I’ve got to admit that I can’t really imagine living in the circumstances portrayed in “Black Cowboys.” While I’ve known people who’ve had to deal with such things (including my own sister), the idea of living with the constant pressure of stray bullets and wasted lives? You May Also Like:Read More

At first listen, this sounded like the Devils & Dust odd man out. The chorus is definitely something of an outlier with its sing-song, uplifting notes. I suppose you could say that the underlying story is uplifting as well, certainly when compared with the rest of the album. You MayRead More

You know, forget the “controversy.” Sure, Starbucks didn’t want to carry Devils and Dust because of this song’s “explicit” lyrics. Well, good for them. I don’t buy their stuff anyway. I tell you though, sometimes it feels like this country will never grow up. You May Also Like: No relatedRead More

The story is that Bruce wrote “All The Way Home” for his friend Southside Johnny, who released it on his Better Days album in 1991. Many years later, a Springsteen version shows up on Devils & Dust. You May Also Like: Reevaluating Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Wild, the Innocent and theRead More

When Devils & Dust was released, I was in the middle of a vacation. Late at night, sitting in a big comfy chair at our hotel, I sipped a glass of scotch while I listened. You May Also Like: No related posts.

Written for the decay and subsequent revival of Asbury Park, “My City Of Ruins” has taken on many other roles since its release. For my money, the most moving and powerful context that Springsteen placed it in began with the gospel and horn-drenched unveiling at that legendary Apollo Theater show.Read More

I remember thinking that “Paradise,” written from the point of view of a suicide bomber, was simultaneously haunting and touching. You May Also Like: No related posts.

There are points during nearly all concerts where the emotions and internal language of the music can take over to express something that’s out of the grasp of mere words. You May Also Like: Reevaluating Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle’

When The Rising first came out, the meaning of the songs of pure loss — Empty Sky and You’re Missing in particular — could only come out of the context of the events of 9/11. Though you might be able to take the story of You’re Missing and apply itRead More

Dropping “Waitin’ On A Sunny Day” from consideration, “Mary’s Place” is the worst song Bruce has done since … oh, take your pick You May Also Like: Reevaluating Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle’