Pre Sketch – Prep Sketch – Large – Full Size
Where The Streets Have No Name is unquestionably one of U2′s most powerful songs, so coming up with something to try and represent that pure energy and drive was a tricky proposition. In trying to think of a concept, I examined the lyrics intensively and I feel I finally figured out what the song is all about. And of course, as with all U2 songs, the final word is that it’s vague, general, and universal. It’s punching through that barrier and reaching toward the light; discarding the dust and storms that drag you down and standing up, calling out. Most of all it’s about transcending all the scuffs and pockmarks of this weary world and your weary life and grabbing hold of the opportunity and beauty and vision. It could easily be profoundly religious, but for me it’s just profound.
Lyrics:
I want to run
I want to hide
I want to tear down the walls
That hold me inside
I want to reach out
And touch the flame
Where the streets have no name
I want to feel sunlight on my face
I see the dust cloud disappear
Without a trace
I want to take shelter from the poison rain
Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name
We’re still building
Then burning down love
Burning down love
And when I go there
I go there with you
It’s all I can do
The city’s aflood
And our love turns to rust
We’re beaten and blown by the wind
Trampled in dust
I’ll show you a place
High on a desert plain
Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name
We’re still building
Then burning down love
Burning down love
And when I go there
I go there with you
It’s all I can do
Our love turns to rust
We’re beaten and blown by the wind
Blown by the wind
Oh, and I see love
See our love turn to rust
We’re beaten and blown by the wind
Blown by the wind
Oh, when I go there
I go there with you
It’s all I can do