Bruce Springsteen – Born in the U.S.A.

About the song

Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.,” released in 1984 as the title track of his seventh studio album, resonates as a powerful anthem of its time. With its upbeat rock tempo and Springsteen’s emotive vocals, the song tackles themes of patriotism and the challenges faced by American working-class communities. Its chorus, filled with raw energy, captures a sense of national pride intertwined with disillusionment. The lyrics delve into the struggles of Vietnam War veterans, highlighting the disconnect between their sacrifices and societal reception upon return.

Springsteen’s narrative prowess shines through in “Born in the U.S.A.,” reflecting on the complexities of American identity and the impact of national policies on its citizens. The song’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to provoke introspection about societal values and the American Dream. As a cultural touchstone, it continues to inspire discussions on the role of music in reflecting and shaping national consciousness. “Born in the U.S.A.” stands not only as a musical triumph but also as a poignant commentary on the challenges and aspirations of the American spirit.

Video

Lyrics

Born down in a dead man’s town
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground
You end up like a dog that’s been beat too much
‘Til you spend half your life just coverin’ up

Born in the U.S.A
I was born in the U.S.A
I was born in the U.S.A
Born in the U.S.A

Got in a little hometown jam
So they put a rifle in my hand
Sent me off to a foreign land
To go and kill the yellow man

Born in the U.S.A
I was born in the U.S.A
I was born in the U.S.A
I was born in the U.S.A

Come back home to the refinery
Hiring man says, “Son if it was up to me”
Went down to see my V.A. man
He said, “Son, don’t you understand”

I had a brother at Khe Sanh
Fighting off the Viet Cong
They’re still there, he’s all gone
He had a woman he loved in Saigon
I got a picture of him in her arms now

Down in the shadow of the penitentiary
Out by the gas fires of the refinery
I’m ten years burning down the road
Nowhere to run ain’t got nowhere to go

Born in the U.S.A
I was born in the U.S.A. now
Born in the U.S.A
I’m a long gone Daddy in the U.S.A. now
Born in the U.S.A
Born in the U.S.A
Born in the U.S.A
I’m a cool rockin’ Daddy in the U.S.A. now