A Day Without Me by U2

Album: Boy (1980)

License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

Suicide and mental illness are the main themes of this song. "Our emotions aren't just glossy, throwaway things," Bono told NME in 1982. "Some people saw 'A Day Without Me' as escapism, but it was about suicide."

"The Electric Co.," another song on the Boy album, also looks at mental health. That one is about one of Bono's friends who was institutionalized.
This was the first song Steve Lillywhite produced for U2. After the group signed with Island Records, the label had Lillywhite helm the track to see if he was compatible with the band. He was - Lillywhite ended up producing their first three albums, setting them on course for superstardom.
This was released as a single two months before appearing on Boy. It's one of U2's earliest songs.
The Edge ran his guitar through a cheap echo unit he bought, giving us an early listen to the sound he would refine into his distinctive tone.

Comments: 4

AnonymousThe first comment, referring it to being about Ian Curtis is incorrect. The song was being played live, months before Curtis died.
Squid from Los Angeles, CaIt was said that Bono later dedicated it to good friend Mike Hutchins (INXS), and his wife after both deaths. And it is still questioned if Michael's death ws a suicide or mnasterbation gone ary
Laura from Bham, United Kingdomawesome song... sad but happy at the same time.

u2 r the gods!!!
Michael from New York City, NyThe singer Ian Curtis, who did kill himself in 1980, is thought to be the inspiration for the song. Curtis was lead singer/lyricist of Joy Division, which later became New Order after his death.

see more comments

More Songfacts:

You Are A TouristDeath Cab for Cutie

The music video for "You Are A Tourist" by Death Cab For Cutie was done live on the internet, becoming the first live, scripted, single-take music video recorded that way.

Big Yellow TaxiJoni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" is about the commercialization of Hawaii. On her first trip to the islands, she looked out of her hotel window and saw a parking lot as far as the eye could see.

25 Or 6 To 4Chicago

The title "25 Or 6 To 4" by Chicago refers to the time it was written: either 25 minutes to 4 (3:35) or 26 (3:34).

APT.Rosé

The chant in the Bruno Mars/Rosé hit "APT" is "apateu," the Korean word for apartment. It's named after a Korean drinking game called "Apartment" that Rosé told Bruno about.

Rockin' In The Free WorldNeil Young

"Rockin' In The Free World" is a very pro-America title, but the song takes on politicians who are indifferent to the poor and disenfranchised.

Feel It StillPortugal. The Man

"Feel It Still" by Portugal. The Man deals with lead singer John Gourley becoming a "rebel just for kicks" after having a daughter and settling down. "It's hard to be a punk when you're thinking about your baby daughter at home," he says.