Every girl seems to have an opinion of Bruce Springsteen. Some girls think he’s okay, some girls say he’s boring (he’s not), and some girls are just drop dead in love with him. They love his lyrics, they love the music, and they especially love the way he moves on stage. Well, this girl is one of those girls. I love Bruce Springsteen.
“I saw rock and roll future and its name is Bruce Springsteen.” - Jon Landau
I’ve seen the future of a little girl being annoyed at her daddy for teaching her about Bruce Springsteen.” - Tom Carroll
Now you have your opinions of what songs you like or dislike, but my girl doesn’t. So I’m gonna give her a little lesson in The Boss. My top 10 favorite Springsteen songs and what they mean to me.
In no particular order….
10. “Rosalita” from The Wild, The Innocent, and The E Street Shuffle. 1973
“I’m not her for business, I’m only here for fun.” If a man ever says this to you, run the fuck away.
9. “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out” from Born To Run. 1975
The best second song on any record ever made. A perfect compliment to Thunder Road. We made it out, now we’re stuck and we can’t go home. Listen to the horn section holding the band steady. Also, if you learn the piano I think this might be a great song to learn.
8. “Glory Days” from Born In The USA. 1984
Your daddy is a big fan of the Born In The USA record. My mom listened to that record non stop when I was a kid. She had this great Springsteen shirt with Bruce standing in front of an American flag. I wish she still had it, I’d give it to you. This song holds a special place because when I played baseball in high school, I really identified with this song. Now it’s told from an adult point of view, but when you’re 16 you can identify with pretty much anything. (or a least you think you can) We went to the Regional Semi-finals in 1995. We were one game away from state but we didn’t win. I cried my eyes out when we lost.
We never went back but that was the closest we ever got to being a champion. Those four weeks of playoffs are a big part of who I am, darling. You work, work, work, and if you don’t reach your goals then you have to stop and look at how this can make you better.
“Well the time slips away, leaves you with nothin’ mister, but boring stories of glory days.”
7. “Growin’ Up” from Greetings From Asbury Park. 1973
I must admit the first time I heard this song was when Eddie Vedder sang it at a show I saw in San Diego. I immediately went out and bought this record. Gorgeous record! A wonderful Sunday evening listen.
6. “Darkness On The Edge Of Town” from Darkness On The Edge Of Town. 1978
To me, this is an anthem for fighting. When you get knocked down, you must get back up and fight. You have to stand on that hill with everything you’ve got.
5. “My Hometown” from Born In The USA. 1984
My hometown is San Antonio. Your hometown is Los Angeles. I love San Antonio. I also hate it. I love the city, the neighborhoods, and especially the food. There’s a lyric about how people don’t come down to Main Street anymore. That’s what I feel when I go home. Everybody building homes in the hill country and moving out of the city. It makes me very sad to see my city decaying, and that’s why I hate it. I left so I really can’t say much without sounding like a jerk, but it’s still my hometown. I’ll take you there a bunch and you can see for yourself. Where I grew up, you’ll meet your cousins, your crazy great-aunts, and you’ll see your grandmother. A very lucky girl you are.
4. “The River” from The River. 1980
You’ll meet a boy/girl and you’ll fall in love with them. But please don’t go too fast.
3. “Born In The USA” from Born In The USA. 1984
“I’m a cool rocking daddy in the USA.” Don’t you ever forget it.
2. “Thunder Road” from Side one of Live 1975-85 also Born To Run. 1975
“You ain’t a beauty, but hey you’re all right.” NOT TRUE. You’re the most beautiful girl in the world. Every lyric of this song is so gorgeous. “the ghosts in the eyes of all the boys you sent away.”
1. Born To Run from Born To Run 1975
Two words: Max Weinberg
Weinberg’s drums are the loudest, steadiest drums you’ll hear. You can hear how strong his right foot is at the beginning of the song. It sounds like an actual motor bike engine pumping down the freeway. Some consider this song Springsteen’s best.
BTW, If a boy/girl ever says to you, Baby we were born to run, you better tell him to screw off.
I love you.
Dear sir,
Were I your daughter and I received this list, I would probably sob and hug you. This is so eloquent and beautiful, it makes my Jersey heart sing. There are a couple that I would not personally have chosen, but I can absolutely understand why you do.
Thank you,
Elyse