What does the song “With or Without You” mean politically, economically, or historically?

Tina: What does the song “With or Without You” mean politically, economically, or historically?
I’m doing a world studies project and I was assigned the song With or Without You by U2. All I know is that it’s a love song. What does it have to do with anything political, economical, or historical? I had a thought that it was kind of about the military and how the US foreign policy has changed from “With us or against us” to “With or without you”, but I’m not really sure how to explain it. Thoughts?

Answers and Views:

Answer by fred d
Well that would depend on if your interpretation thinks it has to do with those things. Ive just all ways saw it as a love song. Are you supposed to give it another meaning? Is that what you are driving at? According to Bono it;s a love song. I guess what Im asking is are you supposed to change the meaning of the song to mean something else. My personal thought of changing it to a political meaning would be that the world can’t survive if we don’t get along. But with wars and economic problems we don’t seem to see eye to eye on things. Sort of like our religious beliefs and such that cause problems would be the without you, but economically the world is dependent on each other to survive but we don’t seem to be able to find a happy medium. That’s if I were to change the meaning. But the song is what it is a tormented love song. Here is what Bono said about it. Hope it helps in some way. The lyrics ostensibly describe a troubled relationship between two lovers. The Washington Post interpreted the song as both an acerbic love song and a tune lamenting the moral contradictions one faces with their religious faith.[11] Although the lyrics have been interpreted in religious contexts, Bono explained that the lyrics had romantic intentions, saying, “[..] There’s nothing more revolutionary than two people loving each other. One, ’cause it’s so uncommon these days, and two, ’cause it’s so difficult to do.”[12] In 1987, Bono explained that “And you give yourself away” lyric refers to how he sometimes feels exposed being in U2, and that his openness, both to the public and music press, can do damage to the group. Author Niall Stokes interpreted the line as encompassing the theme of “surrendering the ego” to ones love and spiritual faith