U2's "Bullet the Blue Sky" Lyrics: A Protest Against Injustice
Inspiration and Activism
The title track from U2's album "War," "Bullet the Blue Sky," is a powerful and moving protest song inspired by the controversial conviction of Leonard Peltier, a Native American rights activist. Peltier was arrested and charged with the 1975 murder of two FBI agents during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Despite claims of innocence, Peltier was convicted and sentenced to two life terms in prison in 1977.
Bono's Lyrical Evolution
U2's lead singer, Bono, has stated that the lyrics for "Bullet the Blue Sky" evolved through various iterations, reflecting the band's ongoing creative process. He described it as "cell division," where songs shed their skin and new elements emerge. The song's final lyrics powerfully convey the band's outrage over Peltier's imprisonment and the broader injustices faced by Native Americans.
A Song for Leonard Peltier
The song's lyrics explicitly reference Peltier's case and the ongoing struggle for Native American rights:
"Revenge is a hungry ghost. The fate of a proud nation, the glory of the chiefs. Kicked and kicked around. How can I help but feel?"
Bono's lyrics express empathy for Peltier, who has consistently maintained his innocence and has faced harsh treatment in prison. They also highlight the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the systemic oppression of Native American communities.
Arbitrary and Unjust
Human rights organizations and legal experts have condemned Peltier's conviction as arbitrary and unjust. There have been allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, suppressed evidence, and a biased trial. The song's lyrics reflect this wider critique of the justice system:
"The long shadow of the law is stretching out to stake a claim. The ordinary man with his pockets full of bullets. How can I help but feel?"
U2's "Bullet the Blue Sky" remains a powerful and poignant protest song, raising awareness of the ongoing injustices faced by Native Americans and demanding accountability for systemic oppression.
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