the kind of unity of spirit that only happens at sports events, churches and scary movies. We all believed in something, right then.
Eventually, the song dissolved into a verse from U2's "Beautiful Day," which took on a shattering new context, six years after its release:
- After the flood all the colors came out ...
It was a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
A football game came next, yet it was no deflating second act. There was a punt blocked, which turned into a recovery for a touchdown, and then an eventual win over a hated rival. Some think that victory marked the beginning of a franchise-best march all the way to the NFC Championship Game - this dare-to-dream season that ended just last Sunday with a loss at Chicago.
But first, there were tears on that Monday night. All around. As the bands gathered their things, fans turned to each other, like long-lost classmates, and embraced. This may also have been, more importantly, the moment when New Orleans actually began again.
Later, I bought the greatest hits package from U2 with a studio version of this song. I don't listen to it much. I never want to let go of the soaring emotions of that night, never want the edges dulled from repetition.
I won't let it get away.
Pico's note: This article was written by my blogmate Nick Deriso.
Article comments
1 - Irene
Wow.
Pico, please tell Nick that I felt the wave of his emotions while I was on the field for the performance. The Dome certainly became a house of hope that night, and the shared moments healed and chased fears away.
2 - Pico
Done, Irene. I wish I could have been there myself.
3 - Alexandrina Angelo
This song is very good . But Billie Joe Armstrong is the best singer on the planet.I very very very love Billie Joe.Hi is my life.