Meaning of "You can keep this suit of lights"

[homing_pidgeon]

Does "this suit of lights" represent fame?

[daveyg]

There ya go - i misheard that lyric as "Suit of lies" - as in giving up the old life of lying

[CherryYouDanceWithMe]

I also always thought it was "suit of lies" which I think makes more sense.

But in U2 by U2 Bono says,

"Gone is a portrait of a young man as a rock star, trying to cut himself free from responsibilities and just enjoy the ride, the suit of lights, fame."

Then he says (to paraphrase) that the man tries to leave behind those responsibilities but "there are some things you can't leave behind." and "deep down we aren't as shallow as we'd like."

I suppose the song is about realizing the shallowness of fame and embracing your responsibilities. This makes sense if you think about the transition from the POP album (and really all of the '90s material) to the ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND album.

[u2yooper]

I think you're right, Cherry.  I see a lot of 'Pop' as Bono dealing with the consequences and disillusionment and spiritual emptiness brought on by fame.  The "suit of lights" refers to everything that goes with fame.

[ElJayVee]

There ya go - i misheard that lyric as "Suit of lies" - as in giving up the old life of lying

Me, too, Davey!  I was surprised when I read the real lyrics.

[daveyg]

There ya go - i misheard that lyric as "Suit of lies" - as in giving up the old life of lying

Me, too, Davey!  I was surprised when I read the real lyrics.

And the whole last few songs Bono jacket now makes sense! Invent me a time machine and back to last July! Now! snap snap! lol

[MistyLeigh32]

I hear a lot of emotional lament in this song - I suppose I can relate to it on personal levels.  He sounds "fed up" with celebrity or perhaps himself in this line to me.

[Inishfree]

There ya go - i misheard that lyric as "Suit of lies" - as in giving up the old life of lying

Me too and actually like it better as "suit of lies." 

[hurricane hugo]

Maybe someone tried to give Bono a copy of Delicate Sound of Thunder and he didn't want it.

 

#@!

[missclaudia]

Maybe someone tried to give Bono a copy of Delicate Sound of Thunder and he didn't want it.

 

#@!

Nicely put.  That album cover has always been the image in my head whenever I hear that lyric.