| Bruce Springsteen – Born in the U.S.A. Lyrics | 12 years ago |
|
After following each verse of this song, it seems to me that the story it's telling is specifically about a certain kind of Vietnam Vet. It's about a poor, downtrodden, working class man who has a tough life right from the start (Born in a deadman's town, The first kick I took was when I hit the ground). This particular American man knows that his is a life of little hope and scant reward (You end up like a dog that's been beat too much, Until you spend half your life just covering up). Then, when this American meets with some kind of trouble (hometown jam), he is between a rock and hard place, there aren't many options open to him, so he opts to be drafted in the Vietnam War (so they put a rifle in my hand, To go and kill the yellow man). I think it's pretty clear that this American is in a situation not of his own making and has become a soldier to fight and kill in Vietnam due to the state of his life and situation in his home land. He was "Born in the USA" which on the surface seems something to be proud of, yet, his situation leads him to be sent to the Vietnam War. His life is certainly not ideal and clearly not one of his own choosing. Then, when this soldier returns from the war, instead of being treated like a brave hero who fought for his country, he is scorned by society. The very people who should be helping him are too afraid to go against overriding social beliefs to provide him with work and veterans' support (Hiring man said "Son, if it was up to me", VA man said "Son, don't you understand). These lines also highlight the word "Son" and I think that shows that the average soldier was young, a mere boy, and that upon his return he should have been cared for by his country like a parent would care for their child. He talks of either his family or friends who fought in the War (Had a brother at Khe Sanh, Fighting off the Viet Cong) and how his brother died (Their still there, He's all gone.) I think this points to the overall futility of the war and the high price paid by many soldiers who lost their lives. Also, the life-long tragedies, heartbreak and displacement it caused to both US and Vietnam citizens (He had a woman he loved in Saigon, Got a picture of him in her arms now). And now this vet is back in the USA living his life, however, he is a lost soul. His life is going nowhere and he doesn't have a good job or much to look forward to (Out in the shadow of the penitentiary, Out by the gas fires of the refinery). Ten years after the war and he hasn't settled down (Ten years burning down the road) and doesn't have a happy home or family (Nowhere to run, Ain't got nowhere to go). This sad lament for a soldier is all based on him being "Born in the USA". I think the undertone of the song is that his country (which prides itself on being a rich and free nation full of opportunities) let him down. His life experience is ironic seeing that he was born into this land of pride and promise. I think the chorus is like a statement of being proud to be born in the USA, yet the same statement is sadly ironic considering how the USA has treated it's "son" so poorly. Then the last verse gives hope to the whole song. The vet proclaims in what seems like an attempt at hope and self-preservation that he's a "cool rockin' daddy in the USA". Maybe his country treated him badly, but he still has pride in himself and will continue to live his life. Bruce's songs often have hope and faith interlaced in the bleakest of situations. This is very evident in this song. In a funny kind of way, maybe its this hopefulness in the spirit of the USA that is the reason the Vietnam Vet still holds on to a sense of pride that he was"Born in the USA". |
|
| Bruce Springsteen – Prove It All Night Lyrics | 12 years ago |
|
This is a great song. I think it's about a boy who is passionate about breaking away from a cautious and mundane existence who is working hard to make a better life for himself. At the same time he wants his girl to take the risk of believing in him even though what he's doing goes against what everyone else is doing. ... and if she takes the leap of faith and believes in a better future with him, he will work hard to prove that her faith in him was worth it. Beautiful romantic song about chasing dreams and having a better life - no-one does this better than The Boss - just awesome!! |
|
| Bruce Springsteen – The Ghost Of Tom Joad Lyrics | 12 years ago |
|
"He's waitin' for when the last shall be first and the first shall be last" I think this may be a reference to the parable in the bible: Lazarus and the rich man. The parable is about Lazarus, a poor beggar who, when living, pleaded for mercy on the steps of a rich man's house. His pleas were ignored by the rich man and Lazarus died from his hunger and sores. When Lazarus died, he went straight to Heaven and was protected by Abraham there. Later, when the rich man died, the rich man went straight to Hell and was tortured by the flames. The rich man begged Abraham to have mercy on him and asked that Lazarus bring him some cool water to ease his suffering. Abraham responded by refusing mercy to the rich man and said to him that he must remember that during his lifetime he experienced many good things, and that Lazarus experienced many bad things. Now in death, the situation would be reversed and the great gulf between them (that is, between Heaven and Hell) could not be crossed. Bruce often adds biblical references to his songs and has himself said that he grew up being influenced by Catholic religion. So, it seems to fit. Also, the lines: In a cardboard box sleepin under tha pass With a one way ticket to the promised land ... could be another reference to the fact that the suffering experienced by the poor and homeless during their lifetime gives them immediate entry into Heaven. Death is like a one-way ticket because there's no return and Heaven may be described as the promised land. Anyway, it gives the song depth as well as great sadness and sympathy for the suffering of those who are down and out. |
|
| Bruce Springsteen – Streets of Philadelphia Lyrics | 14 years ago |
|
This song is fantastic and Bruce is a wonderful storyteller. It was written back in the early 1990s when AIDS was relatively new to the world. At that time there was a lot of fear about how the disease could be spread and so much heartless discrimination against gay people who had the disease. Bruce wrote this song for the film "Philadelphia' which was based on the true story of a lawyer who sued his law firm for dismissing him because he had AIDS. It was one of the first films to deal with AIDS discrimination and homophobia. I remember at the time how sad it was that people who were dying of this terrible disease were also having to deal with the incredible cold-heartedness of a society that feared and banished them when they were at their most vulnerable. I think Bruce's words are very moving and perfectly highlight how the discrimination was a heartbreaking reaction to a tragic disease: "Oh brother, are you gonna leave me wastin' away" |
|
* This information can be up to 15 minutes delayed.