Song "Facts" for "With Or Without You"

I love hearing people's points of view about "With Or Without You". It reminds me how different we all are. It also reminds me just how vague and ambiguous human languages are! But then, when people tell me what they feel when they hear my music I realized that music reaches people so very differently than words.

This was U2's first #1 hit in the US. It was the first U2 single to do better in America than in England.

The lyrics are about relationships, but can be interpreted many ways. They were written by Bono, who wanted to write a love song that dealt with real issues in relationships.

In 1987 Bono explained that everybody in the group knows what the line "And you give yourself away" means: "It's about how I feel in U2 at times - exposed. I'm not going to do many interviews this year. Because there's a cost to my personal life, and a cost to the group as well." (thanks, Kristine - Davenport, IA)

The Edge used a distortion device called an "Infinite Guitar" to create the wail. It was invented by Michael Brook, who The Edge worked with on the soundtrack for The Captive. Brook created the Infinite Guitar by replacing the pickup on a guitar with a magnetic device that vibrates the strings.

This was voted best single of 1987 in a Rolling Stone magazine readers poll.

This won an MTV Viewer's Choice award in 1987.

Bono intended this as part of a trilogy with 2 other songs that did not make the album. At the time, he felt this did not make any sense without the other 2 songs.

This was played on 2 episodes of the show Friends. First towards the middle of the second season, then in the middle of the third season. It became the anthem of the characters Ross and Rachel after it was used in an episode where he dedicated it to her on the radio. (thanks, Britney - Calabasas, CA)

On the Rattle and Hum tour, Bono added the lyrics at the end... "Yeah, we'll shine like stars in the summer night, We'll shine like stars in the winter night, One heart, One hope, One love." (thanks, Bill - Johnstown, PA)

This was the first single that U2 released on CD. The single also appeared in CD Video format and is a rare collectible. About 50 copies were made to demo the Philips CDV system.

U2 played this for the first time in Tempe, Arizona on April 4, 1987, the second night of The Joshua Tree tour. Bono mixed in parts of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart."

This was used in the 1994 movie Blown Away. (thanks, bertrand - Paris, France, for above 3)

This song is very emotional. When I was 15. I was in a theatre production of the play the Hobbit. I was befriended by a very kind young woman named jennifer. I haven't seen her since the play has ended.{5 years ago}. I think about her alot when I hear this song.
- danleichty, rochester, MN

hey jeanette in MD...you read my mind, girl...this song represents the best that 4 fantastic musicians have to offer, and it really is the perfect song...i also dig how the drum sounds like a heartbeat (or is that just me?)
- monica, bluefield, WV

why write more than, absolutely fantastic song!!!! ty U2
- marco, luleå, Sweden

For everyone at one point in their life, they can relate to this amazing song. Wether its about god, or you and another person, this song touches the hearts of many people, and always will. This world is so damn hard sometimes. For me personally this song is about god. Even as a christian i can say that many times in my life i have doubted gods existence, or thought that he did not love me anymore, even when i felt that no one else did. I think that the worst feeling in the world, is to feel alone, and forgotten. I know that every person in the world has felt that. This song for me broke the ice, that we have to live no matter what, even if it is without the one person you love the most, even when you cannot possibly love youself, but you just have to live, with or without, that is amazing.
- Samantha, Chico, CA

What a fantastic song. I think this was, without a doubt, the greatest song of the 80s. I especially love the wailing guitar intro.
- Patrick, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

this is the first song at my wedding - it's so passionate, the best love song ever writteb
- sue, London, Canada

