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U2 — Staring At The Sun
Album: Pop
Avg rating:
6.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1676









Released: 1997
Length: 4:35
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Summer stretching on the grass
Summer dresses pass
In the shade of a willow tree
Creeps a crawling over me
Over me and over you
Stuck together with God's glue
It's going to get stickier too

It's been a long hot summer
Let's get under cover
Don't try too hard to think
Don't think at all

I'm not the only one
Staring at the Sun
Afraid of what you'll find
If you took a look inside
I'm not just deaf and dumb
Staring at the Sun
Not the only one
Who's happy to go blind

There's an insect in your ear
If you scratch it won't disappear
It's gonna itch and burn and sting
You want to see what the scratching brings
Waves that leave me out of reach
Breaking on your back like a beach
Will we ever live in peace?

'Cause those that can't do
Often have to
And those that can't do
Often have to preach

To the ones
Staring at the Sun
Afraid of what you'd find
If you took a look inside
Not just deaf and dumb
I'm staring at the Sun
I'm not the only one
Who'd rather go blind

Intransigence is all around
Military still in town
Armour plated suits and ties
Daddy just won't say goodbye
Referee won't blow the whistle
God is good but will He listen
I'm nearly great
But there's something missing

I left it in the duty free area
But you never really belonged to me

You're not the only one
Staring at the Sun
Afraid of what you'd find
You step back inside
Not sucking on my thumb
I'm staring at the Sun
I'm not the only one
Who's happy to go blind
Comments (175)add comment
Certainly no one is stupid enough to stare directly at the sun?
one million percent humidity at 9 am in NZ today.
it's gonna get sticky
 Pjesnik wrote:

Remember  they played in Sarajevo during that time.



hvala pjesnice sto nas se sjeti., i ja cim cujem U2 sjetim se teških vremena., pozdrav iz Sarajeva
 jsd52756 wrote:

Hard to believe this was produced by the same fella that did Joshua Tree.  This has a very 1 dimensional sound, almost AM radio quality.  Played on a good system doesn't help it unfortunately.  Perhaps it was intentional, but it makes me want to turn it down instead of up.   



In fact Joshua Tree was produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, this one was produced by Flood, Howie B. and Steve Osborne, that is why :)
Hard to believe this was produced by the same fella that did Joshua Tree.  This has a very 1 dimensional sound, almost AM radio quality.  Played on a good system doesn't help it unfortunately.  Perhaps it was intentional, but it makes me want to turn it down instead of up.   
I love U2, but this is not one of their best tunes!
I find that the less I know the words of a U2 song, the more I like it.
 Chickenwire wrote:
There is nothing more middle of the road than U2. I love this radio station but why U2??  😥
 

If you mean vanilla, than this song certainly qualifies.
Love this album. Funny thing about this album that it contains songs that were in the beginning written for achtung baby and zooropa. You can even read some song titles in the blurry cover of zooropa, as if they already new pop was coming in '93
I didn't really care for  U2 until the 90s...when they stopped trying to be an "important" band and just starting making great pop music. Achtung Baby was the tipping point for me. 
Remember  they played in Sarajevo during that time.
Can't believe this is already 23 years ago... Quite liked the whole album (not as much as the one that followed, but more than its predessor).


Back then they were still good. That was before that Bono character began to think he's Jesus Christ.


 h8rhater wrote:


They actually whipped out Zooropa while touring Achtung Baby on the Zoo TV tour.  Pop came after a multi-year break following Zoo TV.
 
That's right, but the rest from what the other guy wrote is quite accurate.
 kcar wrote:
 

Didn't the band whip this out album while on tour for "Zooropa"? I
largely agree with you: I stopped paying attention to U2 when "How to
Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" came out. That last album didn't really have
one memorable song on it. These guys are played out.




