Incident on 57th Street
Again we see the images of street life and street people, as Springsteen sings about "Spanish" Johnny (a junkie) and "Puerto-Rican" Jane (a prostitute), a relationship that seems destined to fail, as Johnny is pulled between Jane and the "easy money" he can make tonight. Springsteen has several songs that address the "street life" and the quest of its characters for the "big score." Again, he examines the issue by looking at its impact on "relationships," (hearts these days are cheap) as there is usually a woman in the background who influences the choices, though not always in a positive way.
CLICK TO PLAY SONG
Spanish Johnny drove in from the underworld last night
With bruised arms and broken rhythm in a beat-up old Buick
But dressed just like dynamite
He tried sellin' his heart to the hard girls over on Easy Street
But they sighed "Johnny it falls apart so easy
And you know hearts these days are cheap"
And the pimps swung their axes and said
"Johnny you're a cheater."
Well the pimps swung their axes and said
"Johnny you're a liar"
And from out of the shadows came a young girl's voice
Said: "Johnny don't cry"
Puerto Rican Jane, oh won't you tell me what's your name.
I want to drive you down to the other side of town
Where paradise ain't so crowded,
There'll be action goin' down on Shanty Lane tonight
All them golden-heeled fairies in a real bitch fight
Pull .38s and kiss the girls good night
Oh good night, it's alright Jane
Now let them black boys in to light the soul flame
We may find it out on the street tonight baby
Or we may walk until the daylight maybe
Well like a cool Romeo he made his moves,
Oh she looked so fine
Like a late Juliet she knew he'd never be true
But then she really didn't mind
Upstairs a band was playin',
The singer was singin' something about goin' home
She whispered, "Spanish Johnny, you can leave me tonight
But just don't leave me alone"
And Johnny cried "Puerto Rican Jane,
Word is down the cops have found the vein"
Oh them barefoot boys left their homes for the woods
Them little barefoot street boys they say homes ain't no good
They left the corners, threw away all their switchblade knives
And kissed each other good-bye
Johnny was sittin' on the fire escape
Watchin' the kids playin' down the street
He called down "Hey little heroes, summer's long
But I guess it ain't very sweet around here anymore"
Janey sleeps in sheets damp with sweat,
Johnny sits up alone and watches her dream on, dream on
And the sister prays for lost souls,
Then breaks down in the chapel after everyone's gone
Jane moves over to share her pillow but opens her eyes
To see Johnny up and putting his clothes on
She says "Those romantic young boys
All they ever want to do is fight"
Those romantic young boys
They're callin' through the window
"Hey Spanish Johnny, you want to make a little easy money tonight?"
And Johnny whispered:
Good night, it's all tight Jane
I'll meet you tomorrow night on Lover's Lane
We may find it out on the street tonight baby
Or we may walk until the daylight maybe
