Landlady
by U2

Album: Songs of Experience (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In his notes for Songs Of Experience, Bono mentions an unspecified health scare that rocked him to the core. Inspired by Irish poet Brendan Kennelly's advice to "write as if you're dead", the album then started to take the shape of a shocked Bono's final letters to family, friends and fans.

    "It's just one of those moments when nothing else matters," he continued. "So what do you have to say for yourself? And what do you want to say to the people that you love?"

    This song is addressed to Bono's wife Ali, the Landlady of his Killiney mansion. The term Landlady is used because in U2's early days, Ali paid the rent while the broke Bono tried to make a go of being a musician with the fledgling band.
  • This is one of two "letters" on Songs of Experience where Bono is addressing Ali. On "You're the Best Thing About Me" he tells his wife just how much she means to him.

Comments: 1

  • Nick from La Paz, BoliviaMy favorite song from the album. If you're as in love as Bono and I are with our wives, this song will mean so much to you. A romantic masterpiece about being dependent of your one and only.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Joe Jackson

Joe JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Joe talks about the challenges of of making a Duke Ellington tribute album, and tells the stories behind some of his hits.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

John Parr

John ParrSongwriter Interviews

John tells the "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)" story and explains why he disappeared for so long.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Guy Clark

Guy ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett are just a few of the artists who have looked to Clark for insightful, intelligent songs.

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?