 

They actually whipped out Zooropa during a 6 month break while touring Achtung Baby on the Zoo TV tour.  Pop came after a multi-year break following Zoo TV.
 below72 wrote:
AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The most ANNOYING guitar sounds in the HISTORY of MUSIC 
Please
STOP
THE
TORTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
I'll tell you what ever you want to know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
That
 
Nice use of puncuation, I really felt your anguish. The caps, too. They really made me feel your pain, nothing like a loud yell and a dozen or two exclamation marks to drive a point home. We get it, you don't like it. PSD is always there for you.
"Wake Up Dead Man" was my favorite from this otherwise lackluster album.  Perhaps play that one next time, RP?
A recording artist HAS to be secure in his or her talents.   Once recorded it is played back to them thousands of times during the recording process and beyond. To most people, any slight fault or self criticality will show up and become unmissable every time you hear it.

I believe to be a recording artist, you have to overcome this and either ignore it which would eventually degrade the quality and your own judgement, Or else believe that "that" is the best you can do and that it is fantastic and worth the promotion and monies you get paid for it, plus the best you can give to your fans.   

When I listen back to high production artists like Pink Floyd,  The Beatles, Rush, Yes et al., etc, the ones who I imagine spend time rehersing and recording .... and re recording, I admire the quality of the product.  I also imagine Bono does the same to his own work and after 30 years he is pleased with the results, but then it is all subjective to ones own taste.   As a singer, I believe his talents lay in his self belief.

As for Bono and the Edge being rated by Rolling Stone as members of the 10 best artists in their genre, I would apply the "Beyonce effect", ie Awards can be bought for promotional purposes.

https://goo.gl/pCz5ts
Great U2 tune. Thanks for playing this. 
 
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:
aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh please make it stop

 
Impersonation of a 3 year old (see above).

I once sat in front of this kid on a long flight.  It was interminable.  Never been so happy to touch down.
AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The most ANNOYING guitar sounds in the HISTORY of MUSIC 
Please
STOP
THE
TORTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
I'll tell you what ever you want to know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh please make it stop
Pop trash.

Half of album was made during Zooropa era (Discotheque, Velvet dress, Wake up dead man etc), other stuff was conceived with a great struggle, hardly ever reaching any heights. Still, Pop is U2's last listenable album. Everything onwards is just pure garbage.
I was pleasantly surprised by this album. I especially liked "Last Night On Earth;" sounded great LOUD in the car — and was killer live!
"pop". Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. Blah.
 h8rhater wrote:

Me too... I listened to them before they were "cool"


 
Grande latte, almond milk.
 h8rhater wrote:

Me too... I listened to them before they were "cool"
hipster

{#Lol} 
This guy did too:
hipster 
Agree 100%. This was a bold move and a unique musical effort. Staring at the Sun and Discotheque are top drawer. Pop is still part of the regular rotation of CDs that make it into my car at least once per year.
 ckcotton wrote:

In many ways Pop was as cutting edge and daring as Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby were..... 

Unfortunately, I think most people had become tired with the U2 OVEREXPOSURE back then and didn't really get the concept. When I first heard Discotheque I was amazed at how different it was from the "typical" U2 sound. I loved it then and still do now. 

Pop may have been their last GREAT album... the rest have just been radio friendly same ole same ole. I still enjoy it but miss the U2 that was unpredictable and trend setting....  

 
Didn't the band whip this out album while on tour for "Zooropa"? I largely agree with you: I stopped paying attention to U2 when "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" came out. That last album didn't really have one memorable song on it. These guys are played out. 


Euskadita wrote:
Same year as Ok Computer, now we see what really had weight.

  

  tiggers wrote:

Yes but OK Computer was Radiohead's Joshua Tree , this is U2's King of Limbs
  
You both make interesting points. I'm not a huge fan of Radiohead but they've been far more interesting over the last ten years than U2. 


 jnhashmi wrote:
Dead on. A clear sign that folks are getting caught up in the image and not the music. 

