“Bad” is a 1984 song by U2 from their album The Unforgettable Fire, thematically centered on the heroin epidemic in Dublin during the early 1980s.
The track originated from an improvised guitar riff by The Edge during a jam session at Slane Castle, with Bono writing lyrics that reflect the psychological devastation of addiction, inspired by friends such as Andy Rowen and Gareth Spaulding.
“Bad” is a song about addiction. Though not stated explicitly in the song, Bono has made clear many times in interviews and at concerts that it was written about heroin addiction. The lyrics could be coming from several different character’s points of view – the addict themselves, a loved one viewing them going through the anguish, possibly a narrator. Viewed as coming from the friend or spouse of an addict, the words offer a compelling psychological portrait of codependency. Musically, there is a somber, but hopeful (almost reaching out) sound to the band that goes hand in hand with Bono’s lyric.
In the early 80s, there was a severe economic downturn in Ireland and heroin addiction became a serious problem in the inner cities there (and throughout the United Kingdom as well).
“Bad” is a very important song for the band on a number of levels. Their performance at Live Aid in 1985 was a highlight of the concert and brought U2 a broader audience and greater acclaim as artists.
[Verse 1]
If you twist and turn away
If you tear yourself in two again
If I could, yes, I would
If I could, I would let it go
Surrender, dislocate
[Verse 2]
If I could throw this lifeless lifeline to the wind
Leave this heart of clay, see you walk, walk away
Into the night and through the rain
Into the half light and through the flame
[Verse 3]
If I could, through myself, set your spirit free
I’d lead your heart away, see you break, break away
Into the light and to the day
[Refrain]
Hoo, hoo! Hoo, hoo! Hoo, hoo!
Hoo, hoo! Hoo, hoo! Hoo, hoo!
[Chorus]
To let it go and so to fade away
To let it go and so fade away
I’m wide awake, I’m wide awake, wide awake
I’m not sleeping
Oh, no, no, no
[Verse 4]
If you should ask, then maybe
They’d tell you what I would say
True colours fly in blue and black
Blue silken sky and burning flag
Colours crash, collide in blood-shot eyes
[Verse 5]
If I could, you know I would
If I could, I would let it go
This desperation, dislocation
Separation, condemnation
Revelation, in temptation
Isolation, desolation
[Chorus]
Let it go and so fade away
To let it go, oh, yeah, and so fade away
To let it go, oh, no, and so to fade away
I’m wide awake, I’m wide awake, wide awake
I’m not sleeping
Oh, no, no, no
