Bruce Springsteen’s religious stance has always been a little murky to me, though his recent comments suggest that it’s hard to shake off those early experiences with Catholicism. Bruce’s currently thoughts on The Almighty(tm) aside, “Rocky Ground” at the very least suggests that the man’s spirituality infuses a deep sense of empathy into his conception of right, wrong, and what that means for society.
Springsteen’s views on economic injustice, as expressed on the majority of Wrecking Ball‘s songs, are quite clear and are brought into even sharper focus on “Rocky Ground.” Coming along for the ride are Bruce’s love of soul and gospel music. And you can extend those genres out into modern hip hop as well. Employing samples from Alan Lomax’s field recording of “I’m A Soldier In The Army Of The Lord,” as well as a soaring choir and a short rap segment written by Springsteen but delivered by Michelle Moore, this track shows Bruce taking advantage of and expanding on his love of soul and gospel musics.
On first listen, I just knew that “Rocky Ground” would have a polarizing effect among the fan base. Sure enough, it has been described as both the best and worst song that Wrecking Ball has to offer. Me, I’ve been totally diggin’ it. It shows an artist who is fearlessly bringing his current influences to the fore. Isn’t that what great art is all about?
You use your muscle and your mind and you pray your best
That your best is good enough, the Lord will do the rest
You raise your children and you teach ‘them to walk straight and sure
You pray that hard times, hard times, come no more
You try to sleep, you toss and turn, the bottom’s dropping out
Where you once had faith now there’s only doubt
You pray for guidance, only silence now meets your prayers
The morning breaks, you awake but no one’s there
Video courtesy of Gina Giambone
Next up: Land Of Hope And Dreams
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The only other Wrecking Ball track I’ve heard is “We Take Care of Our Own,” so I can’t debate where it falls in comparison to all of the album’s songs, but I agree with you that “Rocky Ground” is worthy of repeat plays. Two additional thoughts: I like the rap’s allusion to Stephen Foster’s “Hard Times Come Again No More” (a staple tune during Bruce’s “Working on a Dream” tour). Also, i can’t seem to help hearing an echo of “Iraqi ground” in the title phrase (particularly against the “I’m a Soldier” backdrop). Think there’s anything to that?
you know, it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s something behind your last point. Springsteen puts a lot of thought behind even the simplest lyric…which appears to be something the haters of this record can’t “get”.