Twilight
by U2

Album: Boy (1980)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Twilight comes when darkness is about to subsume the daylight. Bono sings about losing his way, but it's pretty ambiguous and he hasn't explained the lyric like he has many of his others. The song could have some religious meaning, as Bono's Christian faith played a big role in what he was trying to convey around this time.
  • An early U2 song, "Twilight" appears on their debut album, Boy. They weren't very refined at this point, but were brimming with talent and energy, which producer Steve Lillywhite was able to capture on this cut. He produced their next two albums as well, setting the musical foundation for the band.
  • The line, "In the shadow boy meets man" was interpreted by some fans to be about homosexuality. While U2 did not intend it that way, songs like "Twilight" and "Stories For Boys" earned them a large gay following.
  • The album shows a shirtless, 7-year-old boy on the cover. The American release had an alternate cover with a black and white photo of the band to avoid controversy.
  • An early version appears on the B-side of "Another Day," U2's second single, which was released only in Ireland.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?