U2 were on tour in New Zealand in 1985 when they met Greg Carroll, a Maori who worked for the band’s promoter for their Kiwi dates. On Bono’s first night in New Zealand, Greg Carroll took him to One Tree Hill, the tallest of the five volcanic islands that make up Auckland. After a short acquaintance, Greg became a valued member of the U2 organization as Bono’s assistant. He was well loved and highly respected. One night, Greg took Bono’s Harley to do a favor for the singer. It was dark and rainy and a car pulled out in front of him, causing Greg to plough in to the vehicle. He was killed instantly. The song is a spiritual tribute, with the sounds of praise and celebration throughout. It describes the traditional Maori burial on One Tree Hill and the themes of renewal and redemption with the river running into the sea references. It was a fitting tribute to an esteemed and loved friend
Click here to download the guitar tab for One tree hill
We turn away to face the cold, enduring chill
As the day begs the night for mercy love
The sun so bright it leaves no shadows
Only scars carved into stone
On the face of earth
The moon is up and over One Tree Hill
We see the sun go down in your eyes
You run like river, on like a sea
You run like a river runs to the sea
And in the world a heart of darkness
A fire zone
Where poets speak their heart
Then bleed for it
Jara sang, his song a weapon
In the hands of love
You know his blood still cries
From the ground
It runs like a river runs to the sea
It runs like a river to the sea
I don’t believe in painted roses
Or bleeding hearts
While bullets rape the night of the merciful
I’ll see you again
When the stars fall from the sky
And the moon has turned red
Over One Tree Hill
We run like a river
Run to the sea
We run like a river to the sea
And when it’s raining
Raining hard
That’s when the rain will
Break my heart
Raining…raining in the heart
Raining in your heart
Raining…raining to your heart
Raining, raining…raining
Raining to your heart
Raining…raining in your heart
Raining in your heart..
To the sea
Oh great ocean
Oh great sea
Run to the ocean
Run to the sea
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