“Numb” is an experimental and hypnotic track by Irish rock band U2, released in June 1993 as the lead single from their eighth studio album, Zooropa. The song was written collectively by the band—Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.—and is notable for its minimalist structure, repetitive lyrics, and unconventional delivery. It marked a bold departure from U2’s earlier sound, aligning with the album’s embrace of electronic and industrial influences.
The lyrics of “Numb” reflect themes of sensory overload, societal alienation, and the numbing effects of modern media and technology. “Numb” is built on a looping industrial beat, layered with distorted guitar riffs, electronic effects, monotonous mantra of “don’t” commands spoken by guitarist the Edge, and subtle backing vocals from Bono and Larry Mullen Jr. The minimalist arrangement emphasizes rhythm and texture over melody, creating a hypnotic and somewhat unsettling soundscape. This stark, avant-garde approach was a continuation of the experimental direction the band had explored on their previous album, Achtung Baby.
The song was accompanied by a music video directed by Kevin Godley, which features The Edge sitting motionless while various chaotic and surreal scenes occur around him. Bono and Larry Mullen Jr. make brief appearances, with Bono comically tugging on The Edge’s ears and mouth. The video’s quirky and disorienting visuals align with the song’s themes of overload and disconnection, making it a memorable piece of U2’s visual legacy.
While “Numb” was not a major commercial hit, it was critically acclaimed for its innovation and willingness to challenge conventional rock norms. The song reached the top 10 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart and on ARIA singles chart in Australia, and performed moderately well in other countries. In the United States, it reached No. 2 on Billboard Alternative Airplay chart.
U2 – Numb – Lyrics