The Old Pub Stool Bono Sits On When Writing Lyrics To “Staring At The Sun”

April 1, 2025

In the heart of Dublin, nestled between narrow cobblestone streets, there stood an old pub called The Cobblestone. It had weathered storms, both literal and metaphorical, for over a century, its wooden beams creaking with stories untold. Amid the laughter and chatter of patrons, one particular stool in the corner had become a sacred spot for a young man named Bono. This well-worn stool, slightly wobbly and covered in a faded red fabric, was where he often found himself, pouring his heart out onto scraps of paper as he crafted lyrics for what would become one of U2’s most iconic songs, “Staring at the Sun.”

Bono loved the comfort of that old stool. It was like an old friend, always waiting for him after a long day of facing the music industry’s challenges and triumphs. As he sat there, the sounds of laughter and the clinking of glasses faded into background music, allowing him to dive deep into his thoughts. With a pen in hand, he would scribble down ideas about hope and resilience, themes that echoed his own life’s journey. The pub was filled with the warmth of camaraderie, but Bono felt a chill inside him, a nagging feeling that there was something important he was meant to express.

One cold evening, as the wind howled outside, Bono found inspiration running through him like a river. He was reflecting on personal struggles and the universal feeling of searching for meaning. Sitting on that pub stool, he felt an urgency to connect with his audience, to share the feeling of looking for light in the darkest of places. Every lyric he wrote captured the essence of longing and hope, and he began to understand that his music could be a beacon for others facing their own battles. The stool, a humble piece of furniture, became a throne of creativity and courage.

As the song took shape, Bono felt a wave of power within him. The words flowed easily, each line resonating with the truth of his experiences and the dream of a brighter future. When the band finally recorded “Staring at the Sun,” it was met with critical acclaim, but more importantly, it became an anthem for many who felt lost. The song captured that common human desire to find solace and clarity, a message that Bono had channeled from his many nights on that old pub stool.

Years later, as U2 rose to international fame, Bono often returned to The Cobblestone. Each time he sat on that old stool, he felt a flicker of nostalgia and gratitude. It reminded him of the struggles he had faced, the joy of creating music, and the passion that fueled his journey. The stool had been more than a seat; it had been a catalyst for change, helping him turn personal turmoil into a powerful message of hope. It symbolized the resilience that lay not just within him but within every person who dares to dream.

The old pub stool, now part of countless stories, stood as a testament to the magic of inspiration and the importance of following one’s heart. Bono’s lyrics reached billions, touching lives and inspiring others to find their own voices. As he often said in interviews, it all started with the courage to sit down, to confront one’s feelings, and to write them into existence. In our darkest moments, sometimes all it takes is a quiet corner and a little creativity to light the way forward.