The lyrics could refer to a search for spiritual enlightenment or a search for love. In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Bono said the song was "an anthem of doubt more than faith."
The Edge came up with the title and melody, and Bono wrote lyrics around it.
This was influenced by gospel music. Bono wanted The Joshua Tree to explore various forms of American music they had encountered while touring there. The album's co-producer Daniel Lanois said he nudged Bono in the gospel direction on tracks like this one. He explained in the TV documentary Classic Albums: U2 The Joshua Tree: "I've always liked gospel music and I encouraged Bono to take it to that place. It was a very non-U2 thing to do at the time, to go up the street of gospel. I think it opened a door for them, to experiment with that territory... He's singing at the top of his range and there is something very compelling about somebody pushing themselves. It's like hearing Aretha Franklin almost. It jumps on you and you can't help but feel the feeling."
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