Smalltime Jersey mobsters trying to get out of a jam are getting mixed up with characters who are bigger, more professional, tougher, and meaner than themselves. The guys in the song don't even have guns, but they need to present the appearance that they.
I believe the relationship backstory is simply part of the character sketch. If you look at the songs on Born To Run as vignettes telling stories of various people in New Jersey on a summer weekend, then it all fits in. I've always seen the two guys in this song passing The Rat from Jungleland in the tunnel as they head toward their rendezvous and Rat to meet the Barefoot Girl. The horns are the segue...the trumpet (it might be a sax on the record, but I saw it on trumpet last week live) to the intro of Jungleland and Clarence's solo.
On a personal note, growing up in New Jersey in the 80s...the horns on this song just remind me of everything I thought looking at the NYC skyline -- the mystery, possibilities, sophistication.
I've seen a book of short stories all inspired by this song.
Smalltime Jersey mobsters trying to get out of a jam are getting mixed up with characters who are bigger, more professional, tougher, and meaner than themselves. The guys in the song don't even have guns, but they need to present the appearance that they.
I believe the relationship backstory is simply part of the character sketch. If you look at the songs on Born To Run as vignettes telling stories of various people in New Jersey on a summer weekend, then it all fits in. I've always seen the two guys in this song passing The Rat from Jungleland in the tunnel as they head toward their rendezvous and Rat to meet the Barefoot Girl. The horns are the segue...the trumpet (it might be a sax on the record, but I saw it on trumpet last week live) to the intro of Jungleland and Clarence's solo.
On a personal note, growing up in New Jersey in the 80s...the horns on this song just remind me of everything I thought looking at the NYC skyline -- the mystery, possibilities, sophistication.
I've seen a book of short stories all inspired by this song.
What was the book titled?
What was the book titled?