"Early morning, April 4, shot rings out in the Memphis sky... "Free at Last," they took your life, they could not take your Pride." Reference to Martin Luther King Jr. Amazing song from an amazing band.
@@allanjones1680 Yeah & if Gandhi had implemented his proclaimed Luddite policies, hundreds of thousands of his countrymen would have died from starvation...fact! Always research the venerated &/or denounced before passing judgement: Bill Clinton, Mother Theresa, Henry Kissinger, Tony Blair...even MLK himself. You'll be surprised what you find out.
this song is a shoutout to all the nonviolent human rights activists in history who put their lives on the line in the name of love. It is mainly inspired by and is based on the life of Martin Luther King Jr . but they also sing about Jesus when they state that one of the people they are referring to was “betrayed with a kiss”.
@@jefflee2698 I have read that line may have been about the soldiers who fought at Normandy. Possibly. So much speculation. Whatever the case, the song appears to refer to more than merely Jesus and MLK.
@@jdoe1988 One man washed on an empty beach - Roger Casement - an Irish revolutionary who was betrayed by the Germans shortly before the Irish Eastern Rising of 1916. He was left on a beach, too sick to travel and was caught by the English who executed him after a controversial trial.
This song & “Sunday Bloody Sunday” are songs I discovered in the import bin in the record store in the 80’s...my reaction was similar to yours when I 1st heard them...thanks for bringing back the memories!
Also of men getting caught in a barb wire fence which would be the fence between East and West Berlin before the wall. Also Jesus Christ when they sing”One betrayed with a kiss”
Was coming here to say just that. This song is about many different significant events that happened throughout history. Such a beautiful and powerful song.
Yes, the song is referencing all the regular people, world leaders, religious leaders, and specifically Martin Luther King Jr., who have been killed or died fighting for equality - 'one more' dead 'in the name of love'.
Wow! I never knew with they were singing about. Omg. These past few years have been me rediscovering all my favorite songs from the past and finding out what the lyrics are and what they're about. It's been amazing! Even better than when I first heard them years ago.
I was a teenager in the 80's U2 was my band. I bought every album. Went to every concert I could. I lived in Sydney, Australia and the day the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, U2 were playing in Sydney and I had a ticket. So I got to go and celebrate what had happened with Bono as our cheerleader. He was not scared of politics. It was amazing. There were some kids in the audience who had a banner that night. Bono got them up on stage. It said 'Berlin Today, China Tomorrow'. The massacre in Tiananmen Square in Beijing had happened only earlier that same year. The 1980's were amazing and so were U2.
That must have been a magical experience! Having seen U2 and Bono live a handful of times myself I can attest to the man's ability to connect to every individual in a huge crowd.. It's uncanny. Just thinking of him doing it on the day the Berlin Wall fell gives me shivers!
God bless President Ronald Reagan. He traveled to the Berlin wall and right in the COMMUNISTs faces , he demanded Gorbachev to, "TEAR THIS WALL" and immediately it began to happen. Now we have a completely COMMUNIST government, elected by some of the people. The communists always bragged that,"someday we will take America without firing a shot...and they did. The saddest part is, most don't even know it.
@@kenperk9854 There were so many reasons the Berlin Wall came down that had nothing to do with Ronald Reagan, And please get psychiatric help. America by no means has a communist government. Get help.
U2 does many socially conscious songs. Most are about things that happened before you were born. That's why you have a tough time with some of the lyrics. Their Joshua Tree tour. It felt like they were the greatest band in the world.
Us Irish are a very socially conscious bunch... we know what it is like to be at the sharp end of the stick. Been there for centuries... Joshua Tour was unbelievable and as a band showed they were the best on the planet.
One Tree Hill for me as well, With or With out you. SBS though sad song for what it’s about, but great song about sad times when a British troops fired on and shit unarmed protesters in Derry album rightly futile titled War, funny I thought this album came out much earlier than it did when it was actually released. Still connects today, as does One Tree Hill which I had been too many times before some idiot tried to cut it down with a chain saw! They wrote that song for one of there roadies who was a Kiwi ironic it was one of his own that destroyed the tree! But great song and tribute to a fallen mate of the band.
There are well over 80 U2 songs that are on another level. Unbelievable. This is another example. Just unreal music. You can't fail with U2. God Bless MLK. What a man. Much love from Ireland 🇮🇪 ❤
I am a total 80’s girl. When this name came out & I first heard it, it hit me like a punch & then, the verse where you know for sure this is mainly for Martin Luther King, Jr. I was in tears. It was so beautiful. The lyrics, the delivery through Bono’s voice and then the music. OMGOODNESS!!!!! I was blown away. My favorite song by them. Also, Sunday Bloody Sunday. Both of these songs get me even after all these years.
In the 80s they were actually a much different band, much more heart in their music. If you want to hear it at it's best, listen to the Live at Red Rocks version of Sunday Bloody Sunday.
I was listening to Hall & Oates when I got this notification and was like "hold everything! My man Jayveetv is reacting to one of my favorite bands!!" They recently released a version of this video that's in color. It's really neat!! Bono wore the mullet well. :) Yeah I might have a crush on Bono lol.
You have to see a live version where the band allows the words of MLK ring out on a large screen before singing, “In the name of love....” It’s incredibly beautiful and powerful. Cry every time is see it.
