Sunday Bloody Sunday

U2

About Sunday Bloody Sunday

"Sunday Bloody Sunday" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the opening track from their 1983 album War and was released as the album's third single on 21 March 1983 in Germany and the Netherlands. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" is noted for its militaristic drumbeat, harsh guitar, and melodic harmonies. One of U2's most overtly political songs, its lyrics describe the horror felt by an observer of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, mainly focusing on the 1972 Bloody Sunday incident in Derry where British troops shot and killed unarmed civil rights protesters. Along with "New Year's Day," the song helped U2 reach a wider listening audience. It was generally well received by critics on the album's release. The song has remained a staple of U2's live concerts. During its earliest performances, the song created controversy. Lead singer Bono reasserted the song's anti-sectarian-violence message to his audience for many years. Today, it is considered one of U2's signature songs, and is one of the band's most performed tracks. Critics rate it among the best political protest songs, and it has been covered by over a dozen artists. It was named the 272nd-greatest song by Rolling Stone on their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time." 


Year:
2010
115 
#2

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Yeah

I can't believe the news today
Oh, I can't close my eyes
And make it go away
How long?
How long must we sing this song?
How long, how long?
'Cause tonight, we can be as one
Tonight

Broken bottles under children's feet
Bodies strewn across the dead end street
But I won't heed the battle call
It puts my back up
Puts my back up against the wall

Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Sunday, Bloody Sunday, Sunday, Bloody Sunday (alright)

And the battle's just begun
There's many lost, but tell me who has won
The trench is dug within our hearts
And mothers, children, brothers, sisters torn apart

Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Sunday, Bloody Sunday

How long?
How long must we sing this song?
How long, how long?
'Cause tonight, we can be as one
Tonight, tonight

Sunday, Bloody Sunday
(Tonight, tonight) Sunday, Bloody Sunday (let's go)

Wipe the tears from your eyes
Wipe your tears away
Oh, wipe your tears away
I'll, wipe your tears away (Sunday, Bloody Sunday)
I'll, wipe your blood shot eyes (Sunday, Bloody Sunday)

Sunday, Bloody Sunday (Sunday, Bloody Sunday)
Sunday, Bloody Sunday (Sunday, Bloody Sunday)

And it's true we are immune
When fact is fiction and TV reality
And today the millions cry
We eat and drink while tomorrow they die

(Sunday, Bloody Sunday) the real battle just begun
(Sunday, Bloody Sunday) to claim the victory Jesus won
On

Sunday Bloody Sunday, yeah
Sunday Bloody Sunday

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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: Paul David Hewson, Adam Clayton, Dave Evans, Larry Mullen

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song History
"Sunday Bloody Sunday" was released on 28th February 1983 by the Irish rock band "U2". It appeared as the opening track of their third album, "War".
Significance
The song discusses the horror felt by an observer of The Troubles, around the time of the Northern Ireland Conflict.
Songwriters
It was written by all members of U2 - Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.
Song Meaning
Rather than take a singular political stance, the song targets the terror of political violence, particularly as seen in the 1972 Bloody Sunday incident in Derry, where 14 unarmed civil rights protestors were shot dead by British soldier.
Instrumentation
Famous for its marching drum beats rhythm, the distinctive militaristic drumbeat is played by Larry Mullen Jr., and the unique guitar riff is played by The Edge.
Live Performances
"Sunday Bloody Sunday" became a staple of U2's live concerts where it is often used as a political statement. For instance, during the 1997-1998 PopMart Tour, live performances were accompanied by the word "peace" displayed in multiple languages on stage.
Awards and Recognition
It reached No.7 in the UK Singles Chart, No.10 in the Dutch Top 40 and only No.83 in the Billboard Hot 100. However, the song has been widely acclaimed, and has been placed high in many lists of the greatest songs in rock music history.
Adaptations
A number of artists have covered the song, including Pearl Jam and Saul Williams, reinforcing its significance and influence in the music industry.
Video Appearance
The live performance video of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" from U2's live album "Under a Blood Red Sky" was one of the iconic representations of the song.
Controversies
The band struggled with the song's lyrics, which some listeners interpreted as partisan. Bono reiterated that it's not a rebel song or a song taking any one side, but rather a song about the futility of sectarian violence.

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