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More Than Words: Bono Says Sorry To His Sweetest Thing
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Bono with his wife Ali
What an apology! Although Bono is generally rather coy about the meaning behind U2’s biggest hits, he did reveal in an interview that ‘The Sweetest Thing’ was written as an apology to his wife Ali Hewson. Although the song was never released on ‘The Joshua Tree’ album, it was during this recording session that Bono forgot his wife’s birthday (rumors also suggest that he forgot their wedding anniversary).
The phrase ‘I’m Sorry’ appears many times throughout the music video as do a few famous cameos including Irish band Boyzone, The Chippendales and Riverdance. It has been said that these appearances in the video, as well other elements including an elephant, a marching band, an orchestra, flowers etc - represent sorry gifts.
The lyrics ‘You can sew it up but you still see the tear’ are thought to reflect Bono’s acknowledgment that although he is remorseful, he hurt his wife and it will take time for her to forgive him.
Baby's got blue skies up ahead
And in this I'm a rain cloud
Ours is a stormy kind of love
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
The lyrics above suggest that Bono himself is the rain cloud in an otherwise sunny relationship - Bono is taking responsibility for his actions.
Despite his apology, Bono does hint that love is indeed difficult for both people in the relationship and this can be demonstrated though lyrics such as ‘My love she throws me like a rubber ball’, ‘But she won't catch me or break my fall’ and ‘I wanted to run but she made me crawl’. In fact, some U2 fans state that the song highlights how much Bono loves Ali despite how badly she treats him – perhaps they’re just jealous!
At Ali’s request, proceeds from the single went to her favored charity, Chernobyl Children’s Project International.
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