Ahimsa
by U2

Album: Single release only (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Ahimsa" is the Sanskrit word for the absence of desire to indulge in any sort of violence. This meditative peace anthem was released by U2 on November 22, 2019 ahead of playing their first ever show in India.
  • The song is a collaboration with Indian musician and composer AR Rahman, who is best known to Western audiences for 2009's "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)," which won him an Academy Award for best original song.
  • Rahman explained the track's call for peace in an interview with Rolling Stone.

    "The concept of 'ahimsa' or non-violence - it's Indian, it's South Asian, it's Buddhist... and sometimes we have to remind people about love, about ahimsa," he said. "It takes a lot of courage to be nonviolent. It takes a lot of power. It's not a weakness, it's more power than showing might; it's going beyond that, believing in something else which is not present... something that's only in your spirit."
  • U2 played "Ahimsa" live for the first time during their December 15, 2019 gig at Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium in India. The Irish rockers were joined on stage for the performance by A.R. Rahman, his daughters, Khatija and Raheema, and singer-songwriter Rianjali Bhowmick.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Divided Souls: Musical Alter Egos

Divided Souls: Musical Alter EgosSong Writing

Long before Eminem, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj created alternate personas, David Bowie, Bono, Joni Mitchell and even Hank Williams took on characters.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

00s Music Quiz 1

00s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

Do you know the girl singer on Eminem's "Stan"? If so, this quiz is for you.