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