Put 'Em Under Pressure
by U2

Album: Tribute To Ireland (1990)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was The Republic of Ireland's official song for the 1990 world cup. Officially credited to U2, Larry Mullen wrote and produced it. New Order produced England's 1990 song, so U2 was credited with this to add star power to Ireland's song. Mullen is a huge fan of the Irish team.
  • The music is a cover version of the Horslips "An Dearg Doon," which is an arrangement of an ancient Irish air.
  • The track is well known for its haunting introduction provided by Moya Brennan of Clannad, followed by a bass guitar solo.
  • Vocals were provided by Jack Charlton, the football team coach; and by fans recorded at matches.
  • Ireland went on to finish 5th in the World Cup, and this song is often used in sporting programs recalling 1990. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Kian - Dublin, Ireland, for all above

Comments: 7

  • Roddie from Waterford, Irelandno, it was NOT U2, only larry involved. Also the riff is taken from 'Dearg Doom' by Irish celtic rockers Horslips
  • Rudekid from Dublin, IrelandLarry didn't actually play on the single either. He produced it, wrote and arranged it. The drums where a machine controlled by a man named Denis Woods.
    Jack Charlton's lyrics where sampled from various TV and Radio interviews.
  • Rudekid from Dublin, IrelandLarry didn't actually play on the single either. He produced it, wrote and arranged it. The drums where a machine controlled by a man named Denis Woods.
    Jack Charlton's lyrics where sampled from various TV and Radio interviews.
  • Rudekid from Dublin, IrelandLarry didn't actually play on the single either. He produced it, wrote and arranged it. The drums where a machine controlled by a man named Denis Woods.
    Jack Charlton's lyrics where sampled from various TV and Radio interviews.
  • Rudekid from Dublin, IrelandThe performance of the chorus was actually the groupies from outside Windmill Lane. After several attempts to record the Irish team singing the chorus it was decided they couldn't sing a note. To this day the groupies have never been credited.
  • Niall from Limerick, IrelandGO ON YOU BOYS IN GREEEN!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Ryan from Windsor, CanadaU2 and football, what a great combo!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Maria Muldaur

Maria MuldaurSongwriter Interviews

The "Midnight At The Oasis" singer is an Old Time gal. She talks about her jug band beginnings and shares a Dylan story.

Daryl Hall

Daryl HallSongwriter Interviews

Daryl Hall's TV show is a hit, and he's been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - only one of these developments excites him.

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Real or Spinal Tap

Real or Spinal TapMusic Quiz

They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)Songwriter Interviews

Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai were two of Graham's co-writers for some '80s rock classics.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.