“I didn't even feel like climbing up the hill anymore, because every time I climbed up somebody was gonna push me back down it.” »read more
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Bono's lyrics were inspired by his mother, who died in 1974 when he was 14.
This was the first song on the first U2 album. It was released as a single at the same time as the album Boy.
This song is an example of what would become The Edge's distinctive guitar style. He felt he could play only a few notes, but make it work by finding the right ones.
The spiritual themes in the lyrics were typical of early U2. Bono, The Edge, and Larry Mullen were members of a devout Christian group.
For sound effects, bottles were thrown on the floor and bicycle wheels were spun and hit with bottles and knives. (thanks, Bill - Johnstown, PA)
A glockenspiel, which is a percussion instrument similar to a xylophone, was used.
A concert favorite, this appears on their live album Under A Blood Red Sky.
Collective Soul played this at Woodstock '99. Other groups who played it from time to time include Third Eye Blind and Hootie & the Blowfish. (thanks, Bertrand - Paris, France)
The Replacements recorded an answer song to this called "Kids Don't Follow" on their album Stink.
More songs by U2
More songs featuring unusual instruments
Comments:
The 1st number 1 hit for U2 in The Netherlands.
Great song
- Chaosz, Amsterdam, Netherlands
I really got into this song when I first heard it. Another great song by a great band. U2 FAN FOREVER!
- danleichty, rochester, MN
The Replacements were one of the pillars of alternative music in the 80s. It was pretty much U2, REM and The Replacements. They were never as popular as U2 or REM, but they had a VERY devout following.
Check out Tim or Let It Be.
Oh yeah...love "I Will Follow." I haven't heard The Replacements' song, but I'm sure it's cool.
- Mark, Austin, TX
The sond effects you hear is actually Bono breaking bottles an Steve Lillywhite running a knife through the spokes of a bike.
- Lucy, Raelingen, Netherlands
The Replacements are good. And who cares about a positive message?
- Trenton, Minneapolis , MN
so what is the replacements point on there answer song "kids don't follow". I never heard of this song or the band for that matter. I guess the replacements were so bad they got replaced. You never hear of them helping world causes like Bono does. I hope they have a positive message in there answer song.
- Tommy, los angeles, CA
In the song they sing "your eyes make a circle", they obviously don't know that eyes are oval shaped. I've even seen square shaped ones
- Nick, Kalamazoo, MI
One of their best songs...it sounds current, even now.
- Danielle, Toronto, Canada
i've discovered that this is the greatest u2 song that u can blare while on your way to hockey practice at 8 in the morning on a saturday..great song
- Ryan, Albion, NY