U2 - Staring at the Sun Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What inspired Bono to write 'Staring at the Sun'?

   Bono's daughter, Jordan, inspired 'Staring at the Sun.' In his memoir 'Surrender,' Bono describes how Jordan's imaginative play reminded him of his own early imaginative life, leading to feelings of envy for her surreality.

2. Was 'Staring at the Sun' ever performed live?

   'Staring at the Sun' was performed live for the first time during the PopMart tour opener in Las Vegas on April 25, 1997. The performance had to be restarted due to tempo issues. The song was played acoustically for most of the rest of that tour and appeared on the Elevation Tour.

3. What is the line 'stuck together with God's glue' referring to?

   The line 'stuck together with God's glue' in 'Staring at the Sun' is a tribute to the Dublin group Something Happens, whose 1991 album was titled 'Stuck Together With God’s Glue.' U2 and Something Happens were well-acquainted, and this line serves as a nod to their fellow musicians.

4. What recording techniques were used in 'Staring at the Sun'?

   The Edge's guitar in 'Staring at the Sun' is distorted through a Leslie speaker cabinet, a tool originally designed for organs but famously experimented with by guitarists like Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton in the '60s.

5. Was 'Staring at the Sun' re-recorded for any compilations?

   Yes, a new mix of 'Staring at the Sun' was released for the compilation, 'The Best of 1990–2000.' During mid-2002 recording sessions, parts for the song were re-recorded along with other U2 tracks.

6. How did critics respond to 'Staring at the Sun'?

   Critics responded positively to 'Staring at the Sun.' Kevin Courtney from Irish Times praised its Beatlesque and psychedelic elements. Music Week named it Single of the Week, noting its melancholic tone. David Sinclair from The Times also commented on its solid return to traditional U2 territory.