“With or Without You,” released in 1987 as the lead single from U2’s fifth studio album, The Joshua Tree, is one of the band’s most iconic and emotionally resonant songs. Combining atmospheric soundscapes with heartfelt lyrics, the song captures the tension of love, longing, and emotional conflict. It became a defining track for U2, helping to establish them as one of the most influential rock bands of their generation.

About The Song

• Chart Success: “With or Without You” achieved tremendous commercial success, becoming U2’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for three weeks. The song also topped the charts in Canada and Ireland and reached the top 10 in several other countries. Its success marked a major breakthrough for U2 in the United States and solidified their position as a global rock powerhouse.
• Lyrics Interpretation: The lyrics of “With or Without You” are filled with emotional tension and ambiguity, reflecting themes of love, desire, and spiritual longing. Bono, the lead vocalist, has often described the song as capturing the paradox of being torn between romantic love and a deeper spiritual calling. Lines like “See the stone set in your eyes, see the thorn twist in your side” convey a sense of yearning and internal conflict, making it one of U2’s most introspective and relatable songs.
• Production Details: Produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, “With or Without You” features a layered, atmospheric sound that incorporates delay effects, ambient textures, and The Edge’s signature guitar riff, created using an Infinite Guitar, an instrument designed to sustain notes indefinitely. The production helped to create a haunting, expansive feel that became a hallmark of U2’s sound during the late 1980s, blending rock with ambient and atmospheric elements.
• Cultural Impact: The song quickly became a cultural touchstone, resonating with listeners for its raw emotion and universal themes. It has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, helping to cement its place in popular culture. “With or Without You” is often seen as one of the quintessential ballads of the 1980s, capturing the era’s spirit of introspection and emotional exploration.
• Influence on Other Artists and Genres: “With or Without You” has influenced a wide range of artists across various genres, from rock to pop and alternative. Its ethereal sound and emotional depth have inspired musicians like Coldplay, Snow Patrol, and The Killers, who have cited U2 as a major influence on their music. The song’s innovative production techniques, such as its use of echo and delay, have also been widely imitated in modern rock music.

“With or Without You” remains one of U2’s most beloved and enduring songs, celebrated for its haunting melody, profound lyrics, and innovative sound. Its impact continues to be felt in music and popular culture, reflecting its timeless appeal and U2’s extraordinary ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level.

Video

Lyric

[Verse 1]
See the stone set in your eyes
See the thorn twist in your side
I’ll wait for you

[Verse 2]
Sleight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails she makes me wait
And I’ll wait without you

[Chorus]
With or without you
With or without you

[Verse 3]
Through the storm we reach the shore
You give it all, but I want more
And I’m waiting for you

[Chorus]
With or without you
With or without you, ah-hah
I can’t live
With or without you

[Refrain]
And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give, and you give
And you give yourself away
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[Verse 4]
My hands are tied
My body bruised
She got me with
Nothing to win and nothing left to lose

[Refrain]
And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give, and you give
And you give yourself away

[Chorus]
With or without you
With or without you, oh-oh
I can’t live
With or without you

[Bridge]
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh

[Chorus]
With or without you
With or without you, oh-oh
I can’t live with or without you
With or without you
[Outro]
Hoo-ooh-hoo-ooh
Hoo-ooh-hoo-ooh