The music in the beginning just sounds like an acrobatic stunt- complete with aerodynamic swings and turns. The push and pull of the musical flow is genius. I love how the lyrics seem to swing in and out, like an acrobat waiting for their turn to come around. The symbolism for me is that life isn’t just linear, it’s more like a spiral of awesome highs and hellish lows, with lots of crazy stunts and twirls in between. The trick is to not get caught up when things try to bring you down. Don’t loose your momentum or your fire, bc you have to be ready when your turn comes around. ❤
Bullet the Blue Sky, Exit, Like a Song and GOD Part II are more "rock" IMO live versions of the Fly, Until the End of the World and No Line on the Horizon (for exemple) are also powerfull !
That Guitar mimicking an evacuation alarm just carries this song into the very depths of your soul: Bringing up bottled up emotions of pain, desperation and war.
You're bullshit... bought this album on 11/18/91-- been telling people it's their best song ever since. There's nothing "obscure" about this song... just like Joshua Tree the B sides are as good or better than the singles. It's Achtung Baby for fucks sake... a mega-hit masterpiece... why would you think anything off qualifies as obscure?
For those of us who embraced it when it came out in 1991, it was about the feeling the song produced, the lyrics, and power of the solo. As time goes by, it has perhaps more lasting appeal than the "hits", and as such it's possible to say that it's the favorite U2 song of many die-hard fans.
Best ever written? Are you sure? Check out Cocteau Twin's "Musette and Drums" if you believe Acrobat is not a shameless rip-ff: ua-cam.com/video/znmfxmHA_Ac/v-deo.html ; )
I was reading the Wiki page for this song, and the sense I got from it is that U2 don't really seem to like this song that much, like, they're critical of it, they don't feel like it fits in with their other songs, and it's supposedly never been performed live. I can't understand that, because this song is so powerful, amazing, and one of my all-time favorites in the world. I think it fits in just fine with their broad anthology of gripping music and deep, thoughtful lyrics. It's a beautiful tempest of uncertainty and desperation for answers, and I've taken it to heart so many times in my life when the going gets rough. I am so thankful that they released this beautiful piece of music to the public, and hope that someday they will play it live.
@Boudicca Storm Totally agree with your comment. Bar none, for me this is the VERY BEST song from U2. It has everything, thoughtful untimely lyrics, a very deep and dark melody, and without a doubt an incomparable punch in the drums that just can´t get out of my head!!! . I first heard it upon the release of Achtung Baby back in 1991, it is now 2017 and it is never disappointing. I also read that somehow Delmore Schwartz influenced Bono while writing it. Perhaps the sinking of ideas of complex absorption and juxtaposed ideologies gave birth to the words, but no doubt that the instrumentation is a great contributor to make it the song it finally came to be. I cannot also understand WHY no one thinks this is in line with U2´s art. Even the producers? come on!!!
I Didn't value this song as one of their best until I absorbed Son gs of Innocence. Before S.O.I. I didn't quite understand the lyrics. It didn't make sense, it didn't seem to fit. It just looked like a bunch of loose statements, without a connection. It's not a simple love song that everybody understands. And I think that's the problem with this song. If you don't get the lyrics it's very hard to fullly appreciate the song. Once you get it, and see the relative context, it's a marvellous song.
This song rocks on so many levels. Hands down this is the best song from Achtung. It's one of their best in my opinion. I just wish they'd change their minds about playing it live.
I'd say this is possibly the best song of their careers, and they've definitely had some good songs... Hey, if you don't know, they played it live last night for the first time. There are a couple of vids up on youtube of it.
Every so often there is a need to deconstruct to recreate something new, sometimes it works - as it did with Achtung Baby - and other times it doesn't. With U2 it is important they go through this process as they have a tendency to become a little bombastic, with some songs lacking a real sentiment. So, let us not lose faith in them but hope that they are not too comfortable in their lives for there to be enough creative drive to come through to the other side... ...Desire drives change or action.
+Athanasios M There's nothing wrong (IMO) with a song lacking sentiment. Maybe the writer is not always in the same mood (depressed, drunk, in Maui on the beach at sunset). Not everything has to be serious.
Very cool video. Nice job. The ZooTV era was U2 at their creative and musical peak. When they ruled the world, and we all just happened to be along for the ride.
