Where the Streets Have No Name was inspired by stories Bono heard about Belfast, Northern Ireland, where people could tell someones religion and socioeconomic status based on the street they lived on. The idea of a place without these divisions fascinated Bono. The recording of the song was technically challenging and took a long time to complete, but it ultimately became one of U2s most iconic songs.
I want to run I want to hide I want to tear down the walls That hold me inside I want to reach out And touch the flame Where the streets have no name I, I, I, I want to feel, sunlight on my face I see the dust cloud disappear without a trace I want to take shelter from the poison rain
Where the streets have no name, oh ah Where the streets have no name Where the streets have no name We’re still building Then burning down love, burning down love And when I go there I go there with you... (it’s all I can do)
The city’s a flood And our love turns to rust We’re beaten and blown by the wind Trampled in dust I’ll show you a place High on a desert plain Where the streets have no name, oh ah
Where the streets have no name Where the streets have no name We’re still building Then burning down love, burning down love And when I go there I go there with you... (it’s all I can do)
Our love turns to rust We’re beaten and blown by the wind, blown by the wind Oh, and I see love, see our love turn to rust Ah we’re beaten and blown by the wind, blown by the wind Oh when I go there, I go there with you It’s all I can do