The sax is one of his band members, Big Clarence, who was featured in most songs. He was amazing. This song was Bruce's introduction to the world and a HUGE hit. He was rough, and unpolished, just rock and roll to the core and sang his songs about real life. Not sappy love songs, just real life of the working class in NJ.
I like unpolished stuff too, but this isn't it. Born to Run was his third album, and there was nothing unpolished about it. It's one of most carefully and deliberately produced albums ever.
Fist time I saw them in concert the big man was still with them but getting old and moving pretty slow. Bruce himself helped Clarence walk up to his spot on stage...wasn't going to be anybody else doing that but Bruce. The next time I saw them Clarence was gone but they had a picture of him up and whole coliseum held a minute or so of silence for the big man.
While I completely understand why you would say that...after all, he is one of the greatest lyricists of all time. However, for me, (though I love that and the rest of Tunnel of Love) I would never call it one of his best written songs. It's great, but there is so much greatness to be had, and he had such stellar moments in writing. If I were to pick a song in that stage of his writing, I would pick Streets of Philidelphia. "It's just you and I my friend. And my clothes don't fit me no more. I've walked a thousand miles just to skip this skin." It is penetrating yet haunting. You can't get much better lyrically than that. A lot of this comes down to taste. This is just my take on things. Respect.
@@the_wexie I agree that Streets of Philadelphia is right near the top. Brilliant Disguise is a song that perfectly describes my former relationship with my ex, it resonates very true to my experience. With such a large song catalog, everyone can find the song that's number one for them. 😊
@@athos1974 it's not just you. Brilliant Disguise is arguably his most sophisticated lyric, and I would argue is in a different league from Streets of Philadelphia, which is mid-tier Springsteen. IMHO.
You guys are the bomb I'm a 65 year old retired semi white boy and I want you guys everyday. Y'all are the people that will take us into the next century with your kindness and insights to the music of my generation. I just want to extend my genuine things to you for doing what you're doing
65 years old and don't know what color you are. Bruce isn't about what color you are he is about singing songs that every race can relate to. Come on chuckles the clown pull your head out
@@morganmcintosh7859 Morgan is that a mans name or womans ? Sounds like you have confusion issues identity separation issues. Don't no what color you are or gender ! A man named Morgan sounds rather dainty don't you think sugar britches
Rosalita, Rosalital, Rosalita! One of the live versions from the mid-70s will capture the manic energy of the greatest live band in the history of Rock & Roll!
You should SO react to this song with the official video - it's filled with clips from his live performances and gives a glimpse of how exciting his concerts are! It's the best vibe ever. I've seen him 3 times - twice he went over 4 hours and once almost 5! No opening act for him, he plays the whole thing. It's one long, beautiful jam session.
Agreed! I've seen him a number of times and it is an experience every time. They go on for over four hours and it still feels to short. Time flies in Bruce-land.
He said he wanted to write the greatest rock and roll song ever. He spent 6 months mixing this song, and was trying to pay homage to Phil Spector and his "Wall of Sound" mixing. One of the truly great American contributions to the history of rock and roll. I suggest you listen to The River next. EPIC!
Spot on. The “Wall of Sound” production is very evident. That’s exactly what they were trying to articulate. Had to check the comments to make sure it was said.
The E Street Band is just phenomenal. Saw Springsteen twice in the early 80's in LA. First time around they played for 4 hours. Good God, the energy was off che charts. Still best concert in my life by a long ways.
I’ve been listening to Bruce religiously for 40 years and BJ almost perfectly summarized WHY Bruce is an American treasure by asking, “Where do you go when you belong EVERYWHERE?” Well done, sir.
"The highway's jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive!" What lyrics - Springsteen the poet laureate. Probably my favorite song ever. The power, passion, imagery, and musicality, and of course Clarence, the Big Man!
Epic! The entire Born To Run album is excellent from start to finish -- "Thunder Road", "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out", "Night", "Backstreets", "Born to Run", "She's the One", "Meeting Across the River", "Jungleland" -- check out "Jungleland" if you wanna hear another epic sax solo. And the cover art to the album was so iconic back in the day that Sesame Street nicked it for their album Born to Add, with Bert as Bruce Springsteen and Cookie Monster as Clarence Clemons.
Asbury Park, New Jersey. Bruce Springsteen is "The Boss", but the whole E Street Band are master class rockers. We lost Clarence "The Big Man" Clemons (saxophones) in 2011. His shoes were filled by his nephew Jake Clemons in 2012. Family chops.
Yeah, it was the title track of the album. WE were born to run, not just him. Amusement parks and highways and factories, all big themes of his, bc he’s straight out of Jersey, Jersey shore specifically.
I was lucky enough to see the '78 tour in San Diego. Every song felt like this. No opening act, four hours wiith a twenty minute break in the middle. It ended with the Gary US Bonds song "Quarter to Three". All the house lights on, the entire audience dancing and Bruce danced of the stage. Good Times.