this is the greatest song ever
- michael, palm desert, CA

"With Or Without You" has been my favorite song since 1987. I always assumed it was about a love relationship but a statement by Adam Clayton had me examine a spiritual interpretation. I cannot quote it exactly or name the source but I read on a U2 website a few years ago that Adam said "They (the band)could not believe that their first #1 song was about God". So after thinking about this for a year or two I think I may be close to figuring it out. I believe it is a song between God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ). "See the stone set in your eye" (A stone was placed the opening of the tomb where Jesus was placed after being crucified) "See the thorn twist in your side, I wait for you" (The crown of thorns piercing Jesus' head, or thorn could be used to describe the sword used to slash the side of Jesus. God is watching this all take place and waiting for Jesus to take his place at His right hand.) "Sleight of hand and twist of fate, on a bed of nails she makes me wait and I wait without you" (Twist of fate, on a bed of nails she (being fate) makes me wait. God is watching his son being tortured and killed.) "Through the storm we reach the shore, you give it all but I want more and I'm waiting for you" (The story of Jesus on the boat with the disciples, when a storm hit and they panicked and did not fully trust Jesus....Jesus devoted his life to doing His Father's Will but God needed more than that, he needed him to literally sacrifice His life). "And you give yourself away" (Jesus did not want to die, but he gave himself away to die in the place of all of us for our sins) "My hands are tied, my body bruised, she's got me with nothing to win and nothing left to lose" (Now this is from Jesus' point of view...his hands are tied, his body is bruised, fate's got him with nothing to win (for himself) and since dying is the ultimate sacrifice he obviously had nothing left to lose.) Now what does "With Or Without You" mean? This is where I am confused but I will give my best interpretation. God could not live with Jesus because he came to earth to live among us and to eventually die on the cross for us. Since God loves all of us He provided a way for us to be forgiven of our trepasses through the sacrifice of Christ. This obviously could not happen if Jesus stayed in heaven. God cannot live without Jesus because they are both the same God. Jesus was fully God and fully man. This is deep theology for those of you who are not familiar with the Christian faith and can be very confusing. (I saw Bono on the Charlie Rose talkshow on New Years Eve 2001 and Bono claimed to be a believer and a bit of a theologian. He said he studies theology quite often. Whether this song is about an earthly love relationship or about the ultimate love relationship between God and man, it is beautiful and very deep. I am a pastor so maybe I see U2's songs from a spiritual angle but I do know that faith is a huge part of Bono's life along with the other band members. If I could ever meet Bono and have a conversation with him, I think the first thing I would ask if for the meaning of this song. The music and the lyrics are just fantastic and it has had me thinking a great deal. As mentioned before, Bono is hesistant to give the meanings of most songs because he wants us to have our interpretation of the songs so they are special to us.
- Jamison, Pittsburgh, PA

Did'nt Bono write this song as memory of the death of his close friend Michael Hutchence? Only if he had a prmonition he died 10 years later after Bono wrote the song.
- Luis Talete, Lisbon, Portugal

"The greatest love song ever"? Jack needs to listen to more music. And why do people write novels like Carlos? (2 sentences, get in get out). Try telling your girlfriend/spouse you can't live with them and see how far you get.
- Jay, Atlanta, GA

Roger, I don't agree that it is "certainly not" a love song. While it isn't the love song that people often percieve at first listen, there's no shock that it can be percieved as being about with love and relationships. It's one of those songs that can mean many things to many people, with none of those meanings really being wrong.
- John, Boston, MA

This gives me goosepimples, only other song to do this is Sunday Bloody Sunday.
- Lanto, Swansea, Wales

I get chills every time he goes for the big note
- James, Vancouver, Canada

What makes this song so great is that you can interpret it any way you want to. It can mean different things to different people and they're all right. However you take a song, if it means something to you, than thats all that matters. Thats the beauty of art. It doesn't always have to have one meaning.
- Kayla, London, -

This song is heartbreaking but beautiful at the same time. I think it's about a failing relationship, and I wouldn't try to look for hidden meanings.
- Grace, Fairfax Station, VA

The bassline on this song is one of the simplest around, played by many begginers, but nearly impossible to get to sound correct. Its amazing how such a simple line can propel a complex song.
- Tomas, Chicago, IL

I've really underestimated this song. I hated it because it was being played far too much on the radio. But if I listen to "The Joshua Tree" as a whole, it's much more enjoyable. That way, I can see what a wonderful song it is lying underneath.
- Miles, Vancouver, Canada

Hamish Cowan sang a version of With or Without You which appeared in the Australian movie 'Looking For Alibrandi.' In the movie, based on the book by Melina Marchetta, Pia Miranda plays Josephine Alibrandi, a 17 year old Italian-Australian who is sitting the HSC. When one of her closest friends kills himself, this song is played at the funeral. Hamish Cowan's version has a more sombre sound to it, and was a fitting song for such a tragic scene.
- Sharyn, Bathurst, Australia

I laugh that some people think this is a love song. It certainly is not.
- Roger, Los Angeles, CA

This song is U2 at their very best. Every part of this song (ie: every instrument) is incredible. The way everything is written, the melody, guitar, drum line, bass line, lyrics etc. I can't get enough of this song especially the version on Rattle and Hum. I would really like to get the audio version of that so can listen to it anywhere and also the version of Bad too.
- Jeanette, Elkridge, MD

Infinite guitar, eh? Whatever...it sounds really good.
- Aylin, Montreal, Canada

I just think that this song talks about being unable to live without an answer from your lover, i mean, you just don't mind if it's a no or a yes, you just want her to talk to you. I personnaly felt it like this because it helped me tell my woman how much i loved her, although i knew she did´nt feel the same. I did'nt get her all the same, but it helped me move on. Thanks U2
- Peter, Buenos Aires, Argentina

