He admitted the song, which he “thinks” is called ‘Let Your Love Be Known’, had only been made up an hour earlier, but he clearly didn’t want to keep it to himself for another second as he launched into the tune on his piano.

Apparently at home in Dublin, he says he wrote ‘Let Your Love Be Known’ an hour before posting it, and performs it solo on piano.

The lyrics see him walk through a deserted Dublin, and speak of isolation and fear amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The song was released on St Patrick’s Day as celebrations were cancelled in Ireland and worldwide because of social distancing guidelines.

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for ANYONE who this St. Patrick’s day is in a tight spot and still singing. For the doctors, nurses, carers on the front line, it's you we’re singing to. Bono

A post shared by U2 Official (@u2) on Mar 17, 2020 at 2:28pm PDT

Let Your Love Be Known
Yes there was silence
yes there was no people here
yes I walked through the streets of Dublin and no-one was near
Yes I don’t know you
No I didn’t think I didn’t care
You live so very far away from just across the square

And I can’t reach but I can rain
You can’t touch but you can sing
Across rooftops
Sing down the phone
Sing and promise me you won’t stop
Sing your love, be known, let your love be known.

Yes there is isolation
You and me we’re still here
Yes when we open our eyes we will stare down the fear
And maybe I’ve said the wrong thing
Yes I made you smile
I guess the longest distance is always the last mile.

And I can’t reach but I can rain
You can’t touch but you can sing
Across rooftops
Sing to me down the phone
Sing and promise me you won’t stop
Sing and you’re never alone.

Sing as an act of resistance
Sing though your heart is overthrown
When you sing there is no distance
So let your love be known, oh let your love be known
Though your heart is overthrown.
Let your love be known.