Released: November 20, 2007

Songwriter: U2

Producer: Brian Eno Daniel Lanois

Heat haze rising on Hell's own hill
To wake up this morning took an act of will
You walked through the night to get here today
To bring your children to give them a way

Oh, oh this cruel sun
Its daylight never done
Cruelty just begun
To make a shadow of everyone

And if the rain came
And if the rain came now

Souls bent over without a breeze
Blankets on burning trees
I'm sick without disease
Nobility on its knees

And if the rain came
And if the rain came
Now

Would it wash us all away
On a wave of sorrow
A wave of sorrow

Where now the holy cities
Where all the ancient holy scrolls
Where now the Emperor Menelik
And the Queen of Sheba's gold
You my bride wear her crown
On your finger precious stone
Has every good thing now been sold?

Son of shepherd boy now king
What wisdom can you bring
What lyric could you sing
Where is the music of the seraphim

And if the rain came
And if the rain came
Would it wash us all away, now
On a wave of sorrow
A wave, a wave of sorrow

Blessed are the meek who scratch in the dirt
For they shall inherit what's left of the Earth
Blessed are the kings who have left their thrones
They are blessed in this valley of dry bones
Blessed are you with an empty heart
From you have nothing from which you cannot part
Blessed is the ego if it's all we've got this hour
Blessed is the voice that speaks truth to power
Blessed is the sex worker's body sold tonight
She works with what she got to save her children's life
Blessed are the deaf who cannot hear her scream
Blessed are the stupid who can dream
Blessed are the tin can cardboard slums
And Blessed is the spirit that overcomes

U2

U2 is an Irish rock band from Dublin, which started in post-punk but soon incorporated elements from various musical genres (funk, electronica, blues). Composed of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr (drums and percussion), the band is noted for a sound built on melodic instrumentals, and lyrics, filled with spiritual imagery, personal themes and sociopolitical concerns. U2 sold more than 150 million records worldwide, and created some of the most lavish, memorable and profitable concert tours in history. Their success also helped the bandmembers advocate for human rights and philanthropic causes.