God, Part II

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a deep dive into "U2"'s "God Part II" from their 1988 album Rattle and Hum, now spinning at THE ZOO! This track is a fiery, introspective sequel to John Lennon’s "God," adopting a similar lyrical structure to wrestle with faith, hypocrisy, and human flaws. Bono, U2’s frontman, penned biting verses targeting Albert Goldman, a biographer who wrote controversial, unflattering accounts of Lennon and Elvis Presley. The line “Don’t believe in Goldman / His type like a curse / Instant karma’s gonna get him / If I don’t get him first” channels Lennon’s own “Instant Karma!” to defend rock icons against what Bono saw as exploitative narratives. This wasn’t Bono’s first jab at Goldman—his earlier track “Elvis Presley and America” from The Unforgettable Fire also critiqued the biographer’s take on Elvis.

Another gem in "God Part II" is its nod to Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn. The lyric “Heard a singer on the radio late last night / He says he’s gonna kick the darkness ’til it bleeds daylight” lifts from Cockburn’s “Lovers in a Dangerous Time,” a line so powerful U2 gave him a classy shoutout in the album’s liner notes. Fans on platforms like Songfacts praise this borrowing, with one user, Jay from Oshkosh, calling it a highlight of the song’s raw energy. The track’s dark, moody vibe hinted at U2’s next chapter, as its sound wouldn’t feel out of place on their 1991 reinvention, Achtung Baby. A rare remix, the “Hard Metal Dance Mix,” surfaced on the “When Love Comes to Town” single, showing U2 experimenting with a grittier edge.

The song’s live history is sparse but memorable. According to posts on X, “God Part II” was only performed during the Lovetown Tour in 1989 and 1990, making it a rare treat for fans. Some claim Bono swapped “Goldman” for “Osama” in post-9/11 performances, but users on Songfacts debunk this, noting the song hasn’t been played live since 1990. Fans on U2 Interference call it an underappreciated jewel, with one describing it as “the essence of rock” for its raw music and lyrics. The Edge, in a 2021 X post by @U2start, expressed pride in the track alongside other Rattle and Hum standouts like “Desire” and “All I Want Is You.”

U2, the Irish rock band behind “God Part II,” formed in Dublin in 1976 when its members were just teenagers at Mount Temple Comprehensive School. Larry Mullen Jr., the drummer, sparked it all by posting a notice for musicians, drawing Bono (Paul Hewson) on vocals, The Edge (David Evans) on guitar, and Adam Clayton on bass. With limited musical skills, they started as a post-punk outfit called Feedback, then Hype, before settling on U2. Their early sound, rooted in raw energy and spiritual themes, caught the ear of Island Records, leading to their 1980 debut album, Boy. Albums like War (1983) and The Unforgettable Fire (1984) built their reputation for socially conscious lyrics and The Edge’s chiming guitar, but 1987’s The Joshua Tree launched them to global stardom with hits like “With or Without You.”

U2’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. After Rattle and Hum faced mixed reviews for its American roots obsession, the band reinvented themselves with Achtung Baby, embracing electronic and industrial sounds. They’ve since sold 150–170 million records, won 22 Grammy Awards, and earned a 2005 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Known for epic live shows and activism with groups like Amnesty International, U2 remain a cultural force. Connect with them on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans gather at sites like U2Songs.com, a respected resource since 1995, and community hubs like U2 Interference. Join the U2 Fans Facebook group to keep the Zoo Crew spirit alive!