A song for every occasion. That is my belief. I've always been inclined to believe things, even if it was that there was nothing to believe in or that everything sucked righteously. Believing... that's what I do. Today's belief? A song for every occasion. Today's song? "Magnificent" by U2. The occasion? I got some pretty nice seats for U2's concert in Atlanta on October 6 and I'm feeling magnificent about it.
Since my midnight run to acquire No Line On The Horizon when it was released, I haven't listened to it as much as I anticipated, at least not all the way through. Individual tracks have been listened to on repeat, in particular the incredible "Cedars of Lebanon." "Magnificent" has been a favorite since the first listen, but my ears really opened up to it in an unexpected place and way.
11 and I saw Coldplay in Birmingham in May. While waiting for them to take the stage, "Magnificent" was played loudly over the PA. It sounded so big and so good at the higher decibels and in the wide open space of that amphitheater. I thought I'd missed my chance to see U2 at that point and I remember thinking that was a shame because there was something about "Magnificent" that seemed ready to ignite in a live setting. I'll let you know October 7th after the show in the Georgia Dome.
"Magnificent" is one of those tracks that demonstrates what U2 can be at their best. I'm not saying it's their best song but it gathers elements of their best work. The beat-oriented work of Zooropa (and Pop, but I choose to pretend Pop doesn't exist) is represented here. The Edge gets to layer different guitar effects, some of which recall past eras and others created just for this moment. The main melodic figure has a bit of the ringing tone of "Where The Streets Have No Name." I'm not sure if Daniel Lanois played the slide solo near the song's end or if that is Edge, but it has the lyrical quality of a great George Harrison lick.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
I tease that this is not only a Christian song, but a Calvinist song. "I was born, I was born to sing for you // I didn't have a choice but to lift you up // And sing whatever song you wanted me to."
But to be sure, other lyrics suggest a different meaning. Specifically, "Justified until we die..." since God -- the most likely person to Whom Bono is singing -- won't die. Er, again.
Anyway, it's a magnificent, delightful song, and I'm glad you're going to make the tour after all!
2 - Josh Hathaway
Thanks, Phillip. I guess you really can take a Calvinist view of it. I think he'd suggest we're taking that line too literally and that there are other softer readings, but you're just screwing around with it so I won't embarrass myself by playing the role of theologian. I had to have spellcheck help me spell theologian, for crying out loud.
I love the song and the music and I'm bursting with excitement about this show.
3 - Mark Saleski
dang, i would have loved to have seen U2 in boston, but not even the boss can make me buy a ticket to a stadium show.
4 - Josh Hathaway
This will be my first (and I'll bet only) stadium show.
5 - Phillip Winn
A favorite blog of mine, Mockingbird, has a report from the Boston show.
I don't mean to start an argument over the lyrics, though. You enjoy the music, I'll enjoy what I know the lyrics mean. ;-)
6 - Josh Hathaway
You're a funny guy, Phillip. I think I have a handle on what he's talking about. That which is understood need not be explained.