11/13/06: A Hero for Our Time

Admittedly, I became a U2 fan only within the past six years, but I find that Bono's lyrics speak to me precisely where I'm at. His use of Scripture passages, his anger over suffering, his simple poetry, entrances me again and again.

Plus I haven't yet outgrown being that 80s rocker chick.

Okay, so I wasn't REALLY an 80s rocker chick, but I have always loved 80s music. But at the time, U2 wasn't anything special; I just knew their music from radio air time -- top 40 stuff. However, I do have flashback of my prom whenever I hear "New Year's Day."

And Bono's passion for Africa, especially for those with AIDS, has really touched me. He's willing to use his celebrity not only for himself and fellow band members, but also for the poor and suffering of the world.

And in this day of empty celebrity -- of Paris Hilton and Nick Lachey -- that's saying something.

I have so many favorite U2 songs that it would be hard to pick only one. I have to say that the ones that have touched me the most are "Grace" and "Walk On." So I'm posting the lyrics to "Walk On" today, as a reminder that no matter what God gives us to deal with in our lives, He asks us to "Walk On" in His love and mercy.

And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring...
And love is not the easy thing....
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can't leave behind

And if the darkness is to keep us apart
And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack
And for a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong

Walk on, walk on
What you got they can’t steal it
No they can’t even feel it
Walk on, walk on...
Stay safe tonight

You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom
Walk on, walk on
What you've got they can't deny it
Can’t sell it, can’t buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight
And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much

Walk on, walk on
Home… hard to know what it is if you’ve never had one
Home… I can’t say where it is but I know I'm going home
That's where the heart is

I know it aches
How your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Leave it behind
You've got to leave it behind
All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you steal
All this you can leave behind
All that you reason
All that you sense
All that you speak
All you dress up
All that you scheme…