The Meaning Behind The Song: Iris (Hold Me Close) by U2

Iris (Hold Me Close) is a song by Irish rock band U2. It was released on their album “Songs of Innocence” in 2014. The song was written by U2’s lead vocalist Bono, and inspired by his mother, who passed away when he was a teenager. The lyrics reflect on his memories of his mother and her impact on his life.

Background of the Song

Bono’s mother, Iris, passed away when he was just 14 years old. He has spoken extensively about his mother and the impact she had on his life. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Bono said, “Iris was a very strong person. She had to be, coming from a Protestant family in Dublin. She had a lot of courage, a lot of faith.”

Bono has also said that his mother’s death influenced much of his music, including the song “I Will Follow” from U2’s debut album, “Boy.” “Iris (Hold Me Close)” was a more direct tribute to his mother.

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The Lyrics

The lyrics of the song are deeply personal and reflect Bono’s memories of his mother. The opening lines are, “The star that gives us light / Has been gone a while / But it’s not an illusion.” The “star” is a metaphor for his mother, whose light is still shining even though she has passed away.

The chorus of the song is, “Hold me close, hold me close and don’t let me go / Hold me close like I’m someone that you might know / Hold me close, the darkness just lets us see / Who we are / I’ve got your light inside of me.”

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The verse that perhaps most directly refers to Bono’s mother is, “The ache in my heart is so much a part of who I am / Something in your eyes took a thousand years to get here / Something in your eyes took a thousand years, a thousand years.”

The Music

The music of “Iris (Hold Me Close)” is typical of U2’s style, with a driving beat and soaring guitar riffs. The song features a prominent bassline that gives it a sense of urgency. The chorus is a powerful sing-along moment, with Bono’s vocals soaring over the top of the instrumentation.

The song was produced by Danger Mouse, who has also worked with artists such as The Black Keys, Gorillaz, and Adele. Danger Mouse brought a modern edge to U2’s sound, which had been criticized for sounding outdated on their previous album, “No Line on the Horizon.”

FAQs About “Iris (Hold Me Close)” by U2

1. What is the story behind the song “Iris (Hold Me Close)”?

The song was written by U2’s lead vocalist Bono and is inspired by his mother, who passed away when he was a teenager. The lyrics reflect on his memories of his mother and her impact on his life.

2. What does the title of the song mean?

The title, “Iris (Hold Me Close),” refers to Bono’s mother, whose name was Iris. The “hold me close” part of the title is a request for comfort and support, reflecting Bono’s feelings of loss and grief.

3. Who produced the song?

The song was produced by Danger Mouse, who has also worked with artists such as The Black Keys, Gorillaz, and Adele.

4. When was the song released?

“Iris (Hold Me Close)” was released on U2’s album “Songs of Innocence” in 2014.

5. Did the song receive any awards?

No, the song did not receive any major awards, but it was well-received critically.

6. What is the meaning of the line “something in your eyes took a thousand years to get here”?

This line is a reference to Bono’s mother and the idea that her presence in his life was the result of generations of history and culture.

7. How did U2’s sound change on “Songs of Innocence”?

The album features a more stripped-down sound compared to U2’s previous work, with fewer electronic elements and a greater emphasis on the band’s core instruments.

8. What impact did Bono’s mother have on his life and music?

Bono has spoken extensively about his mother and the impact she had on his life and music. He has said that her death influenced much of his music, including the song “I Will Follow” from U2’s debut album, “Boy.”

9. Why did U2 receive criticism for their album “No Line on the Horizon”?

The album was criticized for sounding outdated and failing to live up to the band’s previous work. Some critics also felt that U2 was trying too hard to incorporate modern elements into their sound.

10. What is the significance of the line “the darkness just lets us see who we are”?

This line is a reflection on the idea that it is in our darkest moments that we discover who we truly are and what we are capable of. It is a call to embrace the challenges of life and find meaning and purpose in them.

11. What other songs has U2 written about Bono’s mother?

The song “I Will Follow” from U2’s debut album, “Boy,” is also a tribute to Bono’s mother. The lyrics of the song are less direct than those of “Iris (Hold Me Close),” but they reflect on the impact that his mother had on his life and his desire to follow in her footsteps.

12. How has “Iris (Hold Me Close)” been received by fans?

The song has been well-received by fans and has become a popular live staple for U2. Many fans appreciate the personal nature of the lyrics and the powerful emotions that the song expresses.