What is this song about? In one word, "Redemption", or to be more precise, Christian Redemption. \n\nThis song is filled with Christian imagery, initially be implication, ultimately expressly referencing Christ\'s crucifixion in the last verse. The "love" that the song refers to that comes to town is the narrator-singer\'s arrival at or adoption of his Christian faith that saves him from being the flawed, selfish and hurtful person he was. It\'s referencing a Christian "rebirth" through salvation. \n\nBono was raised Catholic and was and is well-versed in such things, and so it\'s no surprise that he, even as part of an ostensibly secular band like U2, could pen such lyrics. BB King was reportedly impressed by Bono\'s writing of them, especially at the young age he was at the time. \n\nThe lyrics are powerful, and the emotion in Bono\'s and BB King\'s performance of them in the Rattle & Hum album both reflect and add to that.
What is this song about? In one word, "Redemption", or to be more precise, Christian Redemption. \n\nThis song is filled with Christian imagery, initially be implication, ultimately expressly referencing Christ\'s crucifixion in the last verse. The "love" that the song refers to that comes to town is the narrator-singer\'s arrival at or adoption of his Christian faith that saves him from being the flawed, selfish and hurtful person he was. It\'s referencing a Christian "rebirth" through salvation. \n\nBono was raised Catholic and was and is well-versed in such things, and so it\'s no surprise that he, even as part of an ostensibly secular band like U2, could pen such lyrics. BB King was reportedly impressed by Bono\'s writing of them, especially at the young age he was at the time. \n\nThe lyrics are powerful, and the emotion in Bono\'s and BB King\'s performance of them in the Rattle & Hum album both reflect and add to that.