The flames are growing larger and more powerful Witness the terrible act of burning crosses, often associated with hatred and bigotry The result of sowing the seeds of evil is a fiery flower of destruction Jacob was able to overcome the angel he was wrestling with The wind carries a sound that is both chaotic and persistent, like a rattle and humĪ reference to a biblical story in which Jacob wrestles with an angel People are running away in fear in the valley that lies below The light illuminates the expressions of those who are afraid The raindrops pierce the souls of those who are suffering on the tree of painĪ small light from a firefly shines with a reddish-orange hue The raindrops feel like sharp nails being driven into the souls of those on the tree of pain In the howling wind comes a stinging rainĪ fierce wind carries with it sharp raindrops that feel like nails being driven into the souls of those on the tree of pain This closing line could be interpreted in a number of ways, but the idea of fleeing into the arms of America suggests both refuge and hope, as well as desperation and tragedy. The song ends with a vision of a ripped-open sky and rain pounding on fleeing women and children, who run into the arms of America. As the man unlocks a door to reveal a saxophonist playing and the sound of the city groaning outside, the lyrics "outside is America" repeat, perhaps to suggest that the violence and destruction are not just happening overseas, but also within America itself. Fighter planes are seen flying overhead, again likely referencing war and the military-industrial complex. The final verse brings the song to a more personal level, with the narrator encountering a man with a face as red as a rose and peeling off dollar bills. The mention of burning crosses and flames higher and higher speaks to the violence and hatred of white supremacy, and the demon seed and flower of fire could symbolize the idea that hate and violence blooms and spreads. Jacob wrestling an angel is also a Biblical reference, and the angel being overcome could symbolize the struggle and defeat the narrator sees in the world around them. The second verse references a "locust wind," which is a reference to the Biblical plagues of locusts. The chorus brings the title line, "Bullet the blue sky," which likely refers to the violence and destruction of war, as bullets rain down from above. The first verse describes a violent storm, with rain and wind driving nails into the souls of the "tree of pain." A red orange glow from a firefly illuminates the face of fear, running scared in the valley below. The lyrics to U2's song "Bullet the Blue Sky" are filled with vivid imagery and social commentary. You take the staircase to the first floorĪnd through the walls you hear the city groanĪcross the field you see the sky ripped open Through the alleys of a quiet city street In the locust wind comes a rattle and humĪcross the mud huts where the children sleep
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