| "Exit" | |
|---|---|
| Song by U2 | |
| from the album The Joshua Tree | |
| Released | 9 March 1987 |
| Recorded | November 1986 |
| Studio | Windmill Lane Studios (Dublin, Ireland) |
| Genre | Rock |
| Length | 4:13 |
| Label | Island |
| Composer(s) | U2 |
| Lyricist(s) | Bono |
| Producer(s) | |
| Audio sample | |
"Exit" is a song by rock band U2. It is the tenth track on their 1987 album The Joshua Tree. "Exit" was developed from a lengthy jam that was recorded in a single take and edited down to a shorter arrangement. The lyrics, which portray the mind of a serial killer, were inspired by lead singer Bono's reading of Norman Mailer's 1980 novel The Executioner's Song, and other related works.
In his trial for the murder of Rebecca Schaeffer in 1989, Robert John Bardo used "Exit" as part of his defence, claiming that the song had influenced his actions.
"Exit" was performed during U2's Joshua Tree Tour in 1987 and returned to their live set in 2017 as part of their 30th anniversary tour for The Joshua Tree. Live performances of "Exit" are depicted in the 1988 film Rattle and Hum as well as the 2007 video and live album Live from Paris.