Bullet The Blue Sky

Sepultura's rendition of 'Bullet The Blue Sky' is a powerful and evocative song that delves into themes of war, violence, and the impact of American foreign policy. Originally written by U2, Sepultura's version retains the intense imagery and haunting metaphors, while adding their own heavy metal edge to the song. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world torn apart by conflict, with references to biblical and apocalyptic imagery that heighten the sense of chaos and destruction.

The opening lines, 'In the howling wind comes a stinging rain / See it driving nails / Into the souls on the tree of pain,' set the tone for the song, evoking a sense of relentless suffering and torment. The 'tree of pain' can be seen as a metaphor for the crucifixion, symbolizing the widespread agony caused by war. The recurring phrase 'Bullet the blue sky' suggests the violent intrusion of warfare into the natural world, disrupting the peace and tranquility of the sky.

The song also touches on themes of exploitation and corruption, as seen in the lines, 'This guy comes up to me / His face red like a rose on a thorn bush / Like all the colors of a royal flush / And he´s peeling off those dollar bills.' This imagery portrays a figure of authority or power, using wealth and influence to perpetuate violence and oppression. The mention of 'fighter planes' and 'burning crosses' further emphasizes the destructive impact of militarism and racism. The song concludes with a poignant image of women and children seeking refuge, 'Pounding on the women and children / Who run / Into the arms / Of America,' highlighting the human cost of conflict and the complex role of America as both a source of violence and a place of sanctuary.