U2
Another Night Near the Bay
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Another day,
I remember hearing their first CD. Excuse me. There first album. As I listened, U2 quickly became my band. Their musical style, honest lyrics, spiritual awareness, and Bono's voice all felt like something I needed, something I related to, something I would enjoy.
They were young - as I was back in those days. They addressed personal and global issues.
Their music has endured the years. Various styles and themes and topics have evolved. But they're still U2. Still fresh, daring, authentic, international, intentional, and spiritual. And still very, very good at what they do.
I've aged. U2 has aged. We've all aged. As I marveled at their live concert Friday night in Tampa, Florida, I nodded to more than the rhythm of their rock. I agreed with their convictions; I appreciated their confessions; I related to their questions; I admired their music.
Bono's voice speaks globally, kicking through cultural and religious barriers. Rather than only taking a position on political issues and condemning those who disagree, Bono takes action. He welcomes a world to join him in such action of change, of healing, of wellness, of rescue. His voice and heart invite the young and old to dance to that rhythm of action.
Merging ages and nationalities and beliefs. Stirring history and the present and the future. Mixing melodies and moods and mysteries. Mingling dares and doubts and desires. U2's songs capture stories, using the presentation of those stories to capture multitudes of people who seek stories of their own.
U2 does more than present songs. They review the history of a bloody Sunday, asking questions like, How long? They tell of the magnificent, invite listeners to walk on, confess of amazing grace, and dream of a beautiful day in a city of blinding lights where the streets have no name. U2 shouts of the vertigo, the boots, the one. With or without you, each song has its own mysterious ways of elevation until the end of the world. Audiences sing too, while dancing, taking pictures, clapping, and, as one man near us attempted to do, provide poor Bono impersonations. He seemed sincere as he sang, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.
I continue thinking of the songs I've heard from U2 through so many years, and the songs I heard in Tampa. I'll continue responding to their music with questions of my own. What has allowed U2 to stay together so many years? How can one band provide songs which are heard in pubs, in parties, in ipods, in commercials, and in orthodox congregations? What actions can we all take to rejoice with U2 in their hope while responding in actions to their global plea for transformation?
When I left Tampa with my son Taylor and daughter-in-law Brittany, I continued hearing the music. I hope - wherever I go and whoever I'm with - to continue living a song of honest revolution on the stage of every day life.
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Psalmistic Song:
(Psalm 40, For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.)
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Another day,
I remember hearing their first CD. Excuse me. There first album. As I listened, U2 quickly became my band. Their musical style, honest lyrics, spiritual awareness, and Bono's voice all felt like something I needed, something I related to, something I would enjoy.
They were young - as I was back in those days. They addressed personal and global issues.
Their music has endured the years. Various styles and themes and topics have evolved. But they're still U2. Still fresh, daring, authentic, international, intentional, and spiritual. And still very, very good at what they do.
I've aged. U2 has aged. We've all aged. As I marveled at their live concert Friday night in Tampa, Florida, I nodded to more than the rhythm of their rock. I agreed with their convictions; I appreciated their confessions; I related to their questions; I admired their music.
Bono's voice speaks globally, kicking through cultural and religious barriers. Rather than only taking a position on political issues and condemning those who disagree, Bono takes action. He welcomes a world to join him in such action of change, of healing, of wellness, of rescue. His voice and heart invite the young and old to dance to that rhythm of action.
Merging ages and nationalities and beliefs. Stirring history and the present and the future. Mixing melodies and moods and mysteries. Mingling dares and doubts and desires. U2's songs capture stories, using the presentation of those stories to capture multitudes of people who seek stories of their own.
U2 does more than present songs. They review the history of a bloody Sunday, asking questions like, How long? They tell of the magnificent, invite listeners to walk on, confess of amazing grace, and dream of a beautiful day in a city of blinding lights where the streets have no name. U2 shouts of the vertigo, the boots, the one. With or without you, each song has its own mysterious ways of elevation until the end of the world. Audiences sing too, while dancing, taking pictures, clapping, and, as one man near us attempted to do, provide poor Bono impersonations. He seemed sincere as he sang, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.
I continue thinking of the songs I've heard from U2 through so many years, and the songs I heard in Tampa. I'll continue responding to their music with questions of my own. What has allowed U2 to stay together so many years? How can one band provide songs which are heard in pubs, in parties, in ipods, in commercials, and in orthodox congregations? What actions can we all take to rejoice with U2 in their hope while responding in actions to their global plea for transformation?
When I left Tampa with my son Taylor and daughter-in-law Brittany, I continued hearing the music. I hope - wherever I go and whoever I'm with - to continue living a song of honest revolution on the stage of every day life.
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Psalmistic Song:
(Psalm 40, For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.)
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.
5 Comments:
Excellent review of the U2 concert. I pray that your ministries do indeed span the globe and the chasms of society, so the entire world will find what we're (all) looking for.
Great that you ended your blog with that quotation... I still think it's one of their best songs.
I remember being with you at my first U2 concert at the Orlando Fronton in 1983. I remember not only the fun we had but how their music and words made an impact in my life. I still find myself singing songs from the war album, thinking of that night, and how Bono stopped the show when people were getting alittle out of hand just to ensure they heard the message.
Great review Chris! You summed up one night and 30 years as only you can. I too caught the U2 bug around 1980 and saw them live way back when, and I'm amazed at their longevity as well. Oh, and one more thing - congratulations on becoming a grandpa!
Shep Curl
what a show! i will never forget it... i think its brilliant how descriptive the song titles can be when linked together!
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