A Brigham Young University philosophy professor in Provo, Utah, has begun compiling a book of essays regarding the lyrics of songs by rock band U2.

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Mark Wrathall has been teaching U2 lyrics alongside Plato, Nietzsche and Kierkegaard since 1997, the Salt Lake City Deseret News reports. He said he was listening to an album by the band when it struck him that the lyrics were relevant to material he taught in his philosophy classes.

Wrathall decided the idea could make for interesting reading material, and he pitched the idea of a book on the band's philosophical implications to William Irwin, head of Open Court Press. The publisher has released books on the philosophical relevance of "The Simpsons,""The Matrix,""Harry Potter,""Seinfeld" and "Star Wars."

Irwin agreed to take on the project, and tapped Wrathall to edit the collection, which will feature essays by professors from around the globe, including one by Wrathall himself. The book, "U2 and Philosophy," is expected to be released in early 2006.

U2 was to be inducted into or Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Monday night.