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

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."

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

TV Theme Songs

TV Theme SongsFact or Fiction

Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?

Which Songs are About Drugs?

Which Songs are About Drugs?Fact or Fiction

"25 or 6 to 4" to "Semi-Charmed Life" - see if you can spot the songs that are really about drugs.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.

Trucking Songs That Were #1 Hits

Trucking Songs That Were #1 HitsSong Writing

The stories behind the biggest hit songs about trucking.