Book Review From Rick’s Library: Surrender 40 songs, one story

⏱️ 8 min read

He is perhaps one of rock's most iconic front men: Bono. His book memoir, Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story, is not just a book—it's an odyssey through decades of music, activism, and personal introspection. From the anthems that defined a generation to his relentless pursuit of justice and peace, Bono's story is a testament to the power of art and the human spirit. His book covers tales behind the tunes, the man behind the myth, and the profound lessons learned along the way.

Welcome to That's Life, I Swear. This podcast is about life's happenings in this world. Happenings that conjure up such words as intriguing, frightening, life-changing, inspiring, and more. I'm Rick Barron, your host. 

That said, here’s the rest of this story: 

Abstract of the book 

From the very first page, Bono invites us into his world with the intimacy of an old friend sharing tales over a pint. "Surrender" is structured uniquely, with each chapter named after a U2 song., like ‘I Will Follow’, ‘With or Without You’, ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’, and others. This clever approach allows Bono to weave together the narrative of his life with the soundtrack that defined it.

Bono’s memoir is as much about the man as it is about the musician. He reflects on his upbringing in Dublin, the early days of U2, and the profound influence of his mother, Iris, who passed away when he was just 14. Her absence and the void it created are themes that echo throughout his life and work.

But Bono doesn’t stop at personal anecdotes. He delves into his political activism, particularly his efforts to combat poverty and AIDS in Africa. We see the behind-the-scenes efforts of a rock star using his platform to effect real change, often negotiating with world leaders and navigating the tricky waters of global politics.

Bono reflecting. Courtesy of: The Irish Times

The book is a treasure trove for U2 fans, offering insights into the creation of some of the band’s most beloved songs. Each chapter not only tells a story but also provides a glimpse into the songwriting process. For instance, “Where the Streets Have No Name” isn’t just a hit song; it’s a narrative of hope and longing, born out of Bono’s experiences and reflections.

What’s striking about “Surrender” is its deep honesty. Bono doesn’t shy away from his mistakes and contradictions. He admits to the arrogance of youth, the missteps in his activism, and the struggles with fame and ego. This vulnerability makes the book resonate beyond the glitz and glamour of rock stardom.

“Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story” is more than a memoir; it’s a multifaceted exploration of a life lived at the intersection of art and activism. Bono’s storytelling is engaging, his reflections profound, and his journey nothing short of inspirational. Whether you’re a die-hard U2 fan or someone interested in the life of a passionate advocate for change, this book offers something for everyone.

So, grab a copy, immerse yourself in the melodies and memories, and discover the man behind the music. As Bono writes in the book, “Surrender to your passions, your fears, and your hopes.” This memoir is an invitation to do just that.

About the author 

Bono, born Paul David Hewson in 1960 in Dublin, Ireland, is the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the rock band U2. He co-founded the band in 1976 with schoolmates, and U2 has since become one of the world's most successful and influential rock groups.

U2's career spans over four decades, during which they've released numerous critically acclaimed albums such as "The Joshua Tree," "Achtung Baby," and "All That You Can't Leave Behind." The band's sound has evolved over time, incorporating elements of post-punk, alternative rock, and electronic music. Bono's distinctive vocals and emotive performances have been central to U2's identity.

Beyond his musical career, Bono is widely recognized for his humanitarian work. He has leveraged his fame to advocate for various social and political causes. Some of his notable efforts include:

1. Co-founding ONE Campaign, an organization that fights extreme poverty and preventable diseases, particularly in Africa.
2. Launching (RED) with Bobby Shriver, a brand that partners with companies to raise money for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
3. Advocating for debt relief for developing countries, including meeting with world leaders to discuss economic policies affecting poorer nations.
4. Raising awareness about the AIDS crisis in Africa and pushing for increased funding for treatment and prevention programs.
5. Supporting various environmental causes and promoting sustainable development.

Bono has received numerous awards for both his music and activism, including honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II and France's Legion of Honor. His approach to combining art with activism has made him a unique figure in both the entertainment industry and the world of international development.

While his methods and high-profile status have sometimes drawn criticism, Bono's commitment to using his platform for social causes has undeniably brought attention to important global issues and contributed to tangible changes in policy and public awareness.

What drew my interest in reading this book?   

As one of the music world's most iconic artists and the cofounder of organizations ONE and (RED), Bono's career has been written about extensively. But in Surrender, it's Bono who picks up the pen, writing for the first time about his remarkable life and those he has shared it with. 

In his unique voice, Bono takes us from his early days growing up in Dublin, including the sudden loss of his mother when he was 14, to U2's unlikely journey to become one of the world's most influential rock bands, to his more than 20 years of activism dedicated to the fight against AIDS and extreme poverty. 

Writing with candor, self-reflection, and humor, Bono opens the aperture on his life and the family, friends and faith that have sustained, challenged and shaped him. 

What can we learn from this book? What's the take away?  

At this point in my book review I offer my insight as to what one can draw from this book, but this time I’ll let the author tell you:

I quote: 'When I started to write this book, I was hoping to draw in detail what I'd previously only sketched in songs. The people, places, and possibilities in my life. Surrender is a word freighted with meaning for me. Growing up in Ireland in the seventies with my fists up (musically speaking), it was not a natural concept. A word I only circled until I gathered my thoughts for the book. I am still grappling with this most humbling of commands. In the band, in my marriage, in my faith, in my life as an activist. Surrender is the story of one pilgrim's lack of progress ... With a fair amount of fun along the way.' -Bono

End quote

Well, there you go my friends. That’s life, I swear.

For further information covered in this episode, I invite you to visit my website, which you can find on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, for show notes and the episode transcript.

As always, I thank you for the privilege of you listening and your interest. 

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