God Part II

When I was 11, I met an exchange student who stayed with my family. She was 18 & was a white South African. She really liked u2 & when Rattle & Hum came out I remember listening to it with her. I also was able to hear some of the back catalogue at the time.

Since my father was a Rotarian, I had the opportunity to meet various students from all over the world growing up, including a Brazilian, Filipino & German who all spent extended periods of time at our house, as we were a host family. For some reason, it was the South African, who introduced me to u2 & with whom I watched Cry Freedom, that had the most impact on me. It wasn't just the music she introduced me to, it was the importance of realizing the power of stereotypes and prejudice & how we pre-empt communication & experiences if we rely too heavily on misinformation.

Funny how Bono's birthday made me think about her...


God Part II
Don't believe the devil
I don't believe his book
But the truth is not the same
Without the lies he made up
Don't believe in excess
Success is to give
Don't believe in riches
But you should see where I live
I...I believe in love
Don't believe in forced entry
Don't believe in rape
But every time she passes by
Wild thoughts escape
I don't believe in death row
Skid row or the gangs
Don't believe in the Uzi
It just went off in my hand
I...I believe in love
Don't believe in cocaine
Got a speed-ball in my head
I could cut and crack you open
Do you hear what I said
Don't believe them when they tell me
There ain't no cure The rich stay healthy
The sick stay poor
I...I believe in love
Don't believe in Goldman
His type like a curse
Instant karma's going to get him
If I don't get him first
Don't believe in rock 'n' roll
Can really change the world
As it spins in revolution
It spirals and turns
I...I believe in love
Don't believe in the 60's
The golden age of pop
You glorify the past
When the future dries up
Heard a singer on the radio late last night
He says he's gonna kick the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight
I...I believe in love
I feel like I'm falling
Like I'm spinning on a wheel
It always stops beside of me
With a presence I can feel
I...I believe in love