Bad (5:49)

Cover of The Best of 1980-1990

From The Best of 1980-1990 and 281 other releases

“Bad”, like many of U2’s songs, was born of an improvised guitar riff during a loose jam session at Slane Castle, Ireland. A testament to the influence of producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, The Edge’s characteristic minimalist guitar sound is accompanied by atmospheric, ambient echo effects.

Bono’s vague lyrics have led to many fan interpretations of the song’s meaning, but Bono frequently told the story behind the song in concert: the song is about heroin—specifically, about a friend of Bono’s “who was given on his 21st birthday enough heroin into his bloodstream to kill him.

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If you twist and turn away
If you tear yourself in two again
If I could, you know I would
If I could, I would let it go

MetroLyrics Full lyrics at MetroLyrics

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  • DavosRancheros

    One of my many favorites from the old stuff

    24 Apr 9:02pm Reply
  • rosmaritbrum

    YES !!!!!!!!! MY FAVORITE SONG.....

    19 Jan 4:31pm Reply
  • danzag

    probably the best song ever

    6 Jan 12:20am Reply
  • Sound-Of-Nature

    My favorite U2 song...after "With Or Without You".

    31 Oct 2012 Reply
  • heaventree22

    fucking beautiful guitar work

    3 Sep 2012 Reply
  • KConn3711

    My favorite U2 song. The live version from Wide Awake in America is AWESOME!!!

    15 Jul 2012 Reply
  • tiochaidhanla

    they played this at the R.D.S. showgrounds in Dublin for the very 1st time and i was very lucky to be there, will stay with me until my dying days, exceptional

    22 Apr 2012 Reply
  • xtwntraphq

    I just simply love this tune! Hit's home and will always stay with me.

    19 Jan 2012 Reply
  • ArcieG

    One of their best. Definitely in my U2 top ten

    10 Dec 2011 Reply
  • jammyofstafford

    The original version off The Unforgettable Fire and so different to the live version off Wide Awake In America,I love them both.

    3 Dec 2011 Reply
  • silvasonicsurfa

    ...short version, but great, great tune.......remember this as a highlight of many a concert, most notably Live Aid........

    17 Nov 2011 Reply
  • macychick

    I have no idea why this song is called "Bad." The word "bad" never appears in the song, and it's not bad at all- it's quite good! In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's awesome!

    3 Nov 2011 Reply
  • fenderfabulous

    Album version ends too soon, I like the live versions where they add parts from other songs.

    2 Nov 2011 Reply
  • DavosRancheros

    Memories from high school flooding back....love this song.

    11 Oct 2011 Reply
  • okbeijos

    oh man, this one is really special

    24 Sep 2011 Reply
  • nuda_zabija

    <3

    6 Sep 2011 Reply
  • theblackjay

    Saw them a few weeks ago here in Pittsburgh and the guys did a quick huddle after their would be last two songs (With or Without You and Moment of Surrender) and they came back and played this to close the night. Best ending to any concert I think I might have ever seen.

    17 Aug 2011 Reply
  • riverliffey

    Go on, try to sing this. Try!

    19 Jul 2011 Reply
  • PplTookMyName

    One of my favorite U2 songs (2)

    18 Jul 2011 Reply
  • Martinski43

    Simply put on of the best songs ever...in the world... or the universe.

    15 Jul 2011 Reply
  • All 202 shouts

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