One of U2's darker albums. It had a groundbreaking sound, as U2 continued to strive for a leading-edge feel. One of the hardest recording periods U2 ever went through. Much of the album deals with and was inspired by Edge's divorce. Produced some of U2's most popular songs (One, Until the End of the World, Even Better than the Real Thing).
Tracks
Zoo Station
Even Better than the Real Thing
One
Until the End of the World
 Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses
So Cruel
The Fly
Mysterious Ways
Tryin' to Throw Your Arms Around the World
Ultra Violet (Light My Way)
Acrobat
Love is Blindness

Album Info
Released : November 18th 1991
Album Production Manager: Anne-Louise Kelly
Recorded in:
Hansa Ton Studios, Berlin
Dog Town, Dublin
S.T.S., Dublin
Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin

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Until the End of the World

As a fairly new fan of U2, I was very intrigued by this song. I had worked on understanding the meaning, and caught many of the spiritual references. I struggled with it for at least six months, eventually coming to the conclusion that it was written from a non-believers point of view (which was accurate, in a way) as he spoke with Jesus. When I read a quote from Bono saying that the song was about Judas, the disciple of Jesus who would eventually betray Him, it clicked. It seems obvious to me now, but I didn't figure it out on my own. Because of that, it has helped me "look deeper" at other U2 songs to see if the meaning is just out of my reach, as Until the End of the World was.

This song is outstanding in concert. Bono often mentions Judas' name at the beginning of the song, usually screaming out "Jesus! This is Judas!" Bono plays the part of the antagonist (satan) perfectly. Edge plays the protagonist, or hero. During the song, bono often holds his fingers above his head, mimicking devil horns, adding to the allusion of satan. He constantly taunts Edge, even kissing him on the cheek. During the climatic end of the song, it always ends with Edge playing his guitar "at" Bono. It is as though they are dueling. Edge's playing eventually causes Bono to fall, while edge hovers over him as though he is killing him with his music. Bono even has a look on his face as though the music is torture. This is very symbolic of how U2 use their music to battle satan. For one of the best live versions of this song, check out U2's Boston Elevation tour DVD.

On to the lyric interpretation…

When Jesus Christ began his public ministry at age 30, He chose 12 men to join Him and be His disciples. One of the men was Judas Iscariot. One of the last times Jesus was together with His disciples, they partook in a meal together (often referred to as "the last supper"). Jesus revealed to one of His disciples that one of the 12 would betray Him. The one who dipped his bread would be the one - It was Judas. Jesus often told the disciples of the events that would lead to His death and resurrection, but they often found it hard to understand or believe.

(Remember, Judas is the speaker)
Haven't seen you in quite a while
I was down the hold just passing time
Last time we met was a low-lit room
We were as close together as a bride and groom
We ate the food, we drank the wine
Everybody having a good time
Except you
You were talking about the end of the world

The first verse is Judas saying the last time that he and Jesus were together was at the upper room during the last supper. Jesus often used the analogy of a bride and groom when describing what it meant to have a spiritual relationship with Him, and that reference in the song describes how Judas felt. The speaker (Judas) says the disciples were enjoying themselves but Jesus was not. This was because Jesus new that in a very short time, he would be arrested, tried and crucified.

Jesus was seen as a threat to the religious leaders of the time, the Pharisees. They were able to convince Judas to assist them in apprehending Jesus. They paid him 30 pieces of silver for his services. We see this mentioned in the next verse.

I took the money
I spiked your drink
You miss too much these days if you stop to think
You led me on with those innocent eyes
You know I love the element of surprise
In the garden I was playing the tart
I kissed your lips and broke your heart
You, you were acting like it was The end of the world

As Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane praying with His disciples, the religious leaders made their move to have Him arrested. Judas had told them that he would indicate which one of the men was Jesus by greeting Him with a kiss. (This is also referenced in the lyric from the song Pride (in the name of love)… "one man betrayed with a kiss").

Love, love, love
Love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love
Love, love, love

Jesus went through enormous physical and mental pain and anguish after His arrest and leading up to His crucifixion. He did it all out of love for His children, those who have a personal relationship with Him. He died for our sins.

After the betrayal, Judas regretted his actions. The Bible says that he wept bitterly. The next few lines try to reflect how Judas was feeling.

In my dream I was drowning my sorrows
But my sorrows, they learned to swim
Surrounding me, going down on me
Spilling over the brim

Bono's lyric shows Judas' regret and that he reached out for Jesus (the one he tried to destroy)…

Waves of regret and waves of joy
I reached out for the one I tried to destroy
You, you said you'd wait 'Til the end of the world

Judas eventually killed himself out of despair and regret over what he had done. In the last line, Judas mentions that Jesus said He would wait, "Til the end of the world". This is a reference to the last words Jesus said after His resurrection but before His ascension into Heaven. He concluded the great commission (the common name of Jesus' last recorded words with the disciples) by saying, "and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."

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