A Jersey legend! He’s got a very blue collar Jersey style, and it’s recognizable. I second Jungleland or Thunder Road for the next one, but there’s so many ❤️ RIP Clarence, the Big Man
I am 66 years old and have been a fan since 1975. This particular song is what made me a fan. I thought it was profound and the best thing I had ever heard!! I saw him in concert in Charlotte NC the first time in 1978 and he played over 4 hours!! I have seen him many times since then. I have taken all of my kids as well as my grandson. Still a fan today and love the new cover album Only the Strong Survive !! I love so many of his songs but my very favorite is Jungleland. (I want it played at my funeral) So happy to see young people discovering him for the first !time.
Bruce's writing is very poetic. He evokes images and emotions with simple brush strokes and writes incredible melodies. You'll want to check out Jungleland off the same album. The ultimate urban jungle rock song.
It's a great song about Bruce wanting to escape his blue collar beginnings in New Jersey and head off in search of something better. The romance of being on the road, on a powerful chrome-wheeled motorbike with his girl Wendy on the back, leaving behind the many sites that had been his young life - the cold and stark amusement park etc. He accepts that he is someone who won't get things handed to him and will have to chase the American dream, but ends on a hopeful note that if they keep looking they'll get to the place they really want to go. Glad you enjoyed - he's pure Americana. It was his third album and he'd begun by then to see the possibilities that might open for him and the band - they had a lot of local success with his debut and follow-up second album and were getting appreciated outside NJ and the USA. This album sent him into the stratosphere. Bruce is a weaver of such visual stories, so helps to have the lyrics up while you're listening. Exactly the same theme has been explored by many artists; a more poignant take on this is Tracie Chapman "Fast Car" - you'd definitely need the lyrics for that.. Thanks for
The word you are looking for is epic. His music is epic. Just a huge tight sound. 3 to 4 guitars, bass, keyboard, piano, sax, drums just killing it. Best live performer I have ever seen hands down.
I'm from Barcelona, Spain. The first concert I went to (I was 14 yo) was Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band at the Olympic Stadium. It was mind-blowing!! The way they perform live and the whole show was EPIC. He's also an amazing songwriter and Brilliant Disguise is one of my favourite songs of all times.
I graduated in1980 and this song, Friday on MY Mind and a man named Murry SAUL came on the radio. And me and all my friends would meet and have beers and whatever else to bring in the weekend.6 O CLOCK every Friday on WMMS IN Cleveland, Ohio. It was a tradition. Murry was called the get down man and he would have a speech every Friday to bring in the weekend. The best times of my life.
Great Reaction! There are other masterpieces on that album. The big hits include Thunder Road and Jungleland. A hidden gem is the song Meeting Across the river. All are awesome. Thanks!
I saw how much Asia liked that sax in this song , well then you two must listen to “Jungleland” by Bruce you will absolutely love it !!!! it’s a tour de force and the saxophone solo is the greatest in all of rock music
"Born in the USA" was about how hard it was to return to his home country after fighting in Vietnam. This song is a love song. It's about taking the one he cares about (Wendy), and running off to another place to find everlasting happiness together.
Nope. Bruce did not go to Vietnam. The song is about yearning for more than what you get living in your ole boring hometown. This town is a deathtrap, a suicide rap, we have to get out while we are young, cause tramps like us baby,,, we're Born to Run.
@@steveperkins8748 Bruce did not go to Vietnam but born in the USA is about somebody coming back from fighting on the USA and not being able to get a job - is a protest song.
Of course I saw Bruce Springsteen live. I saw the Born in the USA tour at the LA Coliseum and then I saw the Tunnel of Love tour at the Los Angeles sports Arena two of the most amazing nights of my life the music was great and the people in attendance were amazing… every walk of life was in the audience…
Great anthem is this song. Bruce Springsteen puts on a great concert over 3 hours. HE has so many great songs. even ones that aren't popular. He wrote about the every day man.
The legendary E Street Band, the masters of "wall of sound". Springsteen live aint just a concert, its an exhausting, emotional journey that continues rocking for 3-4 hours almost non stop.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are master class in rock performance. Their concerts are masterful. No band will ever do it better. See them while you can.
The album was released the year I graduated high school---I loved the whole album on first listen. Yes, he wrote anthems, and he was Jersey Shore; I was Long Island, and he sung to me.
Another rock music legend with hits for miles... Alot of his songs are about being young and growing up in Jersey. You should check out "Racing in the Street", "10th Avenue Freeze Out" and "The River".
The words that come to mind are: bold, epic, operatic. Loved it when it was released still do. Have a listen to Jungleland the sax solo makes grown men weep.
Springsteen has dozens of famous songs and a catalogue of over 300 songs which was just purchased for $550 million. I strongly recommend you react to the many concert video versions of these songs. Springsteen is famous for his concerts. You have to see Bruce and his E Street Band perform these songs to understand why they are so revered all over the world.
What a bombastic juggernaut of Americana, this song is!! 🔥🔥🔥 The tragedy of teenage angst, that need to escape the trappings of the insular hometown, the male teen bravado on suicide machines, and that feeling of having everyone else all figured out, but still searching for yourself, knowing only one thing for sure, the invincible feeling he has with Wendy by his side, both scared and desperate, together lost in love and running blind straight into the fire and fury of whatever the night has to offer. Such powerful imagery delivered with over the top reckless passion burning up with that sax and the full throttle drums! To me, this is every bit the American anthem “Born In The USA” wishes it could be. This is the real deal right here, and they give it all they got to ensure everyone knows they mean every word and note of it.
