Bono addresses the ego of performers, on this Rubber Soul-era Beatles tune. It is a lighthearted poke at singers and how we shouldn't take what they say too seriously. The U2 frontman explained to Rolling Stone: "There's a song called 'The Showman' which is a letter to our audience, it's kind of about performers and how you shouldn't trust them too much. It's about me, haha. There's a funny line, well, I think it's funny anyway, 'I lie for a living, I love to let on but you make it true when you sing along?'"
Bono told The Sun he is addressing U2's legions of loyal fans. He explained the track is, "a love letter to anyone who falls for the bluster of a performer with too much/too little confidence. We give birth to these songs but it's our audience who give life and meaning to them."
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