Miracle Drug
by U2

Album: How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb (2004)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Bono wrote this about an Irish writer with cerebral palsy named Christopher Nolan. Said Bono, "When we were leaving school, this character arrived called Christopher Nolan, and he couldn't move a muscle. Only his eyes were just so sharp and so awake. He was born without any oxygen for two hours. But his mother so believed in the look in his eyes she used to read to him, she taught him. And then they found this little pill that allowed him to move his neck by about an inch. And then they put a thing to his head like a little unicorn and they taught him how to type. It turns out he had all these poems in his head."

    Nolan had his first book published at around 15. Bono wrote this song from the perspective of Christopher's mother and about her faith in her son. It is a song about the strength of love.

Comments: 9

  • Stephanie from London, United KingdomI adore this song. And it's incredibly versatile. It can relate to so many people and so many issues.
  • Jen from Silver Spring, MdPersonally, when I hear this song it reminds me of a few of my closest friends: Carrie, Norma, Mary, Maheen, and Melissa. They are my miracle drug especially because of everything that they have helped me through. When I hear the part Beneath the noise/Below the din/I hear voice/ It's whispering/In science and medicine/ "I was a stranger you took me in". This song I think is about a friendship between people who you rely on and vice versa.I always will be happy that these 5 friends are in my life.
  • Jesus from Guadalajara, MexicoThis song was used in a Mexican produced movie named "Siete Dias" (Seven Days) telling the story of a fictional concert producer who would be killed by the mob if he does not get U2 to play in Monterrey. In coincidence (?), the film was released shortly before U2 stopped in Mexico during the Vertigo Tour. The movie wasn't very good, but this song was played during the final sequence and gave a nice touch of emotion that made worth the ticket.
  • Madalyn from Greensburg, Pathe meaning of this beautiful song will forever be touching to my heart
  • Uzoma from Kano, Otheru2 will always remain the best thing that has happened to popular music. miracle drug always sounds new.
    -uzoma, nigeria
  • Lily from Godrics Hallow, Englandyes such a moving song!
  • Sean from Sartell, Mn"Freedom has a scent, Like the top of a newborn babies head"
    "Beneath the noise, below the din, I hear you voice it's whispering, In science and in medicine, I was a stranger you took me in."

    2 of my favorite lines from this song.
  • Jackie from Virginia Beach, VaMy daughter has speech apraxia, and is finally (at age 7 1/2) able to get a few "words" (grunts and signs) to form a sentence. I know there is no drug for her, just time and hard work, but I've wanted to know what's behind her eyes since she was born. I know what *is* there, when it's finally revealed, will surprise me.
  • Rose from Gisborne, New ZealandI was reading recently what this song meant and really related to it. I have a teenage son with Autism who is non verbal and struggles with life every day.People with this disorder suffer often suffer from sensory overload. His tenacity never ceases to amaze me and he never gives up. "I want to trip inside your head, spend the day there......To hear the things you haven't said and see what you might see. I want to hear you when you call. Do you feel anything at all? I want to see your thoughts take shape and walk right out" I've thought those thoughts so many times. Bless U2 for one of the most moving songs I've ever heard. I'm waiting for that Miracle Drug!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Evolution Of The Prince Symbol

Evolution Of The Prince SymbolSong Writing

The evolution of the symbol that was Prince's name from 1993-2000.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")Songwriter Interviews

Phil was a songwriter, producer and voice behind many Philadelphia soul classics. When disco hit, he got an interesting project: The Village People.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.