Irish rock band U2 has been making songs that have captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide for decades. Their music is reflective of their beliefs, personal stories, and the current state of the world, which often delves into political and social themes. One such song that encompasses all these elements is “Raised by Wolves.”
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Written for their album “Songs of Innocence,” the song was inspired by the 1974 terror attack in Dublin, Ireland, by Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) militants. The attack aimed to cause chaos and fear, but it left 33 people dead and hundreds injured.
In this article, we dissect the meaning behind the song “Raised by Wolves” and explore some frequently asked questions related to it.
Verse 1: Who is Liam?
The song begins with the lyrics, “Face down on a broken street, there’s a man in the corner in a pool of misery. I’m in a white van, as a red sea covers the ground. Metal crash, I can’t tell what it is, but I take a look and now I’m sorry I did.”
The first verse sets the scene of a chaotic and bloody aftermath of a bombing or terrorist attack. The use of the lines “Liam” and “take a look and now I’m sorry I did” refers to Donal Lucey’s (Liam’s) poignant eyewitness account of the attack.
Chorus: What’s the significance of “raised by wolves”?
The chorus of the song goes like this, “Raised by wolves, stronger than fear. Street violence and common theft. Raised by wolves, we howl and we’re wild. And we’re not dead yet.”
The phrase “raised by wolves” is a metaphor for growing up in an environment where one has to fend for themselves. It often refers to situations where one has to overcome adversity from an early age, and in this case, it reflects the resilience of the Irish people amidst violence, chaos, and uncertainty.
Verse 2: Who is Veronica?
The second verse starts with the lines, “Veronica, Veronica, where did you go? Where did you go?”
The name Veronica is symbolic of the Virgin Mary, who is a significant religious figure in the Catholic religion, which is predominant in Ireland. The song employs her name to represent the people’s uncertainty and confusion with the attack and the emotional trauma that came with it.
Verse 3: What does the “black light” refer to?
The third verse of the song goes like this: “Sleep comes like a drug in God’s country. Sad eyes, crooked crosses — in God’s country. Naked flame, she stands with a naked flame. I stand with the sons of Cain. Burned by the fire of love.”
The line “sleep comes like a drug in God’s country” suggests that people in Ireland are so accustomed to violence and chaos that they have learned to live with it. “Crooked crosses” refers to distorted religious beliefs that are being used to justify violence. The “naked flame” personifies a beacon of hope, light, and purity.
The “black light” in the song refers to the ultraviolet light used by UVF terrorists to check for security markings on any stolen cash or weapons. The song highlights how violence begets violence, and the use of the black light as a tool to perpetuate violence showcases the vicious cycle that never seems to end.
Verse 4: What does “hate is never satisfied” mean?
The last verse of the song goes like this, “Our love, it screams like silence, and no one knows. Our love, it screams like silence, and no one knows. And I, I want you. It’s a love that hurts, and love that picks you up. And where you fall is where I start. Love, it’s a bully breed, but I’m not done. Tweaking my brain, love, wrecking my nape, love, changing my name, love.”
The lyrics suggest how hope, love, and pain co-exist in Ireland’s context, where despite the violence and chaos, people can still resist by choosing love.
The line “hate is never satisfied” means that hate begets hate, and it’s an endless cycle that can never be satisfied. The song suggests that love, on the other hand, is the only way to transcend hate and bring about healing in a traumatized society.
FAQs:
1. Was the song entirely inspired by the 1974 Dublin terror attack?
While the song was inspired by the 1974 Dublin attack, the lyrics were also influenced by a host of other events, including violence in Syria and Nigeria. So, it’s safe to say that the song has a universal message of resilience, hope, and love that is relevant in the face of violence and terror attacks across the world.
2. What’s the significance of the song’s title?
The song’s title, “Raised by Wolves,” is a metaphor for how Dubliners grew up in a society fraught with strife, violence, and uncertainty, much like how wolves learn to fend for themselves in the wild.
3. What impact did the song have on U2’s fans?
The song has gained a lot of traction among U2 fans worldwide, and many have praised the band for its reflection on the repercussions of violence and its effect on ordinary people’s lives.
4. Was the song’s release affected by the controversy surrounding U2’s decision to put their album on iTunes without the consent of users?
The release of “Raised by Wolves” was not directly affected by the controversy, but it was part of the same album, “Songs of Innocence,” which faced backlash from users who were unhappy with U2’s actions.
5. Is the song’s message still relevant today?
The song’s message of resilience, hope, and love in the face of violence and chaos is still relevant today, particularly with the ongoing crisis in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the world.
6. What’s the significance of the name Veronica in the song?
The name Veronica is symbolic of the Virgin Mary, who is a significant religious figure in the Catholic religion, and it represents the people’s uncertainty and confusion with the attack and the emotional trauma that came with it.
7. What other U2 songs deal with social and political issues?
Many U2 songs deal with social and political issues. Some of the most prominent include “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “Pride (In the Name of Love),” “Bullet The Blue Sky,” “Miss Sarajevo,” and “One.”
8. What’s the meaning of “sons of Cain” in the song?
The phrase “sons of Cain” refers to the biblical story of Cain and Abel, where Cain kills his brother Abel out of jealousy. It’s a metaphor for how violence breeds violence, and no one is ultimately safe in a world constantly plagued by violence.
9. Was the song nominated for an award?
The song was not nominated for any awards at the time of release, but it has gained a lot of critical acclaim and attention from fans worldwide.
10. What’s the significance of the line “burned by the fire of love” in the song?
The line “burned by the fire of love” is a metaphor for how love can be both a source of pain and a source of inspiration. The line suggests that love is not always easy, and it can often lead to heartache, but it’s still worth fighting for.
11. What’s the importance of using metaphors in the song?
Metaphors and allegories are essential literary devices used in music to convey complex ideas and themes that are not easily explained in simple terms. In “Raised by Wolves,” the use of metaphors and poetic language adds depth and meaning to the song’s message, making it more relatable and engaging to U2’s listeners.
12. How did the band come up with the song’s lyrics?
The song’s lyrics were inspired by the band’s experiences, their observations on the state of the world, and their reflections on the impact of violence and chaos on people’s lives. The band worked with a team of songwriters to craft the song’s lyrics, often drawing on their personal and collective memories to create a compelling narrative.
