Meaning of "Raised By Wolves" by U2

"Raised By Wolves" explores the themes of violence, disillusionment, and the destructive power of belief. The broken street and the man in misery symbolize a society in turmoil, where violence and suffering have become commonplace. The reference to a red sea covering the ground implies a bloodshed, further emphasizing the chaos and brutality of the scene. The narrator's regret at looking and feeling sorry for doing so suggests the overwhelming nature of the violence witnessed. The lyrics convey a sense of disbelief, as if the narrator can no longer comprehend or make sense of the world around them. The reference to girls with a needle trying to spell the narrator's name can be interpreted as a metaphor for addiction and the degradation of the body. The line "my body's not a canvas, my body's now a toilet wall" reflects a loss of agency and identity, as the narrator feels reduced to nothing more than a vessel for destruction.

The recurring theme of being raised by wolves serves as a metaphor for the narrator's resilience and strength in the face of fear and adversity. Wolves are often associated with wildness, survival instincts, and a sense of being untamed. This suggests that the narrator has been shaped by their experiences, living in a world marked by violence and chaos. However, the lyrics also hint at the destructive nature of this existence. The lines "If I open my eyes, you disappear" indicate a fleeting nature of hope or connection in such a world. It suggests that any glimpse of something positive or meaningful quickly fades away, reinforcing the sense of disillusionment and despair.

Overall, "Raised By Wolves" paints a bleak picture of a society plagued by violence, where belief and passion can justify the most heinous acts. The lyrics speak to the loss of innocence, the erosion of identity, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that seems devoid of it.