Me at 19, driving the fam station wagon home from college to babysit my brothers. BTR hits the radio. Doing a U-turn across six lanes, parking in no-park zone, running into the record store, yelling "It's called Born to Run!!" The record guy points, I buy and race home. It's on the player in my bedroom for one minute and one of my brothers bounces into my room. "OMG, Who IS THIS?!" Forty-five years of concerts for both of us. I still have that album cover framed in my house. Thanks for reacting. (Also, wait til you see the live video.)
Bruce talks about the title in his book by the same title, ‘Born To Run’. He thinks he may have seen it on a car, or something…and he knew he was onto something. Took him six months to write it and it’s EPIC B
his records are PALE examples of his live shows. I went to the concert tour of his album "The River" because a friend didn't want to go alone....i didnt care for his music i had heard on the radio. The next day i bought every recording he had. i danced for 3 1/2 hours at that concert. i have been to over a 100 concerts and that one was... by so far the best... the second best is not worth the mention. the greatest artistic expression of the joy of being alive i have ever seen.
As good as Bruce was, Clarence Clemons, is the SPINE of so many of Bruce's greatest songs. Even when he's not doing a solo, his sax is creating a ground floor for the rhythm to penetrate your heart. In this song, it's Bruce's passion coupled with Clemons soulful sax that blends PERFECTLY to produce a timeless classic that NEVER seems to get old.
There was never anyone else like The Big Man. Such a great player, and Bruce's right hand man. More than any other member of the band, Clarence was instrumental in Bruce becoming as successful as he was. I still remember the feeling when I heard he was gone.
I saw him live in 1978 at Madison Square Garden. It was the second best concert I ever saw (The Who in 1976 at MSG was the best) Springsteen and the E Street band were incredible.
Springsteen sound is BIG. It was built for stadiums even tho it was born in clubs. Credit Jimmy Iovine for some of that, Phil Spector for creating the wall of sound a few years earlier, and Bruce for recognizing the grandness of his vision and how to make it fit the largeness of the US experience. Spot on BJ, it sounds like “America.”
True story: at one point, the government of the State of New Jersey proposed making, “Born to Run” the state song. Immediately, most of us said, “you DO know the lyrics say, ‘it’s a death trap… it’s a suicide rap… we gotta get out while we’re young’ .” The irony runs thick in New Jersey 😉
@@billiondollarbaby3276 Richard Visotcky, along with colleagues Francis J. McManimon and Joseph V. Doria Jr., drafted Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 121. You’re right. I should have said, “unofficial.”
A lot of Springsteen's early songs have a "marching" beat. Always moving forward, gaining momentum, leading up to something. Many of his early songs were about escaping, getting out, getting to a better place and making a great effort to get there.
Well you are both right. The message of the song is 'Tramps like us baby we were born to run', but also 'I wanna die with you Wendy tonight in an everlasting kiss'. And yes, Springsteen does have the chutzpah to want to create the ultimate American rock'n'roll song, and show America to itself in his music.
This song drove me to the dance floor each time, drunk or not, tired or not. It's a real explosion of energy and even now my foot starts to shake again, like back then.
Early days Bruce, The Boss, Springsteen about as good a rocker is there ever was? The must reactions are Jungleland, Rosalita, Tenth Ave. Freeze Out, Badlands, Meeting Across The River,And Candy’s Room, among many more!
Epic Springsteen. Check out any of these songs, Jungleland, The River, The Promised Land, Thunder Road, Badlands, Darkness on the Edge of Town, Prove It All Night. The list is endless.
Born To Run to me expresess the restlessness of being a youth in America and the hope of a future better than what you may have grown up in. He throws in the struggle and realities of reaching that American Dream. It is an epic ode to getting away and succeeding for a better world, both indicidually and seperately.
He is called the Boss for a reason. Born and raised in New Jersey. He's 100% Blue collar and all in for the working men and women. He sings from the heart and soul. Listen to my home town.
If you love Sax, there's a documentary on Bruce's Saxophonist Clerance "Big Man" Clemons called "Who do I think I am" as far as music docs go, it's a gem. You get to see what a truly beautiful person Big Man was. As far as Sax goes, there's Clerance and Bobby Keys(the ruby lipped pride of Lubbock, Texas) in Rock and Roll. All the others are below them. Interestingly there's also a documentary on Bobby called "Every Nights a Saturday Night". It's also a fantastic music doc.
It's a song about a young couple - Bruce and Wendy (Wendy appears in several of his songs) trying to escape the town/ life they grew up in (the town 'rips the bones from your back') and run off to a better life. There's imagery about cars 'chrome wheel fuel injected' (cars are a frequent theme in his songs) and about dreams 'we ride through mansions of glory'. There's references to his home - 'beyond the Palace' and 'the amusement park rising bold and stark'- refers to the Palace Amusements which was an amusement park in Asbury Park, NJ - ( next door to where he grew up )- that used to be there, sadly now demolished. This song was his last chance to get anywhere in the music world. His first 2 albums didn't sell much and he was about to be dropped by his record label. Then he spent a few months writing this as a last roll of the dice. And has never looked back.
