Until The End Of The World
U2
Unraveling the Poetic Apocalypse in U2's 'Until The End Of The World'
U2's 'Until The End Of The World' is a song that weaves a narrative of betrayal, regret, and the complexities of human relationships, set against a backdrop of apocalyptic imagery. The lyrics tell a story of a reunion between two people who share a tumultuous past. The opening lines set a scene of a distant and strained relationship, with the protagonist reflecting on a previous encounter that was both intimate and unsettling.
The song progresses to reveal a tale of deception and heartbreak. The lines 'I took the money, I spiked your drink' suggest a betrayal, while 'You lead me on with those innocent eyes' implies a mutual play of seduction and surprise. The garden scene is a metaphorical reference, possibly alluding to the biblical Garden of Eden, where the original sin of betrayal took place. The kiss that breaks the heart is a powerful image of the moment when trust is shattered and a relationship is irrevocably damaged.
The final verse introduces a dreamlike sequence where the protagonist is overwhelmed by emotions, symbolized by the imagery of drowning in sorrows that have learned to swim. This suggests that the protagonist's feelings of regret and joy are inescapable and all-consuming. The song concludes with a poignant moment of longing and hope, as the other person promises to wait 'til the end of the world,' indicating a desire for reconciliation despite the pain caused. The song's title itself, 'Until The End Of The World,' could be interpreted as a commitment to endure through all trials, or as a reference to the finality of their relationship's collapse.