Favourite song of the album. Amazing lyrics. For a guy who hasn't plumb the depths of pain and come out the other side Bono has deep insights into the human psyche.
I play bass and my uncle play drums and when this album came out I was playing it on a car stereo which sounded really good. Anyhow my uncle who was at least fifteen years older noted to me that whatever amp and bass the bass player use is the best sounding bass ever. He also said it makes the drummer want to really play his drums more. In retrospect looking back I think he was right and hit the nail right on the head with that statement.
Everyone is amazing in this song. The Edge's siren like guitar playing, the pounding bass line and Bono's emotional and gut wrenching vocals. The song is a pure stroke of genius start to finish.
P.S. And if you mean Acrobat the song, check out Cocteau Twins' Musette and Drums. It was published before Acrobat, in 1983: ua-cam.com/video/znmfxmHA_Ac/v-deo.html ; ) You may also like Dead Can Dance and their first album, if you enjoy the sound of Edge's guitar: ua-cam.com/video/tcRmp40hOg8/v-deo.html
P.S.2. Have you read the interview with their guitarist? The one in which he is asked about the absence of guitar solos in U2's work and says that to him guitar solos and improvisation are like.... masturbation (in the negative sense)? It's been some time from now that he said that but still I feel amazed. For it is truly outrageous. How can this guy be treated seriously by anybody?
I always come back to this video. It’s so great. Really captures the essence of u2 and zootv at the time. I was only 9 years old but I remember my parents were blown away by this album and tour. I don’t know if anyone else feel the same. But this is so so great and genius that becomes “bad”. It’s like nothing comes or will come close to this. I feel stuck in this and the only thing I want in music is this again. Again thank you for this video
Don't believe what you hear Don't believe what you see If you just close your eyes You can feel the enemy When I first met you girl You had fire in your soul What happened your face of melting in snow? Now it looks like this And you can swallow Or you can spit You can throw it up Or choke on it And you can dream So dream out loud You know that your time is coming 'round So don't let the bastards grind you down No, nothing makes sense Nothing seems to fit I know you'd hit out If you only knew who to hit And I'd join the movement If there was one I could believe in Yeah I'd break bread and wine If there was a church I could receive in 'Cause I need it now To take the cup To fill it up To drink it slow I can't let you go I must be an acrobat To talk like this And act like that And you can dream So dream out loud And don't let the bastards grind you down Oh, it hurts baby What are we going to do? Now it's all been said No new ideas in the house and every book has been read And I must be an acrobat To talk like this And act like that And you can dream So dream out loud And you can find Your own way out And you can build And I can will And you can call I can't wait until You can stash And you can seize Responsibilities And I can love And I can love And I know that the tide is turning 'round So don't let the bastards grind you down
I love love this edit. Look at that one man and multiple alter egos, the energy transmitted only with music and his kind-of acting. He's one of the most inspiring artists I know for sure.
All day long, U2 were on a mission with this album, we all need this reminder. The Edge was not messing, go on Bono PREACH. Glad U2 were and are in my life. 💫✨😀👍🏾🙏🏾❤️ You're very welcome.
The Achtung album remains a bridge between the past and present. The album captures another side of U2's creativity, good lyrics and amazing sound textures. It's a surrealistic music voyage that later will redefined U2's future work. The Achtung Baby Album it's just a master piece.
I really love how u2 embraced the “rock n roll” persona during this era. Sound wise, look wise, persona was completely changed which helped the band break free of the classic u2 sound everyone knew and loved. They pulled it off amazingly.
“ROCK N’ ROLL DOGGIES!!” I can’t believe this video of my favorite U2 song has been around for 16 years and this is the first time I see it! Well done. Along with Kite, and 40, this song… 🥹❤️
![Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond [Official Music Video]](/img/n.gif)
Love how the edge doesn’t really solo but creates a soundscape
This song changed the focus of my Life. Takes a lot.... to take on responsibilities of dreams... I loved the challenge and ran with it.
The line don’t let the bastards get you down helped me get through high school. I remember saying to myself a lot. It actually worked.
The guitar on this sounds agonising. The whole album is immense.
Yo todavia tengo la cinta cassette , adictivo esta concion y todo el albumns
The music in the beginning just sounds like an acrobatic stunt- complete with aerodynamic swings and turns. The push and pull of the musical flow is genius.