Pete, Asbury Park had developers come in with serious money about 10 to 12 years ago and turn the city around. The whole beach boardwalk is new with nice shops, many brand hotels and condos, the downtown is full shops, restaurants, boutiques and south, the stony pony is alive and well with a thriving music scene. It has gone through a massive facelift and is nicer than it was ever was.
This was Bruce's breakout song... his first big hit ... There is a story that the executives at his record label thought that Bruce Springsteen was a 'Folk/Country' artist ... He gave them this.... A New Jersey Folk /Country song....
It's what was once called the Wall of Sound, or a close copy...the Ronettes Be my Baby, the Crystal's He's a rebel and Da Doo Ron Ron are great examples
He's talking about the sense of being stuck in a small town, where you can't see any future for yourself with the options that are available to you. Convincing the girl that you love that you have to break out and go see what's out there in the wider world even though it's unknown and scary, but you'll have one another for the journey.
Loved it! I think Asia got the 'mythical' power of Bruce that comes through in their production style. As to what the song is about - 1 suggestion - basically its about not fitting in where you grew up, needing to escape. It paints a landscape of desolation and alienation. But they are a new generation, who see the cars/bikes in this urban space as a way out, metaphorically and literally. The lyrics describe what they're seeing and his desperation to get himself, and his love out, before they get stuck there forever. But he's telling this story like its this great, historic myth (like Homer or something), with booming music and powerful, poetic words. And it all ties in with this sort of 70s malaise, after all the potential of the 60s, when it felt like nothing had really changed.
Clarence Clemmons sax solo in "Jungleland" has been voted best ever! Even if you dont react to it, you need to listen to it. Basically put on the headphones, close your eyes and watch the movie.
So much Springsteen to hear. My favorite of his isn't as well known: "Youngstown," from his "Ghost of Tom Joad" album (1995). Also "Atlantic City" from "Nebraska" (1982).
This song came out in 1975 I believe. His style sounded very modern but retro at the same time. It’s a very vulnerable song if you listen to the lyrics
I spent my first 40 years of life in NJ. Growing up thru the 70's and early 80's Springsteen was a staple of life, not just a musician. Every song he sings you get immersed in the song with him. He was NJ.
The Big Man Clarence Clemons was not only a big part of The Estreet band but was Bruce's best Friend...please try.." 41 shots.."live in NY....think you kids would dig it.
The sax is one of his band members, Big Clarence, who was featured in most songs. He was amazing. This song was Bruce's introduction to the world and a HUGE hit. He was rough, and unpolished, just rock and roll to the core and sang his songs about real life. Not sappy love songs, just real life of the working class in NJ.
I like unpolished stuff too, but this isn't it. Born to Run was his third album, and there was nothing unpolished about it. It's one of most carefully and deliberately produced albums ever.
@@jimmcdonald4087 I didn't mean his songs were unpolished, I meant that his sound was unpolished.
There was nothing like hearing Clarence, live in concert! I miss my
Big Man!😥 Bruce would have been nothing without the E Street Band!
Fist time I saw them in concert the big man was still with them but getting old and moving pretty slow. Bruce himself helped Clarence walk up to his spot on stage...wasn't going to be anybody else doing that but Bruce. The next time I saw them Clarence was gone but they had a picture of him up and whole coliseum held a minute or so of silence for the big man.
The Big Man Clarence Clemens.
"Brilliant Disguise" is one of Springsteen's best written songs.
A terrific song about a relationship.
While I completely understand why you would say that...after all, he is one of the greatest lyricists of all time. However, for me, (though I love that and the rest of Tunnel of Love) I would never call it one of his best written songs. It's great, but there is so much greatness to be had, and he had such stellar moments in writing. If I were to pick a song in that stage of his writing, I would pick Streets of Philidelphia. "It's just you and I my friend. And my clothes don't fit me no more. I've walked a thousand miles just to skip this skin." It is penetrating yet haunting. You can't get much better lyrically than that. A lot of this comes down to taste. This is just my take on things. Respect.
@@the_wexie I agree that Streets of Philadelphia is right near the top.
Brilliant Disguise is a song that perfectly describes my former relationship with my ex, it resonates very true to my experience.
With such a large song catalog, everyone can find the song that's number one for them. 😊
@@athos1974 it's not just you. Brilliant Disguise is arguably his most sophisticated lyric, and I would argue is in a different league from Streets of Philadelphia, which is mid-tier Springsteen. IMHO.
My vote goes to brilliant disguise in this conversation . My fav springsteen song is I'm on Fire
@@ronpaul1082 I'm on Fire is a great song, though I find it a little too short. Wish Springsteen had put in another set of verses.
You guys are the bomb I'm a 65 year old retired semi white boy and I want you guys everyday. Y'all are the people that will take us into the next century with your kindness and insights to the music of my generation. I just want to extend my genuine things to you for doing what you're doing
Right there with you. They are touching many with their good vibes.
