Love Is Bigger Than Anything in Its Way
by U2

Album: Songs of Experience (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The band began playing this tune live during The Joshua Tree Tour in summer 2017, and on several occasions Bono told audiences that it was going to be the last song on Songs Of Experience. It ended up being the penultimate track before "13 (There is a Light)."
  • Bono explained the lyric, "Lead me in the way I should go. I'm running out of chances to blow," to Q magazine. He said: "The older protagonist is asking the younger one for help."
  • Directed by Vogue photographer and filmmaker David Mushegain and filmed in U2's Dublin hometown, the song's music video pays tribute to the city's youth culture.

    "I gravitated towards that song immediately," said Mushegain. "It has the spirit of these young people I'd come to know, the spirit that says whatever's in your way, you can overcome it. It's such an uplifting song, it has such a positive spirit."

    He added: "It's about being young and expressing yourself, it's about how we all have friends and relatives who dress or look or style themselves differently but, as the song says, love is bigger than anything in its way."
  • The track was remixed by Beck, Cheat Codes, Will Clarke, the Funk Hunters and Daybreakers. The new versions helped the song take the top spot on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. It was the fourth time the Irish band had reached #1 on that tally, following visits to the summit by "Lemon" (1993), "Discotheque" (1997) and "Beautiful Day" (2001).

Comments: 1

  • Theresa1 from U.s.What a truly beautiful song. After the news came out that Bono had some un-named brush with "mortality" - and that he wrote these songs thinking that he might not even be around to hear them played; these songs took on new meaning (and the ones I like, preciousness). Bono said, in a documentary, that the songs on this new album were like "letters" to various person(s). I heard it alluded to that this was to his sons/children/family. As much as I strongly spiritually object to some of Bono's songs, and some performances/videos/speeches/writings and teachings; for the good things messaged, how could a human being not love this guy (and band). I hope he/they get right with Jehovah/Yahweh and live forever. To lose him/them would be heartbreaking. That being said; since Bono likely put out this song too, thinking he might not be around, I find it both beautiful, but also profoundly devastating. The beginning comes off like it could be a wedding processional - or a graduation; or some other life's doorway, for one's child. The very thought that this could be a song, for one's children, for a future meaningful event, when a parent might not be there, but so wants to be, and is leaving a message of love, life advice, encouragement, and hope, is absolutely devastating. It's 5-star crying/wiping tears material. Familial love is so strong and so special. Makes me think - what song would I leave for my kids and grandkids.....I don't want to die though - I want Armageddon and the God's new world Kingdom to roll on in soon (enough of all this trouble stuff). Please do not die, please be well. "Write a world where we can belong...."
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Actors With Hit Songs

Actors With Hit SongsMusic Quiz

Many actors have attempted music, but only a few have managed a hit. Do you know which of these thespians charted?

dUg Pinnick of King's X

dUg Pinnick of King's XSongwriter Interviews

dUg dIgs into his King's X metal classics and his many side projects, including the one with Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Grammar In Lyrics

Grammar In LyricsMusic Quiz

Lyrics don't always follow the rules of grammar. Can you spot the ones that don't?

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he Inspired

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he InspiredSong Writing

Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.