a modern day hymn on melancholic yearning - #acnotes

There's a song that belongs to a singer/band since it's their creation. And then there's a song that belongs to the listener, mainly owing to its interpretation. A version they hold close to their hearts. A version that's like no other. A chant that's on their lips, on and off. So, here's my interpretation. Perhaps, some similarities may exist if you know this song already. If you do find anything new, do let me know with a response.

When BONO sang "I still haven't found what I'm looking for", perhaps one could sense a heavy grief in his search. A search that has lasted for years and still continues. In other words, the Portuguese define this feeling as 'Saudade'. A melancholic yearning for something absent. While some refer to it as a rock song, rock-gospel song, or an easy to sing along song that echoes their sentiment. An article by Joshua Rothman titled 'Church of U2' that appeared in a 2014 Sept issue of The New Yorker, mentioned this as a modern day hymn.

Back then in the late eighties, when I was in primary school - I couldn't understand what Bono was going through. In fact, I couldnt even decipher what he was singing, partly. This song from the Joshua Tree played on the A side of the casette which my uncle would play on an old National two-in-one tape recorder. All I knew was it was an English song and a few lines from the chorus hinted that he was looking for something. No clue about the genre, the band, the singer or their origins. Over the years, repeated listens, at different phases/ages/moods/emotions/media the song spoke like the river spoke to the Oarsman or Siddhartha when they mindfully sat down to listen. It revealed what I wanted to hear at that particular phase of my life. The trickling narrow source at its mouth as the song began. The under currents as I immersed myself in it. The wide expanse as I walked back a few steps to gaze. The stillness that reflected my mental state, at times. The bubbling and rushing, as I indulged with a restless mind. A reflection or a reciprocation to my thoughts only that specific time of my life could tell.

It was the second song on the album. Likewise, the lyrics had a duality to its meaning. As mentioned earlier - One, what the creator intended. Two, what each listener had in mind. Was it about unrequited love, a pursuit for perfection, a quest for the divine, an unsettling feeling even when you know you've arrived or you've ascended the summit and you know you still feel there's a void. Maybe, you could listen to it now and try to find the meaning. Spoiler alert: you may or may not find what you've been looking for.

This hymn sung from the bottom of the heart to reach the roofs of heaven, yet there may or may not be an answer. However, the hymn echoes to keep the question lingering. And the quest unending. Perhaps, that's the reason this song doesn't end, instead it slowly fades.

https://lynkify.in/song/i-still-havent-found-what-im-looking-for/WlPmkMyO

#acnotes