One Tree Hill

U2's 'One Tree Hill' is a song that resonates with deep emotional undertones and a sense of loss, while also touching upon themes of nature, love, and the human condition. The song was written in memory of Greg Carroll, a New Zealander who became very close to the band during their time in New Zealand and later worked as a roadie for U2. Carroll tragically died in a motorcycle accident in Dublin in 1986, and 'One Tree Hill' is a hill in Auckland, New Zealand, which Carroll had once taken lead singer Bono to visit.

The lyrics of 'One Tree Hill' reflect a journey from darkness to light, from pain to hope. The imagery of the sun and moon, the river running to the sea, and the changing colors of the sky all suggest cycles of nature and life, symbolizing continuity and the idea that life goes on despite individual tragedies. The mention of 'a heart of darkness' and 'a fire-zone' could be interpreted as the internal and external struggles that people face, while the reference to the Chilean singer and activist Victor Jara, who was murdered by the Pinochet regime, underscores the theme of sacrifice and the power of music as a form of resistance.

The song's refrain, 'You run like a river runs to the sea,' evokes a sense of inevitability and the natural progression of life. The river's journey is relentless and unstoppable, much like the process of grieving and healing. The rain imagery towards the end of the song serves as a metaphor for catharsis, suggesting that the outpouring of emotion is both necessary and cleansing. 'One Tree Hill' is a tribute to a friend, but it also speaks to the universal experience of loss and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of sorrow.