So Cruel

U2

About So Cruel

"So Cruel" is a song by rock band U2. It is the sixth track on their 1991 album Achtung Baby, concluding side one of the album. The song was written at Elsinore in Dalkey. While audio engineer Flood changed reels to listen to a demo of another song, lead singer Bono began to improvise a song on guitar. The rest of the band quickly joined in, creating the first take of the song. It was developed as an acoustic track, with Flood adding overdubs and additional elements later. Bassist Adam Clayton and Flood noted that the technology in the studio was crucial in transforming the acoustic song into the final mix. During the recording sessions for Achtung Baby, guitarist the Edge separated from his wife, Aislinn O'Sullivan. The separation had a major effect on the development of the song, as Bono channelled their pain into the lyrics. Bono said "there were lots of other things going on internally within the band and outside it, and I was working through all of that", noting that the Edge's separation from Aislinn was just one component of that. Thematically the song is about unrequited love, jealousy, obsession, and possessiveness. 


Year:
1991
5:49
54 
#3

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We crossed the line
Who pushed who over?
It doesn't matter to you
It matters to me

We're cut adrift
We're still floating
I'm only hanging on
To watch you go down
My love

I disappeared in you
You disappeared from me
I gave you everything you ever wanted
It wasn't what you wanted

The men who love you, you hate the most
They pass through you like a ghost
They look for you, but your spirit is in the air
Baby, you're nowhere

Oh love
You say in love there are no rules
Oh love
Sweetheart,
You're so cruel

Desperation is a tender trap
It gets you every time
You put your lips to her lips
To stop the lie

Her skin is pale like God's only dove
Screams like an angel for your love
Then she makes you watch her from above
And you need her like a drug

Oh love
You say in love there are no rules
Oh love
Sweetheart,
You're so cruel

She wears my love like a see-through dress
Her lips say one thing
Her movements something else
Oh love, like a screaming flower
Love, dying every hour, love

You don't know if it's fear or desire
Danger the drug that takes you higher
Head in heaven, fingers in the mire

Her heart is racing, you can't keep up
The night is bleeding like a cut
Between the horses of love and lust
We are trampled
Underfoot

Oh love
You say in love there are no rules
Oh love
Sweetheart,
You're so cruel

Oh love
To stay with you I'd be a fool
Oh, huhh
Sweetheart
You're so cruel

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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 HEWSON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Release
"So Cruel" is a song by the rock band U2, which was included in their successful 1991 album "Achtung Baby."
Songwriting Credits
The lyrics for "So Cruel" were penned by U2's frontman Bono, while the music was created by the entire band, comprising Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.
Inspiration
Bono reportedly drew inspiration from different sources including personal relationships and experiences for the lyrics of "So Cruel."
Sombre Themes
Unlike the more popular, politically charged songs of U2, "So Cruel" is deeply personal, with somber themes of love, disillusionment, and heartbreak.
Musical Style
The song's music is subdued compared to U2's other more rock-oriented songs, featuring a minimalistic piano-led arrangement complimented by layers of atmospheric guitar sounds from The Edge.
Song Reception
Although "So Cruel" was not released as a single, it received notable appreciation from fans and critics for its emotional depth and poignant delivery.
Usage in Media
"So Cruel" has made its way to movie soundtracks such as Faraway, So Close!, a 1993 film by German director Wim Wenders, which included other U2 songs as well.
Live Performances
Despite its popularity among fans, "So Cruel" has been seldom performed during U2's live concerts.
Music Video
No official music video was ever made for "So Cruel," but fan-made videos have found a significant audience on platforms like YouTube.
Cultural Impact
The heart-wrenching lyrics of "So Cruel" have resonated with many people undergoing difficult breakups or relationship struggles, leading to the song’s enduring popularity.

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