In 1987, U2 released their landmark album, The Joshua Tree, which has since become one of the most influential albums of all time. One of the standout songs on the album is Running to Stand Still, which is a haunting ballad about drug addiction and poverty.

The lyrics of Running to Stand Still paint a stark picture of life on the streets, where addiction is a constant struggle and hope is hard to come by. The song’s title represents the vicious circle of addiction, where individuals feel like they are running but never seem to make any progress in their lives.

The Lyrics

The lyrics of Running to Stand Still are some of the most powerful and emotional in U2’s entire catalog:

Intro:

She runs through the streets with her eyes painted red

Under a black belly of cloud in the rain

In through a doorway she brings me

White gold and pearls stolen from the sea

Verse 1:

She is the raging sea, the tempest wild and free

But underneath the storm the sea is calm and clear

She could be sleeping here tonight

She could be sleeping, she could be sleeping

Chorus:

Where do we go from here?

Where do we go from here?

Verse 2:

The moon is a light bulb breaking

It’ll go around with anyone

But it won’t come down for anyone

You think you’ve found the answer

But the answer isn’t found this way

Chorus:

Where do we go from here?

Where do we go from here?

Where do we go?

Outro:

The razor’s edge of a dull, sharp sword

The smell of death is all around

And you’re stuck in the middle of the road

Stuck in the middle of the road

And you’re running to stand still

The Message Behind the Song

Running to Stand Still is a heartbreaking song about addiction and poverty. The lyrics describe a woman who is ravaged by addiction, but despite her best efforts, cannot seem to escape its grasp. The chorus repeatedly asks the question, “Where do we go from here?” which represents the feeling of hopelessness that often accompanies addiction.

Bono has stated in interviews that the song was inspired by the heroin epidemic that was sweeping through Dublin in the mid-80s. The song is a plea for society to address the underlying issues that lead to addiction and to provide support for those who are struggling.

The Impact of Running to Stand Still

Running to Stand Still has become one of U2’s most beloved songs and a fan favorite at concerts. The song has also been covered by a number of other artists, including Elbow and Lana Del Rey.

The song’s message still resonates today, as addiction continues to be a major issue in many communities around the world. Running to Stand Still is a reminder that addiction is a devastating disease that affects not only individuals, but also their families, friends, and communities.

The Music Video

The music video for Running to Stand Still is a simple, yet powerful clip that features Bono walking through the streets of Dublin. The video was shot in black and white, which adds to the song’s somber tone.

The video ends with Bono walking into a pub, where he is greeted by his bandmates. The pub scene was filmed at Windmill Lane Studios, which is where U2 recorded much of The Joshua Tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Running to Stand Still about heroin addiction?

Yes, Running to Stand Still was inspired by the heroin epidemic that was sweeping through Dublin in the mid-80s. The song is a plea for society to address the underlying issues that lead to addiction and to provide support for those who are struggling.

2. What is the meaning of the song’s title?

The title Running to Stand Still represents the vicious circle of addiction, where individuals feel like they are running but never seem to make any progress in their lives.

3. Who wrote Running to Stand Still?

Running to Stand Still was written by U2’s lead singer, Bono.

4. What other artists have covered Running to Stand Still?

Running to Stand Still has been covered by a number of other artists, including Elbow and Lana Del Rey.

5. What is the message behind the song?

Running to Stand Still is a heartbreaking song about addiction and poverty. The song is a plea for society to address the underlying issues that lead to addiction and to provide support for those who are struggling.

6. When was Running to Stand Still released?

Running to Stand Still was released as part of U2’s landmark album, The Joshua Tree, which came out in 1987.

7. What is the music video for Running to Stand Still like?

The music video for Running to Stand Still is a simple, yet powerful clip that features Bono walking through the streets of Dublin. The video was shot in black and white, which adds to the song’s somber tone.

8. What impact did Running to Stand Still have?

Running to Stand Still has become one of U2’s most beloved songs and a fan favorite at concerts. The song’s message still resonates today, as addiction continues to be a major issue in many communities around the world.

9. What is the most powerful lyric in Running to Stand Still?

One of the most powerful lyrics in Running to Stand Still is, “The razor’s edge of a dull, sharp sword. The smell of death is all around. And you’re stuck in the middle of the road. Stuck in the middle of the road. And you’re running to stand still.”

10. What is the meaning behind the line, “The moon is a light bulb breaking”?

The line, “The moon is a light bulb breaking” represents the fragility of life and the feeling that everything can come crashing down at any moment.

11. Who directed the music video for Running to Stand Still?

The music video for Running to Stand Still was directed by Barry Devlin.

12. What is the significance of the pub scene in the music video?

The pub scene in the music video represents the close bond between U2’s band members and their shared connection to Dublin. The scene was filmed at Windmill Lane Studios, which is where U2 recorded much of The Joshua Tree.