The Stories Behind U2 Songs, 14-17

In this segment of our list of stories behind 29 U2 songs, you will find information on "Angel of Harlem" and "Mysterious Ways."

14. "Angel of Harlem" (1988)

With "Angel of Harlem," U2 racked up another number one on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. Recorded in Sun Studios in Memphis, Elvis's legendary music engineer Cowboy Jack Clement pitched in on this one, and it was all captured on film in the "rockumentary" Rattle and Hum.

The song chronicles the band's arrival in America for their first tour in 1980 ("It was a cold and wet December day/When we touched the ground at JFK . . ."). It is also a tribute to Billie Holiday, the "Angel of Harlem."

15. "All I Want Is You" (1989)

Bono has said that "All I Want Is You," from Rattle and Hum, is dedicated to his wife, Ali. The poetic and symbolic lyrics describe his desire for true, unconditional love, and the promises his lover makes show the depth of her feelings. The song closed the Rattle and Hum movie, and much to the surprise of fans (because it seldom closes a live show), it was the last song played on the Vertigo tour, when it closed the show in Honolulu in December 2006.

16. "Mysterious Ways" (1991)

In the 1990s, U2 took a new musical direction, attempting to "chop down The Joshua Tree" by reinventing themselves with a funkier, more experimental sound on the album Achtung Baby. It must have worked because "Mysterious Ways," powered by Edge's abrasive guitar riffs and Bono's enigmatic lyrics, scored U2 another number one on both Billboard's Mainstream Rock and Modern Rock charts.

Fans disagree over the song's meaning -- some feel it's deeply spiritual, with references to John the Baptist, while others believe the lyrics are more sexual in nature, and others just think it's a funky dance groove.

17. "One" (1992)

Such a simple title, such a powerful lyric. Tensions were running high while recording Achtung Baby, and the band was reportedly on the brink of breaking up. "One" is the song that brought them back together, essentially saving the band.

The lyrics can be interpreted in several ways: a gay son coming out to his father; a relationship in which a couple loves each other but have hurt each other too much to stay together; or Bono's rocky relationship with his own father.

Whatever the meaning, the song reminds us that all humans are equal and that we need to help those less fortunate: "We're one, but we're not the same/We get to carry each other, carry each other." "One" topped Billboard's Mainstream Rock and Modern Rock charts and has been played at every U2 concert since its debut on the ZooTV tour in 1992.

On the next page, you will find more stories behind U2 songs, including "Numb" and "Please."

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