😎👍🥰
65 years old and don't know what color you are. Bruce isn't about what color you are he is about singing songs that every race can relate to. Come on chuckles the clown pull your head out
@@michaelmaguire9119 well you know what they say about opinions and body parts. Everybody has one!!! Chuckle chuckle 🤣
@@morganmcintosh7859 Morgan is that a mans name or womans ? Sounds like you have confusion issues identity separation issues. Don't no what color you are or gender ! A man named Morgan sounds rather dainty don't you think sugar britches
Asia & BJ, you'll love his "Rosalita", "Thunder Road" and "Jungleland" !!!
3 of my faves from the Boss too! (and Bad Lands too!)
All the above. Especially “Rosalita”.
Jungleland. The sax solo from the late Clarance Clemons is epic!
Atlantic city
Prove it all night
Fire
Yes, yes and yes to those song suggestions!!!!!
He doesn’t write songs, he writes ANTHEMS that everyone can relate to.
And this is an anthem to the Jersey Shore where he was born and grew up, Rt9, the amusement park etc
not everyone. every American. it has a distinct American flavor to it like John Mellencamp a d Bob Seger do
@@theccpisaparasite8813 Bruce is huge in Europe, especially the UK.
Well said.
Faktzzzzzzzz
Rosalita, Rosalital, Rosalita! One of the live versions from the mid-70s will capture the manic energy of the greatest live band in the history of Rock & Roll!
Yes,. Phoenix 1978. 👍
You should SO react to this song with the official video - it's filled with clips from his live performances and gives a glimpse of how exciting his concerts are! It's the best vibe ever. I've seen him 3 times - twice he went over 4 hours and once almost 5! No opening act for him, he plays the whole thing. It's one long, beautiful jam session.
💜💜😍😍😻😻
Agreed! I've seen him a number of times and it is an experience every time. They go on for over four hours and it still feels to short. Time flies in Bruce-land.
He said he wanted to write the greatest rock and roll song ever. He spent 6 months mixing this song, and was trying to pay homage to Phil Spector and his "Wall of Sound" mixing. One of the truly great American contributions to the history of rock and roll. I suggest you listen to The River next. EPIC!
Spot on. The “Wall of Sound” production is very evident. That’s exactly what they were trying to articulate. Had to check the comments to make sure it was said.
The E Street Band is just phenomenal. Saw Springsteen twice in the early 80's in LA. First time around they played for 4 hours. Good God, the energy was off che charts. Still best concert in my life by a long ways.
I’ve been listening to Bruce religiously for 40 years and BJ almost perfectly summarized WHY Bruce is an American treasure by asking, “Where do you go when you belong EVERYWHERE?”
Well done, sir.
"The highway's jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive!" What lyrics - Springsteen the poet laureate. Probably my favorite song ever. The power, passion, imagery, and musicality, and of course Clarence, the Big Man!
Bruuuce!!! He is indeed an American treasure and he’s done so many anthemic songs that capture something essential and deep.
It’s worth it to watch the music video of Bruce performing this song. The crowds alone will blow your minds. 😁❤️
He’s amazing in concert. There’s some great video of him live that worth the watch
Epic! The entire Born To Run album is excellent from start to finish -- "Thunder Road", "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out", "Night", "Backstreets", "Born to Run", "She's the One", "Meeting Across the River", "Jungleland" -- check out "Jungleland" if you wanna hear another epic sax solo. And the cover art to the album was so iconic back in the day that Sesame Street nicked it for their album Born to Add, with Bert as Bruce Springsteen and Cookie Monster as Clarence Clemons.
For my money, the best rock album ever.
Meeting Across the River is the opposite of the rest of the album but great!
Released in 1975 Them 70s ROCKED WELL
Gives me goosebumps each time.
This song is a carnival in its lyrics and music. Its passion never gets old!
Asbury Park, New Jersey. Bruce Springsteen is "The Boss", but the whole E Street Band are master class rockers. We lost Clarence "The Big Man" Clemons (saxophones) in 2011. His shoes were filled by his nephew Jake Clemons in 2012. Family chops.
Yeah, it was the title track of the album. WE were born to run, not just him. Amusement parks and highways and factories, all big themes of his, bc he’s straight out of Jersey, Jersey shore specifically.
Freehold
I was lucky enough to see the '78 tour in San Diego. Every song felt like this. No opening act, four hours wiith a twenty minute break in the middle. It ended with the Gary US Bonds song "Quarter to Three". All the house lights on, the entire audience dancing and Bruce danced of the stage.
Good Times.
A Jersey legend! He’s got a very blue collar Jersey style, and it’s recognizable. I second Jungleland or Thunder Road for the next one, but there’s so many ❤️
RIP Clarence, the Big Man
Clarence on Saxophone, was a machine! You hear him on sax, you fall in love with saxophone! Clarence was the man! Bruce was known as the Boss!
I am 66 years old and have been a fan since 1975. This particular song is what made me a fan. I thought it was profound and the best thing I had ever heard!! I saw him in concert in Charlotte NC the first time in 1978 and he played over 4 hours!! I have seen him many times since then. I have taken all of my kids as well as my grandson. Still a fan today and love the new cover album Only the Strong Survive !!
I love so many of his songs but my very favorite is Jungleland. (I want it played at my funeral)
So happy to see young people discovering him for the first !time.
That soulful energy is a collaborative creative product of Bruce and his E Street band ensemble of great musicians.
