If you are not familiar with either of my previous Rock and Roll Jesus blogs, let me elaborate on the subject at hand. As a live music devotee, I am well aware of Christian rock music. However, under no circumstance am I versed well enough on the popular artists of the genre to comment in the first person regarding their work. However, I have researched popular rock songs and have reimagined them as Sunday worship staples. None of the songs that I have highlighted were written to be a praise song for a congregation. I contend that there are Christian themes and values in the lyrics of the song that compare favorably to songs performed in contemporary Christian houses of worship.

 In this third feature, we turn our attention to U2’s 1987 chart topping album Joshua Tree. This was the band’s fifth studio album and reached #1 on the US charts and #6 in the UK. The band has sold more than 25 million copies of the album which includes FM radio staples Where the streets have no name, With or without you, Bullet the Blue Sky, In God’s country and Still haven’t found what I’m looking for. Rolling Stone named this song #93 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.

If you are not familiar with the lyrics, crawl out from under that rock and have a read:

I have climbed the highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

I believe in the Kingdom Come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
But yes, I’m still running

You broke the bonds and loosed the chains
Carried the cross of my shame
Of my shame
You know I believe it

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.

The video link to their performance of this song at Madison Square Garden in 1987 is below:

The video quality and the lighting leave a lot to be desired bur the performance speaks to the gospel quality of the song and demonstrates how a Baptist church choir can raise the roof performing this tune.  

Bono is well known for his Christian faith and this shows in the lyrics and the energy that this music creates when performed live. This song was not inspired by any professed belief in God or meant to be a hymn for the Christian world to sing. However, with very little, if any, lyrical changes this song could be an uplifting song for any Christion community. Can you not see how this song would sound in the varied buildings worldwide that are a church at least once a week? So, next time you hear this song, stop what you’re doing long enough and give it a listen. Perhaps you will see it in a different light and gain a new appreciation.

#U2 #JoshuaTree #Stillhaven’tfoundwhatI’mlookingfor #RockandRollJesus