Magnificent God on Letterman

Is anyone else amazed at what U2 can get away with?

The band has a new album out and appeared on David Letterman every night last week. On Tuesday, they played a song called "Magnificent" which reads like Old Testament Psalm:

Magnificent! Magnificent!

I was born, I was born to be with you In this Space and Time, after that, the Ever-After--I haven't had a clue only to break rhyme such foolishness leaves the heart black and blue

Only love, only love can leave such a mark But only love, only love can heal such a scar

I was born, I was born to sing for you I didn’t have a choice but to lift you up And sing whatever song you wanted me to I give you back my voice From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise.

Only love, only love can leave such a mark But only love, only love can heal such a scar

Justified till we die, you and I will magnify The Magnificent Magnificent

Only love, only love can leave such a mark But only love, only love unites our hearts

Justified till we die, you and I will magnify The Magnificent Magnificent Magnificent

This clearly follows on earlier songs like Yaweh and Grace, which are out-right praise and worship songs, suitable for the U2charist.

I guess I'm surprised first at the explicitness of the religious praise. I've known for years that U2 has something of a Christian background, but this regular, full-throated God praise still stands out as highly unusual in the media marketplace.

I'm also surprised at the non-reaction, even acceptance, such music gets in mainstream media. People stand up and dance regardless of what the song is about.  Would people act differently if U2 said this is a song praising God we're going to play for you?