Chapter 4: MLK/Where The Streets Have No Name
As the list of casualties began to scroll upwards, The Edge laid down a vocal track matching perfectly with the note that was playing, creating a haunting feel. Bono soon began singing slowly:
Sleep, sleep tonight
And may your dreams be realized
If the thunder cloud passes rain
So let it rain
Rain down on he
The Edge then returned to his guitar and began playing a chiming riff that the crowd immediately recognized. They started cheering as Bono let out as scream at the same time that the rest of the band kicked in. Shortly thereafter, he began singing:
I wanna run, I want to hide
I want to tear down the walls that hold me inside
I want to reach out and touch the flame
Where the streets have no name
I want to feel sunlight on my face
I see the dust-cloud disappear without a trace
I want to dance in the Colorado rain
Where the streets have no name
The list of names had now reached those lost from American Airlines Flight 77, which had crashed into the Pentagon, when the chorus began:
Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name
We're still building and burning down love
Burning down love
And when we go there
We go there with you
It's all we can do
The city's a flood and our love turns to rust
We're beaten and blown by the wind, trampled in dust
I'll show you a place where there's no sorrow or pain
Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name
We're still building and burning down love
Burning down love
And when we go there
We go there with you
It's all we can do
Our love turns to rust
We're beaten and blown by the wind
See our love turn to rust
I'll be beaten and blown by the wind
The band now went quiet, save for Larry Mullen Jr., who began playing a short fill, during which the top of the black canvas detached from its postion atop the stage, billowing towards the floor in a manner that looked eerily similar to the collapsing Twin Towers. The projector, however, did not deactivate, and the names continued to scroll up the back wall of the stage. The crowd roared in approval.
Love, love, love
Love, love, love
Bono then gave the signal to end the song.
And when we go there
We go there with you
It's all we can do
As the band began the outro, Bono took the left side of his black leather jacket and pulled it away from his body in such a way that it revealed that which was printed on the inside liner: Old Glory herself. The crowd came unglued. As he put the jacket back, he brought his hands in front of his chest and positioned them so that they made the shape of a heart.
"Thank you so much, Middleton!" he called out, and the crowd cheered even more.
"My pal Luke over there-" he indicated Luke- "-has one final thing to say before we all come down there and mingle with you wonderful people. Luke!" And Luke and Kim walked over and shook Bono's hand before Luke took the mike.
"So, by the sound of things, you guys had fun today!" he shouted to the crowd. A cheer of assent was his response.
"That's good to hear, because the fun's not over yet," he informed them. "We've got food, drinks, and a meet-and-greet with everyone you've seen up on this stage today. They'll also be mingling around for the rest of the day. And the best part?" He paused for effect, then cried out:
"IT'S ALL FREE OF CHARGE!" The crowd erupted.
"Thought you might like that," he chuckled. "Anyways, before we go eat, I have one final thing to say, to quote Bono: Former President George W. Bush once said that even grief recedes with time and grace. Indeed it does, but we must never forget the events of that day. For the moment we do is the moment we have failed as a country. Thank you all so much for coming out today and enjoy the refreshments and company. U2, Toby Keith, Kim, and I will be down there joining you very soon, but for the time being, we have to take care of a couple of things. So for now, PEACE!" And he dropped the mike and walked off the stage with Kim.
The rest of the day went off without a hitch. Everyone had a great time.
A/N: It's been six, almost seven years in the making, but finally, I have a 9/11 story to my credit. Now that you've finished reading it, take time to reflect on how far this country has come in the twelve years since that day. Also, consider leaving a review; I'd highly appreciate it. Whatever the case, thank you for reading. May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless these United States of America.
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