Unknown Caller
U2
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Sunshine, sunshine Sunshine, sunshine Oh, oh Oh, oh I was lost between the midnight and the dawning In a place of no consequence or company Three-thirty-three when the numbers fell off the clock face Speed dialing with no signal at all Go, shout it out, rise up Oh, oh Escape yourself, and gravity Hear me, cease to speak that I may speak Shush now Oh, oh Force quit and move to trash I was right there at the top of the bottom On the edge of the known universe where I wanted to be I had driven to the scene of the accident And I sat there waiting for me Restart and re-boot yourself You're free to go Oh, oh Shout for joy if you get the chance Password, you enter here, right now Oh, oh You know your name so punch it in Hear me, cease to speak that I may speak Shush now Oh, oh Don't move or say a thing
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: ADAM CLAYTON, DAVE EVANS, PAUL DAVID HEWSON, LARRY MULLEN, DANIEL ROLAND LANOIS, BRIAN ENO, BRIAN PETER GEORGE ENO
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Royalty Network
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
24 facts about this song
Album Details"Unknown Caller" is a track from U2's twelfth studio album, "No Line on the Horizon," which was released in 2009.
|
Songwriting DetailsThe song was co-written by all the four members of U2, namely Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.
|
Production DetailsThe production of the song was handled by Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, and Steve Lillywhite, three highly esteemed producers within the music industry.
|
Album SuccessThe album "No Line on the Horizon," containing "Unknown Caller," debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 charts and was dubbed by critics as U2's best effort since "The Joshua Tree."
|
Structure of the SongUnlike most of U2's songs, "Unknown Caller" contains a repetitive structure with multiple choruses and no traditional verse.
|
Instrumental ElementsThe distinctive guitar melody in the song by The Edge is played on a Gibson Explorer, a favourite guitar of his since the band’s early days.
|
Concept Behind the SongReportedly, the lyrics of "Unknown Caller" were inspired by Bono's habit of making up stories about people he would see during his travels.
|
Purposeful LyricsThe lyrics feature technology metaphors such as emoticons and text language (3:33 and SMS), which ties into the song's title, "Unknown Caller."
|
Initial ReleaseThe song was first released as a single on iTunes in February 2009, ahead of the album's physical release.
|
Tour Performances"Unknown Caller" was included in the set-list for U2's '360° Tour' (2009-2011), typically as part of the encore.
|
Different InterpretationsThe lyrics have been interpreted differently by various fans, some seeing it as a spiritual awakening, others as a desperate plea from someone in distress.
|
Experimental SoundThe song is noted for its experimental sound compared to U2's earlier work, showcasing the band's desire to evolve and try new musical styles.
|
Theming"Unknown Caller" and the entire album carry themes of introspection and existential questioning.
|
Critical ReceptionWhile not one of U2's biggest hits, the song was generally well-received by music critics.
|
Album Information"Unknown Caller" is a song by the famous Irish rock band, U2. It is part of their twelfth studio album, "No Line on the Horizon," which was released on February 27, 2009.
|
Song CompositionThe song was written by all four members of the band, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. It was also co-written and produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois.
|
Unique InspirationThe lyrics for "Unknown Caller" were inspired by Bono's experiences with Sony Ericsson’s Blackberry sponsorship deal. He found the automatic signature "Sent from my BlackBerry" poetic, and this resulted in using the theme of technology and communication in the song.
|
Tracks"Unknown Caller" is the third track on "No Line on the Horizon." It directly follows the second track, "Magnificent," which is connected by a cross-fade effect.
|
Song's ThemesThe song delves into themes of isolation, desperation and spiritual renewal – ideas tied into the technology-driven modern world.
|
Musical styleThis track stands out for its layered sound, with the guitar and keyboards creating a serene, atmospheric background.
|
Live performances"Unknown Caller" was regularly performed during the U2 360° Tour from 2009–2011. During these performances, scenic images would be displayed on a cylindrical video system to complement the song's lyrics and themes.
|
Not so popularDespite being a part of a chart-topping album, "Unknown Caller" was never released as a single and is arguably one of the lesser-known tracks from the album.
|
Music VideoThe music video for "Unknown Caller" was shot in Fez, Morocco and was directed by Alex Courtes.
|
Connection to a Bigger Picture"Unknown Caller" follows the narrative of "No Line on the Horizon," which is a concept album about a man who feels disconnected from himself and the world.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Unknown Caller Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/36165151/U2/Unknown+Caller>.
Discuss the Unknown Caller Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In