HTDAAB (as it's known by fans) came out in November 2004. At this time, our children were 11, 10, 9, 6, and as-yet-unborn. I was homeschooling my heart out, and running from morning to night and back again. This was my "Be ALL The Things to ALL The People" phase and I'm didn't have much time for anything that wasn't urgent and extremely important. Although I'd been a U2 fan since the early 80's, I hadn't had time to notice U2 for several years.
I acknowledge that I view Bono as a poet, and a pretty awesome one at that. This album in particular seems to be a very beautiful rendition of a particular time in his life, a time when he seemed to be very much in touch with his heart and very able to share it.
Bono obviously knows what love is. He is married to his first and only wife. He is in a band with three friends he has known since high school. I see that reality reflected especially in the lyrics of this album. I've never seen an interview with him about his marriage, but I've heard him talk a lot about his bandmates.
So what? Well, I find it inspiring when a celebrity loves his wife for over 30 years, stays with his friends for even longer, stands up for the less fortunate, and is a father to four children. And when that celebrity creates beautiful lyrics and music, I want more of that!
Having been married to my husband (another great H word) for 28 years, I think I can say with some certainty that it takes some real intention to stay married, to be faithful to keeping a family intact, and to stay the course.
My favorite line from this album speaks to the reality of long-term marriage:
I could never take a change
Of losing love to find romance
In that mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
(from A Man and A Woman)
Bonus: Official music video of Sometimes You Can't Make it On Your Own
What music inspires you in life and love?
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8 comments:
I've been married for 17 years and I have to agree. Marriage is blissful, but it takes work.
http://www.melanieschulz.blogspot.com
My husband and I have been together for 42 years, still laughing and singing - any song that seems apporpriate for that moment. Not too much work here.
Very cool. Commonweeder! I think laughing and singing are definitely activities that keep a marriage strong!
Love the artwork at the top. And, yes, we have that album. ;-)
Stopping by from the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge FB page.
It's wonderful to be married and still have that romance!
Just Hopping by! Musings of a Book Lover!
What a great song definitely one to add to our list. We like I'm yours by Jason Mraz and Bubbly by Colby Calais unlike your wise self we are still blissfully happy at only 4 years. Happy A-Zing
I loved the creative genius of U2, and the people who usually had a problem with them were being a little too serious about it, in my opinion. I only meet a couple of conservatives who some how viewed Bono as an afront to their personal values, and could not even enjoy some of their less political songs. The same people would usually get bent out of shape by comedians like Bill Maher. I tend to be a lib myself, but I can enjoy a musician who writes songs I think are beautiful, or a comedian of any persuasion who is funny.
Sweetbearies Art Tips.
As always, i love you and what you have to say! (esp when you're talking about marriage, kidz, and U2!)
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