I love how the lyrics seem to swing in and out, like an acrobat waiting for their turn to come around.
The symbolism for me is that life isn’t just linear, it’s more like a spiral of awesome highs and hellish lows, with lots of crazy stunts and twirls in between.
The trick is to not get caught up when things try to bring you down. Don’t loose your momentum or your fire, bc you have to be ready when your turn comes around. ❤
One of the best songs ever
❤
The hardest rock song U2 has ever done and certainly one of the very very best they have ever done. Achtung Baby is their best album ever.
Bullet the Blue Sky, Exit, Like a Song and GOD Part II are more "rock" IMO
live versions of the Fly, Until the End of the World and No Line on the Horizon (for exemple) are also powerfull !
Anthony .Derwich Acrobat is as hard rock as they come and one of the greatest songs of all times.
You are right.
I agree Achtung Baby is my favorite U2 album.
Agreed.
This single greatest, most underappreciated song of all times...unbelievable how awesome this song is and noone notices.
Oscar Brito Millions of people bought the album and know it inside and out. I think a FEW people noticed...
agree 100 %%%
They finally played it live and it sounded amazing
I like it very much! I think it’s one of their best!
It's my favourite U2 song probably.
I have been listening to U2 for about 30 years and I can say without apology that this is their GREATEST song.
Just tell me about it. I need to hear!
Love
c'mon dude, its a good tune, ya... but better than Pride?
❤
From 1990-96 U2 were on a different level to the rest of the planet.
😊😊😊😊
I tell you what....I am a Floyd but the feelings I get from the guitar here are absolutely overwhelming.
First time I heard this song on the cd I had to put it on repeat for 6 times before listening to the rest.
❤
One of the best U2 songs...
true!
The best U2 album "Achtung Baby" and one of the top three best songs on AB.
para mi tambien es su mejor disco...l
The best album for me.... fantastic ... in 2020 sounds good
So many amazing songs on AB. This, Fly, Zoo, , Ultraviolet, Love is Blindness and End of the World. Achtung Baby - Uber Alles!!!
Most underrated U2 song EVER
❤
That Guitar mimicking an evacuation alarm just carries this song into the very depths of your soul: Bringing up bottled up emotions of pain, desperation and war.
Прекрасно
Probably my fav U2 song....
+heavybison mine too
my favorite song
You're bullshit... bought this album on 11/18/91-- been telling people it's their best song ever since. There's nothing "obscure" about this song... just like Joshua Tree the B sides are as good or better than the singles. It's Achtung Baby for fucks sake... a mega-hit masterpiece... why would you think anything off qualifies as obscure?
For those of us who embraced it when it came out in 1991, it was about the feeling the song produced, the lyrics, and power of the solo. As time goes by, it has perhaps more lasting appeal than the "hits", and as such it's possible to say that it's the favorite U2 song of many die-hard fans.
Not probably
Listening again and again and again....can't get enough of it! beautiful lyrics and music!
❤
'I must be an acrobat, to talk like this, and act like that.' Such a great line.
Best rock song ever written . edge's guitar here is phenomenal !!
Best ever written? Are you sure? Check out Cocteau Twin's "Musette and Drums" if you believe Acrobat is not a shameless rip-ff: ua-cam.com/video/znmfxmHA_Ac/v-deo.html ; )
hahahahahahaahh
'best' er? dunno. all depends on what mood you're in.
I was reading the Wiki page for this song, and the sense I got from it is that U2 don't really seem to like this song that much, like, they're critical of it, they don't feel like it fits in with their other songs, and it's supposedly never been performed live. I can't understand that, because this song is so powerful, amazing, and one of my all-time favorites in the world. I think it fits in just fine with their broad anthology of gripping music and deep, thoughtful lyrics. It's a beautiful tempest of uncertainty and desperation for answers, and I've taken it to heart so many times in my life when the going gets rough. I am so thankful that they released this beautiful piece of music to the public, and hope that someday they will play it live.
boudicca storm this song kicks ass! One of their best.
@Boudicca Storm
Totally agree with your comment. Bar none, for me this is the VERY BEST song from U2. It has everything, thoughtful untimely lyrics, a very deep and dark melody, and without a doubt an incomparable punch in the drums that just can´t get out of my head!!!