It’s about sacrifice. This is about many different men; solders at Normandy beach during WWII, people who got caught on barbed wire fence trying to escape Communist East Germany, Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King Jr. Powerful Song.
I wonder if the reference to a man caught on a barbed wire fence was Matthew Shepard, a young gay man, murdered and left to die on a barbed wire fence in the bitter cold of Wyoming.
It's one of my favorite songs of all time. Bono sings w such passion. A tribute to MLK and so many in history who stood up for what is right...they lost their lives in the name of love! I always get emotional listening to this song! ❤️🕊
Bono Apologized for the mistake in the song he alter noted that it should have been early evening April 4 but still what a Powerful song one of they're Greatest ever 💚🎶🎸
The opening guitar strains of this song sounded like a revelation when I first heard it on radio as a child. This is the song that broke them through to a wider audience in 1984. I knew it was something special, but I had no idea how huge U2 would go on to be. Powerful stuff! Have you listened to "I Will Follow" or "New Year's Day" yet? They have some great songs from that earlier time frame in their history.
@@kristianduff7775 The Dubliners? Gotta give them a listen on St Paddy's Day!!! Also there's The Boomtown Rats, Thin Lizzie, Hothouse Flowers, The Chieftains (and Boyzone and Westlife were successful as well if you're into that kind of music as well) so more than you think!!! Maybe these aren't world famous like U2, but not many bands are!!!
Jay you really need to find "U2 @ Red Rocks". Not for reaction videos but for your own enjoyment, that's the concert that solidified them. Please, its for your own benefit you will not be disappointed.
This song is about Martin Luther King and is my favorite song from U2! You choose a perfect Month to react to this song. I reccomend Beautiful Day next!
This is early U2 and I love this song! Martin Luther King Jr. is part of the songs subject “…April 4, shot rings out in the Memphis sky, free at last, they took your life, they could not take your pride”. and I was so impressed by that as a young black girl in the eighties! It always makes me tear up! I believe he was also referring to Jesus early on when he said “one man betrayed with a kiss” when Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek as a signal to the soldiers to arrest him!❤❤
U2 was all about peace and harmony in the world, and that is what my parents taught us to believe in. Mum cried when Martin Luther King was killed so did I, a very great man taken in such a savage manner who deserved so much better. I don't think anyone could sing that better than Bono, the emotion that comes from him is so sincerely felt and the bands playing is a perfect accompaniment to his singing. Thank you for reminding me of this great song and band sweetheart. Your reactions were wonderful to watch and I believe that you hear more wearing headphones than I do not wearing them. God bless you all love hugs and peace to everyone Mary-Ellen UK
From Ireland ... grew up on great Irish rock, for a small country we really do give the World music ..From being a child listening to U2 being blasted in our street on summer days to never missing a tour they did from my early teens, queuing for records /CDs and concert tickets all nite was a great buzz .. check out the many bands we have here .. Something Happens / Cry before Dawn / The Stunning / The Frames / The 4 of Us / Thin Lizzy / The Undertones / Stiff Little Fingers / The Cranberries / Aslan / Bell X1 / The Coronas / Snow Patrol / Walking on Cars and many more missed
One more comment. When Bono jumps off the stage and starts singing to the children it is beautiful and he has so much Charisma that the children are in ah, children are a very good judge of character ..we need more people like him.
This song is a great homage to MLK. Another powerful U2 song is "All I want is You". Both the video and song are quite haunting. And their "Angel of Harlem" is another tribute song by them for Billie Holiday. Honestly the have an amazing back catalogue.
Great choice, really nice to see them so young. Another great one is “Beautiful Day”, Grammy winner for Song of the Year & Best Rock Performance in 2001.
Dude,great catch on Dr. King! Many don't get that on the first listen. It's about him pointedly,but martyrdom in general. There's some Jesus in there too,for example..."One man betrayed with a kiss."
U2 are an anthemic band - their songs get right to the core and hit you right in the feels. Bono's voice is soaring, his performance and delivery unforgettable, and the band have their own unique sound - you know it's U2 as soon as the song starts. One of the biggest and best rock bands in the history of music.
U2 were top of the world from so early on. U2 and REM is all I needed when I was younger.I love it that you feel the music. That is great.Martin was shot April 4th.
I was lucky enough to be at the 'Free Nelson Mandela' concert at Wembley stadium around 1990. U2 declined to perform because the ANC believed in the violent struggle. However, we all knew that they should have been there, in spirit at least. So, between each act, the crowd would spontaneously sing the refrain from their song '40' which goes on a loop "How long to sing this song". We were on the pitch and the words were travelling round like a Mexican wave. I am totally not a spiritual person but that evening was something special.
I wish I could scream like him and you could still understand me that is amazing how he can basically scream out loud and not distort or anything there is so much passion there and it is so powerful he's a beautiful human being
I saw U2 in 2005 during the Vertigo tour, and they ended with this song. Bono had the whole stadium singing that “oh oh-oh oh” at the end a cappella. Still gives me chills when I think about it!
Yes, that is who it's about and the interesting thing is you described it beautifully before you even realized who they were talking about. Nice reaction. You know most U2 songs are powerful. I'm not sure if you have, but if not, please go react to U2 "Bad" performed at Live Aid.
