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?