The Showman (Little More Better)
by U2

Album: Songs of Experience (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Bono addresses the ego of performers, on this Rubber Soul-era Beatles tune. It is a lighthearted poke at singers and how we shouldn't take what they say too seriously. The U2 frontman explained to Rolling Stone:

    "There's a song called 'The Showman' which is a letter to our audience, it's kind of about performers and how you shouldn't trust them too much. It's about me, haha. There's a funny line, well, I think it's funny anyway, 'I lie for a living, I love to let on but you make it true when you sing along?'"
  • Bono told The Sun he is addressing U2's legions of loyal fans. He explained the track is, "a love letter to anyone who falls for the bluster of a performer with too much/too little confidence. We give birth to these songs but it's our audience who give life and meaning to them."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Little Big Town

Little Big TownSongwriter Interviews

"When seeds that you sow grow by the wicked moon/Be sure your sins will find you out/Your past will hunt you down and turn to tell on you."

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."