In The Name of Love

Martin Luther King

What better song to shine the lyrics uncovered spotlight on this Martin Luther King day (Jan. 16) than U2‘s ‘Pride (In The Name Of Love).’ The lead single from the band’s fourth album, ‘The Unforgettable Fire’, ‘Pride’ was a tribute to Dr. King and his vision. The single made it to No. 3 in the UK the band’s first top 40 hit in the States.

It was almost universally applauded for its sentiment, although one critic of the song was none other than the song’s lyricist, Bono. In the authorized band bio ‘U2 By U2,’ Bono said “I looked at how glorious that song was and thought: ‘What the fuck is that all about?’ It’s just a load of vowel sounds ganging up on a great man. It is emotionally very articulate – if you didn’t speak English.”

Though initially written as a song condemning president Ronald Reagan and his pride in the military strength of the USA, a visit to an MLK exhibit at the Chicago Peace Museum in 1983 along with a couple of books that Bono had been reading at the time, one on Martin Luther King and Malcom X, altered the course of the lyrics.

He contrasts the approaches of the peaceful King with the more militant X in one of the song’s earliest lines: “One man come in the name of love / One man come and go / One man come, he to justify / One man to overthrow”

The basic theme of martyrs, peace and love along with references to King (and Jesus Christ), paint pride as a universal concept of understanding, awareness and respect for humanity as opposed to using the word in an arrogant or boastful way.

The “Free at last, they took your life / They could not take your pride” line is a reference to King’s legendary 1963 ‘I Have A Dream’ speech, but the phrase is actually older than that, dating back to an an old spiritual song.

A factual error in the lyrics is the time of day King was killed. The lyric states “early morning, April 4,” but he was actually killed that evening. Bono later became aware of the mistake and has, from time to time, changed the lyric in live performances of the song to note the correct time of day.

A mans life can change in 24hrs

In 24hrs a man’s life can change. This man made a difference between the time he walked this earth. Many have  shared the dream since. To able to look beyond the lines that blur and see that we are all one, we are all held in the hand of God as we move thru this life. We are given the tools to live a positive life and make a difference that can bring change.  We honor Dr Martin Luther King for the work he has done as well as the work that has yet to be done. 

U2’s album The Unforgettable Fire contained two songs dedicated to the slain civil rights leader. “Pride (In the Name of Love)” was one of U2’s earliest global hits, and “MLK” closed the album. Bono has often expressed his admiration for Martin Luther King Jr. in interviews. As a teenage in Ireland, when violence and unrest were escalating because of the conflict over Northern Ireland, U2 front man Bono longed for the voice of reason from somebody such as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Those thoughts and understanding of King’s teachings and life led the singer to write a song about the slain civil rights leader, a 1984 hit called “Pride (In the Name of Love).”

“We despaired for the lack of vision of the kind Dr. King gave to people in the South,” Bono said before accepting one of the highest honors from the King Center, the organization founded by King’s widow, Coretta Scott King.

Here’s a couple of the lyrics, just to cause you to think - beyond today   

Early morning, April 4
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride

Written by U2 

Produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois 

U2 music honors Dr King

“Pride (In The Name Of Love)” is an old favorite song which deserves play today on Martin Luther King Day.  The song comes from their career-expanding 1984 album, The Unforgettable Fire.  The album was produced by Brian Eno who encouraged a more atmospheric and ambient sound, a major change in direction for the band.  Their previous three records had been produced by Steve Lillywhite.  The album also featured an elegy to Martin Luther King, called “MLK.”

The Unforgettable Fire also marks their long-term collaboration with photographer and director Anton Corbijn.  Corbijn collaborated most notably with Joy Division on the video for the 1988 release of the single “Atmosphere”, Echo and the Bunnymen and Depeche Mode.  Corbijn recently directed Control (2007) which was about the band Joy Division and The American (2010).

The lyrics make reference to Jesus being betrayed with a kiss, as well as referring to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.  All came in the name of love.