In the October issue of 2004 of Blender Magazine, The Edge says This is actually the only song we've ever successfully worked on when we were completely pissed. Totally drunk. Around the kitchen table with acoustic guitars, slurring away.
Jonas Steverud (Maintainer of U2MoL) (28:th of December 2004)
Bono in some unknown interview: I went to speak to Christian fundamentalist groups in America to convince them to give money to fight Aids in Africa. It was like getting blood from a stone. I told them about a hospice In Uganda where so many people were dying they had to sleep three to a bed. Sister Anne, who I mention in the song, works at that hospice. Her office is a sewer.
Jonas Steverud (Maintainer of U2MoL) (28:th of December 2004)
The title of the song comes from Matthew 15:27 "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."
In this respect, the meaning of the song is related to the HIV fight in Africa and how the African nation is like the women in the Matthew passage begging for crumbs from the rich table of America (and from any other rich nation).
Rob Oh roboh98
earthlink.net (1:st of June 2005)