. I first heard it upon the release of Achtung Baby back in 1991, it is now 2017 and it is never disappointing.
I also read that somehow Delmore Schwartz influenced Bono while writing it. Perhaps the sinking of ideas of complex absorption and juxtaposed ideologies gave birth to the words, but no doubt that the instrumentation is a great contributor to make it the song it finally came to be.
I cannot also understand WHY no one thinks this is in line with U2´s art. Even the producers? come on!!!
boudicca storm edge said they might play it live on this tour. He had no idea fans liked it so much.
I Didn't value this song as one of their best until I absorbed Son gs of Innocence. Before S.O.I. I didn't quite understand the lyrics. It didn't make sense, it didn't seem to fit. It just looked like a bunch of loose statements, without a connection.
It's not a simple love song that everybody understands.
And I think that's the problem with this song. If you don't get the lyrics it's very hard to fullly appreciate the song.
Once you get it, and see the relative context, it's a marvellous song.
your wish finally in 2018 has ben granted!
The instrumentals are incredible with the incoming drums at 0:33 and the wailing guiter at 3:02.
This song rocks on so many levels. Hands down this is the best song from Achtung. It's one of their best in my opinion. I just wish they'd change their minds about playing it live.
I'd say this is possibly the best song of their careers, and they've definitely had some good songs... Hey, if you don't know, they played it live last night for the first time. There are a couple of vids up on youtube of it.
They just did moments ago:)
Just saw it live,at home in Dublin. Hair on my arms still hasn't sat down
Best u2song hands down
. capolavoro
Amazing music!!!!
Every now and then U2 still write a track that reminds us all why we used to love them so much *sigh*
+Sophie -Grace Yeah... things are not what they used to be :(
examples, please? Seriously, I'd love them to restore my erstwhile faith in them.
Every so often there is a need to deconstruct to recreate something new, sometimes it works - as it did with Achtung Baby - and other times it doesn't. With U2 it is important they go through this process as they have a tendency to become a little bombastic, with some songs lacking a real sentiment. So, let us not lose faith in them but hope that they are not too comfortable in their lives for there to be enough creative drive to come through to the other side...
...Desire drives change or action.
+Athanasios M
There's nothing wrong (IMO) with a song lacking sentiment. Maybe the writer is not always in the same mood (depressed, drunk, in Maui on the beach at sunset). Not everything has to be serious.
Very cool video. Nice job. The ZooTV era was U2 at their creative and musical peak. When they ruled the world, and we all just happened to be along for the ride.
This song is so deep in so many ways. It touches inner cords. It’a masterpiece ❤Fantastic
Album Acthung Baby❤
❤ this song again, 2023 NYC ouch
Favourite song of the album. Amazing lyrics. For a guy who hasn't plumb the depths of pain and come out the other side Bono has deep insights into the human psyche.
Cocteau Twins' "Musette and Drums" was before Acrobat: ua-cam.com/video/znmfxmHA_Ac/v-deo.html ; )
Probably the best guitar performance in history of mankind!!!
I'm commenting from 2023. This song remains amazing.
La mejor canción de U2
That steady drumline, it's like crack. Have to hear the song like 3 times to finally move on to another song.
This was when U2 was the greatest rock band in the world
No sé que me atrapó para siempre está Banda ...desde siempre y para siempre U2❤️
What a great track from an Amazing album
Probably one of the greatest album of all Time
Best drum from Larry!
Acrobat in french une des meilleures chansons de U2 pour mon passé elle m'a fait grandir vraiment ❤
I play bass and my uncle play drums and when this album came out I was playing it on a car stereo which sounded really good. Anyhow my uncle who was at least fifteen years older noted to me that whatever amp and bass the bass player use is the best sounding bass ever. He also said it makes the drummer want to really play his drums more. In retrospect looking back I think he was right and hit the nail right on the head with that statement.
One of, if not my favorite U2 songs for sure. Hard to pick one, but this one is for sure in the running.
I can say it is my favorite album though.
Agreed
Thanks for you song Acrobat when i 'm yyoung this song i 'd delivered me this song is magnifique metci
The solo of "the edge" is a perfect
Magnificent shield!
The "Exit" of Achtung Baby!
