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U2 — Pride (In The Name Of Love) (live)
Album: Rattle & Hum
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1290









Released: 1988
Length: 4:22
Plays (last 30 days): 0
One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One man come he to justify
One man to overthrow

In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?

One man caught on a barbed wire fence
One man he resist
One man washed up on an empty beach
One man betrayed with a kiss

In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?

Early morning, April four
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride

In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?

In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
Comments (179)add comment
To be precise: it is "early morning, April 4th."  RIP Dr. King.
Today is 04/04/2022. Thanks for commemorating this man.
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:

..... so very overrated and they have a singer who is an absolute hypercritical self righteous twat called Bono.


I believe the word you were fumbling around for unsuccessfully was "hypocritical". 
Perhaps you were looking in the mirror when you said "hypercritical"?
 Pike wrote:

anyone else sick of hearing this Irish pub singer on RP?




NO!! ..Just sick of comments like yours!!  
Musically excellent. But the over-earnest didacticism does not age well.
 Pike wrote:

anyone else sick of hearing this Irish pub singer on RP?



Just sick of reading comments like this one...get over yerself. 
Please not the live version, ever again. pxd
 buddy wrote:
I love how many folks are so tragically hip that they can't appreciate arguably the best rock and roll band in the world.

The Edge is a genius, Bono's lyrics are poetry, and they put 110% into every show.

Saw they're last North American show at Madison Square Garden last year and it was nothing short of incredible.

IMHO 

 
It appears we have a case where a random song comment has influenced the RP play list, since the next song in rotation today is Tragically Hip - Ahead By A Cent.

Cool
 buddy wrote:
I love how many folks are so tragically hip that they can't appreciate arguably the best rock and roll band in the world.

The Edge is a genius, Bono's lyrics are poetry, and they put 110% into every show.

Saw they're last North American show at Madison Square Garden last year and it was nothing short of incredible.

IMHO 

 
Well said. {#Cheers}
See you guys in Philly, June 18! Absolutely stoked. There were many bands and songs that became the soundtrack to the 80's. They were at the top of the list, in all the best ways; soulful intelligence. Political passion and awakening. Topical urgency. Love and loss.
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:
..... so very overrated and they have a singer who is an absolute hypercritical self righteous twat called Bono.
 
Brexit supporter.
As good as rock & roll gets.
I like some live songs, this one not so much.  Generally like the tune.  Leaving it a 5.
 Boy_Wonder wrote:

Seconded..

 
Thirded.  Dr. King wasn't just an American icon, he inspired people worldwide.  This song is a moving tribute.
..... so very overrated and they have a singer who is an absolute hypercritical self righteous twat called Bono.
 WonderLizard wrote:

I agree with you. However, regardless of their power as rock icons, I think that a bunch of Irish guys invoking Dr. King as a symbol of freedom is pretty cool. Their approach may be a bit oafish, but their hearts are in the right place. You choose to write and sing about injustice, where writing and singing about getting laid on the beach might very well sell better. So I give them a little for heart despite my feeling that there's a tad too much self-righteousness around this one.

 
Seconded..
 Pike wrote:
anyone else sick of hearing this Irish pub singer on RP?

 
Not at all.
I love how many folks are so tragically hip that they can't appreciate arguably the best rock and roll band in the world.

The Edge is a genius, Bono's lyrics are poetry, and they put 110% into every show.

Saw they're last North American show at Madison Square Garden last year and it was nothing short of incredible.

IMHO 
 Pike wrote:
anyone else sick of hearing this Irish pub singer on RP?

 
YES. Even on St Paddy's day.
On Saint Patrick's day no less....  Nice. 
anyone else sick of hearing this Irish pub singer on RP?
..... aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh please make it stop
 TJOpootertoot wrote:
Why listen to RP if you don't like rock music at all?
 
Right again, TJO.
 Nadine wrote:


to me, u2 comes back to life in an rp environment. i start to really LISTEN again to overplayed songs and the appreciation comes back.
 

What she said! {#Arrowu}
 stalfnzo wrote:
Oh my god. Two 1's back to back. Bruce Springsteen followed by U2. What are you trying to do, Bill? Torture us?

