The Wanderer

Johnny Cash, The Edge, U2

About The Wanderer

"The Wanderer" is a song by Irish rock band U2, and the tenth and final track from their 1993 studio album, Zooropa. It is one of the few U2 songs without Bono on lead vocals, instead featuring country singer Johnny Cash. Based on the Old Testament's Book of Ecclesiastes and its narrator "The Preacher", the song lyrically describes the narrator wandering through a post-apocalyptic world "in search of experience", sampling all facets of human culture and hoping to find meaning in life. Cash's haggard voice is juxtaposed against a synthesised bassline and mostly electronic instrumentation. 


Year:
2005
4:44
#1

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I went out walking
Through streets paved with gold
Lifted some stones
Saw the skin and bones
Of a city without a soul
I went out walking
Under an atomic sky
Where the ground won't turn
And the rain it burns
Like the tears when I said goodbye

Yeah I went with nothing
Nothing but the thought of you
I went wandering

I went drifting
Through the capitals of tin
Where men can't walk
Or freely talk
And sons turn their fathers in
I stopped outside a church house
Where the citizens like to sit
They say they want the kingdom
But they don't want God in it

I went out riding
Down that old eight lane
I passed by a thousand signs
Looking for my own name

I went with nothing
But the thought you'd be there too
Looking for you

I went out there
In search of experience
To taste and to touch
And to feel as much
As a man can
Before he repents

I went out searching
Looking for one good man
A spirit who would not bend or break
Who would sit at his father's right hand
I went out walking
With a bible and a gun
The word of God lay heavy on my heart
I was sure I was the one
Now Jesus, don't you wait up
Jesus, I'll be home soon
Yeah I went out for the papers
Told her I'd be back by noon

Yeah I left with nothing
But the thought you'd be there too
Looking for you

Yeah I left with nothing
Nothing but the thought of you
I went wandering

Oh ho

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Johnny Cash

John R. "Johnny" Cash (February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003), was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Although he is primarily remembered as a country music icon, his songs and sound spanned many other genres including rockabilly and rock and roll—especially early in his career—as well as blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal led to Cash being inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Gospel Music Hall of Fame. more »

19 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

Collaboration
"The Wanderer" is the closing track of U2’s 1993 album "Zooropa" and is notable for being a rare instance where Johnny Cash provided lead vocals for a U2 song.
Song Style
Unlike most of U2's songs, "The Wanderer" is heavily influenced by country music, a genre in which Johnny Cash was an iconic figure.
Album Recognition
The album "Zooropa", on which the song appears, won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 1994.
Song Inspiration
In numerous interviews, Bono, U2’s frontman, mentioned that he wrote "The Wanderer" specifically with Johnny Cash's voice in mind.
Special Instrument
The song features an alarm bell sound effect, which was produced by U2 guitarist The Edge using a Korg synthesizer.
Song Theme
The lyrics of "The Wanderer" tell a dystopian, apocalyptic story, which is a trait common in Johnny Cash's music repertoire as well.
Appearances
Johnny Cash appeared onstage with U2 to perform the song live only once, in 1993.
Music Video
Although there is no official music video for "The Wanderer", a video was produced featuring footage of Johnny Cash for the 20th anniversary re-release of "Zooropa".
Acclaim
Despite being quite different from U2’s usual musical style, "The Wanderer" has been praised by many music critics for its unique blend of genres and significant contribution from Johnny Cash.
Legacy
Bono has stated that "The Wanderer" was the song that made him realize U2 could be a country band, which influenced their later works. Furthermore, the song directly inspired band U2 to include more overt elements of country music in their later albums.

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