U2 And The World War Ii Veteran Who Inspired A Hidden Line In Original Of The Species

April 2, 2025

It was a chilly autumn afternoon in Dublin when Bono sat down to write what would become one of U2’s most heartfelt songs, “Original of the Species.” As he strummed his guitar, a flood of memories washed over him, particularly the story of an extraordinary World War II veteran named Jack. Jack had been a soldier, fighting bravely on the front lines, and now he spent his days sharing his tales with anyone who would listen. Bono had met Jack at a local veterans’ gathering, where Jack spoke of his experiences with such passion that it left an indelible mark on the musician’s heart.

Jack often talked about the struggles he faced during the war, how he had to find strength and hope amidst unimaginable challenges. He had lost friends in battle, witnessed the horrors of conflict, and fought through his own doubts. Yet, through it all, Jack found a way to maintain his spirit and his belief in humanity. Bono was captivated by Jack’s unwavering resilience and the way he seemed to illuminate even the darkest times with a flicker of hope. It was during one of their conversations that Jack confided, “Life is about pushing through, finding your voice, and creating something beautiful, even when the world feels broken.”

Inspired by Jack’s words, Bono felt a rush of creativity surge within him. He wanted to capture that sense of hopefulness and resilience in his music. As he wrote the lyrics for “Original of the Species,” he found himself reflecting on the idea that everyone has a unique voice and story worth sharing. The hidden line in the song, which hinted at the importance of embracing individuality and the struggle to find one’s place in a complex world, was a nod to Jack’s incredible journey. Bono saw that everyone, like Jack, faced their own battles, and it was essential to amplify those voices through music.

In the following months, U2 played “Original of the Species” at various concerts, and with every performance, Bono would share Jack’s story with the audience. People in the crowd felt the weight of those words, often moved to tears by the power of Jack’s journey and the song’s message. Bono’s tribute to Jack resonated deeply with fans, who connected not just to the music but also to the spirit of perseverance it embodied. It became a reminder that amid chaos and uncertainty, there is always a reason to keep pushing forward and to celebrate our differences.

Jack’s influence on Bono’s work didn’t stop with just one song; it reignited a flame in Bono, encouraging him to continue using his voice and platform to advocate for change and support for veterans and those in need. The relationship between art and life became even clearer to him: that music could heal, inspire, and unite people in their shared experiences. Through Jack, Bono found not only a source of inspiration but also a deeper understanding of the human condition.

As time went on, Bono and Jack formed a beautiful friendship, and Bono often visited him, bringing along new lyrics to share and ideas for songs. Jack’s wisdom and life lessons continued to shape Bono’s music, reminding him that the stories of everyday heroes are often the most powerful. In the end, “Original of the Species” became more than just a song—it was a tribute to Jack and to all those who have fought their own battles, a testament to the strength of the human spirit. The music lived on, resonating with every generation, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and rise in the face of adversity.