U2 - Bad Lyrics Meaning

I know Bono has said this song is about heroin addiction, and it may well be. But, Bono has always been a master of writing lyrics that can have two meanings. I believe this song is about Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane before his passion. There are many, many U2 songs about Jesus and Christian themes.

The first two verses are about Jesus struggling with what he knew he had to go through the next day. In the Bible it mentions him praying that he wished "this cup would pass from me.". He wants to give up, to let it go, but at the end of the second verse, he realizes that if he does that then people would walk away into the "night" and "through the flame".

In the third verse, he acknowledges that if he goes through with it, then people would have their spirits break free and they would go into the light.

But he still struggles, and he has to keep telling himself that he is "wide awake, not sleeping". That is, he is facing what is about to happen even while his disciples sleep.

In the middle verse, "If you should ask then maybe they'd Tell you what I would say" is about being questioned by the high priests where he wouldn't say much. Then, "Colors crash, collide in blood shot eyes" is about his torture at the hands of Roman soldiers.

The finally, the list of words starting with "This desperation" is a terrible description of what is happening to him.

But, the songs ends with him yelling that he is wide awake, and that he is not going to let it go.

As a Christian, I am completely moved by this song every time I hear it.