Photo by Milada Vigerova
Released in 1983, U2’s hit song 40 was originally intended to gain exposure during Germany’s Loreley Festival. It water released as the final track on their album War. U2’s lead singer, Bono, has this to say about its recording:
When we were making our third record, the War LP, we were being thrown out of the studio by the studio manager because we had overrun or something and we had one more song to do. We wrote this song in about ten minutes, we recorded it in about ten minutes, we mixed it in about ten minutes and we played it, then, for another ten minutes and that’s nothing to do with why it’s called ’40’.
— Bono, Concert April 29, 1987
Indeed, the name “40” comes from its source material: Psalm 40! As of this writing, the song 40 played 410 times in concert according to U2 Gigs. For a song originally intended for self-promotion, it has done exceptionally well!
Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/5063311.
Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.
1. What message does the song communicate?
Though the lyrics are poetic in nature, it paints a picture of God’s salvation of mankind. However, there are important elements in Psalm 40:1-3 that were stripped from this song, that is, our “new song” should be directed to God, and that we ought to trust in the Lord.
Score: 7/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
The entire song is based on Psalm 40:1-3; However, much of the context of directing our praise to God and trusting in Him are unused from this passage, weakening the strength of its usage.
[Verse 1]
Lines 1-4: References Psalm 40:1-2.
[Chorus]
Lines 1 and 2: References Psalm 40:3. U2 does not include the second half of Psalm 40:3a, that is, “a song of praise to our God.” This is important to the context of this passage: our praise should be directed towards God. Without this line, he veils its meaning and there’s no call to direct our praise to Him.
Lines 3-6: Repurposes Psalm 13:1-2 as a cry for the Lord as to how long we must suffer for Christ?
[Verse 2]
Lines 1-3: References Psalm 40:2-3. U2 does not include the second half of Psalm 40:3b, that is, ” and put their trust in the Lord.” This is important to the context of this passage: our trust should be directed towards God. Without this line, he veils its meaning and there’s no call to direct our trust in Him.
Score: 7/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
While the song itself has a salvific undertone, without any further context, an outsider would be confused as to discern its meaning. It raises more questions than it gives answers. What is this “pit” that is described? What is this new song that I should sing? What is it that many will see and fear? The answers are not within the lyrics.
Score: 3/10
4. What does this song glorify?
Though the song has its basis in Psalm 40:1-3; however, some of the important lines were not included (see section 2, above). Though thickly hidden, the glory still goes to God for saving him from the pit.
Score: 6/10
Closing Comments
I am a torn over this song. One the one hand, its basis is from Psalm 40:1-3 and brings glory to God. On the other hand, gone are important lines about trusting in God and directing our praise to Him. This weakens the overall strength of its message and becomes ineffective towards outsiders.
I expect much controversy over my evaluation. Please be gentle.
Final Score: 6/10
Artist Info
Track: 40 (listen to the song)
Artist: U2
Album: War
Genre: Rock, Post-punk
Release Year: 1983
Duration: 2:37
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
Comments
David
Good on Bono and friends to think to turn to scripture regardless of what our different interpretations may be. The good news is that when we use and share the word of God, it opens our hearts and minds to be enlightened and inspired. My takeaway is that The Lord brings us up out of bad places (horrible pit- miry clay) and makes our footsteps firm so that we can then be prepared to sing a “new song”. This new song is our testimony of Jesus that is now stronger based on our recent difficult experiences. This testimony or new song, praises God and is an example to others that “many will see” so that they may learn to fear (revere, respect, honor) God and trust in Him. It also makes me think of another poetic Old Testament scripture Job 23:11. Desptie all his trials and discouragement, Job states in the end “ My foot has held his steps, his way have I kept. “
JK
First of all, I really appreciate what you’re doing here. I have mixed feelings about some of the review scores, but at the least, it’s nice to have this kind of opinion/information online. I agree about this song, “40” leaving out some of the key words and lines from the scripture, and therefore making the song intentionally ambiguous. This was my favorite song growing up during high school years. Thought highly of U2 not being afraid to speak out their faith, but then they completely lost me with Achtung Baby. I think all of your score categories are important and very helpful in having discernment (not judgement) for any Christian these days exposed to all kinds of false or twisted messages out there. Remember even Satan knows and uses the scripture very well. I think there are so many songs and “Christian” artists nowadays that sound like they’re praising God but when closely listened, they’re glorifying anything or anyone but God. It’s also helpful to research artists’ personal statement of faith and the background of their group or “church” they belong to. I used to think that any type of Christian influence in the media and pop culture was a good thing, but then realized that wrong/incomplete/false influence is more deadlier than no influence.
Vince Wright
Jk,
Thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate that! I don’t expect universal agreement on my review scores; However, I am thankful to God that I have the opportunity to take a stab at such an important topic and provide a forum for discussion.
-Vince Wright
Ken Ferguson
U2 wins over John Mark Mcmillan? Given that it’s “40” and it’s taken mostly directly from scripture, I can almost understand. But, again, the criteria thing is throwing things way off. I’ll be gentle. Even direct scripture is failing to meet your criteria. They have not mentioned salvation. They only mention the word “Lord” one time. Heavy use of pronouns — indefinite focus. This scripture is clearly not the basis for good worship (sarcasm). Look, you’ve put a lot of work into this and it’s clearly a passion of yours and I like it for its intent, but not for its results. Is there a way to bring a larger perspective into this instead of a harsh numbering system. Or, maybe expand the criteria. I love that it hits the scriptural piece. Your focus is scriptural alignment. That’s your greatest contribution and why I may come back.
tastywallet
Ken,
Thanks for your thoughts! I enjoy looking at feedback because it gives me an opportunity to reassess my process and results. You’ve given me a lot to think and pray about.
As I mentioned in my Criteria page, a low score doesn’t necessarily mean that the song is bad or that God cannot use it. My focus is on the clarity/logical/Biblical side of things, so unclear poetry will naturally receive lower Berean Test scores.
You mentioned in a different comment that my rubric is unbalanced? How would you recommend I rebalance it?
Finally, I’ll reconsider my thoughts on Rita Springer’s Defender and give you credit if I change my mind.
-TastyWallet
Evan
Thank you. Wasn’t even aware of the song or the lyrics from Psalm 40! God is in all things, music moves us as much as anything; in ways only music can. Blessings 🎶🎵
Dad
I can only imagine mercy me
tastywallet
Thanks! I’ll add it to the queue.