☝️ Key Points
- The song is about the love for the city of New York and the fascination with music legends.
- It's about encountering an angel in the form of a woman in Harlem.
- Various music legends like John Coltrane and Miles Davis are mentioned.
- The lyrics describe both the beauty and magic of the city as well as its darker sides.
- Overall, it's a love song to New York City and the inspiring power of music.
Interpretation
"Angel of Harlem" is a song by
U2 that expresses love for the city of New York and fascination with music legends of the past. The song is about encountering an angel who appears in the form of a woman in Harlem. The song begins with arrival at JFK airport and the perception of the beauty and charm of the city.
"New York, like a Christmas tree, tonight this city belongs to me" shows the magic and excitement that the city radiates. The line "Soul love...this love won't let me go, so long...Angel of Harlem" expresses the strong bond and love for this woman who appears as an angel.
Throughout the song, various music legends are mentioned, such as John Coltrane and Miles Davis, who serve as inspiration. The line "Lady Day got diamond eyes, she sees the truth behind the lies" refers to Billie Holiday, a famous jazz singer, whose music and personality are appreciated by the band.
The lyrics also describe the darker sides of the city, like the line "Blue light on the avenue, god knows they got to you", which points to the problems and temptations one can be exposed to in the big city.
Overall, "Angel of Harlem" is a love song to New York City and to the inspiring power of the music legends that have influenced the band U2. It is an expression of fascination for the city and the people who inhabit it.