God Part II

Like the usual genius of U2's sound and talent this song is awesome.It is a good reflection of this group of men they all are able to write and feel what they write then put it into music is amazing. To me this group is the most important musical group ever because they simply work in unison there is no one left out and therefore the ideas and lyrics come in a statement of them. Being a fan from the 60's of John and his musical abilities I have know about the dark sides of John but I will not condone or condemn but understand that his childhood was extremely traumatic in many ways and this helps me to understand many of his dark sides. I know that as a group U2 does hold the Beatles' work as something to aim for though they have excelled in every way over the Beatles. We all have someone we admire. This song though is another work of art by U2 it is a reflection on human nature and what makes us tick in the ideas of what Lennon had already put out there. The lyrics are so real to life and how we talk and how we live on the other hand. Just a great song.

Basically created as a sequel to 'God' by John Lennon, in which (I believe) Bono is talking about the things around him which he sees as being fake and hollow, but how inspite of all of these unreal things, love remains real.

When Bono says: Heard a singer on the radio late last night He says he's gonna kick the darkness Till it bleeds daylight he is refering to Bruce Cockburn's song "Lovers in a dangerous time"

Are U2 the Beatles' rightful heir? Yes! For what Bono writes here on God Part 2 is the indignant fascination with Media/Celebrity/Reality Culture he wants no part of. Obviously and respectfully dedicated in memory of a good long-lost hero, Beatle and friend, here Bono shows the human and flawed side of John Lennon, yet he portrays Johnny Rebel with dignity and respect-at the same time, he criticizes those who told the truth about Lennon in a mean-spirited way; Those who villified Lennon and what he stood for are the real losers here-all the Christian preachers who staged the anti-Beatle burnings for the "more popular than Jesus" quote when Revolver was unleashed in 1966, his murderer Mark David Chapman and his hagio-biographer Albert Goldman. Yet in a strange and perverse way-I would have to hold ex-friend and Beatle rival Paul McCartney responsible for the unconscionable way he haunted and tormented John in the last decade of his life-it's no secret in Rock-John and Paul hated each other! One stood for honesty and the truth, the other stood for hit records at the expense of artistry. JJohn was and will always be what Paul will never be. So where do U2 fit in the Fab Four/Apple picture? Clearly Bono's Irish heart and American soul are in the right place: "I don't believe in the rich/You should see where I live!...Don't believe it when they tell me there ain't no cure!/The rich stay healthy, the sick stay poor!...I don't believe in Goldman/His type like a curse/Instant Karma's gonna get him/If I don't get him first!...You glorify the past and the future dries up!/Love!/I Feel Like I'm Falling like I'm Spinning on a wheel/It always stops a name/A presence I can feel/I Believe in Love!" I am glad there's a connection between the Beatles and U2-The message of both Classic Rock bands is that of Universal Love. That's why Bono is a friend to me. John would want me to do the same. Rock & Roll is a dream/idea that's not and will never be over! Beatles Forever and U2 Forever!

I always thought that as much as Bono loved John Lennon, he always found some hypocrisy in the music and ideals, and he even devotes a line to himself here when he says "I don't believe in riches, but you should see where I live". Ultimately the only thing that you can still believe in after all the crap is love.

The refernce to Goldman (while i dont fully know the details) is a counter atack. Goldman whote a scathing book about Lennon and Bono was getting back at him.

In hindsight do you think this song was a preview to the 'new U2' (after AB). The sound of this song would not be out of place on AB.

I remember a comment from Bono (maybe) that this song was a respectful reply to Lennon's song. Basicly stating that just because I don't believe in something doesn't mean its not real (GOD).

Excellent song.

This Song is a great example for why Larry Mullen Jr is one of the best Drummers in the world! As for the meaning I agree with all the above. It is a fantastic song!

I love how Bono sings "Don't believe them when they tell me There ain't no cure...I, I believe in love." As if love can cure all.

This is an awesome song