Mysterious Ways

U2

About Mysterious Ways

"Mysterious Ways" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the eighth track from their 1991 album Achtung Baby and was released as the album's second single on 2 December 1991. The song began as an improvisation called "Sick Puppy", with the band liking only the bass part that bassist Adam Clayton composed. The band struggled to build a song from it, with vocalist Bono and producer Daniel Lanois arguing intensely during one songwriting session. The song's breakthrough came after guitarist the Edge began experimenting with the Korg A3 effects unit. "Mysterious Ways" features a danceable beat, funky guitar hook, and conga-laden percussion, as well as mystical lyrics by Bono about romance and women. "Mysterious Ways" reached the top ten on the singles charts of several countries, including Canada and the band's native Ireland, where it went to number one. In the United States, the song topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks and Album Rock Tracks charts and peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. It received praise from critics after the release of Achtung Baby, many of whom called it one of the album's standout tracks and one that best illustrated the band's musical evolution on the album. 


Year:
1991
4:04
276 
#3

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Johnny take a walk
With your sister the moon
Let her pale light in
To fill up your room
You've been living underground
Eating from a can
You've been running away
From what you don't understand
Love

She's slippy
You're sliding down
She'll be there
When you hit the ground

It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
She moves in mysterious ways
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
She moves in mysterious ways

Johnny take a dive
With your sister in the rain
Let her talk about the things
You can't explain
To touch is to heal
To hurt is to steal
If you want to kiss the sky
Better learn how to kneel (on your knees boy!)

She's the wave
She turns the tide
She sees the man inside the child, yeah

It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
She moves in mysterious ways
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
She moves in mysterious ways
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Lift my days, light up my nights

One day you'll look back
And when you see
Where you were held
How by this love
While you could stand there
You could move on this moment
Follow this feeling

It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
She moves in mysterious ways
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
She moves in mysterious ways
Ah oh oh ah huh
Move, move, move, move
She moves with it
She moves me like
Lift my days and light up my nights
Love

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


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, Paul David Hewson, Angelique Kidjo, Larry Mullen

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Album
"Mysterious Ways" is featured on U2's seventh studio album, "Achtung Baby," which was released in 1991.
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking it as one of U2's most successful singles in the US.
Development
The song was developed from a rough demo track called "Sick Puppy," with the final version evolving dramatically during recording sessions.
Lyrics
The phrase "She moves in mysterious ways" is a variant of a phrase that appears in the Bible. The phrase "God moves in a mysterious way" is found in a hymn written by William Cowper in the 18th century.
Music Video
The music video for "Mysterious Ways" was shot in Morocco and is known for its vibrant and exotic visuals.
Live Performances
"Mysterious Ways" has been a regular feature of U2's live concerts since its release, often accompanied by belly dancers for added visual appeal.
Remix
The song has been remixed numerous times, including a popular version by The Perfecto Mix, which was a collaboration between U2 and DJ Paul Oakenfold.
Inspiration
The song's inspiration comes from an African chant that The Edge was attempting to master on the guitar, hence the distinctive guitar riff.
Grammy Nominations
"Mysterious Ways" was nominated for Grammy Awards in the categories of Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Rock Song in 1993.
Meaning
Bono has stated that the song is about men who don't understand women, with the "she" in the lyrics referring to different things such as a woman, fate, or the universe.
B-side
The song "Even Better Than the Real Thing" was the B-side to the "Mysterious Ways" single.
Opening Line
The song's opening line, "Johnny, take a walk with your sister the moon," is said to be a nod to Lou Reed's song "Walk on the Wild Side."

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    Mysterious Ways

    27.5M
    74,821     3,019

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1992

    Billboard #9


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