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About

Genius Annotation

Originally Bono wanted to write a song about Ronald Reagan’s arrogant pride in his military power, which inevitably led to heightened nuclear tensions during the Cold War. However, after reading biographies on Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, he decided to focus on the pride ingrained in the causes of the African-American Civil Rights movement, and the comparison between the violent and nonviolent approaches each leader took.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Who are the four people mentioned in verse 2?
Genius Answer

The man betrayed by a kiss is Jesus Christ. The others aren’t literal individuals, but rather representations of people caught up in protest or warfare.

Credits
Vocals
Background Vocals
Recorded At
Slane Castle
Release Date
September 4, 1984
Songs That Sample Pride (In the Name of Love)
View Pride (In the Name of Love) samples
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