2861U2, I think you're right on about African hunger and economic problems. I think Bono offers a really good-natured, but cutting indictment of US policy:
"Would you deny for others
What you demand for yourself?"
We demand high technology and good drugs, but don't do enough to help the rest of the world achieve those aims.
"You speak of signs and wonders
I need something other "
We're full of hopeful rhetoric about medical miracles, but concrete support and assistance is often hard to come by.
"With a mouth full of teeth
You ate all your friends
And you broke every heart thinking every heart mends"
This one to me is really interesting. Modern conservatism tends to think that you can eliminate government help and regulations, and people will survive through solely human ingenuity and hard work. Bono is recasting that idea, saying that it's easy and irresponsible to just assume people can make themselves better - sometimes, you can't make it on your own. :-)
"Where you live should not decide
Whether you live or whether you die "
Obvious, but moving.
All in all, a great song. Quickly becoming my favorite from HTDAAB as well, tied with "A Man and A Woman."
2861U2, I think you're right on about African hunger and economic problems. I think Bono offers a really good-natured, but cutting indictment of US policy:
"Would you deny for others What you demand for yourself?"
We demand high technology and good drugs, but don't do enough to help the rest of the world achieve those aims.
"You speak of signs and wonders I need something other "
We're full of hopeful rhetoric about medical miracles, but concrete support and assistance is often hard to come by.
"With a mouth full of teeth You ate all your friends And you broke every heart thinking every heart mends"
This one to me is really interesting. Modern conservatism tends to think that you can eliminate government help and regulations, and people will survive through solely human ingenuity and hard work. Bono is recasting that idea, saying that it's easy and irresponsible to just assume people can make themselves better - sometimes, you can't make it on your own. :-)
"Where you live should not decide Whether you live or whether you die "
Obvious, but moving.
All in all, a great song. Quickly becoming my favorite from HTDAAB as well, tied with "A Man and A Woman."