Classic U2 Lyrics Trivia Quiz

Answer: Sweetest Thing

"Sweetest Thing" was originally written as an apology from Bono to his wife for forgetting her birthday,The lyrics describe the moment when Bono first met his wife, who has brown eyes, and how he was immediately smitten with her. The song was released as a single in 1998 and became a hit, reaching the top ten in several countries.

Answer: I Will Follow

"I Will Follow" was released as the opening track from U2's debut album "Boy" in 1980. The song was written about Bono's mother, who died when he was just 14 years old. It became one of U2's most popular songs and has been performed at almost every one of their concerts since its release.

The song's upbeat tempo and catchy guitar riff make it a fan favorite, and its message of perseverance and determination resonates with audiences.

Answer: Desire

"Desire" features a bluesy guitar riff and Bono's passionate vocals. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries, and its music video, directed by Richard Lowenstein, features the band performing in a bar in New Orleans.

Answer: Sunday Bloody Sunday

The answer we're looking for here is "Sunday Bloody Sunday." It was released in 1983 and is known for its political and social commentary on the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The lyrics reference the Bloody Sunday massacre in 1972, where British soldiers shot and killed unarmed civil rights protesters in Derry. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" has become one of U2's most iconic and powerful songs, and is often performed at their concerts as a call for peace and unity.

Answer: Bad

"Bad" was released in 1984 as the second single from "The Unforgettable Fire" album. The song was inspired by the heroin addiction of a friend of the band, and Bono's experiences with drug use in Dublin. Despite its dark subject matter, "Bad" has become a fan favorite and a staple of U2's live shows.

The song's extended live performances often include snippets of other songs, such as "Ruby Tuesday" and "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones.

Answer: Bullet the Blue Sky

"Bullet the Blue Sky" was inspired by the band's experiences during their tour in Central America. The lyrics describe a helicopter attack on a village in El Salvador, and the sense of fear and helplessness felt by the people below. The song's title refers to the blue sky that serves as a backdrop to the violence and destruction.

Answer: With or Without You

"With or Without You" was "The Joshua Tree"'s lead single. The song features a prominent bassline and atmospheric guitar work, and is known for its emotional lyrics about a troubled romantic relationship. Interestingly, the song was initially disliked by some members of the band, who felt it was too different from their previous work.

However, it went on to become one of their most popular and enduring hits, and has been covered by numerous other artists over the years.

Answer: Where the Streets Have No Name

"Where the Streets Have No Name" was inspired by the band's visit to Ethiopia and the poverty they witnessed there. The title refers to the idea of a place where people are not judged by their social status or wealth, but rather by who they are as individuals.

Answer: In God's Country

"In God's Country" was released in 1986. The band members have indicated it could have been inspired by any number of experiences: growing up poor in Ireland, the Statue of Liberty as a beacon, or the late 1970s' revolution in Nicaragua.

Answer: Running to Stand Still

"Running to Stand Still" describes the struggles of heroin addiction in Dublin, Ireland, and the title refers to the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of drug use and poverty. The song has been praised for its haunting melody and emotional lyrics, and has become a fan favorite at U2 concerts.

Interestingly, the song was originally written as a slower, acoustic ballad, but was later reworked into the more upbeat, rock version that appears on the album.