The meaning of the lyrics of the song "The Fly" by the artist "U2"

U2's song "The Fly" is a reflection on love, truth, hypocrisy, and falling from grace. The lyrics are filled with metaphors and imagery that create a sense of unease and uncertainty.

The first verse sets the overall tone of melancholy and disillusionment. Falling stars symbolize dashed hopes, and the world plunged into darkness signifies a loss of faith and direction. The image of the moon eclipsing the sun hints at the destructive power of lies and deceit that overshadow the truth. The lyrical protagonist feels forgotten and unwanted when another ("she") enters his life.

The second verse continues the theme of lies and truth. The secret that the hero reveals to his interlocutor ("child") implies disappointment in supposed truths and authorities. He realizes that the world is full of hypocrisy and even friends can betray.

The chorus, repeated throughout the song, compares a person to a fly helplessly beating against a glass pane. The "true face of love" turns out to be cruel and cold, dooming one to suffering and falls.

The third verse delves deeper into the theme of hypocrisy. The hero criticizes a society where conscience becomes a hindrance and the thirst for fame destroys happiness. He compares actors to savages and poets to thieves who exploit their emotions for recognition.

The fourth verse returns us to the image of a falling star, but now it is a metaphor for a fleeting and painful love experience. Lovers, like bright stars, burn up in the flames of passion, leaving behind only ashes of disappointment.

The final verse sums up the hero's reflections. He acknowledges the inevitability of falls and disappointments but leaves room for hope for change. The phrase "There's a lot of things I'd like to undo if I could" speaks of a desire to correct past mistakes and find his way to truth and true love.