U2 is currently preparing a studio album for late 2026, but feeling compelled by the world’s current turmoil, the group has returned with a surprise EP titled Days of Ash. According to an official statement, this six-track record serves as a "direct response to unfolding events" and draws inspiration from the "many brave and extraordinary individuals on the frontlines of liberty."

“These tracks couldn't be held back; they were desperate to be shared with the world,” frontman Bono remarked in a press release. “They are expressions of grief, dismay, and defiance.”

Throughout the EP, Bono highlights those whose lives have been cut short by political conflict, such as Renee Good, who is referenced in the opening song, “American Obituary.” Good—who was fatally shot by an ICE official last month—was also mentioned in Bruce Springsteen’s recent protest track “Streets of Minneapolis.”

“Yours Eternally” includes contributions from British pop star Ed Sheeran and Ukrainian vocalist Taras Topolia. Topolia’s band, Антитіла (Antytila), previously collaborated with Sheeran on a reimagined take of his 2022 hit “2step.” Topolia, who also serves as a soldier, introduced Sheeran to U2, which eventually inspired Bono to pen the track “as a letter written by an active-duty soldier who possesses a bold and playful spirit that mirrors Ukraine's own resolve.”

Co-written by U2 alongside Sheeran and Simon Carmody, and produced by Jacknife Lee, “Yours Eternally” captures the classic, sweeping stadium sound synonymous with U2. In the song’s opening chorus, Bono maintains his optimism despite the grim reality.

Don’t sleep
Don’t even think about it
No need
Maybe a little bit
Still dream
About waking up free
As we can be

In the first verse, Bono looks past the immediate conflict and envisions a world where people find common ground.

Dearest friends or whatever
We are calling ourselves these days
My current location
I cannot disclose
Geographically
It’s nowhere that I’ve been before
But emotionally
We’re on the same road

During the pre-chorus, Bono gently teases his own idealistic outlook and incorporates the quote “hope is a moral duty,” originally attributed to the Albanian writer and scholar Lea Ypi.

If you have the chance to laugh
Laugh at me
If you have the chance to hope
It’s a duty

Sheeran brings a sense of optimism to his verse. Whether he is portraying the soldier's perspective or addressing a loved one back home, he focuses on the beauty that persists through suffering.

Yours is the song that I’ve always sung
You are not lost out there because
You are not alone
If you have a chance to reach
Reach for me
In the chaos of the earth
We’ll find beauty

The complete lyrics for “Yours Eternally” are now available on Genius.