You are right. This is a powerful song. U2 is one of the few bands who use their influence to bring awareness to injustice and help others. God bless them.
I've watched a quite a few different reactions to this song, and you are the only one who got the reference to MLK! #RESPECT You just became one of my top 3 favorites!💙
When MTV first aired, U2’s music videos were among the first to air. This song, Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year’s Day we’re on constantly. This is still my favorite.
My favorite U2 song! A great tribute to Dr. King. Several of my other favorites are from the album before this one: War. Check "New Year's Day", "Two Hearts Beat as One", and "Sunday, Bloody Sunday". If you're looking for another powerful tribute song for Black History month, check out Peter Gabriel's "Biko": his tribute to the South African activist, Steven Biko, who was killed in resisting Apartheid. Thanks for listening and sharing! Peace from SF
Fun fact during there Lovetown Tour on New Year's Eve 1989 at the Point Depot in Dublin broadcast on radio when Bono was introducing the band he said and on guitar and someone from the crowd shouted out the Edge he then said angel of Harlem ,that person was my Sis lol she still brings that up and has the recording...
You're not wrong! The first time I realized what this song meant, I was moved to tears and every single time I hear it, I get the same reaction. Very powerful song; tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, the man that wanted peace and equality for his people and for all people! God bless! You do an excellent job with your videos.
Rare, rare band -- so few dramas. No rifts. No scandals. Just hardworking Irish boys who get the job done. Their concert tours were the hottest tickets in town in the '80s. I remember over 20,000 tickets selling out in under 20 minutes in Vancouver. This is just one song that U2 has done about Black icons -- this is about Martin Luther King's Death. "MLK" is another one, a tribute to Martin Luther King. "Angel of Harlem" is about Ella Fitzgerald, I think, and there have been others. They love Black American culture and it really comes through in some of their music. "I Still Haven't Found," the Gospel version is AMAZING.
Remember listening to this as we docked in Dublin (from the UK) at 7am in the 80's as a kid, First the Dublin commuters, then the tractors on route to the fields, then the markets setting up before we eventually reached the Mayo on the west at around 11am to a bustling town. U2 playing in the car, the greatest memories. Arriving in Ballaghaderreen and running up from the town to our cousins houses when we arrived. Brings tears to my eyes thinking about it.
You are a freaking genius because you got it exactly so many other videos they don't have a clue and they completely gloss over Martin Luther King you are the man❤
it's one thing for me to like a song because it sounds great but also, for me to learn that the song's meaning represents a good cause makes it all the more special.
Yes. He is singing about Martin Luther King. (Although he was killed at night. They used poetic license) I love the background vocals in this song. It is so nice to see how much you like this song. You should see them in concert! I saw them three times. I also brought them flowers once.
U2 are one of the very best groups of all times - you can take almost any song and it has power, they started the unique sound of very low bass and very high guitar and Bono has the charisma that opens hearts.
This song/video is what made me fall in love with U2 ❤🙌first time i ever heard and saw them , in the 80s on tv , still get goosebumps! React to "Where the streets have no name" ! I saw them on their US tour on Orange bowl stadium in Miami in the 80s, so powerful! Lived in Florida for 1year and have so many awsome memories
April 4 is my bday, so that’s where my mind always goes when I hear this song, but I still appreciate the raw power of Bono’s voice when he sings about MLK. Really strong stuff this, reckon this is their most passionate song tbh
I first saw them on the Joshua Tree tour in Montreal in 1987. Everyone singing the chorus of 40 for a half hour as they left the stadium into the parking ramp was amazing. Got to seen them again when they rereleased the album in 2019 in Buffalo. They still make me feel like I did the first time I heard them in the early 80s, great choice!! I Will Follow, Seconds, and 40 are my favorites!
Only U2 can bring this unique sound, that lead rythmn sound with some echo and reverb that Edge brings and the heavy bass, solid kick in the drums was and is just unique...they make a four piece band sound so much more.
@@heididietrich9800 U2 was looking to MLK's strategy of non-violence as a solution to "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland. Both the group and the man were religious people who took inspiration from Jesus's message of peace and justice.
Also looking at the video, you get this whole subtext where this is a band from Ireland and people there at the time were still going at each other's throats in the name of religion.
For GENZ and millennials, to give you an idea how powerful the 80’s and the early days of MTV were: this song was in the top twenty at the same time as “Dancin’ In The Dark-Springsteen,” “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go-George Michael and Wham”, “Like A Virgin-Madonna”, “When The Doves Cry-Prince” and Micheal Jackson’s THRILLER tour was underway! No joke! Look it up, September-October 1984! Show me a top-20 lineup like that today!
You won't believe how many incredible songs they made. Not only the famous ones. The entire album The Joshua Tree is a gem. And their masterpiece is Achtung Baby. It was 1991, I was 18 and they changed the pop music forever. Listen to Acrobat, or Until the end of the world, or The Fly. Please react to the most influential songs of the Ninties.
Three weeks ago we visited Atlanta with our 17 year old son and visited the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. museum. This song along with U2 was acknowledged in the museum display for paying homage to Dr. King. This is a very powerful song with a powerful message, and will remain timeless.