At the time this song was written Bono was struggling with the decision whether or not to stay in U2. There was a bit of disagreement about the band's religious devotion and how it would affect their music and careers. Bono didn't want to forsake his religion to gain a career in music. "I can't live, with or without you" has two meanings..."I can't live with or without God" and "I can't live with or without this band." If I stay in the band, what about my religion, if I leave the band, what about my friends and career. It was a paradox, one which Bono has triumphed in, being able to maintain both....U2 and devotion
- josh, Tampa, FL

Paul took the name Bono from a hearing aid company in Dublin called "Bonovox". It was the Edge's idea, and Paul thought it sounded cool.
- Joe, Houston, TX

I once heard that this song was written about Bono's relationship with his bono. I mean think about it, "I can't live with or without you"...sounds like a rosy palm to me.
- Phillip, San Fransico, TN

the guitar in this song has the best sound i have ever heard
- Rob, Castaic, CA

This will always be the song to remind me of my first love. It fits us perfectly. It's still my favorite song and I listen to it all the time, just because it is haungtinly beautiful and it can't be overplayed. If he ever reads this he'll know I'm talking about him, cuz no one else seems to see me quite the way he does. We try so hard to get away from each other and we always end up around each other, cuz we cant live with or without each other. He can stop me with just a look, and there's alot of other refrences as well, like dangerously combustible passion and waiting and oh yes, neither of us have won or lost anything, and somehow my feelings always escape me.
- Saralysette, ashland, OR

This song like "running to stand still" is very personal to bono. In an interview with Larry King back in 87, Larry asked him what the song really meant. Bono replied that he didnt want to conceptualize the song, he wanted to let people draw their own conclusions, but he said to him it wasnt about a relationship with another person, but an ongoing struggle he had with heroin at the time he wrote it. But he added that he thought it was an odd song and would not get the popularity and air play it had. So once it became popular, the first conclusion people drew from this song is that it was about a personal relationship. He even later changed his story later and said this about the song. Bono: In "With Or Without You" when it says "and you give yourself away and you give yourself away" -- everybody else in the group knows what that means. It's about how I feel in U2 at times -- exposed. I know the group think I'm exposed and the group feel that I give myself away. And funny enough, Lou Reed said to me, 'what you've got is a real gift: don't give it away because people might not place upon it the right value.' And I think that if l do any damage to the group, it's that I'm too open. For instance, in an interview, I don't hold the cards there and play the right one because I either have to do it or not do it. That's why I'm not going to do many interviews this year. Because there's a cost to my personal life and a cost to the group as well. (from "The World About Us" by Niall Stokes, Hot Press, March 26, 1988) TW: Another thing that we certainly need to do in music is discover new ways to write love songs. "With Or Without You" seems like a new kind of love song to me. Bono: Thank you. That's kinda the way I feel about it. I've said it before, but to me there's nothing more radical, there's nothing more revolutionary than two people loving each other. One, 'cause it's so uncommon these days, and two, 'cause it's so difficult to do. (from "Timothy White's Rock Stars", radio interview, June 01, 1987) Bono: On the "With Or Without You" EP there are three songs that all deal with obsession [Walk To The Water, Luminous Times], with that kind of sexuality. I'd like to have done a whole side, a whole record, blue. That EP is something close. (from "Luminous Times" by John Hutchinson, Musician, October 01, 1987) [...] Bono will argue that "the album is almost incomplete. "With Or Without You" doesn't really make sense without 'Walk To The Water' or 'Luminous Times.' [...] (from "Band On The Run" by Bill Graham, Hot Press, December 17, 1987) "With Or Without You" attacked the subject of personal relationships head on. It portrayed the singer as being torn between life without love on the one hand and life in an unworkable relationship on the other. "With or Without You" was the first evidence of Bono, in his role as singer, being on the receiving end of a one-sided partnership and taking an almost masochistic delight in it. Musical history has seen rock 'n' roll strap on its traditional macho trappings and look for a convenient site for conquest in a series of testosterone-fuelled one-night stands. U2 were more interested in the spiritual conflict that preceded them and the mental conflict that followed. They wanted fever. "With Or Without You" furthered that direction and investigated the violence of love. Love is the closest emotion to hate, power the closest to submission and sadism the closest to masochism. Bono revealed that "it was interesting to me because I see it in myself and in other people around me. Love is a two-edged sword and I didn't want to write about romance because that doesn't interest me as much as the other side." [...] (from "U2 - A Conspiracy of Hope" by Dave Bowler & Bryan Dray, 1993) Bono: There's a lot of stuff that goes through your head, and the songs can completely change their meanings. Something like "With Or Without You" becomes about your audience. It's wild how a song can change. [...]
- Carlos, Coral Springs, FL

