Irish rock band U2 have unexpectedly released a six-song EP called Days of Ash, with the opening track “American Obituary” dedicated to the memory of Renee Nicole Good, the Minneapolis mother of three who was shot and killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last month.The EP, released on Ash Wednesday, marks the band’s first major collection of new songs since 2017 and reflects what frontman Bono describes as an urgent response to current events and those “fighting on the front lines of freedom.”The tribute song contains stark and emotional lyrics referencing Goode’s death and her children:“Renee Goode, born free. American mother of three. January 7th. There’s a bullet in every child, you see.”The song continues with graphic images related to the moment of filming:“The color of her eyes. Minneapolis 930. Desecration of domestic happiness. Three bullets exploded, three babies kissed. Renee, domestic terrorist?”In the chorus, the band elicits broader political and moral reflections: “America will rise up against the people who lied to them.” The lyrics also reflect mental anguish and grief: “Lord, I’m not mad at you. You’re the reason I’m there. Can you stop a heart from breaking by not caring? Can you stop a bullet in mid-air?” The band also criticizes broader immigration efforts in the song:“In the streets where children playin the church where they prayThe school teacher is explainingAmerica, United StatesThe power of the people! “Bono called the song “a song of rage” as well as a song of mourning, saying it reflected “sadness not just for Renee, but for the death of an America that would at least conduct an investigation into her murder.”
Family, band statements emphasize peace, unity
The song was released alongside a statement from Goode’s family, including her widow, Becca Goode, who described him as a very compassionate person.“Renee not only believed in kindness; she lived it fully and fiercely,” Becca Goode said. “She believed everyone deserved the same compassion, care and dignity, no matter who they were.”Goode’s parents and siblings said the band’s tribute honors her legacy and reflects “the urgency of the national situation.”“These songs can’t wait to get out into the world,” Bono said. “They are songs of defiance, frustration and lamentation.”The release follows similar musical responses from other artists, including Bruce Springsteen, who recently dedicated his song “Streets of Minneapolis” to Goode and others killed in immigration enforcement operations.
what happened to renee nicole goode
Renee Nicole Good, a poet and mother of three living in Minneapolis, was shot and killed on January 7 during an ICE enforcement operation.Goode is accused of interfering with agents and trying to flee in a vehicle, during which an officer opened fire, according to federal officials. Authorities said multiple shots were fired, three of which struck her.Trump administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, described Goode as a “domestic terrorist,” claiming she tried to run over an ICE officer as she escaped.Her family and supporters strongly object to the official version, saying she has been unfairly targeted and wrongly blamed. Her death sparked protests in Minneapolis and beyond, with activists and civil rights advocates calling for accountability and reform of immigration enforcement.Goode’s family has since launched legal action and public outreach, describing her as a compassionate person whose death has become emblematic of a broader national debate about immigration, law enforcement and civil liberties.U2 said the song was not only a tribute to Good, but also a call for reflection, justice and unity at what they say is a deeply divided moment in American society.