Dear Jayvee, can you imagine a choir of 95,000 singing this song along with Bono Vox? Yes, that happened in January 1998 at Morumbi Stadium in São Paulo, and at the end of the song he was moved to tears of emotion, along with many people in the audience. I was there. Unforgettable. 🥲
You are right. This song is a tribute to MLK. U2 songs always have a special meaning or message. There are so many to check out. They are my favorite band. Enjoy exploring more of their music. I stumbled upon your channel with your first time listening to New Order's Blue Monday. I love your reactions to hearing a song for the first time. I always enjoy discovering new music and hearing something for the first time and being blown away. Great channel!
I didn't go see bands in concert, but I did see U2 on April 4, for their Unforgettable Fire tour. After that they did the Joshua Tree album, and Rattle and Hum, and completely blew up, being probably the #1 band in the world at the time.
Yes Jayvee the song was written about MLK it was recorded in slane castle in 1984 and it came off the album the unforgettable Fire 🔥 Bono apologized for a mistake in the line early morning April 4 when it should be early evening April 4 but nevertheless it's a classic song 💚
"Early morning, April 4, shot rings out in the Memphis sky... "Free at Last," they took your life, they could not take your Pride." Reference to Martin Luther King Jr. Amazing song from an amazing band.
"One man, betrayed with a kiss" refers to Jesus.
@@yesterhear3521 It's called 'poetic license'...cut 'em a break.........
One man he resist refers to Ghandi
@@yesterhear3521 Sometimes in concert Bono changes it to "twilight darkness, April 4."
@@allanjones1680 Yeah & if Gandhi had implemented his proclaimed Luddite policies, hundreds of thousands of his countrymen would have died from starvation...fact! Always research the venerated &/or denounced before passing judgement: Bill Clinton, Mother Theresa, Henry Kissinger, Tony Blair...even MLK himself.
You'll be surprised what you find out.
They took your life but they could not take your pride😢 One of the greatest song lines ever!!!!!
Totally agree, met some of the band in my local pub a few years ago. Nice guys.
This was my husband’s favourite U2 song, which makes the fact that he died on 4th April 2010 even more heartbreaking.
I wonder if your husband was psychically connected to MLK in a past life?
Very sorry to hear that😔
Your husband had a great taste in music...condolences to you and keep those happy memories.
Please i hope you find peace with yourself
Sorry for your loss 10 years ago. Your husband had good taste in music!!
this song is a shoutout to all the nonviolent human rights activists in history who put their lives on the line in the name of love. It is mainly inspired by and is based on the life of Martin Luther King Jr
. but they also sing about Jesus when they state that one of the people they are referring to was “betrayed with a kiss”.
Yes, this.
AMEN, many deep meanings here... same with One, SBS etc ..
I never understood the Judas hate. It was all part of God's plan. Judas should be celebrated shouldn't he?
@@rodbrewster4629 no it was the beginning of evil to the world along cones lucifer
Also Ghandi is mentioned in the line: "one man, he resist..."
When he sings “Early morning April 4” I get goosebumps. It never fails, it’s such a powerful line that follows that. Love this song.
When the group performs the song live these days, Bono changes the lyric to "Early evening April 4".
@@robertbrescia3196 yep. To be historically accurate.
The last verse was about MLk, earlier in the song it reference Jesus and Ghandi
Correct...All three lost their lives in the name of love......
Thanks for mentioning that. Most people only hear the end of the song.
@@jdoe1988 looking at the meaning song it said one man washed up on empty beach, evidently he was born in a beach house.
@@jefflee2698 I have read that line may have been about the soldiers who fought at Normandy. Possibly. So much speculation. Whatever the case, the song appears to refer to more than merely Jesus and MLK.
@@jdoe1988 One man washed on an empty beach - Roger Casement - an Irish revolutionary who was betrayed by the Germans shortly before the Irish Eastern Rising of 1916. He was left on a beach, too sick to travel and was caught by the English who executed him after a controversial trial.
My favorite band! This is a powerful tribute to MLK and all non-violent freedom fighters!
This song & “Sunday Bloody Sunday” are songs I discovered in the import bin in the record store in the 80’s...my reaction was similar to yours when I 1st heard them...thanks for bringing back the memories!
Yes. I started singing “Sunday” immediately. U2 is legendary.
I Fell in Love with Bono On MTV when I was in MISSISSIPPI and I haven't stopped listening 🎧 to him. Let's put it like this:. I LOVE U2 ❣️
Also of men getting caught in a barb wire fence which would be the fence between East and West Berlin before the wall. Also Jesus Christ when they sing”One betrayed with a kiss”
Was coming here to say just that. This song is about many different significant events that happened throughout history. Such a beautiful and powerful song.
Yes, the song is referencing all the regular people, world leaders, religious leaders, and specifically Martin Luther King Jr., who have been killed or died fighting for equality - 'one more' dead 'in the name of love'.
Wow! I never knew with they were singing about. Omg. These past few years have been me rediscovering all my favorite songs from the past and finding out what the lyrics are and what they're about. It's been amazing! Even better than when I first heard them years ago.
@@redwoodrambler I'm sure the 7" single cover I bought at the time had MLK on it...
Yes!!
