When Love Comes to Town

U2, B.B. King

About When Love Comes to Town

"When Love Comes to Town" is a song by Irish rock band U2 featuring blues guitarist B. B. King. It is the twelfth track from U2's 1988 album, Rattle and Hum, and was released in 1989 as the record's third single. The song was recorded at the historic Sun Studio in Memphis. "When Love Comes to Town" reached number one in the Irish Singles Chart, number six in the UK singles chart, number ten in the Dutch Top 40 and number two in the US Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.


Year:
1988
4:15
1,351 
#4

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

I was a sailor, I was lost at sea
I was under the waves
Before love rescued me
I was a fighter, I could turn on a thread
Now I stand accused of the things I've said

Love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

I used to make love under a red sunset
I was making promises I was soon to forget
She was pale as the lace of her wedding gown
But I left her standing before love came to town

I ran into a juke joint when I heard a guitar scream
The notes were turning blue, I was dazing in a dream
As the music played I saw my life turn around
That was the day before love came to town

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

I was there when they crucified my Lord
I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
I threw the dice when they pierced his side
But I've seen love conquer the great divide

When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

 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, LARRY MULLEN, PAUL HEWSON

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
"When Love Comes to Town" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the 12th track on their 1988 album "Rattle and Hum."
Collaboration
This song is a collaboration between U2 and B.B. King, a legendary American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
Song Style
"When Love Comes to Town" diverges from U2's typical sound, as it incorporates elements of blues, a unique approach for the band at that time.
Recording Location
The track was recorded at Sun Studios, a historic recording studio in Memphis, known as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll.
Single Release
The track was released as a single in April 1989. It was the third single from the "Rattle and Hum" album.
Music Video
The song's music video was filmed in the historic Rivoli Ballroom in London. It features both U2 and B.B. King performing.
Chart Performance
"When Love Comes to Town" reached the top ten in several countries, including Ireland, the UK, and Australia. In the United States, it peaked at No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Live Performances
B.B. King and U2 performed "When Love Comes to Town" live together on many occasions, including their appearances on the Lovetown Tour in 1989.
Song's Meaning
The song's lyrics tell a story of regret and redemption, aligning with the blues tradition. It's about recognizing mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and the transformative power of love.
Grammy Awards
The album "Rattle and Hum," featuring the song, was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1989.

Discuss the When Love Comes to Town Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "When Love Comes to Town Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2819734/U2/When+Love+Comes+to+Town>.

    Missing lyrics by U2?

    Know any other songs by U2? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    When Love Comes to Town

    1.7M
    13,794     0

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1989

    Billboard #68


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What song did this line "Well shake it up baby now ..." come from?
    A The Dung Beetles - Waiter There’s Some Funk in my Soup
    B The Beatles - Twist And Shout
    C The Chocolates - Careless Wispa
    D Pink Floyd - Another Brick In The Wall

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss U2's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    U2 tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    When Love Comes to Town

    »
    • Rattle and Hum