Released in 1987 on their seminal album 'The Joshua Tree', 'With Or Without You' solidified U2's status as a leading rock band. Written by Bono and The Edge, the song explores themes of love and longing, resonating deeply with audiences. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics make it an excellent resource for English learners, highlighting emotional expression and vocabulary. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, reflecting its significant cultural impact.
Lyrics
With Or Without You — U2
English
See the stone set in your eyes
See the thorn twist in your side
I'll wait for you
Sleight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails, she makes me wait
And I wait without you
With or without you [2x]
Through the storm, we reach the shore
You give it all, but I want more
And I'm waiting for you
With or without you [2x]
I can't live
With or without you
And you give yourself away [Repeat]
My hands are tied
My body bruised
She's got me with
Nothing to win and nothing left to lose
[...]
Aleksander, valeu por acreditar no Fill the Song. A tua música favorita também é parte da nossa história. Quando alguém jogar com ela, vai ter um pedacinho seu no ar.
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Simple Present - Presente Simples
The Simple Present tense is used to express habits, general truths, and repeated actions. It is particularly important for English learners to master, as it forms the foundation for everyday conversation. This tense often includes the base form of the verb, and the third person singular adds an 's' or 'es'.
"I'll wait for you" — Indicating a future action expressed using the simple present.
"You give it all, but I want more" — Shows a habitual action in the simple present.
"With or without you" — Repeated phrase emphasizing the permanence of the relationship.
Fun facts
Did you know?
U2 was inspired to write 'With Or Without You' while experimenting with a harmonica riff that The Edge came up with during a jam session.
The song became the band's first number one single in the United States, spending three weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987.
'With Or Without You' has been covered by numerous artists, including the rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, which gave it a new emotional depth.
The production of the song involved innovative layering techniques, including the use of synthesizers, which contributed to its atmospheric sound.
It has been included in various 'greatest songs' lists, such as Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, indicating its lasting influence.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
With a vocabulary level that suits intermediate learners, 'With Or Without You' is ideal for practicing English due to its clear pronunciation and emotional expression. The repetitive structure of the chorus helps reinforce key phrases, making it easier to memorize and understand. The song's exploration of complex feelings also introduces learners to useful expressions that can enhance conversational skills.
Ready to practice?
Listen to “With Or Without You”, fill in the missing words and earn points. Free.
Play with this song