When I first heard this song, I was fifteen years-old, very impressionable and kinda boy crazy -- a classic combination! I loved to crank this song in my room on my Philco double-cassette stereo and try to sing along. Being an Alto, I thought I could vocally really get in there with Bono. In hindsight, I probably couldn't. The song's concept of true-romantic-soul-mate, Dublin-style-gray-sky love set to a pulsing drum beat, stirring base, and soaring guitar made me feel incredibly hopeful for the future. This is the song that made me love U2. I still think it's one of their best.
All of these years later, the song is still potent. I can't say as much for the production values of the video, but I think Bono's look still holds up, New Wave mullet and all (that's right, you heard me). Thankfully, I am no longer boy crazy, except for the one to whom I'm am happily married.
When I play this song for my kids in my car, my son thinks the refrain is "Two birds eating pie" instead of "Two hearts beat as one." Now when I listen, I laugh and hear his version of the song over the original. The song has taken on a new family-friendly meaning. Regardless, it still makes me hopeful for the future, probably because "They can't stop the dance" even if it's maybe their "last chance." The song, to me, is about persistence. Persistence is another form of hope, whether it be about hope for true love, or two birds sharing a baked fruit-filled desert.
All of these years later, the song is still potent. I can't say as much for the production values of the video, but I think Bono's look still holds up, New Wave mullet and all (that's right, you heard me). Thankfully, I am no longer boy crazy, except for the one to whom I'm am happily married.
When I play this song for my kids in my car, my son thinks the refrain is "Two birds eating pie" instead of "Two hearts beat as one." Now when I listen, I laugh and hear his version of the song over the original. The song has taken on a new family-friendly meaning. Regardless, it still makes me hopeful for the future, probably because "They can't stop the dance" even if it's maybe their "last chance." The song, to me, is about persistence. Persistence is another form of hope, whether it be about hope for true love, or two birds sharing a baked fruit-filled desert.