 

Amen.  RP's got better than this overplayed, never-good-start-with, saccharine crap.
 stalfnzo wrote:
Oh my god. Two 1's back to back. Bruce Springsteen followed by U2. What are you trying to do, Bill? Torture us?

 
Yah, well, I counter with a solid '7'...

And obviously, today at least, this is a 'live' set.
 stalfnzo wrote:
Oh my god. Two 1's back to back. Bruce Springsteen followed by U2. What are you trying to do, Bill? Torture us?

 
Why listen to RP if you don't like rock music at all?
 stalfnzo wrote:
Oh my god. Two 1's back to back. Bruce Springsteen followed by U2. What are you trying to do, Bill? Torture us?

 
..."us"?
Oh my god. Two 1's back to back. Bruce Springsteen followed by U2. What are you trying to do, Bill? Torture us?
I've heard bootleg's that sound better than this. U2's Dublin Show on 12-31-89 has a pretty decent version of this and is a phonominal concert in general. This feels kinda meh...
It's curious how one can be transformed from alternative voice to poser in the eyes of fans.

I guess longevity compels that — for some.    
Not bad!
the edge.
 darrio wrote:
There's no law that a song has to conform to some standard of deeper meaning. Sometimes it's just a good song.
 

 
True. But the lyric "one man betrayed with a kiss?" If you don't get the historical reference, well, um, I can't help you.
On the subject of U2 singing about historical events, Bloody Sunday has particular meaning to me as I'm from the city where it happened. Do the citizens of Derry associate the civil rights struggle there with Sunday Bloody Sunday? Not particularly. But it's a good song, and mankind has long made stories/songs about historical events.
There's no law that a song has to conform to some standard of deeper meaning. Sometimes it's just a good song.
 
gets a 6, cause I'm so tired of Pride (not Bill's fault) and because the live material on Rattle And Hum never seemed nearly as good as the studio versions, much less as good as hearing U2 Live.
Gets a 9 only because I like the studio version so much better.
...in the day...but not today...let's move on...more Clash...
 cosmiclint wrote:
Someone mentioned in the thread  for a different live song that they hate having to re-rate songs when a live version gets added. Personally, I love it. I'm just shoving the Godlikes off the back of the truck this morning :)
 

I know what you mean...  hope you are having a marvelous time right now...  this song is a 10 in all versions...

Early morning, April 4,
shot rings out in the Memphis sky.
Free at last, they asked for your life;
they could not take your pride. 
Someone mentioned in the thread  for a different live song that they hate having to re-rate songs when a live version gets added. Personally, I love it. I'm just shoving the Godlikes off the back of the truck this morning :)
Intelligent lyrics, great band. Done with it. {#Rolleyes}
 SaintPeter wrote:
It is not the song, it is the band.  Enough already.  There is plenty of music that has not been played to death.  Most of us are here to avoid commercial radio.
 

i disagree with the "enough already"! 

to me, u2 comes back to life in an rp environment. i start to really LISTEN again to overplayed songs and the appreciation comes back.

especially delicious when such a gorgeous life version comes your ear's way :o) I love its energy.

actually, I'm starting to become a (first time) U2 fan here... ;o) when I was younger U2 weren't LOoouuuUD enough for me... :o)
Oh Bono, your blue-tinted gaze and manly brogue makes my heart quiver.  Heal me with your righteous grace.
 MinMan wrote:
Does making a buck by referencing the assasination of MLK with repetative vocals / guitar riffs arise to the level of a rock anthem? Which African Americans identify this tune with the civil rights struggle? Bill, how about playing some "Public Enemy" in place of this commercialization of a tragic struggle.
 
I agree with you. However, regardless of their power as rock icons, I think that a bunch of Irish guys invoking Dr. King as a symbol of freedom is pretty cool. Their approach may be a bit oafish, but their hearts are in the right place. You choose to write and sing about injustice, where writing and singing about getting laid on the beach might very well sell better. So I give them a little for heart despite my feeling that there's a tad too much self-righteousness around this one.
Glad Bill keeps this one in rotation.  Haters need to get some perspective here.
 It is not the song, it is the band.  Enough already.  There is plenty of music that has not been played to death.  Most of us are here to avoid commercial radio.