Skydog wrote:
A lot of people here put U2 down but they sound like 85% of what RP regulary plays and the same people praise the other stuff.
 

 

 
Love U2, but this is so not even close to being in the best half of what U2 has done.
Dead on. A clear sign that folks are getting caught up in the image and not the music. 

Skydog wrote:
A lot of people here put U2 down but they sound like 85% of what RP regulary plays and the same people praise the other stuff.
 

 


 Chickenwire wrote:
There is nothing more middle of the road than U2. I love this radio station but why U2??  😥
 
Did you need some cheese too?
A lot of people here put U2 down but they sound like 85% of what RP regulary plays and the same people praise the other stuff.
 
certainly not their best album
There is nothing more middle of the road than U2. I love this radio station but why U2??  😥
{#Sleep}
  

{#Sleep}



{#Sleep}



{#Sleep}
 
 h8rhater wrote:

Me too... I listened to them before they were "cool"


 
Missing the fedora.
This song is terrible 
 Emwolb wrote:
Lost interest in U2 after OCTOBER, and I'm not referring to a month.
 
That's kind of funny, since the rest of the world seemed to start taking notice after "War" came out, when the boys were riding ponies in the snow for that New Year's Day video.

I also bought the first 2 U2 albums when I used to live in Mpls., and was also enjoying them pretty much to myself until the "explosion" happened.
 Emwolb wrote:
Lost interest in U2 after OCTOBER, and I'm not referring to a month.
  jules44 wrote:

me too.

 
Me too... I listened to them before they were "cool"

 Emwolb wrote:
Lost interest in U2 after OCTOBER, and I'm not referring to a month.
 
me too.
This was the concert (in Giants Stadium) where the CEO of a Fortune 500 company sitting next to my buddy and me asked if he could share a toke off my friend's jay - in front of his teenage daughter no less.

(insert judgments here)
Lost interest in U2 after OCTOBER, and I'm not referring to a month.
 Euskadita wrote:
Same year as Ok Computer, now we see what really had weight.

 
Yes but OK Computer was Radiohead's Joshua Tree , this is U2's King of Limbs
 Dinges,_the_Dude wrote:
Bono's voice is starting to annoy me...!

 
Starting?  This is actually less whinny than normally.  I like Bono as a thoughtful individual but i can't get past the voice.
A rare 5 for me, a big U2 fan. Probably my least favorite of their works. Still stronger than 80% of bands can pull off any given year though.
Not one of their best.

The RP rating of 6.3 (as of 23 May 2013) is exactly correct.

Would be a sub 5 if not for the trippy guitar in the middle. 
I suppose this could be considered an experimental album, with some tracks very difficult to listen, some are reasonable - like this one - and one or two absolute gems like track 7 "Gone".
Bono's voice is starting to annoy me...!
This is musically different from most of U2 and somewhat welcome in comparison to the typical  'chunka chunka' electric guitar, imo
Same year as Ok Computer, now we see what really had weight.
 shakitten wrote:
Am I the only one who compares this song to U2's earlier work and found the lyrics to be lame? Bono used to be able to do so much better.
 
Apparently, Bono had to have those wrap-around sunglasses surgically removed for that cover photo.
 shakitten wrote:
Am I the only one who compares this song to U2's earlier work and found the lyrics to be lame? Bono used to be able to do so much better.
 

It's not just the lyrics.
Done. With. U. 2.
Am I the only one who compares this song to U2's earlier work and found the lyrics to be lame? Bono used to be able to do so much better.
Some great songs on this album.  This may be the best of them.

The production, hype, etc. for this album overshadowed the fact that there were many strong tunes here.

And as I've stated before, I think that each of the subsequent record have four or five really terrific strongs.
I really like this U2 album, it's really unfortunate that they released it early and under-finished because it got bootlegged and was going to be released without their authorization.

But I haven't been able to listen to any albums they released subsequently...

