In God's Country

Though initially Bono expressed an uncertainty about whether In God's Country was a song about the US or Ireland, he later concluded the song was about America (though undoubtedly there are elements to the lyrics which are applicable to both countries in his eyes). The title seems a direct reference to America’s strong religious tradition (O'Hare, 2007). The song further explores American culture and politics, characterising the country as as a "desert rose" (in keeping with their desert theme running throughout the album). The lyrics speak of a lack of political ideas in the country, with Bono once complaining in public that the "only books political parties read these days are the ones on how to get elected. This creates a system where no-one tries anything new". In the first verse of the song, Bono talks about rivers running dry and needing new dreams. This has been interpreted by many as Bono having a go at the American political system, hinting that the old ways of doing things don't work anymore (Stokes, 2005).

The line, "We need new dreams tonight" is Bono asking where the new dreamers are. The old America, the current way of thinking and acting, the status quo, doesn't need to stay the same. There was an idea what the American dream was, but Bono was questioning whether that dream was evolving, changing. Was there anything new coming forward? If not, why not? America needed (and still needs) to change. Those changes can only come about through new dreams (Web.archive.org, 2006).

The song was undoubtedly influenced by Bono's mid-recording trip to Nicaragua during its revolution (though this is most clearly referenced in Mothers of the Disappeared) and the American government policy both there and in El Salvador. The chorus "Sleep comes like a drug" and "Sad eyes crooked crosses" is likely to be referring to an ignorance the band perceived amongst American (and Irish) society, with religion being corrupt and the true nature of America or "God's Country" not being to their taste.

"She is liberty, and she comes to rescue me" is a reference to the Statue of Liberty, though Bono then goes on to poke holes in that symbol of American virtue, saying that whilst America may preach hope and faith, it is only done for "Her vanity". This is undoutable a reference to the Reagan-sponsored wars in Central America which BOno had witnessed elements of firsthand. "The greatest gift is gold" is Bono referencing how though the US may preach one thing (about hope and faith), the true motives of the country (and the politicians) are driven by greed. The last verse again seems to refer to the statue of liberty ("The naked flame of her torch"), with the "Sons of Cain" being a universal reference to outcasts (i.e. the poor, refugees etc.) who are often not taken care of or sometimes oppressed by the American regime (Steverud, 2006).