I was a teenager in the 80's U2 was my band. I bought every album. Went to every concert I could. I lived in Sydney, Australia and the day the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, U2 were playing in Sydney and I had a ticket. So I got to go and celebrate what had happened with Bono as our cheerleader. He was not scared of politics. It was amazing. There were some kids in the audience who had a banner that night. Bono got them up on stage. It said 'Berlin Today, China Tomorrow'. The massacre in Tiananmen Square in Beijing had happened only earlier that same year. The 1980's were amazing and so were U2.
Well said EC
Ive seen them twice in Sydney too! 1984,2007. Fantastic in concert.
That must have been a magical experience!
Having seen U2 and Bono live a handful of times myself I can attest to the man's ability to connect to every individual in a huge crowd.. It's uncanny. Just thinking of him doing it on the day the Berlin Wall fell gives me shivers!
God bless President Ronald Reagan. He traveled to the Berlin wall and right in the COMMUNISTs faces , he demanded Gorbachev to, "TEAR THIS WALL" and immediately it began to happen. Now we have a completely COMMUNIST government, elected by some of the people. The communists always bragged that,"someday we will take America without firing a shot...and they did.
The saddest part is, most don't even know it.
@@kenperk9854 There were so many reasons the Berlin Wall came down that had nothing to do with Ronald Reagan, And please get psychiatric help. America by no means has a communist government. Get help.
U2 does many socially conscious songs. Most are about things that happened before you were born. That's why you have a tough time with some of the lyrics. Their Joshua Tree tour. It felt like they were the greatest band in the world.
Us Irish are a very socially conscious bunch... we know what it is like to be at the sharp end of the stick. Been there for centuries... Joshua Tour was unbelievable and as a band showed they were the best on the planet.
I went to watch them on that tour. Bono said hello to me 😊
“Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “Bad,” and “One” are also great hits to react to
YES!
Definitely “One”
IMO The Unforgettable Fire and New Year's Day.
Both hauntingly powerful tracks.
Yes. I would add, "Still Haven't Found what I'm Looking For."
One Tree Hill for me as well, With or With out you. SBS though sad song for what it’s about, but great song about sad times when a British troops fired on and shit unarmed protesters in Derry album rightly futile titled War, funny I thought this album came out much earlier than it did when it was actually released. Still connects today, as does One Tree Hill which I had been too many times before some idiot tried to cut it down with a chain saw! They wrote that song for one of there roadies who was a Kiwi ironic it was one of his own that destroyed the tree! But great song and tribute to a fallen mate of the band.
"One", off of 1991's "Auchtung Baby", is one of their absolute best.
That entire album is amazing! 🔥❤🔥❤
"Mysterious Ways" "Even Better Than The Real Thing"
Even better than the real thing perfecto mix. One of the best remixes I've ever heard and my favourite U2 song
Even better than the real thing -YES !
@@stevetici2668 I have that mix on my Spotify...'safe to say I agree! Paul Oakenfold doing the Lord's work
There are well over 80 U2 songs that are on another level. Unbelievable. This is another example. Just unreal music. You can't fail with U2. God Bless MLK. What a man. Much love from Ireland 🇮🇪 ❤
❤
U2-Angel of Harlem U2-I will follow
czcams.com/video/gygO8RgYKGQ/video.html
@@jennhurl Thank you
Angel of Harlem was recorded in the original Sun Records studios.
I am a total 80’s girl. When this name came out & I first heard it, it hit me like a punch & then, the verse where you know for sure this is mainly for Martin Luther King, Jr. I was in tears. It was so beautiful. The lyrics, the delivery through Bono’s voice and then the music. OMGOODNESS!!!!! I was blown away. My favorite song by them. Also, Sunday Bloody Sunday. Both of these songs get me even after all these years.
In the 80s they were actually a much different band, much more heart in their music. If you want to hear it at it's best, listen to the Live at Red Rocks version of Sunday Bloody Sunday.
Agreed 💯
Agree!!
It's about Martin Luther king 🤎🤎✌🏾✌🏾
Only the second part.
First half was about Jesus... "betrayed with a kiss.."
Your right , he was very important to Irish people because of his association with John f Kennedy
And Jesus ❤️
I was listening to Hall & Oates when I got this notification and was like "hold everything! My man Jayveetv is reacting to one of my favorite bands!!" They recently released a version of this video that's in color. It's really neat!! Bono wore the mullet well. :)
Yeah I might have a crush on Bono lol.
Watch it... thats MY Bono you're talking about! 😋
@@fleaflicker1451 haha. We'll share ok? BTW I like your username! Oh and I love the note Bono hits when he sings "sky" in the section about MLK
Let's face it... back in the day everyone had a crush on Bono. ;)
@@fleaflicker1451 to be fair...that is OUR Bono...but I’m first.
@@Cyssane i still do, man.
Ev-ery-thing is banging -- the lead guitar, bass, drums, and, of course, the vocals
You have to see a live version where the band allows the words of MLK ring out on a large screen before singing, “In the name of love....” It’s incredibly beautiful and powerful. Cry every time is see it.
It’s about sacrifice. This is about many different men; solders at Normandy beach during WWII, people who got caught on barbed wire fence trying to escape Communist East Germany, Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King Jr. Powerful Song.
I wonder if the reference to a man caught on a barbed wire fence was Matthew Shepard, a young gay man, murdered and left to die on a barbed wire fence in the bitter cold of Wyoming.
