Raised by Wolves
by U2

Album: Songs of Innocence (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song talks about Bono growing up in a tough part of Dublin during 'The Troubles' as he recounts the true story of a deadly car-bombing in his home city. "It was a real incident that happened in our country where three car bombs were set to go off at the same time in Dublin on a Friday night, 5:30," Bono recalled to Rolling Stone, "On any other Friday I would have been at this record shop, just down the corner, but I cycled to school that day."

    "The bomb tore apart the street," he continued. "I escaped but one of my mates was around the corner with his father, and it was a very hard thing for him to witness and I'm not sure he really got over it."
  • The track namechecks the registration plate of the blue Ford Escort used in the bombings, 1385WZ.
  • Speaking to The Observer, Bono wondered if the experience outlined in this track is one reason why he's drawn to protest songs. "Why do I write songs about political violence?" he asked. "Where is that coming from?"

    "And I think that's why," he continued. "It was very disturbing to realise that my teenage life was largely dominated by memories of violence and that my worldview was shaped by that. It might mean some sort of psychological flaw in me, but I feel most comfortable in the middle of the biggest, noisiest, most chaotic, howling argument."

Comments: 1

  • Philippe from Yellowknife, CanadaI suspect that this song could possibly be on the soundtrack of a movie supposed to be release next year. Here is what I found after a little research...

    http://m.imdb.com/title/tt3040964/
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).