Desire

U2's 'Desire' pulsates with the intense cravings for material wealth and the emotional turmoil they bring, imbued with a rock and roll fever that questions moral integrity.

In 'Desire,' U2 explores the insatiable human appetite for wealth and the consequences it has on one's ethical compass, particularly spotlighting the intense, almost feverish yearning to obtain more. The lyrics juxtapose themes of love and greed, encapsulated by a 'preacher stealing hearts,' which alludes to the manipulative charisma often employed by those in pursuit of power, be it in religion, politics, or business. This is further embellished by the harmonica solo, evoking a classic rock and roll sound that speaks to primal desires and the raw allure of money. The repetitive invocation of 'money' in the bridge underpins the song's central theme of desire, turning it into an almost hypnotic mantra that reflects the cyclic, often unending nature of greed. U2 criticizes this by illustrating not just the quest for financial gain but how it seeps into one's morals and relationships, challenging the listener's perceptions of love, loyalty, and the pursuit of happiness within the framework of modern capitalist society.