Anyway, at least a 7 for me. Maybe even an 8.
OMG, I can't believe I am giving U2 a 3, take the keyboard away from me...I realize that there are some good and some bad songs, but seriously they are worthy of so much more than inane silliness. 
{#Yes} master_betty wrote:
To me, this album is the beginning of the end of U2. 
 
Yep. Totally agree. The lyrics are even lame...so NOT worthy of earlier U2.

Apalling
To me, this album is the beginning of the end of U2. 
Love this song and the whole album. This is one of the under appreciated albums by U2.
 pinnyrat wrote:

Even U2 themselves are unhappy with it, apparently, but I'm with you.  I really like this album, and I don't care what ANYONE says about it.
 
In many ways Pop was as cutting edge and daring as Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby were..... 

Unfortunately, I think most people had become tired with the U2 OVEREXPOSURE back then and didn't really get the concept. When I first heard Discotheque I was amazed at how different it was from the "typical" U2 sound. I loved it then and still do now. 

Pop may have been their last GREAT album... the rest have just been radio friendly same ole same ole. I still enjoy it but miss the U2 that was unpredictable and trend setting....  
what a WONDERFUL song...{#Sunny}
 fimo wrote:
i hate to say this (big fan really), but the best thing about their recent live gig in Gelsenkirchen
was the supporting act: Snow Patrol! {#Rolleyes}
 
Huh...that's what's playing right now, 2 songs later.  And the comment above is from 2 years ago.

 colleen wrote:
This song, and Gone, are my two favourites on their most underrated album.

 
Even U2 themselves are unhappy with it, apparently, but I'm with you.  I really like this album, and I don't care what ANYONE says about it.

This song, and Gone, are my two favourites on their most underrated album.
It's sad that some people on this thread need to make personal attacks on each other to make their point. {#Beat}
In attacking the person, you are not attacking the opinion, but revealing an ugly aspect of yourself.
Always liked this track. Still do.
I would write what I think about the letter U and the number 2, but they night send their lawyers after me.
 kevinc wrote:

If this song/album are downhill, then you couldn't have ever liked his writing, because Pop was easily the most cohesive set of lyrics Bono has ever written.  For my money, it was the last great U2 album.  And not coincidentally, it was the last time U2 made any meaningful effort to do something different. 

 
This comment just shows why opinions are like arse holes - everybody's got one

Your professional critics are quite dismissive of Pop, but hailed ATUCLB and HTDAAB as valiant attempts to return to the glories of Achtung Baby and Zooropa.  In other words much better than Pop.

I have tended to agree but — I think kevinc is on to something regarding the lyrical clarity and quality of Pop — there are some really great songs here - some of which I think could use a better arrangement - some have been arranged to great results live.


They do a very nice version of this number on the concert DVD - U2 Go Home - Live From Slainte Castle. Great concert DVD!
So.. we have to Bat our Lashes when we Stare at the Sun.

 I get it.
Oh my...can we be done with U2 for awhile?
 Razz wrote:
The worlds most boring band.
 
This page's most boring comment.

 fredriley wrote:
"stuck together with god's glue"? Yeesh! St Bonio's songwriting skills are in decline...
 
If this song/album are downhill, then you couldn't have ever liked his writing, because Pop was easily the most cohesive set of lyrics Bono has ever written.  For my money, it was the last great U2 album.  And not coincidentally, it was the last time U2 made any meaningful effort to do something different. 

 Razz wrote:
The worlds most boring band.
 
That's a bit harsh. Have they gone downhill? Perhaps. But more than likely, they have simply changed directions (many times) and are not what was the same band as the Joshua Tree and Unforgettable Fire.

Is REM the same greatness as they were in the 80s and 90s? No, but they are still pretty good and entertaining.

Of course, this means nothing if you already dislike these bands (or others to begin with). Then the point is lost since your mind(s) are either made up or closed.{#Think}

 arighter2 wrote:
To me, it's the weakest song on an otherwise underrated album.
 
