When Love Comes to Town

This song has always rocked me. I've heard that U2 caught a fair amount of flack over Rattle & Hum, but I rank it as one of their better efforts, and When Love Comes to Town in particular. The segment from the R&H Movie where they play with BB King is amazing, as King's band brings a big lump of funky soul to it. Between the horns and BB King's pipes (not to mention his guitar), it is a little less alternative black and a little more gospel blue.


I was a sailor, I was lost at sea
I was under the waves before love rescued me.
I was a fighter, I could turn on a thread
Now I stand accused of the things I've said.

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame.
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town.

Used to make love under a red sunset
I was making promises I was soon to forget.
She was pale as the lace of her wedding gown
But I left her standing before love came to town.

I ran into a juke-joint when I heard a guitar scream
The notes were turning blue, I was dazed and in a dream.
As the music played I saw my life turn around
That was the day before love came to town.

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame.
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town.

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame.
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town.

I was there when they crucified my Lord
I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword.
I threw the dice when they pierced his side
But I've seen love conquer the great divide.

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame.
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town.

The music in this clip doesn't start until about 2:30 into the clip, so fast forward if you just want to hear the music. I do wish they didn't keep interrupting it with earnest documentary scenes cut into the music. They should have just let it roll and put the b roll footage up front. The music more than speaks for itself.

I love it when they are rehearsing and BB King says, "I don't know what to do there...." and Bono replies, "Is that a joke?" Then of course, there is the spot where BB says, "I'm no good a chords." Kind of makes me feel better about some of the things I'm not good at.