As for Bono, he's not got quite the same vocal strength as in his youth but he's still got plenty of muscle and has actually become a better vocalist. He never sounds like he can't pull the song off and his ability to alter his attack is important but there are moments during "Magnificent" I wish he could summon his voice from years ago and just let it rip.
As for the subject of the song, there are multiple ways it can be interpreted. Bono is good at leaving himself an out in his songs. Many of them have a literal meaning or significance but he often keeps the lyrics just opaque enough that he can change his mind later. He has never been shy about acknowledging his faith in his lyrics and it is entirely possible to read these lyrics and find and find that in there. It's also possible to come at it from a different direction and come to a different conclusion. I'll let you make that call yourself.
It's time now for me to start mentally preparing myself for the show that is to come. U2, Atlanta, October 6. Magnificent.
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.