With or Without U2
Dublin's Thorn: A Journey of Longing and Identity in U2's Melody
Lyrics
You know, there's been a lot of talk about Dublin.
Introduction and reference to Dublin, setting the stage for the song.
See the stone set in her eyes.
Describing the intensity of emotions with the metaphor of a stone set in her eyes.
See the thorn twist in her side.
Highlighting a painful experience with the image of a thorn twisting in her side.
And I wait without you.
Expressing the feeling of waiting in the absence of the person referred to.
Sleight of hand and twist of fate.
Describing a situation with elements of deception ("sleight of hand") and destiny ("twist of fate").
On a bed of nails she makes me wait.
Portraying a difficult and uncomfortable situation with the metaphor of a bed of nails.
And I wait without you.
Reiterating the sense of waiting in the absence of the person.
With or without you.
Introducing the central theme of the song: the struggle and ambivalence of being with or without the person.
With or without you.
Repeating the central theme for emphasis.
With or without.
Shortened expression of the central theme.
With or without you.
Repeating the central theme, emphasizing the internal conflict.
I want your skulls.
Introducing a contrasting and seemingly unrelated set of lyrics about wanting and needing skulls.
I need your skulls.
-I want your skulls.
-I need your skulls.
-I've got your picture. I've got your picture.
Continuing the contrasting theme, expressing a desire for pictures and a connection even in confinement.
I'd like a million of them all 'round my cell.
-I asked the doctor to take your picture
-So I can look at you from inside as well.
-You've got me turning up and turning down and turning in and turning 'round.
Describing the impact of the person on the speaker's emotions and actions.
I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.
Quoting lyrics from "Turning Japanese" by The Vapors, introducing a theme of identity and transformation.
I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.
-I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.
-I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.
-No sex, no drugs, no wine, no women.
Listing things absent in the speaker's life and expressing a sense of alienation.
No sin, no fun, no you, no wonder it's dark.
-Everyone avoids me is a total stranger.
-Everyone treats me like a psyched lone ranger.
-Everyone.
Highlighting the pervasive feeling of being treated as an outsider.
I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.
Repeating lyrics from "Turning Japanese," reinforcing the theme of identity crisis.
I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.
-I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.
-I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.
-I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.
Continuing the repetition of "Turning Japanese," emphasizing the ongoing struggle with identity and transformation.
I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.
-I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.
-I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.
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