The If God Will Send His Angels DISCUSSION thread

I thought I'd make this a discussion thread, vs an appreciation thread...just to get true reactions.

I think this song is probably appreciated more by fans who have experienced some type of serious upset in their life (yeah, who hasn't, right?) such as addiction, abuse, or trauma of any kind, I suppose. As in many of Bono's lyric, the hints at loss of faith, or at least doubt, rise up. Yeah, I know some of the lyric are a bit, uh, goofy (the blind leading the blond), but for the most part, I think it's yet another song of survival.

What does this mean?:

 "Jesus never let me down
 You know Jesus used to show me the score
 Then they put Jesus in show business
 Now it's hard to get in the door."

Good question! Anybody?

Other than, again, the question/doubts of faith...?

See Father Christmas with a begging bowl.

Love this song, love the lyrics...I think it’s quietly one of U2s best.


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I’m not a lover of IGWSHA but to each his own


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I remember the day Pop was released in Europe. I went to a record shop in Budapest and bought it, and then took it home and listened as I studied the CD sleeve. The thing about Angels that stood out initially was how huge a shift it was after hearing the first 3 songs.


I still love this song. I don't have any strong opinion about the single versus album version debate, other than that it bugged me that the former omitted an entire verse.


Pop rules.

What does this mean?:

 "Jesus never let me down
 You know Jesus used to show me the score
 Then they put Jesus in show business
 Now it's hard to get in the door."

I believe that this is describing the commercialization of Christianity, especially with holidays such as Christmas (which is also referenced earlier in the song). Instead of Jesus being rightfully characterized as an all-loving and compassionate figure, his image is tainted by corporations that exploit religious consumers' faith for profit.

That explanation would at least fit with the greater theme of the album.

What does this mean?:

 "Jesus never let me down
 You know Jesus used to show me the score
 Then they put Jesus in show business
 Now it's hard to get in the door."

Like Wookie said it's about the exploitation and commercialization of Christ.

Christ is supposed to be for everyone. For the poor, the wicked, etc... and that line is about the televangelists getting rich from exploiting him.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on October 21, 2017, 09:36:12 AM

What does this mean?:

 "Jesus never let me down
 You know Jesus used to show me the score
 Then they put Jesus in show business
 Now it's hard to get in the door."

I believe that this is describing the commercialization of Christianity, especially with holidays such as Christmas (which is also referenced earlier in the song). Instead of Jesus being rightfully characterized as an all-loving and compassionate figure, his image is tainted by corporations that exploit religious consumers' faith for profit.

That explanation would at least fit with the greater theme of the album.

I think this is 100% right.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on October 21, 2017, 09:36:12 AM

What does this mean?:

 "Jesus never let me down
 You know Jesus used to show me the score
 Then they put Jesus in show business
 Now it's hard to get in the door."

I believe that this is describing the commercialization of Christianity, especially with holidays such as Christmas (which is also referenced earlier in the song). Instead of Jesus being rightfully characterized as an all-loving and compassionate figure, his image is tainted by corporations that exploit religious consumers' faith for profit.

That explanation would at least fit with the greater theme of the album.

I always took it as slandering tele-evangelists.  Despite being a strong Christian, Bono does seem to make fun of other Christians a lot in interviews.

This was always my favorite track from Pop.  Other than using the word 'angels' i still was never quite sure how it fit on the City of Angels' soundtrack.

This song is brilliant lyrically and has always been a standout. Wish they'd bring this one back into the live rotation. I know they struggled to find a decent arrangement but with a little work I think it's very doable.

Yes, I'd also love to see it live.

Pop's weakest link ... quite possible my least favourite song


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One of my least favourite songs on Pop. It just really bores me. I usually leave it off my MP3 player. This and Playboy Mansion. They spoil an otherwise brilliant album for me.