The Refugee
by U2

Album: War (1983)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is an attempt to contrast the experience of Irish-American immigrants with African Americans. It's a lesser-known track from the group's third album, War, which was their American breakthrough. U2 never played it in concert.
  • Fellow Irishman Bill Whelan is credited as producer, although Steve Lillywhite, who produced their first two albums, also worked on it. Whelan would go on to produce Riverdance.

Comments: 5

  • Spike from Ct, UsaI always wondered about this song. It seems to be a complaint about the desire of some Irish females to connect up with members of the American military and start a life in the US. My dad was on an American submarine, And he mentioned something about this, when his sub was in port in Scotland. Some of the women there would try to marry American sailors quickly. I never knew that this was much of a problem in Ireland.
  • Anonymous from CaliforniaIt's about a girl who was sex trafficked. The potential fall out was being explained and explored in the lyrics.
    Can't swear to it, but I think I've read that the sound affects were changed from time to time.
  • Douglas from Staten Island , Nythe drums on this album were recorded under a staircase to get that echo sound.

    Fantastic album!!!!!!!
  • Sammy from New York, NyThis is a good song and should get it's props. I think it's filled with great anger and energy. Also contains a great guitar part from The Edge, but obviously a given!
  • Marty from Perth, AustraliaThey did'nt sing this song at Live Aid. They did Sunday Bloody Sunday, then Bad.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

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

Song Cities

Song CitiesMusic Quiz

Nirvana, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen are among those who wrote songs with cities that show up in this quiz.

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the Song

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the SongSong Writing

How a goofy detective movie, a disenchanted director and an unlikely songwriter led to one of the biggest hits in pop history.

Guy Clark

Guy ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett are just a few of the artists who have looked to Clark for insightful, intelligent songs.

Steely Dan

Steely DanFact or Fiction

Did they really trade their guitarist to The Doobie Brothers? Are they named after something naughty? And what's up with the band name?