12 U2 Songs For Broken Hearts

A heart that is broken is a heart that is open

On almost all U2 albums, I expect two different themes: political songs and love songs dedicated to Ali. Bono is aware he’s a lucky man because he found his real love when he was only a teenager. But unfortunately, this is rare. Most of us suffer in love. Someone could leave you, or you could love someone who doesn’t love you, or you could be betrayed … it doesn’t matter. It hurts!

I’m not saying that all couples live in perfect worlds, but I believe when you have a partner it’s easier to solve life’s problems. It’s wonderful to receive support and encouragement from someone who wants the best for you.

I’m a very romantic girl and still haven’t learned how to recover from a broken heart. I don’t know what the future will bring (if you’re a fortune-teller, please contact me), and wish I had a painkiller to fix the feelings, because chocolate doesn’t work anymore. So if music is your only company, join me in reading this list of U2 songs for the broken-hearted.

12 — “A Man And A Woman”

This song is a declaration of love. If you dedicate it to someone, it’s like a proof that you have real feelings for that person, and shows that you need a partner at your side to feel complete. I’m very emotional — typical Cancer — but also very sincere and honest with what I feel. If I say “I love you” or “I miss you,” believe me that it’s true.

And you’re the one, there’s no one else you make me want to lose myself

When the soul wants, the soul waits

11 — “Stateless”

I don’t listen to The Million Dollar Hotel soundtrack often. But this song suddenly came to my mind, and I think it’s one of the saddest U2 love songs. When you lose your lover, you lose your hope, your faith, your home, your plans, your life’s direction, everything. I have the impression that I’m lost and alone in the world and no one cares about me.

I’ve got no home in this world / Just you and you are not mine

Stateless / Weightless

10 — “The Unforgettable Fire”

Do you believe in foreboding or feminine intuition? I do and I think it almost never fails. Sometimes, I wish I was numb about certain things and didn’t see what was going on.

Stay this time, stay tonight in a lie

I’m only asking but I, I think you know

Come on and take me away

Come on, take me home

9 — “Red Light”

When we’re in love, we usually do everything to please our partner. But sometimes, this is not enough when we find out that his/her interest is not serious. It’s very sad to realize that the other person is only playing with your heart. Life is not a fairytale or a movie with a happy ending.

I give you my love, I give you my love

Still you wake away

8 — “Love is Blindness”

For me, this song is very realistic because we tend to think the lover is perfect. Even knowing that he/she is not, we accept to believe in this illusion. Like the song says, we prefer not to see the reality in order to try to keep the romance.

Love is blindness

I don’t want to see

Won’t you wrap the night around me

Take my heart

Love is blindness

7 — “One” (snippet “Unchained Melody”)

I know this is not a romantic song, but some of the lyrics inevitably relate to love relationships, especially the version followed by “Unchained Melody.” It’s a daily struggle to keep a connection with someone else. I confess I like people who care for me and express that. The acts are more important than words.

Did I ask too much / More than a lot

You gave me nothing / Now it’s all I got

6 — “Book Of Your Heart”

I don’t know how to explain what I feel when I hear this song. Like all books, the book of the heart has many interpretations. That’s why it’s so complex. To make a contract of the heart — an agreement of two souls — is the hardest thing because we need to trust each other. But both are not always loyal. Honestly, I’m tired of being disappointed.

Babe, I don’t belong to you / Love is what we choose to do

Babe, you don’t belong to me / It’s not that easy

5 — “Magnificent”

Small things can make a big difference. In our modern digital world, a message or simply one “Like” is important. It shows affection. But if we don’t get any response from the person we love, it hurts and can leave a heart black and blue. Even worse, we don’t have a choice because the heart rules and decides for whom we’ll be in love. I feel unable to change my destiny.

I was born, I was born to be with you

Only love can leave such a mark / But only love

Only love can heal such a scar

4 — “Stay”

Distance — physical and emotional — can be very hard. You could be living with someone and yet still feel distant. At the same time, if you live far from your love, in a different city or country, it can be a problem if you are the only one committed to making the relationship move forward.

Faraway, so close

3 — “With Or Without You”

This song covers all aspects of love and its contradictions. You want, you need, but you can’t live with that person. On the other hand, you feel it’s impossible to live without him/her.

Through the storm we reach the shore

You give it all but I want more / And I’m waiting for you

She’s got me with nothing left to win / And nothing else to lose

And you give yourself away / And you give yourself away

2 — “Drowning Man”

It doesn’t matter if it’s over or not. It’s important to say that I would do anything to make this love go on. That’s why I care and I’m suffering with a broken heart. In relationships, we need to be committed to each other, and also learn to make some “sacrifices” on behalf of our partner — not nullify ourselves, but give way in some moments.

Take my hand / You know I’ll be there

If you can I’ll cross / The sky for your love

Hold on tightly / This love will last forever

1 — “The Little Things That Give You Away”

When I feel rejected, I think I’m the worst person in the world. I start to ask myself what I did wrong. Should I have said this, or should I have not done that? I have many doubts and questions with no answers. I wake up in the middle of the night and cry when I see all my dreams are gone. It’s very tough to believe that any sun will reappear.

Sometimes

The end is not coming

It’s not coming

The end is here

© @U2/Bottini, 2018.