Sleep Like a Baby Tonight

U2's 'Sleep Like a Baby Tonight' is a haunting exploration of the contrast between the innocence of sleep and the harsh realities of waking life. The song opens with mundane morning routines, juxtaposed with the unsettling image of a politician's lover, hinting at hidden scandals and the superficiality of daily life. The lyrics then delve into themes of forgiveness and guilt, symbolized by the 'colours of forgiveness' and 'eyes as red as Christmas,' suggesting a facade of peace masking deeper turmoil.

The chorus, 'You're gonna sleep like a baby tonight,' is both comforting and ironic. While sleep is typically associated with peace and innocence, the repetition of 'tomorrow dawns like a suicide' introduces a stark contrast, implying that the tranquility of sleep is a temporary escape from the grim reality awaiting upon waking. This duality is further emphasized in the lines 'Dreams, it's a dirty business, dreaming,' where dreams are portrayed as a refuge from the chaos of the waking world, yet they are also tainted by the darkness they seek to escape.

The song also touches on themes of hope and despair, particularly in the lines 'Hope is where the door is, when the church is where the war is.' This suggests a world where traditional sources of solace and community, like the church, are corrupted, leaving individuals isolated in their suffering. The imagery of St. Francis, a symbol of peace and light, contrasts with the overall dark tone, highlighting the yearning for purity and redemption amidst the pervasive sense of doom. Ultimately, 'Sleep Like a Baby Tonight' is a poignant reflection on the human condition, capturing the tension between the desire for peace and the inescapable presence of suffering.