I Threw A Brick Through A Window
by U2

Album: October (1981)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Bono says this is "a song about not like yourself. It's seeing your reflection in the window and wanting to smash it. I don't know where that's coming from. I try not to major on self-loathing but it does creep in every so often. Guilt to me is a very useless emotion. You make a mistake, you try and rectify it, you apologize, and you get on." (U2 by U2, 2005)
  • By the time U2 got around to recording this, the band's drummer, Larry Mullen, was exhausted and had trouble keeping up with the tempo. He said, "The real wake-up call for me was after a long day getting nowhere on 'I Threw A Brick.' When I came back to the studio the following day, Edge had overdubbed a great tom part. I was so pissed off he had come up with a better drum part than me. It was the kick in the ass I needed."
  • Released on their second album, October, "I Threw A Brick Through A Window" was a live favorite for the band in the early '80s, played on their October, War, and Unforgettable Fire tours.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.