One

U2

About One

"One" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the third track from their 1991 album Achtung Baby, and it was released as the record's third single in February 1992. During the album's recording sessions at Hansa Studios in Berlin, conflict arose between the band members over the direction of U2's sound and the quality of their material. Tensions almost prompted the band to break up until they achieved a breakthrough with the improvisation of "One"; the song was written after the band members were inspired by a chord progression that guitarist the Edge was playing in the studio. The lyrics, written by lead singer Bono, were inspired by the band members' fractured relationships and the German reunification. Although the lyrics ostensibly describe "disunity", they have been interpreted in other ways. "One" was released as a benefit single, with proceeds going towards AIDS research. The song topped the Irish Singles Charts, the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart and the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks and Modern Rock Tracks charts. It also peaked at number three in New Zealand, number four in Australia, number seven on the UK Singles Chart and number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. In promotion of the song, the band filmed several music videos, although they were not pleased until a third was created. 


Year:
1992
4:36
318 
#3

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Is it getting better
Or do you feel the same
Will it make it easier on you
Now you got someone to blame

You say
One love
One life
When it's one need
In the night
It's one love
We get to share it
It leaves you baby
If you don't care for it

Did I disappoint you?
Or leave a bad taste in your mouth?
You act like you never had love
And you want me to go without

Well it's too late
Tonight
To drag the past out
Into the light
We're one
But we're not the same
We get to carry each other
Carry each other
One

Have you come here for forgiveness
Have you come to raise the dead
Have you come here to play Jesus
To the lepers in your head
Did I ask too much
More than a lot
You gave me nothing
Now it's all I got
We're one
But we're not the same
We hurt each other
Then we do it again

You say
Love is a temple
Love a higher law
Love is a temple
Love the higher law
You ask me to enter
But then you made me crawl
And I can't be holding on
To what you got
When all you got is hurt

One love
One blood
One life
You got to do what you should

One life
With each other
Sisters
Brothers

One life
But we're not the same
We get to carry each other
Carry each other

One

One

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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 David Hewson

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origins
"One" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the third track from their 1991 album "Achtung Baby," and it was released as the record's third single in February 1992.
Song Writing
The lyrics, penned by Bono, are a symbolic representation of discord and unity. It was born from the tough recording sessions of "Achtung Baby" in Berlin, where the band was facing internal conflicts.
Music Video
Notably, "One" has three different music video versions. Anton Corbijn produced the first version, while the other two came from Mark Pellington.
Charitable Causes
The royalties from the sales of "One" are donated to AIDS research. The decision was inspired by the song's popularity and Bono's commitment to helping resolve the AIDS crisis, making "One" synonymous with charity in U2's history.
Recognition
Rolling Stone magazine named "One" as the 36th greatest song of all time on their list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2011.
Interpretation
The song's lyrics have been interpreted in various ways, including as a commentary on unity, love, and the band's own internal relationships. Some even mistake it as a love song.
Live Performances
"One" is a staple in U2's live concerts and has been played more than 800 times during their tours.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered "One", including Mary J. Blige, who performed a version with U2 in 2005 that reached the UK Top 5.
Chart Performance
"One" peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100, number two on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart, and number one on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks charts.
Use in Media
"One" has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, revealing its far-reaching cultural impact. For example, it was used in the final scene of the "Friends" episode "The One in Massapequa."

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    One

    120.3M
    492K     21,062

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1992

    Billboard #10


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