Hands That Built America

U2

About Hands That Built America

"The Hands That Built America" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It was released on the soundtrack to the film Gangs of New York, and was one of two new songs on the group's The Best of 1990–2000 compilation (the other being "Electrical Storm"). It was nominated for Best Original Song at the 75th Academy Awards, but lost to Eminem's "Lose Yourself."


Year:
2002
132 
#1

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Oh my love
It's a long way we've come
From the freckled hills
To the steel and glass canyons

From the stony fields
To hanging steel from skies
From digging in our pockets
For a reason not to say goodbye

These are the hands that built America
Ah, ah, ah, America

Last saw your face
In a water colored sky
As sea birds argue a long goodbye

I took your kiss
On the spray of a new lined star
You gotta live in your dreams
Don't make them so hard

And these are the hands that built America
Ah, ah, ah, America

Of all of the promises
Is this one we can keep
Of all of the dreams
Is this one still out of reach?

It's early fall
There's a cloud in the New York skyline
Innocence dragged across a yellow line

These are the hands that built America
These are the hands that built America
Ah, ah, ah, America
Ah, ah, ah, America

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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: DAVE EVANS, LARRY MULLEN, ADAM CLAYTON, PAUL HEWSON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Hands That Built America" is a song by the Irish rock band U2, released in the year 2002.
Movie Feature
The track was specifically written for Martin Scorsese's film "Gangs of New York" and played over the closing credits.
Grammy Awards
For this song, U2 received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Song and won the Best Rock Song category at the 2003 Grammy Awards.
Inspiration
The lyrics of the song pay tribute to the immigrants to the United States at different times in history.
Reality Reference
The title "Hands That Built America" refers to the foundations that the immigrants built, addressing the struggles and hardships they faced while shaping the nation.
Composition
The song has a slow, solemn tone, providing a sense of the tough times described in the lyrics. It makes use of a wide range of instruments including strings and horns.
Collaboration
Andrea Corr of The Corrs provided additional vocals to the track.
Soundtrack Release
The song wasn't available on a U2 album at its release but was eventually included on "The Best of 1990-2000" compilation album.
Live Performances
U2 has also performed "Hands That Built America" live several times, initially in 2002 at the Academy Awards, and later on their concert tours.
Music Video
A music video was created for the song, featuring black-and-white footage from "Gangs of New York" intercut with clips of U2 performing.
Bono's Dedication
Lead singer Bono has dedicated performances of the song to the band's personal connections with New York City.

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