I completely agree
It’s much better imho😊
This song and album is what made the 90's truly memorable and awesome
Their greatest record! My favorite record ever! Zoo TV Tour was an awesome tour!
Larry's work in this album is amazing.
Everyone is amazing in this song. The Edge's siren like guitar playing, the pounding bass line and Bono's emotional and gut wrenching vocals. The song is a pure stroke of genius start to finish.
One of their best songs for me... Powerful, awesome!!!!
Check out Cocteau Twins' Musette and Drums. It was published before Acrobat, in 1983: ua-cam.com/video/znmfxmHA_Ac/v-deo.html
Yea this is a brilliant song from our four friends from Dublin city, incredible band
The Edge - one of the greatest rock guitarists.
Yeah, one note, one song ; )
The "one slow note at a time" is an art. Who else can pull it off like this?
Well..... EVERYBODY? : ]
P.S. And if you mean Acrobat the song, check out Cocteau Twins' Musette and Drums. It was published before Acrobat, in 1983: ua-cam.com/video/znmfxmHA_Ac/v-deo.html ; ) You may also like Dead Can Dance and their first album, if you enjoy the sound of Edge's guitar: ua-cam.com/video/tcRmp40hOg8/v-deo.html
P.S.2. Have you read the interview with their guitarist? The one in which he is asked about the absence of guitar solos in U2's work and says that to him guitar solos and improvisation are like.... masturbation (in the negative sense)? It's been some time from now that he said that but still I feel amazed. For it is truly outrageous. How can this guy be treated seriously by anybody?
I always come back to this video. It’s so great. Really captures the essence of u2 and zootv at the time. I was only 9 years old but I remember my parents were blown away by this album and tour.
I don’t know if anyone else feel the same. But this is so so great and genius that becomes “bad”. It’s like nothing comes or will come close to this. I feel stuck in this and the only thing I want in music is this again.
Again thank you for this video
Best album from this great band
If there has ever been a song whose time has come, it's "Acrobat." Lyrics are perfect.
I noticed this song dont worry the whole album is absolutely stunning. I love them so much. What a great album honestly. My fave band of all time.
The greatest U2 song peruod
Don't believe what you hear
Don't believe what you see
If you just close your eyes
You can feel the enemy
When I first met you girl
You had fire in your soul
What happened your face of melting in snow?
Now it looks like this
And you can swallow
Or you can spit
You can throw it up
Or choke on it
And you can dream
So dream out loud
You know that your time is coming 'round
So don't let the bastards grind you down
No, nothing makes sense
Nothing seems to fit
I know you'd hit out
If you only knew who to hit
And I'd join the movement
If there was one I could believe in
Yeah I'd break bread and wine
If there was a church I could receive in
'Cause I need it now
To take the cup
To fill it up
To drink it slow
I can't let you go
I must be an acrobat
To talk like this
And act like that
And you can dream
So dream out loud
And don't let the bastards grind you down
Oh, it hurts baby
What are we going to do? Now it's all been said
No new ideas in the house and every book has been read
And I must be an acrobat
To talk like this
And act like that
And you can dream
So dream out loud
And you can find
Your own way out
And you can build
And I can will
And you can call
I can't wait until
You can stash
And you can seize
Responsibilities
And I can love
And I can love
And I know that the tide is turning 'round
So don't let the bastards grind you down
👌
Thanks, Man! This U2 poem saved my life :))
@@cboca70 I used to choke on it.
After “And you can seize” it’s “In Dreams Begin, responsibilities”
@@youasillybish fauci gates davos dreams become nightmares
I love love this edit. Look at that one man and multiple alter egos, the energy transmitted only with music and his kind-of acting. He's one of the most inspiring artists I know for sure.
Thank you so much!! Happy to see someone finally pointing that out :) All the best.
Love this song. Touches on some personal levels for me. Great job whoever put this together. Love it.
You're gonna love Check out Cocteau Twins' "Musette and Drums". Especially it's earlier: ua-cam.com/video/znmfxmHA_Ac/v-deo.html ; )
All day long, U2 were on a mission with this album, we all need this reminder. The Edge was not messing, go on Bono PREACH.
Glad U2 were and are in my life.
💫✨😀👍🏾🙏🏾❤️
You're very welcome.
It usually takes me about 20 minutes to reach the end of this song once it starts.
