Zoo Station

U2

About Zoo Station

"Zoo Station" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the opening track from their 1991 album Achtung Baby, a record on which the group reinvented themselves musically by incorporating influences from alternative rock, industrial, and electronic dance music. As the album's opening track, "Zoo Station" introduces the band's new sound, delivering industrial-influenced percussion and several layers of distorted guitars and vocals. Similarly, the lyrics suggest the group's new intents and anticipations. The introduction, featuring an "explosion" of percussion and a descending glissando for a guitar hook, was meant to make the listener think the album was mistakenly not U2's latest record or that their music player was broken. The song's lyrics were inspired by a surrealistic story about Berlin from World War II that lead vocalist Bono heard, when overnight bombing damaged the zoo and allowed animals to escape and wander around the city's rubble. Bono was also inspired by the city's Berlin Zoologischer Garten railway station and used it as a metaphor for a reuniting Germany. "Zoo Station" was performed as the opening song at every concert on U2's Zoo TV Tour. The song received positive reviews from critics, many of whom analysed the song as a representation of the band's reinvention. 


Year:
1992
5:40
100 
#1

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I'm ready for the laughing gas
I'm ready
I'm ready for what's next
I'm ready to duck
I'm ready to dive
I'm ready to say
I'm glad to be alive
I'm ready
I'm ready for the push, uh huh

In the cool of the night
In the warmth of the breeze
I'll be crawling 'round
On my hands and knees

Just down the line
Zoo Station
Got to make it on time, oh Zoo Station

I'm ready
I'm ready for the gridlock
I'm ready
To take it to the street, uh huh
I'm ready for the shuffle
Ready for the deal
Ready to let go of the steering wheel
I'm ready
Ready for the crush, uh huh

Zoo Station
Zoo Station

Zoo Station

Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Hey baby, hey baby, hey baby, hey baby
It's alright, it's alright

Time is a train
Makes the future the past
Leaves you standing in the station
Your face pressed up against the glass

I'm just down the line from your love (Zoo Station)
Under the sign of your love (Zoo Station)
I'm gonna make it on time, make it on time (Zoo Station)

Just a stop down the line (Zoo Station)
Just a stop down the line

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U2

U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums and percussion). U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group's musical pursuits, they have maintained a sound built on melodic instrumentals, highlighted by The Edge's timbrally varied guitar sounds and Bono's expressive vocals. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal themes and sociopolitical concerns. more »

10 fans

Written by: ADAM CLAYTON, DAVE EVANS, LARRY MULLEN, PAUL HEWSON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Zoo Station" is the opening track from U2’s 1991 album "Achtung Baby."
Name Inspiration
The song is named after an actual train station located in West Berlin, called Bahnhof Zoo.
Album Importance
"Achtung Baby," the album containing "Zoo Station," marked a significant change in U2’s sound, moving to a more industrial, heavier sound.
Production
The song was produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, both of whom worked with U2 on several different albums.
Opening Effects
The song begins with the sound of a train running on tracks, giving it an edgy industrial feel.
Lyrics
The lyrics for "Zoo Station" are inspired by anxious feelings and are indicative of U2’s reinvention with Achtung Baby. The song reflects the band's readiness to challenge their established image and confident enough to take risks.
Tour Presence
"Zoo Station" was most prominently featured throughout U2's 'Zoo TV Tour'.
Music Video
A music video was released for 'Zoo Station,' which echoed the industrial, alternative themes presented in the song.
Critical Response
Reception to "Zoo Station" was generally positive, with critics commending U2’s new sound and the effective placement of the track as the album opener.
Notable Performances
During live performances, Bono often donned a character named Mr. MacPhisto during the song, reflecting the band's embraced eccentricity during Achtung Baby-era performances.

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