The Refugee
by U2

Album: War (1983)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is an attempt to contrast the experience of Irish-American immigrants with African Americans. It's a lesser-known track from the group's third album, War, which was their American breakthrough. U2 never played it in concert.
  • Fellow Irishman Bill Whelan is credited as producer, although Steve Lillywhite, who produced their first two albums, also worked on it. Whelan would go on to produce Riverdance.

Comments: 5

  • Spike from Ct, UsaI always wondered about this song. It seems to be a complaint about the desire of some Irish females to connect up with members of the American military and start a life in the US. My dad was on an American submarine, And he mentioned something about this, when his sub was in port in Scotland. Some of the women there would try to marry American sailors quickly. I never knew that this was much of a problem in Ireland.
  • Anonymous from CaliforniaIt's about a girl who was sex trafficked. The potential fall out was being explained and explored in the lyrics.
    Can't swear to it, but I think I've read that the sound affects were changed from time to time.
  • Douglas from Staten Island , Nythe drums on this album were recorded under a staircase to get that echo sound.

    Fantastic album!!!!!!!
  • Sammy from New York, NyThis is a good song and should get it's props. I think it's filled with great anger and energy. Also contains a great guitar part from The Edge, but obviously a given!
  • Marty from Perth, AustraliaThey did'nt sing this song at Live Aid. They did Sunday Bloody Sunday, then Bad.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

John Parr

John ParrSongwriter Interviews

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

Def Leppard Quiz

Def Leppard QuizMusic Quiz

Can you name Def Leppard's only #1 hit in America? Get rocked with this adrenalized quiz.

Songs Discussed in Movies

Songs Discussed in MoviesSong Writing

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka - just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder.

Phone Booth Songs

Phone Booth SongsSong Writing

Phone booths are nearly extinct, but they provided storylines for some of the most profound songs of the pre-cell phone era.

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")Songwriter Interviews

Inspired by his dear friend, "Seasons in the Sun" paid for Terry's boat, which led him away from music and into a battle with Canadian paper mills.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.