I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Well they built the Titanic to be one of a kind, but many ships have ruled the seas
They built the Eiffel Tower to stand alone, but they could build another if they please
Taj Mahal, the pyramids of Egypt, are unique I suppose
But when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
Now the world is filled with many wonders under the passing sun
And sometimes something comes along and you know it's for sure the only one
The Mona Lisa, the David, the Sistine Chapel, Jesus, Mary, and Joe
And when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
When they built you, brother, they turned dust into gold
When they built you, brother, they broke the mold
They say you can't take it with you, but I think that they're wrong
'Cause all I know is I woke up this morning, and something big was gone
Gone into that dark ether where you're still young and hard and cold
Just like when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
Now your death is upon us and we'll return your ashes to the earth
And I know you'll take comfort in knowing you've been roundly blessed and cursed
But love is a power greater than death, just like the songs and stories told
And when she built you, brother, she broke the mold
Bad attitude's a power stronger than death, oh I've been burning or stone cold
When they built you, brother
They built the Eiffel Tower to stand alone, but they could build another if they please
Taj Mahal, the pyramids of Egypt, are unique I suppose
But when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
Now the world is filled with many wonders under the passing sun
And sometimes something comes along and you know it's for sure the only one
The Mona Lisa, the David, the Sistine Chapel, Jesus, Mary, and Joe
And when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
When they built you, brother, they turned dust into gold
When they built you, brother, they broke the mold
They say you can't take it with you, but I think that they're wrong
'Cause all I know is I woke up this morning, and something big was gone
Gone into that dark ether where you're still young and hard and cold
Just like when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
Now your death is upon us and we'll return your ashes to the earth
And I know you'll take comfort in knowing you've been roundly blessed and cursed
But love is a power greater than death, just like the songs and stories told
And when she built you, brother, she broke the mold
Bad attitude's a power stronger than death, oh I've been burning or stone cold
When they built you, brother
Lyrics submitted by delial
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This song is actually about one of his friends I think, there's something on it in the album booklet. I think it's about his friend dying (which actually happened) and he talks about all these great buildings and art pieces and how they can be rebuilt, but there is no way to bring his friend back. They "broke the mold" so to speak.
This is a beautiful song. "Girls in the summer dresses" and "Terry's Song" are my favorite songs on the Magic CD.
The lyrics "They say you can't take it with you, but I think that they're wrong 'Cause all I know is I woke up this morning, and something big was gone" are so sad and the Boss puts so much emotions and feelings into them. This is the most memorable part of the CD for me.
A truly great song, but on a practical note and I don't want to take anything away from Terry, but I think the Boss went a little overboard comparing his friend to the Titanic, Mona Lisa, David and Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Frank "Terry" Magovern, of Rumson, passed away Monday, July 30, 2007. Terry grew up in Belmar, where he attended St. Rose High School. He was a four-year Navy veteran, completing special warfare training and specializing in underwater demolition work (UDT) before being assigned to work with the Mercury Space Program and the original seven Mercury astronauts.
For the past 23 years, Terry was the personal assistant to Bruce Springsteen and was a cherished friend to people worldwide whose names are too numerous to list. Terry was active in many aspects of the local community through business and charitable work, such as Holiday Express and Light of Day supporting Parkinson's Disease and research. In 2006 he founded the Joan Dancy and Pals ALS Support Group at Riverview Medical Center, in memory of his former fiancée, who lost her battle to the disease. In addition, Terry was involved with the Apple Jack Canine Kennels in Maryland, a dog-training facility specializing in bomb-sniffing dogs for the military. He later developed a program that trains dogs that work in women's shelters for victims of domestic violence as companion dogs for protection.
Terry was predeceased by his parents Frank and Rosalie Magovern, and is survived by his loving children Laurie Guinan and son-in-law Michael Guinan of Eatontown, and Sean Magovern and daughter-in-law Andrea of Avon; his five adored grandchildren, Michael and Matthew Guinan, and Michael, Kyle and Maggie Magovern; and his eight beloved brothers and sisters, Dennis Magovern, Richard Magovern, Robert Magovern, Lee Boydman, James Magovern, Brian Magovern, Mary Magovern and Patrick Magovern. After traveling the world for years together, Terry also leaves behind a treasured group of friends whom he considered family.
Terry was a treasured icon whose extraordinary personality and gravely voice have left their mark on all who knew him. The world will be a profoundly different place without his presence.
From Asbury Park Press August 1, 2007
"he talks about all these great buildings and art pieces and how they can be rebuilt, but there is no way to bring his friend back."
I don't think he's talking about bringing his friend back so much as how there won't ever be another like him. He seems to use the art pieces to represent the irreplaceable and the monuments to represent the so-called "wonders" that could always be rebuilt. "sometimes something comes along and you know it's for sure the only one; The Mona Lisa, the David, the Sistine Chapel, Jesus, Mary, and Joe; And when they built you, brother, they broke the mold"
Wow, this song's great and i think its pretty obvious....sad but great song.
beautiful
is terry a guy or a girl?
guy
The word "brother" should give you an idea...
One of my favorites on "Magic" along with "Ill work for your love"
Now the world is filled with many wonders under the passing sun And sometimes something comes along and you know it's for sure the only one
^^I love this line, its so powerful