U2 grew up as they entered their second decade of releasing albums. With the revolutionary Achtung Baby fans were awakened to the band's darker side as well as some new outlooks on the world. In "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses," the band suddenly appears to be experienced adults warning youngsters about the life ahead of them. This contrasts greatly to their Townshend-esque "searching for a purpose" lyrics of U2's heyday in the eighties.
With their more mature vantage point came a chance to delve deeper into their souls and at the same time gain a sense of humor and an ability to mock what they were, what they had become, and what was about to happen to the world of music and media.
It should also be noted that the CD single released of this song has two excellent covers. The Rolling Stones' Paint it Black and Creedence Clearwater Revival's Fortunate Son.
Title: Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses
Album: Achtung Baby
Artist: U2
Written by: U2
Released: November 1991
Label: Polygram/Island
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