The Stories Behind U2 Songs, 26-29

Here is the last set in our list of stories behind 29 U2 songs, starting with "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own."

26. "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own" (2005)

U2 racked up two more Grammys for Song of the Year and Best Rock Performance with "Sometimes," which is a tribute to the somewhat distant relationship Bono had with his father, who passed away in 2001. The song reaches a climax when, from the depths of his soul, Bono cries out, "You're the reason I sing/You're the reason why the opera is in me . . . ," and fans are often moved to tears by his display of raw emotion.

27. "City of Blinding Lights" (2005)

U2 cleaned up at the 2005 Grammys, taking home five awards including Best Rock Song for "City" and Album of the Year and Best Rock Album for How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. Inspired by Bono's love for New York City and the band's love for their fans ("I miss you when you're not around"), this peppy, upbeat song quickly found a home as the opener on the Vertigo tour with Adam playing the opening notes on the keyboard.

28. "The Saints Are Coming" (2006)

U2 teamed up with Green Day for this cover of a 1970s punk rock song by The Skids. "Saints," one of two new songs on the compilation album U2 18 Singles, was recorded in the legendary Abbey Road studios in London where The Beatles recorded most of their albums.

The song, which mentions New Orleans, storms, and flooding, took on new meaning when the two bands played it live when the New Orleans Saints returned to the Superdome for the first time following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This energetic and mighty rocker reached number one in Australia, Canada, and all over Europe, but didn't receive much airplay in the States.

29. "Window in the Skies" (2007)

Another new song from U2 18 Singles, this cheerful, snappy tune was also recorded at Abbey Road studios and has a slight "Beatles" sound to it. Although it didn't fare well on U.S. charts due to lack of airplay, it reached the top ten in many other parts of the world and became an instant fan favorite.

Some argue that the lyrics are about romantic love, but most die-hard fans agree that this one is all about God's love and the grace, redemption, and forgiveness we receive by accepting his gift.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Helen Davies, Marjorie Dorfman, Mary Fons, Deborah Hawkins, Martin Hintz, Linnea Lundgren, David Priess, Julia Clark Robinson, Paul Seaburn, Heidi Stevens, and Steve Theunissen