WayUpNorth wrote:
Even if you hate this song, you can use it as a way to communicate important history to our kids.
 


 MinMan wrote:
 Which African Americans identify this tune with the civil rights struggle? 

 

Good question.
Even if you hate this song, you can use it as a way to communicate important history to our kids.
Great!!  Radio Paradise needed another version of this crappy song.

Come on, Bill.  This band's sound is tired and your overplaying of them makes it even worse.
 zurcronium wrote:
Most overrated band ever. 
 

True !  you read my mind
 zurcronium wrote:
Most overrated band ever. 
 



Hippest, most observant and in-depth analysis EVER.
Most overrated band ever. 
ditto!!!

 
perrygibbs wrote:
Aaaargh! Please no more U2.
 


 mjmurphy61 wrote:
What's not to love? 10.
 
Apparently, a lot of people feel this should be retired. Me?  This is the first time I've heard the song live, and I love it that the crowd is singing along. I like it. I'm not a music-snob, and I don't analyze every note or wrong chord, unless it adds to the wonder of the song.

It's painful to read, but anyone who cares should be informed. First - it wasn't "early morning, April 4." And the lyrics don't tell anything of the story apart from the snuffing out of a vital, powerful, wonderful idealist who fought for change.

MLK

I love this song because it's a step in the right direction. It's a voice, even after a decade or two, for change. I'll always love U2 for their rebellion.

Aaaargh! Please no more U2.
 upgal wrote:
so sick of this.
 
...it was still pretty good twenty-two years ago, though - i give this recording a pass...
 csnyder wrote:
This sounds like it's in a different key than the studio version (a half-step lower, perhaps?)
 
In the studio, they could have sped up the recording to sound a half-step higher.  The engineers at Abbey Road used it all the time with the Beatles.  For instance, they would record the basic track, then speed up the recording and record a guitar part, then slow down the recording and record the vocal.  They did something like this on "Rain."  And then John took the demo home and accidentally played it backwards, so they had to add some backward vocals at the end!

 chedak wrote:


I remember waiting in a long line to buy a $10.00 ticket
 
$10 - wow, how things change. I've passed Sun Devil stadium a few times on visits to Phoenix & always thought it must've been a great venue for that show.

I've seen U2 three times now since the 80's and always a great show.


so sick of this.
 SmileOnADog wrote:
I was in the audience at SunDevil Stadium in Tempe when this was probably recorded on the JT tour (2 nights, not sure which one they used). Best $10 I ever spent (the wanted it full I guess ).

It was a great show despite the cameras and little camera train tracks laid all over the extended stage to let the camera guys roll things around. The Joshua Tree tour was awesome, I saw ZooTV a little later and it was lame by comparison although they were exploring some themes that basically don't interest me compared to say transcendance or spirituality.

OK so Bono is not your typical snide sly alt rock voice but he is an impressive person and artist on a lot of levels.

 

It was a great show!  I was there also at the top of Sun Devil Stadium in 1987 dancing to the beat.  I remember waiting in a long line to buy a $10.00 ticket in Tucson and even though, I was so high up and the band looked like ants, it still was was worth the money and the gas to travel to Tempe, Arizona.
What's not to love? 10.
 MinMan wrote:
Does making a buck by referencing the assasination of MLK with repetative vocals / guitar riffs arise to the level of a rock anthem? Which African Americans identify this tune with the civil rights struggle? Bill, how about playing some "Public Enemy" in place of this commercialization of a tragic struggle.
 
Good call. Seconded.

 thatslongformud wrote:
Pretty cool tune, kinda reminds me of Coldplay.  Is the rest of their stuff this good?
 
Nominee for funniest comment of the day {#Dancingbanana_2}

 MinMan wrote:
Does making a buck by referencing the assasination of MLK with repetative vocals / guitar riffs arise to the level of a rock anthem? Which African Americans identify this tune with the civil rights struggle?

