Meaning of "The Saints Are Coming" by U2

The lyrics of "The Saints Are Coming" suggest a sense of hopelessness and despair. The reference to the house in New Orleans, known as the Rising Sun, symbolizes a place of ruin and destruction. It has been the downfall of many individuals, including the narrator who acknowledges their own brokenness by saying, "And God, I know I'm one." The imagery of crying to their daddy on the telephone reflects a longing for guidance and support. Despite their pleas, there is no response, and the shadows persist. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the absence of hope or the inability to escape the darkness that consumes their life.

The repetition of the phrase "the saints are coming" suggests the arrival of some sort of salvation or redemption. However, the realization that there is no reply, no matter how hard they try, highlights the lack of any meaningful resolution. The lyrics also touch on the themes of grief, sorrow, and the passage of time. The drowning sorrow symbolizes a deep and overwhelming sadness that floods the narrator's being. They question how long it will take for the weather to change and restore their faith, but there is no answer.

The mention of a night watchman and a thief introduces the element of betrayal and a loss of trust. It reflects a sense of vulnerability and the pain of being taken advantage of or deceived. Overall, "The Saints Are Coming" explores the struggles of finding hope and redemption in a world that feels broken and unresponsive.