The First Time

tackleberry · 03-26-2001, 03:47 PM

BabyGrace,

I believe that song refers to the Prodigal Son Story in the bible. I remember reading that in the "Into the Heart" book which gives interpretations of the songs. I believe that story has a father with two sons. He tests the love of his sons by giving them riches, and the one who "throws away the key" so to speak is the one who loves him the most. I could be way off with this story but I do know for sure thats a valid interpretation of the song. Its been a while since I attended Catholic School.

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"You gotta put the women and children first, but you've got an unquenchable thirst for New York..."

BabyGrace · 03-27-2001, 02:14 AM

First of all, forgive me if this has been posted elsewhere; I didn't look. I was listening to this song last night and I finally think I figured out what Bono is talking about, the only problem is, I'm not exactly sure what he means.

I think the song refers to the Holy Trinity.

"the lover" could be Ali but I think it is more likely that he is referring to the Holy Spirit...listen to the lyrics.

"The brother" that spend all his time running after Bono is Jesus...

The "rich Father" is God. "gave me the keys to His Kingdom Coming..."

My only problem is, is Bono denouncing God? the repetition of "But for the first time, I feel love" seems to imply that he has always had these things (the Holy Trinity) but now that he has "left by the back door and thrown away the key", he finally feels love for the first time...without God.

Or, I could see it as a denouncement of the Church...finally Bono has found a loving relationship with God that works for him and he has abandoned the establishment of the Church, which is often viewed as the "key" to get into heaven.

I'd love to hear your ideas on this song, which I feel is one of Bono's deepest, lyrically, ever. Tell me if I'm totally crazy, or if I make any sense

and gimme your interpretations....

BabyGrace · 04-02-2001, 01:31 PM

yeah, I guess that's better...

maybe they could both work tho...I was really proud of my interpretation

lol

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Just the bang and the clatter
As an angel runs to ground...

03-27-2001, 02:14 AM	#2
BabyGrace Refugee Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: even NJ loves NY Posts: 2,095 Local Time: 10:49 PM	The First Time First of all, forgive me if this has been posted elsewhere; I didn't look. I was listening to this song last night and I finally think I figured out what Bono is talking about, the only problem is, I'm not exactly sure what he means. I think the song refers to the Holy Trinity. "the lover" could be Ali but I think it is more likely that he is referring to the Holy Spirit...listen to the lyrics. "The brother" that spend all his time running after Bono is Jesus... The "rich Father" is God. "gave me the keys to His Kingdom Coming..." My only problem is, is Bono denouncing God? the repetition of "But for the first time, I feel love" seems to imply that he has always had these things (the Holy Trinity) but now that he has "left by the back door and thrown away the key", he finally feels love for the first time...without God. Or, I could see it as a denouncement of the Church...finally Bono has found a loving relationship with God that works for him and he has abandoned the establishment of the Church, which is often viewed as the "key" to get into heaven. I'd love to hear your ideas on this song, which I feel is one of Bono's deepest, lyrically, ever. Tell me if I'm totally crazy, or if I make any sense and gimme your interpretations....

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03-26-2001, 03:47 PM	#1
tackleberry War Child Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: New York, NY, USA Posts: 613 Local Time: 03:49 AM	BabyGrace, I believe that song refers to the Prodigal Son Story in the bible. I remember reading that in the "Into the Heart" book which gives interpretations of the songs. I believe that story has a father with two sons. He tests the love of his sons by giving them riches, and the one who "throws away the key" so to speak is the one who loves him the most. I could be way off with this story but I do know for sure thats a valid interpretation of the song. Its been a while since I attended Catholic School. ------------------ "You gotta put the women and children first, but you've got an unquenchable thirst for New York..."

04-02-2001, 01:31 PM	#3
BabyGrace Refugee Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: even NJ loves NY Posts: 2,095 Local Time: 10:49 PM	yeah, I guess that's better... maybe they could both work tho...I was really proud of my interpretation lol ------------------ Just the bang and the clatter As an angel runs to ground...