Raised by Wolves
by U2

Album: Songs of Innocence (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song talks about Bono growing up in a tough part of Dublin during 'The Troubles' as he recounts the true story of a deadly car-bombing in his home city. "It was a real incident that happened in our country where three car bombs were set to go off at the same time in Dublin on a Friday night, 5:30," Bono recalled to Rolling Stone, "On any other Friday I would have been at this record shop, just down the corner, but I cycled to school that day."

    "The bomb tore apart the street," he continued. "I escaped but one of my mates was around the corner with his father, and it was a very hard thing for him to witness and I'm not sure he really got over it."
  • The track namechecks the registration plate of the blue Ford Escort used in the bombings, 1385WZ.
  • Speaking to The Observer, Bono wondered if the experience outlined in this track is one reason why he's drawn to protest songs. "Why do I write songs about political violence?" he asked. "Where is that coming from?"

    "And I think that's why," he continued. "It was very disturbing to realise that my teenage life was largely dominated by memories of violence and that my worldview was shaped by that. It might mean some sort of psychological flaw in me, but I feel most comfortable in the middle of the biggest, noisiest, most chaotic, howling argument."

Comments: 1

  • Philippe from Yellowknife, CanadaI suspect that this song could possibly be on the soundtrack of a movie supposed to be release next year. Here is what I found after a little research...

    http://m.imdb.com/title/tt3040964/
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Fire On The Stage

Fire On The StageSong Writing

When you have a song called "Fire," it's tempting to set one - these guys did.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Penny Ford of Snap!

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.