@@wallihaley5194 No. This song was released in 1984. Matthew Shepard was killed in October 1998. So very sad.
I always wondered about the bobwired fence reference. Ty.
@@wallihaley5194 poor Matthew. I was thinking about him the other day for some reason. When will these people stop?
@@wallihaley5194 LDS member?
It's one of my favorite songs of all time. Bono sings w such passion. A tribute to MLK and so many in history who stood up for what is right...they lost their lives in the name of love! I always get emotional listening to this song! ❤️🕊
U2✌ - Mysterious Ways🔥
- New Years Day - Beautiful Day🔥
- All I Want Is You - Desire
- Until The End of the World
- Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses
One. Beautiful song.
@@annab8189 He reacted to "One" already.
Can’t go wrong with U2 IMO. This song is about MLK jr... April 4th is when he was shot and killed in Memphis.
Bono Apologized for the mistake in the song he alter noted that it should have been early evening April 4 but still what a Powerful song one of they're Greatest ever 💚🎶🎸
This song was a massive hit. It signifies the sound of the 80s for me. Brilliant / choice !
The opening guitar strains of this song sounded like a revelation when I first heard it on radio as a child. This is the song that broke them through to a wider audience in 1984. I knew it was something special, but I had no idea how huge U2 would go on to be. Powerful stuff! Have you listened to "I Will Follow" or "New Year's Day" yet? They have some great songs from that earlier time frame in their history.
Will forever love U2 just for this song. Awesome LIVE
I was hooked .. song is about Martin Luther King Jr
The second part is.
And 'bout Jesus
My 1st thought was that it was about Jesus but I learned something new today.
It’s NOT just about MLK, think before you post
Also Malcolm X. Bono made a month stake. Dr. King was shot in the late afternoon, not early morning April 4th.
Running to Stand Still by U2 is a good one as well. They have so many great tunes.
I played that song at my daughters funeral. Even still, one of my favorites.
ONE OF MY FAVS OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU
One of the best bands to come out of Dublin in Ireland. Fantastic views over Dublin city in the video.
Them and Thin Lizzy.
I remember when the video came out! I loved the aerial shots and they were perfect for the song!
One of? Lmao.
@@kristianduff7775 The Dubliners? Gotta give them a listen on St Paddy's Day!!! Also there's The Boomtown Rats, Thin Lizzie, Hothouse Flowers, The Chieftains (and Boyzone and Westlife were successful as well if you're into that kind of music as well) so more than you think!!! Maybe these aren't world famous like U2, but not many bands are!!!
What? One of the best? Talk about understatement. This is the quintessential Irish band.
Jay you really need to find "U2 @ Red Rocks". Not for reaction videos but for your own enjoyment, that's the concert that solidified them. Please, its for your own benefit you will not be disappointed.
This song is about Martin Luther King and is my favorite song from U2! You choose a perfect Month to react to this song.
I reccomend Beautiful Day next!
This is early U2 and I love this song! Martin Luther King Jr. is part of the songs subject “…April 4, shot rings out in the Memphis sky, free at last, they took your life, they could not take your pride”. and I was so impressed by that as a young black girl in the eighties! It always makes me tear up! I believe he was also referring to Jesus early on when he said “one man betrayed with a kiss” when Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek as a signal to the soldiers to arrest him!❤❤
U2 was all about peace and harmony in the world, and that is what my parents taught us to believe in. Mum cried when Martin Luther King was killed so did I, a very great man taken in such a savage manner who deserved so much better. I don't think anyone could sing that better than Bono, the emotion that comes from him is so sincerely felt and the bands playing is a perfect accompaniment to his singing. Thank you for reminding me of this great song and band sweetheart. Your reactions were wonderful to watch and I believe that you hear more wearing headphones than I do not wearing them. God bless you all love hugs and peace to everyone Mary-Ellen UK
From Ireland ... grew up on great Irish rock, for a small country we really do give the World music ..From being a child listening to U2 being blasted in our street on summer days to never missing a tour they did from my early teens, queuing for records /CDs and concert tickets all nite was a great buzz .. check out the many bands we have here .. Something Happens / Cry before Dawn / The Stunning / The Frames / The 4 of Us / Thin Lizzy / The Undertones / Stiff Little Fingers / The Cranberries / Aslan / Bell X1 / The Coronas / Snow Patrol / Walking on Cars and many more missed
One more comment. When Bono jumps off the stage and starts singing to the children it is beautiful and he has so much Charisma that the children are in ah, children are a very good judge of character ..we need more people like him.
This song is a great homage to MLK.
Another powerful U2 song is "All I want is You". Both the video and song are quite haunting. And their "Angel of Harlem" is another tribute song by them for Billie Holiday. Honestly the have an amazing back catalogue.
This guitar riff is forever burned into my brain. The Edge is a really underrated guitarist.
Great choice, really nice to see them so young. Another great one is “Beautiful Day”, Grammy winner for Song of the Year & Best Rock Performance in 2001.
U2 all time favorite band and i love that you are reacting to them. Pure emotion!! RIP MLK
Dude,great catch on Dr. King! Many don't get that on the first listen. It's about him pointedly,but martyrdom in general. There's some Jesus in there too,for example..."One man betrayed with a kiss."
