Peace On Earth

U2's song "Peace On Earth" is a poignant plea for an end to violence and suffering. The lyrics express a deep frustration with the ongoing pain and sorrow in the world, and a longing for a better, more peaceful existence. The opening lines, "Heaven on Earth / We need it now," set the tone for the song, highlighting the urgency of the need for peace. The repetition of the phrase "sick of" underscores the weariness and despair felt by those who are tired of the constant cycle of violence and loss.

The song also delves into the personal and communal impact of conflict. Bono, the lead singer, reflects on his own upbringing, where trees were torn down and used against enemies, symbolizing the destructive nature of human conflict. The lyrics, "They say that what you mock / Will surely overtake you / And you become a monster / So the monster will not break you," suggest that in trying to protect ourselves from harm, we often become the very thing we fear. This transformation into a 'monster' is a powerful metaphor for the dehumanizing effects of violence.

A particularly moving part of the song is the plea to Jesus, asking for help and intervention. The lines, "Jesus could you take the time / To throw a drowning man a line," convey a sense of desperation and a need for divine assistance. The song also touches on the personal grief of those who have lost loved ones to violence, with the heart-wrenching lines, "No-one cries like a mother cries / For peace on Earth / She never got to say goodbye / To see the colour in his eyes." This personalizes the broader theme of peace, making it clear that the quest for peace is not just a political or ideological issue, but a deeply human one.

The song concludes with a somber reflection on the disconnect between the ideal of peace and the harsh reality of the world. The lyrics, "Hear it every Christmas time / But hope and history won't rhyme / So what's it worth? / This peace on Earth," suggest a skepticism about the possibility of achieving true peace, despite the hopeful messages often heard during the holiday season. This ending leaves the listener with a sense of unresolved tension, mirroring the ongoing struggle for peace in the real world.