Bruce's writing is very poetic. He evokes images and emotions with simple brush strokes and writes incredible melodies. You'll want to check out Jungleland off the same album. The ultimate urban jungle rock song.
It's a great song about Bruce wanting to escape his blue collar beginnings in New Jersey and head off in search of something better. The romance of being on the road, on a powerful chrome-wheeled motorbike with his girl Wendy on the back, leaving behind the many sites that had been his young life - the cold and stark amusement park etc.
He accepts that he is someone who won't get things handed to him and will have to chase the American dream, but ends on a hopeful note that if they keep looking they'll get to the place they really want to go.
Glad you enjoyed - he's pure Americana. It was his third album and he'd begun by then to see the possibilities that might open for him and the band - they had a lot of local success with his debut and follow-up second album and were getting appreciated outside NJ and the USA. This album sent him into the stratosphere.
Bruce is a weaver of such visual stories, so helps to have the lyrics up while you're listening.
Exactly the same theme has been explored by many artists; a more poignant take on this is Tracie Chapman "Fast Car" - you'd definitely need the lyrics for that..
Thanks for
The word you are looking for is epic. His music is epic. Just a huge tight sound. 3 to 4 guitars, bass, keyboard, piano, sax, drums just killing it. Best live performer I have ever seen hands down.
Clarence Clemons was his saxophonist. Known as The Big Man. Heresy Rock at it's finest!
Your insight is incredible
I'm from Barcelona, Spain. The first concert I went to (I was 14 yo) was Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band at the Olympic Stadium. It was mind-blowing!! The way they perform live and the whole show was EPIC. He's also an amazing songwriter and Brilliant Disguise is one of my favourite songs of all times.
Check out the 'live' version of this video. Always gives me goosebumps.
I graduated in1980 and this song, Friday on MY Mind and a man named Murry SAUL came on the radio. And me and all my friends would meet and have beers and whatever else to bring in the weekend.6 O CLOCK every Friday on WMMS IN Cleveland, Ohio. It was a tradition. Murry was called the get down man and he would have a speech every Friday to bring in the weekend. The best times of my life.
Great Reaction! There are other masterpieces on that album. The big hits include Thunder Road and Jungleland. A hidden gem is the song Meeting Across the river. All are awesome. Thanks!
I saw how much Asia liked that sax in this song , well then you two must listen to “Jungleland” by Bruce you will absolutely love it !!!! it’s a tour de force and the saxophone solo is the greatest in all of rock music
Oh yeah--the sax bridge in Jungle Land--goosebumps.
Thunder Road, Jungleland, Dancing in the Dark, Ghost of Tom Joad are all awesome.
"Born in the USA" was about how hard it was to return to his home country after fighting in Vietnam. This song is a love song. It's about taking the one he cares about (Wendy), and running off to another place to find everlasting happiness together.
Nope. Bruce did not go to Vietnam. The song is about yearning for more than what you get living in your ole boring hometown. This town is a deathtrap, a suicide rap, we have to get out while we are young, cause tramps like us baby,,, we're Born to Run.
@@steveperkins8748 Bruce did not go to Vietnam but born in the USA is about somebody coming back from fighting on the USA and not being able to get a job - is a protest song.
Unfortunately it doesn't always work out that way. 😭
His music is like an adventure. Love Bruce!! ✌
Of course I saw Bruce Springsteen live. I saw the Born in the USA tour at the LA Coliseum and then I saw the Tunnel of Love tour at the Los Angeles sports Arena two of the most amazing nights of my life the music was great and the people in attendance were amazing… every walk of life was in the audience…
Great anthem is this song. Bruce Springsteen puts on a great concert over 3 hours. HE has so many great songs. even ones that aren't popular. He wrote about the every day man.
The legendary E Street Band, the masters of "wall of sound". Springsteen live aint just a concert, its an exhausting, emotional journey that continues rocking for 3-4 hours almost non stop.
Brilliant lyrics that fit the music. Starts at warp speed and doesn't let you go. Epic song.
From the amazing Springsteen songbook this is my personal favorite. Epic song!
Clarence (rip), was killer on sax! Bruce was a great story teller….feel like I was back in Jersey….
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are master class in rock performance. Their concerts are masterful. No band will ever do it better. See them while you can.
The album was released the year I graduated high school---I loved the whole album on first listen. Yes, he wrote anthems, and he was Jersey Shore; I was Long Island, and he sung to me.
Bruce sings about life. Here we are living out growing up with cars and girls. It makes your hear beat faster just to hear it.
Another rock music legend with hits for miles...
Alot of his songs are about being young and growing up in Jersey.
You should check out "Racing in the Street", "10th Avenue Freeze Out" and "The River".
that's unfortunate in that as a New Yorker we flush the toilets because we know New Jersey needs the water!
Yet you all rush down the shore to swim in it
Such a powerful song of struggling and love. So beautiful.
The words that come to mind are: bold, epic, operatic. Loved it when it was released still do. Have a listen to Jungleland the sax solo makes grown men weep.
Springsteen has dozens of famous songs and a catalogue of over 300 songs which was just purchased for $550 million. I strongly recommend you react to the many concert video versions of these songs. Springsteen is famous for his concerts. You have to see Bruce and his E Street Band perform these songs to understand why they are so revered all over the world.
