The Unforgettable Fire
by U2

Album: The Unforgettable Fire (1984)
Charted: 6
Play Video
  • Ice
    Your only rivers run cold
    These city lights
    They shine as silver and gold
    Dug from the night
    Your eyes as black as coal

    Walk on by
    Walk on through
    Walk 'til you run
    And don't look back
    For here I am

    Carnival
    The wheels fly and the colors spin
    Through alcohol
    Red wine that punctures the skin
    Face to face
    In a dry and waterless place

    Walk on by
    Walk on through
    So sad to besiege your love so head on
    Stay this time
    Stay tonight in a lie
    I'm only asking but I
    I think you know
    Come on take me away
    Come on take me away
    Come on take me home
    Home again

    And if the mountain should crumble
    Or disappear into the sea
    Not a tear, no not I

    Stay in this time
    Stay tonight in
    Ever after, this love in time
    And if you save your love
    Save it all

    Don't push me too far
    Don't push me too far
    Tonight
    Tonight
    Tonight Writer/s: Adam Clayton, David Evans, Laurence Mullen, Paul David Hewson
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 15

  • Textuses63 from Nc, UsaBest song ever!!!
  • Rick (iceman) from Texas UsaBest band arguably of all time. 22 Grammys and over 150 million albums sold. As David from Sonora Mexico said, “Love the music up ‘til the 90s” that was me until recently when I travel out of town and decided to exclusively this to U2 during my countless hours of driving. I now love all their music into 2019!! Unbelievable how great this band is.
  • David from Sonora MexicoIn my Top 10 for sure. I saw U2 five times and has always been the Best Concert I've been to. Love their music up 'til the 90's :) Do not hate the later but just have not gotten into me... yet.
  • Pio from London, United KingdomReally love the moodiness and the string section and agree this is one of Bono's best vocals. I tried singing this at karaoke and made a real mess of it...I think I'll leave it to the Bonomeister!
  • Keith from Pensacola, FlU2's best song ever !!
  • Shawn from Frostburg, MdAngela, I agree, this song is right up there with "40" as one thier best. it is just a song that always puts me at ease when i hear it.
  • Matt from West Miflin, PaCindy sorry the line is directly taken from Stand by Me
  • Patrick from Hasbrouck Heights, NjWhat an atmospheric song! One of U2's finest.
  • Dave from Cardiff, WalesThe album of the same name was U2's magnum opus of the 1980s. Many will argue, but personally, I don't think they ever bettered it, not even with The Joshua Tree
  • Angela from Hagerstown, MdThis is probably THE most beautiful U2 song.
  • Ashley from Wouldntyalyke2know, In When I think of that line, "And if the mountians should crumble into the sea", I think of the "Stand by Me" song and it also makes me think of when Jesus was talking about faith. I think I understand though how the 'stuff' they told us goes with the music, like "walk on by" the exibit. It does make me wonder though if there was more to it...
  • Jeanette from Elkridge, MdI think this song is Bono's voice at his absolute best. I love to listen to his voice on this song, it gives me chills. Unfortunately, he doesn't sound like that anymore, too bad because it was very unique.
  • John from Madison, WiVery underrated U2 song.
  • Andrew from Kingston, CanadaTrue, but that's also a prevalent theme in a few Psalms from the Bible. So I think that's likely where the inspiration came from.
  • Cindy from Chicago, IlThe line, "And if the mountains should crumble or disappear into the sea" is a metaphor taken from Led Zepelin's song Thank You from LZII.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Mac Powell of Third Day

Mac Powell of Third DaySongwriter Interviews

The Third Day frontman talks about some of the classic songs he wrote with the band, and what changed for his solo country album.

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.