Bill, how about playing some "Public Enemy" in place of this commercialization of a tragic struggle.
 

hey, go down to Memphis, TN go past the mississippi river, and the pyramid, go past beale street, and bb king's joint (would he even have a joint if it was not for MLK?) go past the fire house, and the crazies walking around, and take a LOOK at the lorraine motel. with the permanent black wreath on the door, and feel your breath catch. tell me that any song that mentions, glorifies, commercializes, memorializes Dr. Martin Luther King, is not pretty damn cool.

I absolutely hated this album when it came out...but this song is quite likable.
 fredriley wrote:

U2 is no longer just a rock group, but a worldwide business worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and St Bonio hobnobs with presidents and prime ministers and other big cheeses. Cynicism is legitimate in such a context, whether or not it's justified.

 

He's probably part of of the Skull & Bones society!
 Tony0600 wrote:
That's incredibly cynical
 
U2 is no longer just a rock group, but a worldwide business worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and St Bonio hobnobs with presidents and prime ministers and other big cheeses. Cynicism is legitimate in such a context, whether or not it's justified.

Great comeback after such a bad mix of songs.
Pretty cool tune, kinda reminds me of Coldplay.  Is the rest of their stuff this good?
oh yeahhhhhhh.......{#Bananajam}{#Hearteyes}{#Bananapiano}{#Bounce}{#Dance}
MinMan wrote:
Does making a buck by referencing the assasination of MLK with repetative vocals / guitar riffs arise to the level of a rock anthem? Which African Americans identify this tune with the civil rights struggle? Bill, how about playing some "Public Enemy" in place of this commercialization of a tragic struggle.
Tony0600 wrote:
That's incredibly cynical
That's incredibly stupid.
MinMan wrote:
Does making a buck by referencing the assasination of MLK with repetative vocals / guitar riffs arise to the level of a rock anthem? Which African Americans identify this tune with the civil rights struggle? Bill, how about playing some "Public Enemy" in place of this commercialization of a tragic struggle.
So Public Enemy never made any money? Or maybe they gave it all away to charity? Get a grip.
MinMan wrote:
Does making a buck by referencing the assasination of MLK with repetative vocals / guitar riffs arise to the level of a rock anthem? Which African Americans identify this tune with the civil rights struggle? Bill, how about playing some "Public Enemy" in place of this commercialization of a tragic struggle.
That's incredibly cynical
Does making a buck by referencing the assasination of MLK with repetative vocals / guitar riffs arise to the level of a rock anthem? Which African Americans identify this tune with the civil rights struggle? Bill, how about playing some "Public Enemy" in place of this commercialization of a tragic struggle.
"for the reverend martin luther king....SANG".... ;o)
Heartfelt tribute, worthy anthem. Class act all the way.
This sounds like it's in a different key than the studio version (a half-step lower, perhaps?)
Anthem rock at its' finest. Yeah, this guy CAN SING! Superb lyrics, great song, powerful performance, wish I'd a bin' there........
This sounds really good--tight band!
mikemiller34 wrote:
When they play this song now, is it just slowed down (in terms of BPM) or have they also taken the pitch down? Anyone know? The difference is quite remarkable.
I dunno....but I guess they just slowed down the whole song... Pretty good this 'version', though I prefer the one you can find on 'Under a blood red sky'.
When they play this song now, is it just slowed down (in terms of BPM) or have they also taken the pitch down? Anyone know? The difference is quite remarkable.
U,too live=10 pöints.
I was in the audience at SunDevil Stadium in Tempe when this was probably recorded on the JT tour (2 nights, not sure which one they used). Best $10 I ever spent (the wanted it full I guess ). It was a great show despite the cameras and little camera train tracks laid all over the extended stage to let the camera guys roll things around. The Joshua Tree tour was awesome, I saw ZooTV a little later and it was lame by comparison although they were exploring some themes that basically don't interest me compared to say transcendance or spirituality. OK so Bono is not your typical snide sly alt rock voice but he is an impressive person and artist on a lot of levels.