What a bombastic juggernaut of Americana, this song is!! 🔥🔥🔥
The tragedy of teenage angst, that need to escape the trappings of the insular hometown, the male teen bravado on suicide machines, and that feeling of having everyone else all figured out, but still searching for yourself, knowing only one thing for sure, the invincible feeling he has with Wendy by his side, both scared and desperate, together lost in love and running blind straight into the fire and fury of whatever the night has to offer.
Such powerful imagery delivered with over the top reckless passion burning up with that sax and the full throttle drums!
To me, this is every bit the American anthem “Born In The USA” wishes it could be. This is the real deal right here, and they give it all they got to ensure everyone knows they mean every word and note of it.
ASIA & BJ💞💞 Love watching you guys!!! Thankyou for sharing yourselves with us all. FOE❤
Me at 19, driving the fam station wagon home from college to babysit my brothers. BTR hits the radio. Doing a U-turn across six lanes, parking in no-park zone, running into the record store, yelling "It's called Born to Run!!" The record guy points, I buy and race home. It's on the player in my bedroom for one minute and one of my brothers bounces into my room. "OMG, Who IS THIS?!" Forty-five years of concerts for both of us. I still have that album cover framed in my house. Thanks for reacting. (Also, wait til you see the live video.)
This Song embodies the feeling of Love and the feeling of FREEDOM..A true Legend..!!..Love your reactions as always!!
Bruce talks about the title in his book by the same title, ‘Born To Run’. He thinks he may have seen it on a car, or something…and he knew he was onto something. Took him six months to write it and it’s EPIC B
Love the SAX! He also played sax for Lady Gaga, before he passed away. Brilliant musician 🩷
I love how much fun they're having doing their shows
his records are PALE examples of his live shows. I went to the concert tour of his album "The River" because a friend didn't want to go alone....i didnt care for his music i had heard on the radio. The next day i bought every recording he had. i danced for 3 1/2 hours at that concert. i have been to over a 100 concerts and that one was... by so far the best... the second best is not worth the mention. the greatest artistic expression of the joy of being alive i have ever seen.
As good as Bruce was, Clarence Clemons, is the SPINE of so many of Bruce's greatest songs. Even when he's not doing a solo, his sax is creating a ground floor for the rhythm to penetrate your heart. In this song, it's Bruce's passion coupled with Clemons soulful sax that blends PERFECTLY to produce a timeless classic that NEVER seems to get old.
The Live Video of this song shows just how much FUN their concerts were. RIP CLARENCE CLEMENS. SAX PLAYER AND BAND TEAM MEMBER 🕊💙🕊
And the saxist, Clarence Clemons, was most awesome in his own right. Awesome music! ✌
There was never anyone else like The Big Man. Such a great player, and Bruce's right hand man. More than any other member of the band, Clarence was instrumental in Bruce becoming as successful as he was. I still remember the feeling when I heard he was gone.
I saw him live in 1978 at Madison Square Garden. It was the second best concert I ever saw (The Who in 1976 at MSG was the best) Springsteen and the E Street band were incredible.
Springsteen sound is BIG. It was built for stadiums even tho it was born in clubs. Credit Jimmy Iovine for some of that, Phil Spector for creating the wall of sound a few years earlier, and Bruce for recognizing the grandness of his vision and how to make it fit the largeness of the US experience. Spot on BJ, it sounds like “America.”
4.5 hour long concert in Buffalo Ny. One of the greatest!!
Thunder Road is another great song off the same album. Known for not having a true chorus. But, a song that is Bruce at his best storytelling.
The two of you are like an endless fountain of great music.
True story: at one point, the government of the State of New Jersey proposed making, “Born to Run” the state song. Immediately, most of us said, “you DO know the lyrics say, ‘it’s a death trap… it’s a suicide rap… we gotta get out while we’re young’ .” The irony runs thick in New Jersey 😉
Thats not what happened. Their was a petition brought up to them and they shot it down immediately in 1981
@@billiondollarbaby3276 Richard Visotcky, along with colleagues Francis J. McManimon and Joseph V. Doria Jr., drafted Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 121. You’re right. I should have said, “unofficial.”
You know why New Yorkers are generally known as jerks right? Because the light at the end of their tunnel is New Jersey!
A lot of Springsteen's early songs have a "marching" beat. Always moving forward, gaining momentum, leading up to something. Many of his early songs were about escaping, getting out, getting to a better place and making a great effort to get there.
"glory days * " I'm on fire ". My 2 favourites of his
Well you are both right. The message of the song is 'Tramps like us baby we were born to run', but also 'I wanna die with you Wendy tonight in an everlasting kiss'. And yes, Springsteen does have the chutzpah to want to create the ultimate American rock'n'roll song, and show America to itself in his music.
This song drove me to the dance floor each time, drunk or not, tired or not. It's a real explosion of energy and even now my foot starts to shake again, like back then.
Early days Bruce, The Boss, Springsteen about as good a rocker is there ever was? The must reactions are Jungleland, Rosalita, Tenth Ave. Freeze Out, Badlands, Meeting Across The River,And Candy’s Room, among many more!
