"See the stone set in your eyes, see the thorn twist in your side., I wait for you. Sleight of hand and twist of fate, on a bed of nails she makes me wait. And I wait, without you, with or without you."

From "With or without you", by U2.

U2, an iconic rock band from Ireland, is renowned for their distinctive sound, powerful lyrics, and the charismatic presence of their lead singer, Bono. Their greatest hit, "With or Without You," from the 1987 album "The Joshua Tree*, remains a timeless anthem, blending emotional depth with a hauntingly beautiful melody.

Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥: The Poetry of Popular Music 🎶 
is an enthralling podcast that traverses the landscape of popular music from the 1960s to today. Exploring the art of lyrical craftsmanship, each episode delves into the poetic narratives of influential songwriters, spanning the spectrum from the revolutionary words of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen's introspective genius to the emotive ballads of Adele and Kendrick Lamar's profound verses. 

The podcast also highlights the cultural resonance and personal storytelling in the songs of Taylor Swift, the intricate lyrics of Frank Ocean, and Billie Eilish's innovative wordplay. Paying homage to the timeless impact of legends like John Lennon, Johnny Cash, and David Bowie, Samuel Hollingsworth's distinctive voice brings to life the quotes of these iconic songs, connecting the expressive songwriting of the past with today's groundbreaking artists. "Verse and Verve" invites listeners to a rich exploration of lyrical evolution in popular music, celebrating the creative brilliance that has defined generations. 

Part 1 now enchantingly available for your reading delight as an interactive eBook on Amazon Kindle.