Cedars of Lebanon

U2

About Cedars of Lebanon

"Cedars of Lebanon" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the eleventh and final track on their 2009 album No Line on the Horizon. It is sung in the character of a war correspondent who is "squeezing complicated lives into a simple headline" and who "observes "this shitty world" where the aroma of a rose "lingers and then it just goes". The song samples producer Brian Eno's collaboration with Harold Budd, "Against the Sky", from the 1984 album The Pearl.


Year:
2009
4:16
100 
#1

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Yesterday I spent asleep
Woke up in my clothes in a dirty heap
Spent the night trying to make a deadline
Squeezing complicated lives into a simple headline
I have your face in an old Polaroid
Tidying the childrens clothes and toys
You smiling back at me I took the photo from the fridge
Can't remember what Emily did
Haven't been with a woman, it feels like, for years
Thought of you the whole time, your salty tears
This shitty world sometimes produces a rose
The scent of it lingers but then it just goes

Return the call to home

The worst of us are a long drawn-out confession
The best of us are geniuses of compression
You say you're not gonna leave the truth alone
I'm here 'cause I don't wanna go home
Child drinking dirty water from a riverbank
Soldier brings oranges he got out from a tank
Waiting on the waiter, he's taking a while to come
Watching the sun go down on Lebanon

Return the call to home

Now I got a head like a lit cigarette
Unholy clouds reflect in a minaret
So high above me, higher than everyone
Where are you in the cedars of Lebanon?
Choose your enemies carefully, 'cause they will define you
Make them interesting 'cause in some ways they will mind you
They're not there in the beginning but when your story ends
Gonna last with you longer than your friends

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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 »

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12 facts about this song

Album Name
"Cedars of Lebanon" is the eleventh and final track on U2's 2008 studio album "No Line on the Horizon."
Song Inspiration
The song's title refers to the biblical Cedars of Lebanon, which were used to build King Solomon's temple in Jerusalem. The lyrics seem to reflect the point of view of a war correspondent, pondering his experiences.
Songwriters
Like most U2 tracks, this song was written by the entire band – Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.
Producers
The song was produced by Brian Eno, Danny Lanois, and U2. Eno and Lanois have a long history of working with U2 and have contributed to the distinctive sound of the band's music.
Musical Arrangement
"Cedars of Lebanon" is characterized by a minimalistic style with a significant contribution from The Edge on guitar.
Lyrics
The song includes the lyrics "Return the call to hope", which has sparked interpretations among fans. Many believe this could refer to the band's hope for peace in war-torn areas of the Middle East.
Critical Reaction
Despite not being a single, "Cedars of Lebanon" has drawn critical praise for its lyrical depth and atmospheric sound. It is considered a strong finish to "No Line on the Horizon."
Unusual Technique
The track features an unusual recording technique known as 'infinite guitar.' This method was developed by The Edge and contributes to the song’s ethereal sound.
Sound
While U2 is known for their rock sound, "Cedars of Lebanon" showcases the band's ability to use subtly and understatement, creating a dreamy, melancholic soundscape.
Recorded Locations
"Cedars of Lebanon" was recorded in several different locations, including Riad El Yacout (Fez, Morocco), Olympic Studios (London, England), and Hanover Quay Studio (Dublin, Ireland).
Album Theme
As the final song on the album, it concludes the recurring theme of exploration and departure that runs through "No Line on the Horizon."
Unique Character
The song notably sticks out from many of U2's more popular songs for its slow tempo, less anthemic tone, and atmospheric production.

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