I'm pretty wore out on U2 but I do like this.
buckskin wrote:
DETRACTORS OF THIS SONG, studio OR live versions, READ(IF you are, in fact LITERATE) the book WALK ON. Those whom DIS this song are mostly the same ones who don't seem to like much of ANYTHING they hear on RP. Whining about ENUFF, NOIZY, etc etc etc. Baffles me why, when 90% (or whatever) of everything is bullshit, they don't just check out. PROBLEM SOLVED!!!
buckskin wrote:
DETRACTORS OF THIS SONG, studio OR live versions, READ(IF you are, in fact LITERATE) the book WALK ON. Those whom DIS this song are mostly the same ones who don't seem to like much of ANYTHING they hear on RP. Whining about ENUFF, NOIZY, etc etc etc. Baffles me why, when 90% (or whatever) of everything is bullshit, they don't just check out. PROBLEM SOLVED!!!Posted 17 years ago by overcaffeinatted    [ Reply ]
DETRACTORS OF THIS SONG, studio OR live versions, READ(IF you are, in fact LITERATE) the book WALK ON. Those whom DIS this song are mostly the same ones who don't seem to like much of ANYTHING they hear on RP. Whining about ENUFF, NOIZY, etc etc etc. Baffles me why, when 90% (or whatever) of everything is bullshit, they don't just check out. PROBLEM SOLVED!!!
I've seen U2 *several* times throughout the years. This live version captures what their concert experience was during the Joshua Tree tour. If you hear this song live now it's a much different experience but still great.
Magnus wrote:
In the name of "God"....please stop playing these whiners.
I so agree!
AlienRelic wrote:
Even more boring than the studio version.
Hard to believe it could be, but you're right. More pretentious too.
meloman wrote:
I'm not a U2 fan, but you just gotta love this song.
I certainly love the sentiment. This is the CD made, for the most part, here in Memphis & I am sure the subject matter of this was a big impression while they were hanging out here. Last year(year before?) Bono was presented with the Freedom Award from the National Civil Rights Museum.
this song is definitely a live experience. you have to be there.
"The Edge!"
AlienRelic wrote:
Even more boring than the studio version.
So true.
The song gets an 8. This version of it gets a 3.
Even more boring than the studio version.
Ok, following midnight oil with the other band that has a similar politically-charged bent... Except, I usually like the sound of this one better. Hard to put a finger on why bonehead's voice is easier to listen to than the growling shaking dude from m.o...because, really, they are both pretty weird sounding
impressive. it sounds awesome live.
Magnus wrote:
In the name of "God"....please stop playing these whiners.
Yeah, that'll help.
IMO, this just doesn't hold up well... used to love this song, but not anymore. :(
Ibis99 wrote:
...then again maybe not
All I'm suggesting is that its really not necessary to attack someone for saying something as simple as "Rockin Good Tune" ....It is possible (usually) to disagree without starting to call names.
Marr wrote:
Ahem. Perhaps a modicum of decorum here would be appropriate.
...then again maybe not.
meghan89 wrote:
I wonder if U2 ever felt bad for inflicitng all that Zooropa crap on us
...Zooropa crap? You mean Babyface, Stay (Faraway, so close), Dirty day, Zooropa are not great songs? Maybe you were too busy looking at the cover to listen.
Ibis99 wrote:
Texas Fool.
Ahem. Perhaps a modicum of decorum here would be appropriate.
Great song, lousy audience patter. In the name of Bono, gag.
Ibis99 wrote:
Texas Fool.
??????
Crowd ruins a decent song. /me is not a fan of live recordings.
In the name of "God"....please stop playing these whiners.
ndfan75 wrote:
rockin! good tune from when U2 still had soul "Free at last, they took your life They could not take your pride"
Texas Fool.
rockin! good tune from when U2 still had soul "Free at last, they took your life They could not take your pride"
I'm not a U2 fan, but you just gotta love this song.
jah_blessed wrote:
The live version is just a little too fast. I prefer the studio version.
They recorded this about a mile from the house I lived in during high school. I could hear it pretty well from my back yard. $5 for a ticket - still kicking myself for not going.
bigstory wrote:
From their "we've got cool hats" period.
I adore U2.
Eh, quando gli U2 erano i veri U2...
Tux wrote:
Here I am! Do you want some U2 bashing?
LOL there you are!
calray wrote:
Where is Tux when you need him?
Here I am! Do you want some U2 bashing?
Where is Tux when you need him?