'Ahimsa'

A tribute to India's much loved philosophy

Vocals: Bono, AR Rahman, Khatija Rahman, Raheema Rahman

Lyrics: U2, AR Rahman

A bit of context here, before we delve into the deep stuff. Yes, Ahimsa by U2 is to commemorate the Irish band’s first tour (Joshua Tree Tour) to India this December. In a recent interview, Bono had revealed that U2’s formation was strongly associated with Martin Luther King’s philosophy. And Martin Luther considered himself to be a student of Mahatma Gandhi. And so for the band, what better way to name their first tour of the country other than ‘Ahimsa’!

One take away from Ahimsa is the easy, effective metaphors that the performers have used to bring out a narrative of ‘convening’ or ‘meeting’. 

"I'll meet you where the sky is torn

I'll meet you in the air

I'll meet you before the world was born

When we had not a care…"

Or if you like, it's a 'meditation on your radio station' like U2 wants us to believe. Yes, 'very U2' (for a lack of better adjective) and yes, we dig it. Ahimsa, like we all know is a deep-rooted philosophy of non-violence founded in all religious, holy scriptures. But the word itself carries a heavy ‘Indian’ness in it. But then again, the song hasn’t been bold enough to bring out the Indian flavor in terms of instruments or treatment save the Tamil vocals in the beginning. But we weren’t expecting a George Harrison type Hare Krishna as well, were we? Keeping this point in mind, it’d be a safe bet to say that U2 has hit the balance right- retaining their essence but adding a touch of Indian Ahisma. Pleasant, and heartwarming is the verdict.