U2 releases new song ‘American Obituary’ honoring Renee Nicole Good

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: The Irish rock juggernaut U2 stunned fans on Wednesday, Feb 19, with a surprise six-track EP titled “Days of Ash." It was released on Ash Wednesday, one of Christianity’s most somber days. 

Leading the charge is a new track, “American Obituary,” dedicated to Renee Good, the Minneapolis mother of three who was killed during the January 7 federal immigration raids.

The band becomes the latest high-profile act to put out a musical condemnation, joining the ranks of Bruce Springsteen, Bad Bunny, and Billie Eilish. 

A four-minute tribute

“American Obituary” sets the tone almost immediately.

"Renee Good, born to die free. American mother of three. Seventh day, January. A bullet for each child, you see," Bono sings. "The color of her eye. 930 Minneapolis. To desecrate domestic bliss. Three bullets blast, three babies kissed. Renee the domestic te**orist?"

The chorus rings, "America will rise against the people of the lie."

"I am not mad at you, Lord," Bono continues, appearing to reference Good’s final words, which were captured on video. "You're the reason I was there. Could you stop a heart from breaking, by having it not care? Could you stop a bullet in midair?"

In a news release to NBC News, Bono made it clear these songs weren’t meant to sit on the shelf. "These songs were impatient to be out in the world," he said. "They are songs of defiance and dismay, of lamentation. Songs of celebration will follow; we're working on those now."

He added that a full-length album with a more “joyful tone” is still in the works, but "these EP tracks couldn't wait."

Bass guitarist Adam Clayton agreed. “I’m excited about these new songs. It feels like they’re arriving at the right time," he said.

On Gaza, Iran, and Ukraine

“Days of Ash” doesn’t stop at Minneapolis.

The EP includes “Wildpeace,” a poem set to music by Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai, along with other tracks addressing ongoing clashes in Gaza, Iran, and Ukraine.

One standout, “Yours Eternally,” features guest appearances from British pop singer Ed Sheeran and Ukrainian rocker Taras Topolia. The latter is reportedly fighting on the front lines against Russian forces.

According to the band’s statement to NBC News, “Yours Eternally” will be accompanied by a short documentary scheduled for release on Tuesday, marking the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"We believe in a world where borders are not erased by force," guitarist The Edge said. Where culture, language, and memory are not silenced by fear. Where the dignity of a people is not negotiable."

Drummer Larry Mullen added, "We’ve never shied away from taking a position."

U2's return to form

This is U2’s first record of new studio material since 2017’s “Songs of Experience.” That's a notable gap for a band founded in 1976 in Dublin.

U2 built its reputation not just on stadium anthems, but on politically and socially charged tracks like “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” about “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland, and “New Year’s Day,” inspired by the Solidarity movement in Poland. 

Nearly five decades in, they’re still stepping into the fray.