Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own

U2

About Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own

"Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the third track on their eleventh studio album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004), and was released as the album's second single worldwide except North America on 7 February 2005. It debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart becoming the band's sixth number-one single in the United Kingdom. It also topped the charts in Canada, Scotland and Spain, and reached the top 10 in Denmark, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Norway. Originally titled "Tough", the song is lyrically about the relationship between the band's lead vocalist Bono and his father Bob Hewson, who died of cancer in 2001. The song won two Grammy Awards for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Song of the Year at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in 2006. 


Year:
2006
5:06
166 
#3

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Tough, you think you've got the stuff
You're telling me and anyone
You're hard enough

You don't have to put up a fight
You don't have to always be right
Let me take some of the punches
For you tonight

Listen to me now
I need to let you know
You don't have to go it alone

And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you when I don't pick up the phone
Sometimes you can't make it on your own

We fight all the time
You and I, that's alright
We're the same soul
I don't need, I don't need to hear you say
That if we weren't so alike
You'd like me a whole lot more

Listen to me now
I need to let you know
You don't have to go it alone

And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you when I don't pick up the phone
Sometimes you can't make it on your own

Say, say, say

I know that we don't talk
I'm sick of it all
Can you hear me when I
Sing, you're the reason I sing
You're the reason why the opera is in me

We're here
I've still got to let you know
A house doesn't make a home
Don't leave me here alone

And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you that makes it hard to let go
Sometimes you can't make it on your own
Sometimes you can't make it
Best you can do is to fake it
Sometimes you can't make it on your own

 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 © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Info
"Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own" was released in February 2005 as the second single from U2's eleventh studio album, "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb."
Song's Purpose
Bono, the lead vocalist of U2, wrote the song as a tribute to his late father, Bob Hewson, who passed away in 2001.
Lyrics Creation
The lyrics are a reflection of Bono's complicated relationship with his father. It talks about his struggle to understand his feelings following his father's death.
Awards
In 2006, the song won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Musical Composition
The song is known for its emotional delivery and powerful music. It features an unvaried melody and direct lyrics to convey its emotional message.
Performance
"Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own" was performed live at every full concert on U2's Vertigo Tour.
Chart Performance
Upon its release, it reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, becoming U2's sixth number-one single in the UK.
Music Video
The music video, directed by Phil Joanou, features the band performing in a theatre to a backdrop of falling snow.
Reviews
Despite its success, the song received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its emotional resonance and others criticizing its straightforward lyricism.
Personal Touch
Bono performed the song at his father's funeral, adding to the extremely personal touch of the song. The raw emotion in his voice during live performances is a testament to the deep personal connection he has with the song.
Live Album
The song is included in the live album & film "Vertigo 2005: Live From Chicago".
Song Meaning
Bono has said that the song is about “letting go of someone you don’t want to let go of.”

Discuss the Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

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

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/9850225/U2/Sometimes+You+Can%27t+Make+It+on+Your+Own>.

    Missing lyrics by U2?

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

    Watch the song video

    Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own

    14,549
    323     34

    Top Hot 100 Songs 2005

    Billboard #97


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who commented the nicest comment on Olivia Rodrigo's drivers license?
    A Ellie Goulding
    B Taylor Swift
    C Sabrina Carpenter
    D Katy Perry

    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!