I saw U2’s performance of “Until the End of the World” in their Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame induction. It dawned on me (as it has for many others), that this song is an allegory of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. The song is told from a first person viewpoint of Judas.
Some examples.
Song Lyrics:
Haven’t seen you in quite a while
I was down the hold just passing time
Last time we met was a low-lit room
We were as close together as a bride and groom
We ate the food, we drank the wine
Everybody having a good time
Except you
You were talking about the end of the world
20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, �I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.�
…
25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, �Surely not I, Rabbi?�
Jesus answered, �Yes, it is you.�
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, �Take and eat; this is my body.�
27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, �Drink from it, all of you.
Matthew 26:20-27 NIV
Song Lyrics:
I took the money
I spiked your drink
You miss too much these days if you stop to think
14 Then one of the Twelve�the one called Judas Iscariot�went to the chief priests
15 and asked, �What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?� So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.
16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
Matthew 26:14-16 NIV
Song Lyrics:
You lead me on with those innocent eyes
You know I love the element of surprise
In the garden I was playing the tart
I kissed your lips and broke your heart
You
You were acting like it was the end of the world
Love…
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.
48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: �The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.�
49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, �Greetings, Rabbi!� and kissed him.
Matthew 26:47-49 NIV
Song Lyrics
Waves of regret and waves of joy
I reached out for the one I tried to destroy
3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.
4 �I have sinned,� he said, �for I have betrayed innocent blood.�
�What is that to us?� they replied. �That’s your responsibility.�
5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Matthew 27:3-5 NIV