The last concert I went before pandemic was U2 - the Joshua Tree Tour. that was 1 Dec 2019.
I was there I lost my voice 🤎🤎✌🏾✌🏾
U2 are an anthemic band - their songs get right to the core and hit you right in the feels. Bono's voice is soaring, his performance and delivery unforgettable, and the band have their own unique sound - you know it's U2 as soon as the song starts. One of the biggest and best rock bands in the history of music.
U2 were top of the world from so early on.
U2 and REM is all I needed when I was younger.I love it that you feel the music.
That is great.Martin was shot April 4th.
I was lucky enough to be at the 'Free Nelson Mandela' concert at Wembley stadium around 1990. U2 declined to perform because the ANC believed in the violent struggle. However, we all knew that they should have been there, in spirit at least. So, between each act, the crowd would spontaneously sing the refrain from their song '40' which goes on a loop "How long to sing this song". We were on the pitch and the words were travelling round like a Mexican wave. I am totally not a spiritual person but that evening was something special.
I wish I could scream like him and you could still understand me that is amazing how he can basically scream out loud and not distort or anything there is so much passion there and it is so powerful he's a beautiful human being
I saw U2 in 2005 during the Vertigo tour, and they ended with this song. Bono had the whole stadium singing that “oh oh-oh oh” at the end a cappella. Still gives me chills when I think about it!
Yes, that is who it's about and the interesting thing is you described it beautifully before you even realized who they were talking about. Nice reaction. You know most U2 songs are powerful. I'm not sure if you have, but if not, please go react to U2 "Bad" performed at Live Aid.
You are right. This is a powerful song. U2 is one of the few bands who use their influence to bring awareness to injustice and help others. God bless them.
I've watched a quite a few different reactions to this song, and you are the only one who got the reference to MLK! #RESPECT You just became one of my top 3 favorites!💙
When MTV first aired, U2’s music videos were among the first
to air. This song, Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year’s Day
we’re on constantly. This is still my favorite.
My favorite U2 song! A great tribute to Dr. King. Several of my other favorites are from the album before this one: War. Check "New Year's Day", "Two Hearts Beat as One", and "Sunday, Bloody Sunday". If you're looking for another powerful tribute song for Black History month, check out Peter Gabriel's "Biko": his tribute to the South African activist, Steven Biko, who was killed in resisting Apartheid. Thanks for listening and sharing!
Peace from SF
Yes, Biko, so good!
My favorite band. I’ve been to three concerts, and they are epic❤️
If there’s an opportunity to visit a concert with U2 it will be a lifetime experience!!!
Fun fact during there Lovetown Tour on New Year's Eve 1989 at the Point Depot in Dublin broadcast on radio when Bono was introducing the band he said and on guitar and someone from the crowd shouted out the Edge he then said angel of Harlem ,that person was my Sis lol she still brings that up and has the recording...
You're not wrong! The first time I realized what this song meant, I was moved to tears and every single time I hear it, I get the same reaction. Very powerful song; tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, the man that wanted peace and equality for his people and for all people! God bless! You do an excellent job with your videos.
This band is unmatched ❣️
When they perform this live he gives a shout-out to Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon and very most Martin Luther King
Thank you
Rare, rare band -- so few dramas. No rifts. No scandals. Just hardworking Irish boys who get the job done. Their concert tours were the hottest tickets in town in the '80s. I remember over 20,000 tickets selling out in under 20 minutes in Vancouver.
This is just one song that U2 has done about Black icons -- this is about Martin Luther King's Death. "MLK" is another one, a tribute to Martin Luther King. "Angel of Harlem" is about Ella Fitzgerald, I think, and there have been others. They love Black American culture and it really comes through in some of their music. "I Still Haven't Found," the Gospel version is AMAZING.
Remember listening to this as we docked in Dublin (from the UK) at 7am in the 80's as a kid, First the Dublin commuters, then the tractors on route to the fields, then the markets setting up before we eventually reached the Mayo on the west at around 11am to a bustling town. U2 playing in the car, the greatest memories. Arriving in Ballaghaderreen and running up from the town to our cousins houses when we arrived. Brings tears to my eyes thinking about it.
U2-Pavarotti "Miss Sarajevo" Live. To be seen.
yes, please!!! It's really, really good!!!
I remember when Showcase used to play that between shows!
People forget Bono has a banger of a voice i was waiting to see jovaughans reaction when he belted the chorus out..love U2...
You are a freaking genius because you got it exactly so many other videos they don't have a clue and they completely gloss over Martin Luther King you are the man❤
it's one thing for me to like a song because it sounds great but also, for me to learn that the song's meaning represents a good cause makes it all the more special.
Yes. He is singing about Martin Luther King. (Although he was killed at night. They used poetic license) I love the background vocals in this song. It is so nice to see how much you like this song. You should see them in concert! I saw them three times. I also brought them flowers once.
U2 are one of the very best groups of all times - you can take almost any song and it has power, they started the unique sound of very low bass and very high guitar and Bono has the charisma that opens hearts.
