"Walk On" is a single release from U2's 2000 album, All That You Can't Leave Behind. The uplifting anthem was written about Aung San Suu Kyi, but became a popular after the September 11, 2001 attacks for its inspiring message. It won the "Grammy Award for Record of the Year" in 2002, marking the first time an artist had won the award in consecutive years.

Composition

The song was written about and dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi. It is written in the form of a supporting, uplifting anthem, praising her for her activism and fighting for freedom in Myanmar. She has been intermittently under house arrest since 1989 for her efforts. Due to the political tribute of this album, those in Myanmar caught with possession of either the single for this song or the album All That You Can't Leave Behind can face a prison term of 10-20 years.

The album's title can be found in the lyrics of this song: The only baggage you can bring / is all that you can't leave behind. "Walk On" was originally two different songs that, according to Adam Clayton, had great riffs, but sounded terrible separately. The band combined them, and ended up with one of their most uplifting songs.

The song took on further renewed meaning, following the September 11th attacks in 2001, as a cry by Americans to remain strong and united as a country. Consequently, it was performed on America: A Tribute to Heroes, a performance that earned the band a Grammy nomination. The first live performance following September 11th was at the University of Notre Dame, where the band brought out members of the New York City Police and Fire Departments.

The song's uplifting nature led to it being used to frequently close concerts during the Elevation Tour. Live versions of the song were released on the concert films Elevation 2001: Live from Boston and U2 Go Home: Live from Slane Castle.

Music videos

"Walk On" has two videos, an international version, filmed in Rio de Janeiro in November 2000, and a US version, filmed in London in February 2001. Both are featured on the U218 Videos DVD.

Live history

"Walk On" has been played on almost every Elevation Tour show as a closing song. During the Vertigo Tour it appeared only rarely. It was used as a snippet after "Running to Stand Still" around the June 19, as this is the birth day of Aung San Suu Kyi, usually preceded by singing "Happy Birthday".

Track listings

Version 1

1. "Walk On" (Edit) (4:28)
2. "Beautiful Day" (Live from Farmclub.com) (4:48)
3. "New York" (Live from Farmclub.com) (6:01)

This is the first Canadian CD single.

Version 2

1. "Walk On" (Edit) (4:28)
2. "Big Girls are Best" (3:37)
3. "Beautiful Day" (Quincey and Sonance Mix) (7:55)

This is the second Canadian CD single.

Version 3

1. "Walk On" (Edit) (4:28)
2. "Where the Streets Have No Name" (Live from Boston) (6:02)
3. "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)" (Live from Toronto) (5:39)

This is the first CD version released on the UK and Europe. An Australian version also featured "Gone" (Live from Boston).

Version 4

1. "Walk On" (Single Version) (4:11)
2. "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of" (Acoustic Version) (3:43)
3. "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of" (US Video) (4:27)

This was a Enhanced CD edition, also released in the UK and Europe. Again, the Australian version had an extra track, "Elevation" (Vandit Club Mix).

Version 5

1. "Walk On" (Single Version) (4:11)
2. "Walk On" (Europe Video)
3. "4 x 30s Clips from Elevation 2001 DVD"

This is the DVD edition.

Covers

The song has been covered by Darlene Zschech on her Kiss of Heaven album.

External links

• Lyrics