Acrobat

U2

About Acrobat

"Acrobat" is a song by rock band U2, and is the eleventh track on their 1991 album Achtung Baby. The song developed from a riff created by guitarist the Edge, and is played in a 128 time signature. Lyrically, the song expresses themes of hypocrisy, alienation, and moral confusion. Although "Acrobat" was rehearsed prior to the third leg of the Zoo TV Tour, it had not been performed live until its debut on the Experience + Innocence Tour on 2 May 2018.


Year:
1991
4:30
182 
#2

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Don't believe what you hear
Don't believe what you see
If you just close your eyes
You can feel the enemy
When I first met you girl
You had fire in your soul
What happened your face of melting in snow?
Now it looks like this

And you can swallow
Or you can spit
You can throw it up
Or choke on it
And you can dream
So dream out loud
You know that your time is coming 'round
So don't let the bastards grind you down

No, nothing makes sense
Nothing seems to fit
I know you'd hit out
If you only knew who to hit
And I'd join the movement
If there was one I could believe in
Yeah I'd break bread and wine
If there was a church I could receive in
'Cause I need it now

To take the cup
To fill it up
To drink it slow
I can't let you go
I must be an acrobat
To talk like this
And act like that
And you can dream
So dream out loud
And don't let the bastards grind you down

Oh, it hurts baby
What are we going to do? Now it's all been said
No new ideas in the house and every book has been read

And I must be an acrobat
To talk like this
And act like that
And you can dream
So dream out loud
And you can find
Your own way out
And you can build
And I can will
And you can call
I can't wait until
You can stash
And you can seize
Responsibilities
And I can love
And I can love
And I know that the tide is turning 'round
So don't let the bastards grind you down

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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

Album Origin
"Acrobat" is a song by U2, an Irish rock band, and it is included in their 1992 album titled "Achtung Baby".
Live Performance
Despite being a popular track among fans, it was not performed live until U2's 2018 "Experience + Innocence Tour". This was almost 27 years after the song was first released.
Tour Absence
"Acrobat" holds the unusual distinction of being the only song from the "Achtung Baby" album that wasn't performed live on the subsequent "Zoo TV Tour".
Initial Reviews
Critically the song did not receive as much recognition as other songs on the album initially, but it has since gained a cult status among U2 fans.
Song Message
The song's lyrics are an exploration of disillusionment and self-questioning which Bono, the band's lead vocalist, has described as a sort of dialogue with oneself.
Album Importance
It's worth noting that the album "Achtung Baby" was a significant turning point in U2's musical style, featuring more introspective themes and experimental sounds. "Acrobat" played a role in this transition.
Personal Reflection
In a Rolling Stone interview, Bono described "Acrobat" as a song about trying to hold onto one's ideals while dealing with the pressures of fame and success.
Musicians
U2's members – Bono (lead vocals and lyrics), The Edge (guitar, keyboard, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion) contributed to the making of the song.
Album Production
The "Achtung Baby" album was produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, two stalwart figures in the industry who worked extensively with U2 on multiple projects.
Related Songs
Another track from the same album, "The Fly," and "Acrobat" are said to share similar themes of struggle with faith and disillusionment.

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    "Acrobat Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/21248799/U2/Acrobat>.

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