Happy Birthday, America!
Sometimes I turn to the rock band U2 to gain some perspective on America. Yes, U2 are Irish. But they have made no secret of their love of America (who can forget their 2002 Super Bowl half-time show that ended with Bono flashing the
American flag on the inside of his jacket).
Two songs stand out to me.
“American Soul” was on their 2017 album Songs of Experience.
It's not a place // This country is to me a thought // That offers grace // For every welcome that is sought
You are rock and roll // You and I are rock and roll // You are rock and roll // Came here looking for American Soul
It's not a place // This is a dream the whole world owns // The pilgrim's face // It had your heart to call her home
There's a promise in the heart of every good dream // It's a call to action, not to fantasy // The end of a dream, the start of what's real // Let it be unity // Let it be community // For refugees like you and me // A country to receive us // Will you be our sanctuary // Refu-jesus
More recently, U2 offered what could be part two of this song when they released an EP called Days of Ash released this year (2026) on Ash Wednesday. The song is entitled “American
Obituary.”
America will rise // Against the people of the lie
I love you more // than hate loves war
The power of the people is so much stronger than the people in power
In the streets with children playing // In the churches where they’re praying // School teachers are explaining // America, America // The power of the people!
We love you more than hate loves war // I love you more than hate loves war
Amen.
Pastor Scott
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