Lyric discussion by emann333 

This song is a beautiful adaptation of Psalm 40:1-3, with a lovely addition as well. To me, it is a cry out to God, to relieve the opression and pain surrounding someone (or some people). It is a very human prayer, asking God "How long to sing this song?" and wondering how long the Lord will let His children suffer in this way. These lyrics remind me of how far from God we really are, how He knows everything and our humanity and sinfulness creates such a gap and that we couldn't possibly handle knowing the future as the Lord does. As the song continues, "I will sing, sing a new song," the good in human nature is also revealed. Bono's lyrics remind us that we are in charge of our own attitudes and outlooks, that we CAN choose to remain positive and peaceful amidst the chaos and cruelty around us, and in doing so, there will be rewards if we "wait patiently for the Lord."

Wow, how inspiring to learn this meaning, a favorite for so many years without ever knowing the meaning. Always humbling to witness the intense power, harmonic grace, and poetic beauty of the same divinity revealed through different forms.

Very well said.

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