This song is an homage to all the people who espoused peace and brotherhood and the shame that they lost their lives violently
What a powerful and beautiful song 🤎🤎👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
This song/video is what made me fall in love with U2 ❤🙌first time i ever heard and saw them , in the 80s on tv , still get goosebumps! React to "Where the streets have no name" ! I saw them on their US tour on Orange bowl stadium in Miami in the 80s, so powerful! Lived in Florida for 1year and have so many awsome memories
There are so many truly brilliant U2 songs. Enjoy exploring the plethora of hits and hidden gems.
April 4 is my bday, so that’s where my mind always goes when I hear this song, but I still appreciate the raw power of Bono’s voice when he sings about MLK. Really strong stuff this, reckon this is their most passionate song tbh
The line about Martin Luther King always
makes my eyes tear up and I get a lump in my throat! It’s such a beautiful song!
This song is a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
Also speaks of Jesus when they sing”One betrayed by a Kiss”
Love this song and the raw emotion in his voice. Good interpretation and reaction
The song is about Jesus and MLK.
And Ghandi, and Jesus, and those trying to cross Berlin Wall
This is my favorite U2 song . With or Without You is my second favorite.
Saw U2 back from n the 80s a few times. Seeing them in concert is almost a spiritual thing. It’s a great show to see.
I was nearly 11 years of age when this was released & it gave me goosebumps. Such a fantastic song!!! #goosebumps
WHAT MORE IN THE NAME OF LOVE!? Pierces the heart. Love this song.
I first saw them on the Joshua Tree tour in Montreal in 1987. Everyone singing the chorus of 40 for a half hour as they left the stadium into the parking ramp was amazing. Got to seen them again when they rereleased the album in 2019 in Buffalo. They still make me feel like I did the first time I heard them in the early 80s, great choice!! I Will Follow, Seconds, and 40 are my favorites!
I was 14 Years old when i first heard this song... and felt in love with U2!!! ... now i’m 50 and the fire is stil burning...❤️❤️❤️
This song always makes me cry..... one of their best.
Only U2 can bring this unique sound, that lead rythmn sound with some echo and reverb that Edge brings and the heavy bass, solid kick in the drums was and is just unique...they make a four piece band sound so much more.
I would think the line: Betrayed by a kiss-is referencing someone a bit larger than MLK. I think the song is about all the peace and love figures
Yes. He is talking about Jesus.
Except Jesus wasn't killed April 4th. in Memphis...MLK was
@@gregorioesparza5778 yes but Jesus was betrayed with a kiss.
@@heididietrich9800 U2 was looking to MLK's strategy of non-violence as a solution to "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland. Both the group and the man were religious people who took inspiration from Jesus's message of peace and justice.
Everything is banging -- lead guitar, the bass, drums, and, of course, the vocals
Bono strong haunting voice. Flea iconic guitar sound. You know their songs anytime they come on. Great song, great album.
Also looking at the video, you get this whole subtext where this is a band from Ireland and people there at the time were still going at each other's throats in the name of religion.
For GENZ and millennials, to give you an idea how powerful the 80’s and the early days of MTV were: this song was in the top twenty at the same time as “Dancin’ In The Dark-Springsteen,” “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go-George Michael and Wham”, “Like A Virgin-Madonna”, “When The Doves Cry-Prince” and Micheal Jackson’s THRILLER tour was underway! No joke! Look it up, September-October 1984! Show me a top-20 lineup like that today!
You won't believe how many incredible songs they made. Not only the famous ones. The entire album The Joshua Tree is a gem.
And their masterpiece is Achtung Baby.
It was 1991, I was 18 and they changed the pop music forever.
Listen to Acrobat, or Until the end of the world, or The Fly.
Please react to the most influential songs of the Ninties.
U2 was huge in there day, powerful scream out loud happy music....love it .
Three weeks ago we visited Atlanta with our 17 year old son and visited the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. museum. This song along with U2 was acknowledged in the museum display for paying homage to Dr. King. This is a very powerful song with a powerful message, and will remain timeless.
The last song on The Unforgettable Fire album is called "MLK" and it's about Mr King......
Dear Jayvee, can you imagine a choir of 95,000 singing this song along with Bono Vox? Yes, that happened in January 1998 at Morumbi Stadium in São Paulo, and at the end of the song he was moved to tears of emotion, along with many people in the audience. I was there. Unforgettable. 🥲
I saw them in concert in Brussels in 1984 and 1987.
Both times, seismic vibrations were recorded at the Belgian National Meteorological Center.
It's such a poignant, powerful and emotional tribute to MLK, Jr. It's unbelievable.
FINALLY! Someone who gets the reference without being told by a U2 fan. Thank you!
You are right. This song is a tribute to MLK. U2 songs always have a special meaning or message. There are so many to check out. They are my favorite band. Enjoy exploring more of their music. I stumbled upon your channel with your first time listening to New Order's Blue Monday. I love your reactions to hearing a song for the first time. I always enjoy discovering new music and hearing something for the first time and being blown away. Great channel!
I didn't go see bands in concert, but I did see U2 on April 4, for their Unforgettable Fire tour. After that they did the Joshua Tree album, and Rattle and Hum, and completely blew up, being probably the #1 band in the world at the time.
Yes Jayvee the song was written about MLK it was recorded in slane castle in 1984 and it came off the album the unforgettable Fire 🔥 Bono apologized for a mistake in the line early morning April 4 when it should be early evening April 4 but nevertheless it's a classic song 💚