Fly

U2

About Fly

"The Fly" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the seventh track from their 1991 album, Achtung Baby, and it was released as the album's first single on 21 October 1991. "The Fly" introduced a more abrasive sounding U2, as the song featured danceable hip-hop beats, industrial textures, distorted vocals, and an elaborate guitar solo. Lead vocalist Bono described the song as "the sound of four men chopping down The Joshua Tree", due to its departure from the traditional sound that had characterised the band in the 1980s. Bono described the song's subject as that of a phone call from someone in Hell who enjoys being there and telling the person on the other end of the line what he has learned. The lyrics are written as a series of aphorisms that Bono collected during the album's recording. The song and its video were also a showcase for "The Fly", a persona that Bono adopted for the Zoo TV Tour, in which he played the part of a stereotypical leather-clad rock star known for wearing large wrap-around sunglasses and strutting around the stage. The song became the band's second number-one single in the UK and was successful among alternative rock radio audiences. 


Year:
2002
109 
#2

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Oh, baby child

It's no secret that the stars are falling from the sky
It's no secret that our world is in darkness tonight
They say the sun is sometimes eclipsed by a moon
You know I don't see you when she walks in the room

It's no secret that a friend is someone who lets you help
It's no secret that a liar won't believe anyone else
They say a secret is something you tell one other person
So I'm telling you, child

A man will beg
A man will crawl
On the sheer face of love
Like a fly on a wall
It's no secret at all

It's no secret that a conscience can sometimes be a pest
It's no secret ambition bites the nails of success
Every artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief
All kill their inspiration and sing about their grief

Over love

A man will rise
A man will fall
From the sheer face of love
Like a fly from a wall
It's no secret at all

Love, we shine like a
Burning star
We're falling from the sky
Tonight

A man will rise
A man will fall
From the sheer face of love
Like a fly from a wall
It's no secret at all

Oh, yeah!
It's no secret that the stars are falling from the sky
The universe exploded 'cause of one man's lie
Look, I gotta go, yeah I'm running outta change
There's a lot of things, if I could I'd rearrange

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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: David Howell Evans, Paul David Hewson, Adam Charles Clayton, Larry Jr. Mullen

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release
"The Fly" was released as the lead single from U2's 1991 album "Achtung Baby".
Chart Performance
Upon its release, "The Fly" peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart and reached number two on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks in the United States.
Composition
This song marks a departure from U2's earlier sound, featuring industrial-influenced guitar sounds and distorted vocals – a reflection of the band's exploration of alternative rock during "Achtung Baby".
Lyrical Inspiration
Bono, the lead vocalist of U2, described the song as "the sound of four men chopping down the Joshua Tree", indicating their departure from the sound of their previous album, "The Joshua Tree".
Song’s Theme
Bono created the persona of 'The Fly' while writing the lyrics. This character served as an alter ego for Bono and represented a more glamorous, egotistical side of him.
Music Video
The song's music video, directed by Jon Klein and Ritchie Smyth, depicts Bono as 'The Fly' and includes innovative effects such as the band member's shadows having a life of their own.
Live Performances
"The Fly" was performed live during three of U2's concert tours - the Zoo TV Tour, the Elevation Tour, and the U2 360° Tour.
Collaborators
The song was produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, frequent collaborators of U2.
Song’s Meaning
The Fly is a phone call from Hell, but the person on the other end of the line thinks it’s a local call, as described by Bono.
Visual Effects
The Fly music video was one of the first to incorporate multiple lines of running text, having about 400 aphorisms, philosophical statements and excerpts from poems popping up throughout the video.
Outtakes
“The Fly” emerged from an extended jam during the recording sessions in Hansa Studios in Berlin.

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