U2 releases its first new music since 2017 with a six-song EP titled U2: Days of Ash, leading off with the track American Obituary. The song pays tribute to Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother from Minneapolis fatally shot on January 7 during a confrontation with an ICE officer.
Politically Charged Lyrics and Dedication
The lyrics highlight Good’s story: “Renee Good born to die free/American mother of three/Seventh day January, a bullet for each child, you see.” The chorus declares, “What you can’t kill can’t die/ America will rise against the people of the lie.”
Lead singer Bono describes the track as “a song of fury… but more than that a song of grief.” He emphasizes it mourns not only Good but also “the death of an America that at the very least would have had an inquiry into her killing.” Bono stresses the need for accountability to support her family and maintain law enforcement’s credibility in protecting citizens.
Broader Themes on the EP
Other songs on the EP tackle conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Bono notes that U2 has long engaged with American issues, stating, “U2’s been banging on about America most of our artistic life… this is a country we love and has loved us back.” He positions the band as an “equal opportunity pest on the left as well as the right.”
Family and Partner’s Response
Renee Good’s partner, Becca Good, shares, “Renee didn’t just believe in kindness; she lived it, fully and fiercely. She believed every person deserved the same compassion, care and dignity regardless of who they were.”
Good’s family calls the tribute “an incredible honor,” feeling uplifted by U2’s effort to spread a message of peace. They recognize the band’s call for change and unity amid national tensions.
Similar Tributes in Music
Bruce Springsteen recently released Streets of Minneapolis, dedicated to Minneapolis residents, innocent immigrant neighbors, and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