I like it well enough, but agree completely that this was an underrated album.  I loved it.

To me, it's the weakest song on an otherwise underrated album.
c'mon, stop being so childish. I mean, 2012 is coming, right?...
 fredriley wrote:
"stuck together with god's glue"? Yeesh! St Bonio's songwriting skills are in decline...
 


"stuck together with god's glue"? Yeesh! St Bonio's songwriting skills are in decline...
drone 1 (drn) n. 1. A male bee, especially a honeybee, that is characteristically stingless, performs no work, and produces no honey. Its only function is to mate with the queen bee. 2. An idle person who lives off others; a loafer. 3. A person who does tedious or menial work;

drone 2 (drn) v. droned, dron·ing, drones v.intr. 1. To make a continuous low dull humming sound: "Somewhere an electric fan droned without end" (William Styron). 2. To speak in a monotonous tone: The lecturer droned on for hours. 3. To pass or act in a monotonous way.  A continuous low humming or buzzing sound. Music a. Any of the pipes of a bagpipe that lack finger holes and produce a single tone. b. A long sustained tone. c. Any of various instruments that produce only a constant pitch.

Just Sayin
This album doesn't deserve to be lambasted... But I can't say much to defend this track.
 Razz wrote:
The worlds most boring band.
 
Agreed!

The worlds most boring band.
Thank you RP for playing more U2 than just the horribly-overplayed stuff!

I haven't heard this one before.  Nice.
 EssexTex wrote:
Why's Boner staring at the sun....he'll go blind the fool
...
 
Mine does every morning...

Not their best but it's better than a slice of steak and kidney pie.
Why's Boner staring at the sun....he'll go blind the fool

Unless it's a son he's staring at...could get locked up for that.
 Leslie wrote:
I'm really tired of this group.
 
You're really tired

if you write one better I promise I'll listen to it.
 
Jelani wrote:
First time I've listened to the lyrics of this song, or this song in it's entirety.
Dumb ass piece of songwriting.
Hope I don't have to hear it again.
 


At least it's not the same ol', same ol'.
i hate to say this (big fan really), but the best thing about their recent live gig in Gelsenkirchen
was the supporting act: Snow Patrol! {#Rolleyes}
I'm really tired of this group.
I love this album, but I think this is the weakest track.
 aquadonia wrote:
I can't believe this... You played PorcupineTree - Trains and then followed it with this ....

 
That was a lovely, lovely transition, Bill.

Mr. Bono aka paul david hewson U2 Pop - Staring at The Sun - lyrical without seeming * no comment - 8
 gabbadar wrote:
I keep hearing that one Gorillas tune.. Feel Good Inc, IIRC?
 
YES!! I was trying to think of what it sounded like and you got it!!~

I can't believe this... You played PorcupineTree - Trains and then followed it with this while I was sleeping? They're my top 2 favorite bands!

This is a strong argument for me to never stop listening to RP even to go to sleep. {#Think}

Hope to hear this combo in the future.
{#Pray}  (As listening to it right now on my own via iTunes just isn't the same.)

I keep hearing that one Gorillas tune.. Feel Good Inc, IIRC?
 schrodingersdog wrote:

The lyrics in this song irritate me a lot.....


 
Anyone here from Ottawa remember Delmar and Cecil? This song reminds me a lot of theirs.... same basic arrangements... although they didn't moan as much:
——
(chorus)
This song reminds me of a fresh picked peach
Picked last year, left on the beach 
 (insert Bono moaning)
——
yep, absolutely same song. 

