It’s a significant week for U2 fans. The band unexpectedly released a recent EP, Days of Ash, on Wednesday, a collection of songs and a poem born from recent world events and dedicated to those lost to violence, and injustice. The release, described as “of the moment we wish we weren’t in… but are,” by frontman Bono, arrives ahead of a planned album release later this year, but the band felt these particular tracks couldn’t wait.
The six-track EP is anchored by “American Obituary,” a powerful tribute to Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis on January 7. The song, and the EP as a whole, serves as a poignant response to a series of tragedies, including the death of Iranian schoolgirl Sarina Esmailzadeh, Palestinian activist and cinematographer Awdah Hathaleen, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. U2’s new music demonstrates a continued commitment to using their platform to address pressing global issues.
“American Obituary”: A Song of Fury and Grief
“Renee Good, born to die free. American mother of three. Seventh day, January. A bullet for each child, you spot,” Bono sings in the opening lines of “American Obituary,” as reported by Global News. The lyrics directly reference the date of Good’s death and the number of her children, painting a stark portrait of loss. Bono described the song as “a song of fury… but more than that a song of grief,” not only for Good but also for what he sees as the loss of an America that would have demanded accountability in her killing.
The lyrics question the narrative surrounding Good’s death, asking, “Renee the domestic terrorist?” Bono explained that the song’s rhythm was inspired by Bob Dylan and its overall tone is “a bit more punk rock” than their 1983 protest song, “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” reflecting the sentiments expressed by Good’s family. The band’s intention is to amplify the call for change and justice in Good’s case.
Family’s Praise and Lack of Criminal Investigation
The family of Renee Good has publicly praised U2 for the tribute, expressing their gratitude for the band’s use of their platform to spread a message of peace. According to CBS News, Good’s parents stated they feel the urgency of the country’s situation is reflected in the band’s “powerful call for change and coming together.”
However, the pursuit of justice in Good’s case has faced obstacles. The federal government has stated there is no criminal investigation into her killing and has restricted access to evidence and information for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. This lack of investigation is a central theme of Bono’s grief expressed in “American Obituary,” lamenting the absence of an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Broader Themes of Loss and Defiance
Beyond Renee Good, Days of Ash tackles other instances of loss and injustice. The EP is a response to a world grappling with conflict and tragedy, with songs inspired by the deaths of Sarina Esmailzadeh and Awdah Hathaleen, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Bono described the songs as “songs of defiance and dismay,” reflecting a sense of urgency and frustration with the state of the world. He emphasized that these songs “couldn’t wait” to be released, highlighting the immediacy of the issues they address.
Bono also cautioned against complacency, warning against an “Irish high horse” in relation to the Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, as The Journal reported. This suggests a broader message of solidarity and a call for consistent empathy across global conflicts.
What comes next for U2 remains to be seen, but the release of Days of Ash signals a continued willingness to engage with difficult topics and use their music as a vehicle for social commentary. The EP serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and injustice, and a call for peace and unity in a fractured world.
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