The Hands That Built America Lyrics
This song is all about the Irish who emigrated to America in the 19th and 20th century. Who grafted hard in a far off land from home, who didn’t have any money in their pockets leaving, didn’t want to leave but were forced to “from diggin in our pockets for a reason not to say goodbye”. Bono admitted that he lifted the song title from a song by one of Ireland’s seminal bands of the 70’s – Horslips, “The Man who Built America” from 1978, and changed the word man to hands.
This song is most definetly about moving from ireland. I'm not Irish, but I do know that "halle" is the irish word for "holy" and Bono says them both in the song. Also, I encourage everyone to wach the music video, it proves that its about moving from Ireland.
This song was on "Gangs of New York" soundtrack and yes, it's about the Irish who emigrated to America. A great song and also a great movie!
I think the first 2 verses refer to America's development--hills and plains to hanging steel (skyscrapers) in the sky.
I'm reminded of September 11, 2001 when I hear the words "It's early fall, there's a cloud in the NY skyline", though I don't know if that's what Bono means.
@jrprentice11 it is what he means, and he goes on to say, "innocence, dragged across a yellow line", as in police tape, and the US as a country lost its innocence that day.
@jrprentice11 it is what he means, and he goes on to say, "innocence, dragged across a yellow line", as in police tape, and the US as a country lost its innocence that day.
I think the voyage from "freckled hills" to "steel & glass canyons" is about emigration from Ireland to the USA (specifically NYC).
I remember reading an interview somewhere that the lyrics re: Sept. do refer to 9/11.
Update for Karatekid2007, holy in Irish is "Naomh", it can change slightly depending in what context you use it, Holy Spirit would be 'Spiorad Naomh', The Holy Father would be 'an tAthair Naofa'
Not sure what Halle means, it could be latin or indeed Hebrew for Holy....... you just never know with Bono
I like listening to this song when I'm driving. With endless road on the horizon, against the crimson cloud background, and Bono's voice perfecting the blend, I'll never be bored of driving.
"Seabirds argue a long good-bye."
A brilliant song from a briliant film!!! I love it!
Its early fall There's a cloud in the New York skyline Innocence dragged across a yellow line
thats about september 11th. the rest of the song isnt, its about how new york grew, and about how irish imigrants played a large role in this. the last line about sept 11th is just bringing it up to date, maybe showing how new york is defined today, whereas the rest of the song tells what made the city