U2’s New Song “American Obituary” Protests ICE Actions
Irish rock band U2 has released a new song titled “American Obituary,” inspired by Lenny Nicole Goode, an anti-ICE activist who was killed by federal agents in Minnesota last month. The track, which advocates standing up against deceit, is part of their EP “Days of Ash,” made available on Wednesday. The song serves as a tribute to Goode, a mother of three, who died while trying to intervene with an immigration judge.
The lyrics poignantly reflect on Goode’s life:
“Lenny Goode was born to die free.
American mother of three
January 7th
Each child is given a bullet.”
The song notes the approximate time of the shooting — 9:30 a.m. — as Goode was shot three times on the streets of Minneapolis. It conveys haunting imagery:
“The color of her eyes is
930 Minneapolis
desecrate domestic bliss
3 bullet explosions, 3 babies kissed
Domestic Terrorist Renee.”
Following the incident, officials from the Trump administration, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, labeled Goode a “domestic terrorist.” Earlier that day, she had been accused of stalking and harassing ICE agents, and a video captured her blocking a road before federal agents intervened.
As events unfolded, one officer exited the vehicle and asked her to move. Goode, however, did not comply, leading to further confrontation.
Graphic footage from the incident shows Goode apparently lunging at the officer just before multiple shots rang out. Four bullets were fired, with three striking her.
In reflective lines, the song declares:
“What cannot be killed will not die
America will rise
against people who lie
I love you more
Hatred is more than love for war.”
U2 also underscores that migrant operations have targeted locations like places of worship, schools, and community gathering areas. The message resonates through lyrics such as:
“In the streets where children are playing.
in the church where they pray
A school teacher explains
America, America
It’s the power of the people!”
The release of “Days of Ash” was unexpected, coinciding with Ash Wednesday, a significant day in the Christian calendar marked by fasting and reflection. This project, featuring U2 members Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr., aims to voice opposition to the Trump’s administration’s strict immigration policies, including Operation Minnesota.
Numerous artists like Bruce Springsteen, Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, and the Dropkick Murphys have publicly opposed President Trump and federal immigration enforcement. Springsteen, for instance, recently penned a song titled “Streets of Minneapolis,” depicting unrest in the city amid a challenging climate.
He noted that the new track pays homage to the community, especially mentioning activists like Goode and Alex Preti, who was shot by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents the previous month.
In a memorable moment, Billie Eilish made headlines during the Grammy Awards by expressing her views with a powerful shout of “Fk ICE,” emphasizing her belief that “no one is illegal in stolen land.”
