Numb

U2

About Numb

"Numb" is a song by rock band U2. It is the third track from their 1993 album Zooropa and was released in June 1993 as the album's first single. The song features a monotonous mantra of "don't" commands spoken by guitarist the Edge amidst a backdrop of various sound effects and samples. The noisy composition and lyrical concept for "Numb" were inspired by the theme of sensory overload, which had prominently been incorporated into the Zoo TV Tour. Lead singer Bono and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. provided backing vocals on the track. The song received remixes from Paul Oakenfold, Rollo Armstrong and Rob Dougan. "Numb" originated as a discarded song from the Achtung Baby recording sessions called "Down All the Days". While recording Zooropa, the band transformed the song with mixing assistance from co-producer Flood, the addition of keyboards and samples by co-producer Brian Eno, and the addition of the Edge's monotone vocals. The song was released as a VHS single, featuring a music video directed by Kevin Godley, but it did not attain widespread commercial success. U2 added "Numb" to their live set lists after resuming their Zoo TV Tour in May 1993, but like most songs on Zooropa it has never been performed live since the end of that tour. 


Year:
1993
4:18
135 
#2

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Don't move
Don't talk out of time
Don't think
Don't worry
Everything's just fine
Just fine

Don't grab
Don't clutch
Don't hope for too much
Don't breathe
Don't achieve
Or grieve without leave

Don't check
Just balance on the fence
Don't answer
Don't ask
Don't try and make sense

Don't whisper
Don't talk
Don't run if you can walk
Don't cheat, compete
Don't miss the one beat

Don't travel by train
Don't eat
Don't spill
Don't piss in the drain
Don't make a will

Don't fill out any forms
Don't compensate
Don't cower
Don't crawl
Don't come around late
Don't hover at the gate

Don't take it on board
Don't fall on your sword
Just play another chord
If you feel you're getting bored

I feel numb
I feel numb
Too much is not enough
I feel numb

Don't change your brand
Don't listen to the band
Don't gape
Don't ape
Don't change your shape
Have another grape

Too much is not enough
I feel numb
I feel numb

Don't plead
Don't bridle
Don't shackle
Don't grind
Don't curve
Don't swerve
Lie, die, serve
Don't theorize, realize, polarize
Chance, dance,dismiss, apologize

Too much is not enough
I feel numb

Don't spy
Don't lie
Don't try
Imply
Detain
Explain
Start again

I feel numb

Don't triumph
Don't coax
Don't cling
Don't hoax
Don't freak
Peak
Don't leak
Don't speak

I feel numb

Don't project
Don't connect
Protect
Don't expect
Suggest
I feel numb
Don't project
Don't connect
Protect
Don't expect
Suggest
I feel numb

Don't struggle
Don't jerk
Don't collar
Don't work
Don't wish
Don't fish
Don't teach
Don't reach

Too much is not enough

Don't borrow
Don't break
Don't fence
Don't steal
Don't pass
Don't press
Don't try
Don't feel

I feel numb

Don't touch
Don't dive
Don't suffer
Don't rhyme
Don't fantasize
Don't rise
Don't lie
Don't project
Don't connect
Protect
Don't expect
Suggest

Don't project
Don't connect
Protect
Don't expect
Suggest

I feel numb

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U2

U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums and percussion). U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group's musical pursuits, they have maintained a sound built on melodic instrumentals, highlighted by The Edge's timbrally varied guitar sounds and Bono's expressive vocals. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal themes and sociopolitical concerns. more »

10 fans

Written by: Adam Clayton, Dave Evans, Larry Mullen, Paul David Hewson

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release information
"Numb" is a song by rock band U2. It was first released as the lead single from their 1993 album, "Zooropa".
Song theme
The song is known for its unusual theme, about feeling overwhelmed by the world's demands and opting for a numb feeling instead.
Unique Vocal
Unlike most U2 songs that are led by Bono's vocals, "Numb" has The Edge - the band's guitarist - as the lead vocalist.
Music Video
The band's drummer, Larry Mullen Jr., directed the music video for "Numb". He had never directed previously, making the video quite unique.
Song Composition
"Numb" started as a discarded track from the "Achtung Baby" sessions called "Down All the Days". It was reworked into the final version of "Numb".
Reception
Although "Numb" wasn't a major commercial success in terms of chart positions, it received positive reviews. It was commended particularly for its distinctive sound compared to U2's previous work.
Instrumentation
The song features a repetitive guitar riff and talking rather than singing. This was a departure from the band’s usual style and added an element of experimental rock to their repertoire.
Awards and Recognitions
The music video for "Numb" won the Grammy Award for Best Music Video in 1994.
Performance
The band performed the song live for the first time during a live Zooropa concert in 1993 at Rotterdam.
Non-album release
Despite being a single, "Numb" was one of the few U2 songs not to be included on their 2002 "The Best of 1990–2000" compilation album.
Album Art
The cover art of the single features band member Adam Clayton showing signs of aging, signifying the band’s new direction and evolution in their music.

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