The meaning of the lyrics of the song "North And South of the River" by the artist "U2"

In U2's song "North And South of the River," the lyrical protagonist reflects on a complex relationship divided by a physical barrier – the river. This image symbolizes the gap between two people, their different views, life experiences, and fears.

The protagonist craves intimacy, wanting to "reach across the lake" and overcome the obstacles preventing them from being together. He seeks trust and understanding ("Walk with you on paths unknown, not looking over my shoulder"), desiring to know the beloved's inner world ("I want to see and hear, I want to understand your fears").

Despite strong feelings, the protagonist acknowledges his own fault in the situation ("I've been doing wrong all my life"). Perhaps he made mistakes, caused pain, and now suffers from guilt. The "holy city" mentioned in the lyrics could be a symbol of spiritual rebirth, a reassessment of values.

The phrase "The wind from the lake is getting colder and colder" conveys a growing sense of despair, the cooling of feelings. "Spoiled" and "love, whose day will yet come" are juxtapositions of hope and despair, faith that the relationship can be saved.

The protagonist is ready for change, no longer wanting to play roles ("Maybe we'll stop putting on a show"), seeking sincerity and a genuine encounter. He recognizes his guilt ("Because you never feel more alone than when you hurt someone close to you") but doesn't know how to fix things.

The ending of the song is filled with melancholy. "Some peaks are not meant to be climbed, some relationships are better left unstarted" is a bitter acknowledgement that some obstacles are insurmountable. The "old church bell" that no longer rings and the "old songs" symbolize the past that cannot be returned to.

Overall, "North And South of the River" is a song about lost love, insurmountable obstacles, regret, and the hope that someday the "day of love" will still come.