My favorite song is U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” and has been since it came out over 20 years ago. In fact, it was almost the title of this blog. Originally I think it was the music that I responded to. Edge’s signature guitar and Adam Clayton’s pounding bass line give it a feeling of twilight to me, my favorite time of day. And as a teenager still trying to figure out the world around me and my place in it, the lyrics also subconsciously reflected the search for my purpose and pathway in life.
After my mission I realized that Bono was also singing to the Savior, song now resonated at an even deeper level for me. “You broke the bonds, and loosed the chains, carried the cross and all my shame. You know I believe it.” He was bearing testimony, something I had been doing daily in Ecuador’s homes and streets. The song became even more personal.
So what is it that Bono is still looking for? Clearly it’s not the Savior—he already testifies of Him. It’s not a wife and family—he and his wife have been married for over 25 years and have four children. Is he looking for greater success? Perhaps, but U2 was already very successful in both the USA and Europe before this song came out, and has only become bigger since.
I suspect that Bono’s search is one we all have. The search for purpose. Being a rock star is great, but Bono is also a deeply religious man, and he knew that that was not enough. God expected more of him. One of his heroes is Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who stood up for what he believed, and was willing to sacrifice all for his cause. Since writing the song Bono has become very active in a number of causes, primarily fighting poverty in Africa. He has found a purpose.
Has he found what he was looking for? Have I? While I can’t speak for Bono, I can say that I haven’t. In other words, I still haven’t become the person I want to be. I am still learning and striving, and some days making more progress than others. Until I reach that goal, this will probably remain my favorite song.
After my mission I realized that Bono was also singing to the Savior, song now resonated at an even deeper level for me. “You broke the bonds, and loosed the chains, carried the cross and all my shame. You know I believe it.” He was bearing testimony, something I had been doing daily in Ecuador’s homes and streets. The song became even more personal.
So what is it that Bono is still looking for? Clearly it’s not the Savior—he already testifies of Him. It’s not a wife and family—he and his wife have been married for over 25 years and have four children. Is he looking for greater success? Perhaps, but U2 was already very successful in both the USA and Europe before this song came out, and has only become bigger since.
I suspect that Bono’s search is one we all have. The search for purpose. Being a rock star is great, but Bono is also a deeply religious man, and he knew that that was not enough. God expected more of him. One of his heroes is Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who stood up for what he believed, and was willing to sacrifice all for his cause. Since writing the song Bono has become very active in a number of causes, primarily fighting poverty in Africa. He has found a purpose.
Has he found what he was looking for? Have I? While I can’t speak for Bono, I can say that I haven’t. In other words, I still haven’t become the person I want to be. I am still learning and striving, and some days making more progress than others. Until I reach that goal, this will probably remain my favorite song.
Last Thursday for my birthday my wife took me to see the U2 laser show at the Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City. Pretty cool. Some day I hope to see U2 in concert (several years ago we saw the Eagles for my birthday), but for now this will have to suffice.
1 comment:
Really cool! I didn't know all of that about Bono, or about you for that matter.
The song makes me think of searching for something more than can be found in this life or this lifetime.
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