American Soul
by U2

Album: Songs of Experience (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This track is an alternative version of "XXX.," U2's collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, which featured on the Compton MC's DAMN album. Bono repeats the "XXX" chorus early on in this song.
  • The song starts with a spoken word segment by Kendrick Lamar inspired by the Beatitudes, eight blessings recounted by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.

    Blessed are the bullies
    For one day they will have to stand up to themselves
    Blessed are the liars
    For the truth can be awkward


    U2 and Kendrick Lamar also teamed up for the Songs of Experience track "Get Out of Your Own Way," which again features some rhymes by the Compton MC inspired by the Beatitudes.
  • Bono's three verses are a more political take on his "XXX" chorus where he sings:

    It's not a place
    This country is to me a sound of drum and bass
    You close your eyes to look around


    In this track's second verse he sings:

    It's not a place
    This country is to me a thought
    That offers grace
    For every welcome that is sought
  • Speaking to Stereogum about U2's relationship with Kendrick Lamar, The Edge said: "It was really just that we were fans. We were just thinking about artists we really respect and like, and he was on the top of our list. We look for artists that we feel have a similar spirit."

    "There's a righteous anger that is hard to argue with," Bono added. "I asked him would he rap about where America is at, his reply was to rap about where America isn't at. Smart dude."
  • Directed by the Broken Fingaz crew, the video mixes performance footage of U2's pre-taped performance of the track on The Hudson River in New York City for the 60th annual Grammy Awards with animation - Lamar's cameo features in cartoon form.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")Songwriter Interviews

Inspired by his dear friend, "Seasons in the Sun" paid for Terry's boat, which led him away from music and into a battle with Canadian paper mills.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song Titles

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song TitlesMusic Quiz

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have some rather unusual song titles - see if you can spot the real ones.