The First Time' is a very special song. It just seemed right that in the middle of all the chaos and blinking lights of the futurescapes there would be a very simple, poetic moment. It's the story of the prodigal son but in it the prodigal son decides he doesn't want to return. It is about losing your faith. I haven't lost my faith but I'm very sympathetic to people who have the courage not to believe. I've seen a lot of people around me have bad experiences with religion, be so badly abused they feel they just can't go there any more, which is a shame.
Bono, U2 By U2
I'm Christian myself, these songs, along with Drowning Man, and IGWSHA, wake up dead man (and also ISHFWILF, WOWY, WILATW, probably (eh.. for sure) more) the loosing the faith can really struck me.
I think it's one of the main reasons why I think U2 is sublime and maybe why I kept my faith. Bono is honest with his view on religion and his faith. There is room for doubt, even to turn your back against it, and still making songs like Gloria, Magnificent and Lights of home (partly).