Epic Springsteen. Check out any of these songs, Jungleland, The River, The Promised Land, Thunder Road, Badlands, Darkness on the Edge of Town, Prove It All Night. The list is endless.
As BJ expressed. Bruce along with MJ, Elvis, Prince are all great representation s of American music ❤️❤️❤️
Born To Run to me expresess the restlessness of being a youth in America and the hope of a future better than what you may have grown up in. He throws in the struggle and realities of reaching that American Dream. It is an epic ode to getting away and succeeding for a better world, both indicidually and seperately.
He is called the Boss for a reason. Born and raised in New Jersey. He's 100% Blue collar and all in for the working men and women. He sings from the heart and soul. Listen to my home town.
JUNGLELAND from this same album is amazing.
If you love Sax, there's a documentary on Bruce's Saxophonist Clerance "Big Man" Clemons called "Who do I think I am" as far as music docs go, it's a gem. You get to see what a truly beautiful person Big Man was. As far as Sax goes, there's Clerance and Bobby Keys(the ruby lipped pride of Lubbock, Texas) in Rock and Roll. All the others are below them. Interestingly there's also a documentary on Bobby called "Every Nights a Saturday Night". It's also a fantastic music doc.
Oh no, the reaction to this song needed to be the LIVE version for sure.
This album was the soundtrack of my Senior year in high school! Never gets old.
Awe,the live version is way more fun,with Bruce and Clarence Clemons having tons of fun.
You need to watch this live.
👍👍👍👍
The lyrics to this song were actually in my high school poetry book. Great song!
It's a song about a young couple - Bruce and Wendy (Wendy appears in several of his songs) trying to escape the town/ life they grew up in (the town 'rips the bones from your back') and run off to a better life. There's imagery about cars 'chrome wheel fuel injected' (cars are a frequent theme in his songs) and about dreams 'we ride through mansions of glory'. There's references to his home - 'beyond the Palace' and 'the amusement park rising bold and stark'- refers to the Palace Amusements which was an amusement park in Asbury Park, NJ - ( next door to where he grew up )- that used to be there, sadly now demolished.
This song was his last chance to get anywhere in the music world. His first 2 albums didn't sell much and he was about to be dropped by his record label. Then he spent a few months writing this as a last roll of the dice. And has never looked back.
Pete, Asbury Park had developers come in with serious money about 10 to 12 years ago and turn the city around. The whole beach boardwalk is new with nice shops, many brand hotels and condos, the downtown is full shops, restaurants, boutiques and south, the stony pony is alive and well with a thriving music scene. It has gone through a massive facelift and is nicer than it was ever was.
This was Bruce's breakout song... his first big hit ...
There is a story that the executives at his record label thought that Bruce Springsteen was a 'Folk/Country' artist ...
He gave them this.... A New Jersey Folk /Country song....
It's what was once called the Wall of Sound, or a close copy...the Ronettes Be my Baby, the Crystal's He's a rebel and Da Doo Ron Ron are great examples
He's talking about the sense of being stuck in a small town, where you can't see any future for yourself with the options that are available to you. Convincing the girl that you love that you have to break out and go see what's out there in the wider world even though it's unknown and scary, but you'll have one another for the journey.
Loved it! I think Asia got the 'mythical' power of Bruce that comes through in their production style.
As to what the song is about - 1 suggestion - basically its about not fitting in where you grew up, needing to escape. It paints a landscape of desolation and alienation. But they are a new generation, who see the cars/bikes in this urban space as a way out, metaphorically and literally. The lyrics describe what they're seeing and his desperation to get himself, and his love out, before they get stuck there forever. But he's telling this story like its this great, historic myth (like Homer or something), with booming music and powerful, poetic words. And it all ties in with this sort of 70s malaise, after all the potential of the 60s, when it felt like nothing had really changed.
Clarence Clemmons sax solo in "Jungleland" has been voted best ever! Even if you dont react to it, you need to listen to it. Basically put on the headphones, close your eyes and watch the movie.
The greatest love performer period
This was about his experiences growing up down the Jersey Shore, cars racing down Rt9, the beach, amusement parks, the whole scene.
So much Springsteen to hear. My favorite of his isn't as well known: "Youngstown," from his "Ghost of Tom Joad" album (1995). Also "Atlantic City" from "Nebraska" (1982).
"Born in the USA" was a song very critical of America. It's not "pride" that he does. It's "reality."
This is the song in concert where he puts the lights on in the whole arena and shares the songs with the fans.
Thunder Road is another great Springsteen song
This song came out in 1975 I believe. His style sounded very modern but retro at the same time. It’s a very vulnerable song if you listen to the lyrics
Live version official video is a must!☮️❤️😎
I spent my first 40 years of life in NJ. Growing up thru the 70's and early 80's Springsteen was a staple of life, not just a musician. Every song he sings you get immersed in the song with him. He was NJ.
Jungleland, thunder road, promised Land there's so many songs that tell you a story. Put to music as only THE BOSS can do
The Big Man Clarence Clemons was not only a big part of The Estreet band but was Bruce's best Friend...please try.." 41 shots.."live in NY....think you kids would dig it.
Everyone fell in love with Bruce after Born To Run. 😁❤️