Bullet the Blue Sky

U2

About Bullet the Blue Sky

"Bullet the Blue Sky" is a song by rock band U2 and is the fourth track from their 1987 album, The Joshua Tree. Lyrically, the song was inspired by a trip that lead vocalist Bono made to Nicaragua and El Salvador, where he saw firsthand how local peasants were affected by United States military intervention in the region. Angered by what he witnessed, Bono asked guitarist the Edge to "put El Salvador through an amplifier." "Bullet the Blue Sky" is one of the band's most overtly political songs, with live performances often being heavily critical of political conflicts and violence.  


Year:
2006
5:24
91 

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In the howling wind comes a stinging rain
See it driving nails
Into the souls on the tree of pain
From the firefly, a red orange glow
See the face of fear
Running scared in the valley below

Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue
Bullet the blue

In the locust wind comes a rattle and hum
Jacob wrestled the angel 
And the angel was overcome
You plant a demon seed
You raise a flower of fire
See them burning crosses
See the flames higher and higher

Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue
Bullet the blue

This guy comes up to me
His face red like a rose in a thorn bush
Like all the colors of a royal flush
And he's peeling off those dollar bills
Slapping them down
One hundred, two hundred
And I can see those fighter planes
And I can see those fighter planes

Across the mud huts where the children sleep
Through the alleys of a quiet city street
You take the staircase to the first floor
Turn the key and slowly unlock the door
As a man breathes into a saxophone
And through the walls you hear the city groan
Outside is America
Outside is America, America

Across the field you see the sky ripped open
See the rain through a gaping wound
Pounding on the women and children 
Who run
Into the arms
Of America

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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 DAVID HEWSON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Genesis
"Bullet the Blue Sky" is a song from Irish rock band, U2's fifth studio album, "The Joshua Tree," released in 1987.
Song Origin
The song is derived from Bono's experiences during his 1986 visit to El Salvador, witnessing the impacts of the U.S. military intervention in the country.
Music and Lyrics
Unlike most U2 songs, "Bullet the Blue Sky" is known for its heavy rhythm and hard rock sound, and for its politically charged lyrics.
Live Performances
The band varies the song when performed live, making it one of their most frequently altered songs during performances. The lyrics are often changed or additional verses added.
Album Success
As part of "The Joshua Tree" album, "Bullet the Blue Sky" contributed to its massive success. The album was U2's first No.1 album in the U.S., eventually selling over 25 million copies globally.
Album Significance
The song is one that helped set U2 apart from other bands at the time, and solidified its place in rock history.
Inspirational Song
It has been covered by numerous artists, including P.O.D. and Sepultura, which is a testament to its enduring influence and impact.
Illustration
The song is a powerful illustration of U2's shift towards a more political engagement in their music. It showed the band was not afraid to use their platform to comment on socio-political issues.
Controversy
Whilst lauded by many, "Bullet the Blue Sky" has also been a source of controversy. Critics have interpreted its lyrics as an overly direct attack on American foreign policy.
Unique Sound
The song features a dark and ominous guitar part played by The Edge, which greatly departs from the band's usual melodic style. This became a defining characteristic of the song.
Contribution to Music Exposure
"Bullet the Blue Sky" is an essential part of rock history as it showed a new approach to addressing political issues through music. It paved the way for other bands to take a bolder stand in their lyricism.

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