This is an incredible song. U2 is at their best in this song! I think that this song speaks to everyone. I believe that the overall message is religious. However, the wonderful thing is that nothing is said clearly enough so the lyrics can be interpreted in many different ways.
- Tom, St. Louis, MO

Bono wrote this song about his relationship with his mother.
- B, Pittsburgh, PA

I always thought that this song was about this guy who's in love with a prostitute, and she just "gives herself away" and there's nothing he can do to save her and make her his.
- Natasha, Chico, CA

I've always had a special bond with this song,it was #1 on the charts the week i was born, and i loved it even before i knew that i was born when it was #1. Kinda eerie, no? I guess not, since the song is so incredibly awesome. The echos and acoustics are so great. Whenever i hear this song, I see a guy standing out in the pouring rain @ night, waiting for this girl who never comes.
- Natasha, Chico, CA

During the October 10, 2001 concert which was webcast from Notre Dame, Bono says "If you were born 10 months after this came out, this is for you", at the start of "With or Without You". "With or Without You" was released in March of 1987, and 10 months later would be January 1988. The song did hit the top five in the charts a month after it was released. Nine months after that, children conceived while it was holding strong in the charts would have been born. Many have suggested the dedication was a dedication to any of those children who were in the crowd that night. source: u2faqs.com
- Jakob, Barcelona, Spain

so whats the video clip about?? i thought the midget died ,but he was at the funeral???? so who died????
- pete, nowra, Australia

I've seen Bono in an interview say that thise song is about the fans, and how they can only be what they are now with them, coz without them they're nothing, and that people have always misinterperated this song as being a love song, but thats ok coz all art is open to interpretation, and how each person percieves it
- vikingwizard, melbourne, Australia

Damn, Bono is such a genius! I never get tired of listening to U2 for some reason. It seems like those Irish people just have a natural inclination to make great music.
- Chris, Lake Mary, FL

brilliant melody. the song that made me aware of who U2 really are.
- rhett, Melbourne, Australia

I love this song, one of my altime faves, my dad used to be bonos best friend :)
- Gilliann, Dublin, Ireland

This song came out in 1987; Michael Hutchence didn't die until 1997.
- Shirley, Ocean, NJ

This song was also played in the very last episode of Friends for a Ross and Rachel moment.
- Adele, Victoria, Canada

This song is about a guy who is into a girl way more than she is into him. He is the patient nice guy on the side, tortured by her interest in men other than himself. Despite the pain she causes him, he cannot let go and remains a victim to her insensitivities. In the end, he has "Nothing to win, and nothing left to lose."
- Justin, Ojai, CA

Did'nt Bono write this song as memory of the death of his close friend Michael Hutchensine???
- honeybunny, kkkkkk, United States

this is one of the only u2 songs that doesn't suck.
- alatriel, lothlorien, Other

I always thought it was about Ireland
- Marco, Los Angeles, CA

This is really one of the best songs ever!! I used to hate U2, but then I heard this song on Friends. The lyrics and music in this song fit perfect together. I can always relate to this song in so many ways! Awesome song!
- shawn, loganville, GA

this song is so powerful... and it can reach out to so many people. there are countless people who can relate to a scenerio like this one. The sound projected is one that almost haunts the soul... unbelievably touching.
- Terri Lynn, Heart's Desire, Canada

This is the only song in the whole world that can make me cry in an instant. To me, it's about two people, who are destined to be with each other, but can't. She gives him all the love that she has, but it's not enough for him. He waits and waits and it gets to the point that he can't go any further with their relationship, but he can't get out of it either - he doesn't want to. They both love each other so much, but but they know that they shouldn't be together. I feel this way about my best friend/ex-boyfriend...I can't be with him, but I can't be without him.
- Dawn, Toronto, Canada

Another religious one here, a theme which ran through the Joshua and Achtung albums. 'She' is believed to be a methaphor for God and the song is apparently about the disciples undying belief in Jesus returning after death. Song starts with crucifixion, mentions walking on water and ends with Jesus 'giving himself away' by knowing he would be crucified if arrested.
- Ian, Weymouth, England

Bono has never said what this song was truly about.
- Erik, Davis, CA

The greatest love song ever written, Second is Bon Jovi - Always
- Jack Lee, Nottingham, England