U2 - Original of the Species Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the song 'Original of the Species' by U2 dedicated to?

   Bono has dedicated 'Original of the Species' to his two daughters during live performances, and the song was originally inspired by The Edge's daughter, Hollie. Bono, who is Hollie's godfather, started working on the lyrics about her, which later became more universal.

2. What album is 'Original of the Species' from?

   'Original of the Species' is the tenth track on U2's 2004 album, 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.' The album features diverse musical elements starting from punk rock and exploring various styles.

3. Did 'Original of the Species' chart on any music lists?

   While added to playlists of thirteen alternative rock radio stations in the US, 'Original of the Species' did not break into the top 40. The song hovered around #60, rising to #55 in mid-January but did not gain enough airplay to enter the Modern Rock Tracks chart.

4. How did U2 use 'Original of the Species' in their collaborations with Apple?

   A live video clip of 'Original of the Species' was used in a commercial for the video-capable Apple iPod. Bono's image from the live performance in Chicago served as the icon for the artist tab in Apple's music app until 2015.

5. What unique elements were used in the music video for 'Original of the Species'?

   The music video for 'Original of the Species' employed animated computer-generated imagery by Spontaneous, a first for U2 videos. This approach marked a new creative direction for the band’s music videos.

6. What instrumentation was featured during live performances of 'Original of the Species'?

   During live performances of 'Original of the Species' on the Vertigo Tour, the song was typically played with The Edge on piano, sometimes accompanied by Bono on acoustic guitar. Occasionally, it featured The Edge on electric guitar, with a pianist and full orchestra, replicating the album's arrangement.