Well put! The guitar solo transports to another level, over and over and over.
One of my all time favorite songs and certainly one of the top 3 U2 songs
God, these guys were *amazing*, and I still draw strength from their music.
This album was 10 years ahead of its time. Fear, comfort, exuberance, ambiguity, etc. Everything that has defined post 9/11 America
Goosebumps watching this. Tremendous. The best band of all time at their best. Brilliant video
This voice❤
The Achtung album remains a bridge between the past and present. The album captures another side of U2's creativity, good lyrics and amazing sound textures. It's a surrealistic music voyage that later will redefined U2's future work. The Achtung Baby Album it's just a master piece.
Edge's riff is awesome in this song
Fantastic job!!! This is such a great collection of what was their best moment in time. Thank you so very much for sharing
Acrobat for me is best of U2 really
Que estilo de música. Quién lo diría. ellos tan únicos ❤️💯
This was the song in my head today, 04/07/2020. It resonates. It's a masterpiece. And you nailed the best video it deserved, Bartek. Thank you.
I really love how u2 embraced the “rock n roll” persona during this era. Sound wise, look wise, persona was completely changed which helped the band break free of the classic u2 sound everyone knew and loved. They pulled it off amazingly.
outstandig track unbelivibel cut
U2 The best rock n roll band ever!
Great creation here. Thank you. ❤️
2:14 the words changing to the drums is very satisfying. That's how you know this is well edited.
80'S MUSIC RULES! BUT THE EARLY 90'S WEREN'T BAD! LOVE U2 ALWAYS!! the dj
I thought this was the official video, great job !
+Samuel Christen No compliment can make me more happy! Thanks & glad you've enjoyed it!
Same feeling here amigo, great work! Two thumps up men. . . cheers from your friend JJ... a U2 and music jonkie!
I knew it wasn't the original, and I like it better. Awesome.Thank you!
One of my U2 favourites.
video goes so well with the song. love watching it
+jake gibney Thanks Jake, that was my intention. Glad you enjoy re-watching it!
+Bartek Bugajski Yeah you did a good job, I like it. But it's not the "official video" It's still very good work btw :)
+Bartek Bugajski dobra robota wykonana! Fajne video...fajna piosenka :) Take a bow, Bartek :)
+Seanus32 Dzięki, stary!!
Best U2 song
My all time favorite U2 song
My favorite song on the album.
Greatest "hard" U2 song of all time.
“ROCK N’ ROLL DOGGIES!!”
I can’t believe this video of my favorite U2 song has been around for 16 years and this is the first time I see it!
Well done.
Along with Kite, and 40, this song… 🥹❤️
Great song - love the video - many thanks.
Appreciate it Alan:) Put all my heart into this 8 years ago. So powerful, this haunting song, comes back at me in certain moments of my life.
+Bartek Bugajski It reminds me of a girl, 18 years ago :) It's hard to believe... half a lifetime. Thanks for making this.
+Paul Madley You're welcome, Paul. Amazing how songs gradually become a storage of one's memories...
I always listen to this song when I feel down. It always makes me feel better. U2 is awesome!
Best video of U2 I've ever seen. Thanks for that
i know,why i love U2 since 22 years.
U2 you are the greatests
ronny from spain
This is the best song ever!
ACROBAT STILL GREAT SONG BY U2 AFTER ALL THESES YEARS !!!!
God I forgot how much I love this song. And great video!!!!!! Perfect captured moments! Thanks for making it and sharing with us!
Check out Cocteau Twin's "Musette and Drums" if you believe Acrobat is not a shameless rip-ff: ua-cam.com/video/znmfxmHA_Ac/v-deo.html ; )
i´ve found this masterpiece album back in 92, with 13 years old :)
This is probably the best edited video of a song I had ever seen. It actually looks like an official video.
One of the most underrated songs from U2. Beautiful lyrics!
I'm not a U2 fan but I really really like this song. In my opinion their best song hands down.
I was trying to pick my fave U2 song out of all but it's so difficult. Especially listening to this album again.
These lyrics....the whole sound so intense..u2 made this one timeless
One of the greatest & underappreciated U2's songs.
Their most personal song.
Great work. Excellent video. I look forward for next .
Thank you.
One of my favourite u2 songs love it it’s so dark