smehan55 wrote:
Just a wild guess ... could it be because RP is an "alternative" station and REM & U2 were 2 of the first bands to be labeled "alternative?"
Oh yah!!
bizon wrote:
Why do we have to be subjected to soooo much U2 and REM on RP?
Just a wild guess ... could it be because RP is an "alternative" station and REM & U2 were 2 of the first bands to be labeled "alternative?"
The lyrics in this song irritate me a lot.....
DoctorHooey wrote:
Ha, it's too bad drummers get so much heat for being immature. I've been in lots of bands and the drummers have always been without exception the most level-headed, must fun to hang out with and dare I say SMARTEST of the bunch. Guitar players have universally been the immature jerkoffs, with a few exceptions.
Totally. Except that the singers trump any bad behavior by the guitarist. Drummers have to carry all the stuff, too, and usually end up buying the van because of it. Shucks, the drummer of my husband's old band just bought a house worth well over a million, and it's his fourth house. Coincidence, or?
Why do we have to be subjected to soooo much U2 and REM on RP?
SirLars wrote:
Does Bono want the biddy? Yes, he likes the biddy doesn't he? Easy Bono, that hurts the biddy.
? or even ?!?!?
bam23 wrote:
In its day, U2 has written and performed some pieces that certainly stand the test of time. However, somewhere after Joshua Tree they moved away from innovation, from uncharted to well-charted territory, where mediocity abounds. And there they have wallowed since, with some occasional, but rather rare, efforts that rise above the morass they have tunneled into. Alas.
double ditto
Does Bono want the biddy? Yes, he likes the biddy doesn't he? Easy Bono, that hurts the biddy.
In its day, U2 has written and performed some pieces that certainly stand the test of time. However, somewhere after Joshua Tree they moved away from innovation, from uncharted to well-charted territory, where mediocity abounds. And there they have wallowed since, with some occasional, but rather rare, efforts that rise above the morass they have tunneled into. Alas.
sans wrote:
KID to MOM: When I grow up I wanna be a drummer. MOM to KID: You can't do both.
Ha, it's too bad drummers get so much heat for being immature. I've been in lots of bands and the drummers have always been without exception the most level-headed, must fun to hang out with and dare I say SMARTEST of the bunch. Guitar players have universally been the immature jerkoffs, with a few exceptions.
chirpie wrote:
The song isn't trying to be deep. A truly sunny day in their country is rare. It's a simple song about the sun coming out and keeping giving more than than passing thought on what's going out. Even if I hated something, not sure I'd have the venom to condemn as wholly as you do.
Actually - its quite nice to hear someone say flatly they can't stand something...its allowed also
I don't know why, but this phrase "staring at the sun" comes up a lot in song.
I like this song fine, but their retooled version is better...
Jelani wrote:
Goes to show what US senators(don't) know!
Care to enlighten or are you used to dealing in generalities?
Jelani wrote:
First time I've listened to the lyrics of this song, or this song in it's entirety. Dumb ass piece of songwriting. Hope I don't have to hear it again.
The song isn't trying to be deep. A truly sunny day in their country is rare. It's a simple song about the sun coming out and keeping giving more than than passing thought on what's going out. Even if I hated something, not sure I'd have the venom to condemn as wholly as you do.
resonator wrote:
If only they'd listen, cause he sure is trying. He's earned praise from US senators for his detailed knowledge of social issues, i.e., he ain't doing it for show. Nobel for Bono. And great song from a great album. Saw 'em back on the Joshua Tree tour.
Goes to show what US senators(don't) know!
First time I've listened to the lyrics of this song, or this song in it's entirety. Dumb ass piece of songwriting. Hope I don't have to hear it again.
DoctorHooey wrote:
The Edge Adam Clayton and the drummer and I'm not really a fan of U2. Some things you can't escape.
Larry Mullen --------------------------- KID to MOM: When I grow up I wanna be a drummer. MOM to KID: You can't do both.
Geecheeboy wrote:
Name one other member of U2. I can't either.
The Edge Adam Clayton and the drummer and I'm not really a fan of U2. Some things you can't escape.
musikalia wrote:
By they I think you mean Bono. I agree. His self-righteous attitude seems very egoistic.
Name one other member of U2. I can't either.