U2 – Magnificent

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  General Comment:My view is that this song is not about god as the other, for Bono starts out singing about him being born (which is a focus on matter, not on that what is immaterial or that what exists behind matter).
  
  I read it as the love that exists as highest between his mother and Bono. I do like the idea of him singing to his father, making it even more special, but it would not be my first choice. I can accept also that a muse is the other in the song, since a muse can be a divine entity without it being god godself. But the song wouldn't feel good if the other is indeed god; it warps the song too much, it makes it unnatural/disconnected from nature/a discord.
  
  Still, the love he sings about does end in the realm of god. For the love he was born with is magnificent. And this location for god feels quite natural.
  
  Justified till we die, you and I will magnify
  The Magnificent
  
  
  

  Flag Fred0Rickon December 29, 2011   Link

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  General Comment:Bono, in modern parlance, is "spiritual" without belonging to one religion. He obviously used the Magnificat of the Holy Mother and incorporated it into his song. However, Edge's guitar gives the song an Eastern feel to it. The official video was shot in North Africa, and the footage obviously has an Islamic feel to it. Personally, I'm not sure how to interpret this song. Many people believe it is an ode to the Muse; however, in the Magnificat, Saint Mary puts her joy to song. Her joy comes as a result of conceiving Christ. It is full of humility, righteousness, and awe. Could it be that Bono is attemtping to capture this joy and put it to song? As other posters commented, there is something divine about well written music. And the music itself reflects Bono's ecumenical convictions.

  Flag jpkon March 26, 2011   Link

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  General Comment:It seems to me, a combination of what everyone here seems to be speculating. I think:
  The first verse he's singing to the audience, the earthlings, the fans.. (which would include his mother)
  The second verse he's singing to God/higher being/the Magnificent
  And everything else throughout the song ties together the two verses and the entities being addressed.
  
  "Justified 'til we die you and i will magnify the Magnificent" - What other reason is there for us to live, than to enhance whatever is magnificent in one's life. Could be a god, could be the arts/aesthetics, may be science or service to save lives, could be compassion between people, could be a form of praise...
  
  Whatever is magnificent to you, CONTRIBUTE, make it bigger and better!
  
  That always seems to be U2's message.
  The goal is elevation. Love this band, love this music.

  Flag TheAnion July 16, 2010   Link

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  General Comment:Nice, Charloc, for your comments. Makes sense. It's too bad that your comment can also be interpreted as being looking down upon those who have a different religion. Too bad. Twas ever thus.

  Flag rammeon June 13, 2010   Link

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  General Comment:I believe there is no right or wrong way to interpret "Magnificent" It is such a beautiful song with so much passion with the music and lyrics, that i feel "you" should interpret the song in anyway it makes you feel "Magnificent"

  Flag vecon March 03, 2010   Link

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  Song Meaning:This song is the coolest of U2's songs but its riddle is one of their easiest to figure out.
  
  It's about God as the Ultimate Form of Magnificence (like Plato's forms where each thing or attribute we encounter in life has its ultimate and perfect expression in the world of forms). Ultimate Magnificence in every way would be God.
  
  "I was born. I was born to be with you" - refers to God having made us to have a relationship with Him
  "in this space and time" means here in our earthly life (before Humanity's Fall from Grace)
  "After that, and ever after, I haven't had a clue" - is talking about how after we gained the knowledge of good and evil and had free will then humanity mostly decided that it didn't need God any more.
  
  Then Bono just has sort of a filler line "only to break rhyme" but "this foolishness can leave a heart black and blue" which means that the times we have fought God and tried to leave Him behind are the times when we've felt the worst and have led to the worst outcomes in history.
  
  "Only Love, only Love can leave such a mark. Only Love. Only Love can leave such a scar" is talking about when we really care about someone or that Someone (especially God) cares about us then when we fight it hurts-it REALLY hurts..........
  
  "I was born. I was born to sing for you-I didn't have a choice but to lift You up and sing whatever song You wanted me to-I give You back my voice." is probably talking about how humanity was "born" into this world to sing (praise and honor) God but originally we didn't have a choice since Adam and Eve blindly lived in innocence so we just did it cuz God said so-and now Bono is consciously wanting to give back his voice, to re-committ it (or maybe encouraging us to too), to God's honor and service (to recommitt our lives to God).
  
  "From the womb, my first cry-it was a joyful noise"-I don't know what he's getting at here-maybe he's saying all his life he's been singing and crying out to God?
  
  "Justified til we die, you and I will magnify The Magnificent" - I think he's saying if we are "justified by Grace through Faith" (found in John 3 in the Bible) then we will be magnifying the Magnificent (be bringing praise and glory to God by goodworks, humility, singin' good for the Lord, etc-found in Matthew 5:14 in the Bible) for all the days of our lives.
  
  "Only Love unites our hearts" then says that we can only return to what God originally had in mind for us by accepting God's Love and sending some in return.

  Flag Riddlesmithon October 27, 2009   Link

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  General Comment:Atmospheric. People will compare it to Streets but nothing will touch that song. Starts off like sort of a techno song. The buildup in the beginning is the best and they keep that high energy level consistent throughout the whole song. A seem to have a thing for songs that build to a climax like that. More clever word play by Bono when he ties together the words: "Magnify" and "Magnificent". Also more on the infinity theme:
  
  In this space and time, After that and ever after
  
  Goosebumps.

  Flag gjack2211on September 19, 2009   Link

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  General Comment:Man, This song rocks!!!

  Flag Tailsfan2009on July 30, 2009   Link

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    Agreed. Maybe I Should Make a Brittany Snow Fan Favorite Music Video for this awesome tune.

    Flag Toolshed2000on August 19, 2009  
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  General Comment:wow, this song rocckkks! <3
  
  love love love bono

  Flag thecosmoson July 22, 2009   Link

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  General Comment:it's about God (as many of their songs are) inspired by the Virgin Mary... examiner.com/… LOVE it.

  Flag janeywaneyon July 02, 2009   Link

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