Bruce Springsteen
Born to Run

"I wanted to make a record that would sound like Phil Spector. I wanted to write words like Dylan. I wanted my guitar to sound like Duane Eddy". I hated it. I couldn't stand to listen to it. I thought it was the worst piece of garbage I had ever heard. I told Columbia I wouldn't release it. I told 'em I'd just go to the Bottom Line and do all the new songs and make it a live album".

Springsteen's third album, Born to Run, was released in August 1975. His stock at Columbia had fallen considerably after the poor reception for his first two releases. His situation with Columbia was comparable to his lament to "Eddie" on one of the album's tracks (Meeting Across the River), "the word's been passed, this is our last chance." Springsteen resisted releasing the album, never being able to feel that it was finished. His new producer, John Landau, forced the issue telling him "You're not supposed to like it. You think Chuck Berry sits around listening to Maybelline? And when he does hear it, don't you think he wishes a few things could be changed. Get the album out!" Born to Run was released and became one of the top albums in rock history. Springsteen had arrived. His picture graced the covers of Time and Newsweek Magazines, both in the same week.

Thunder RoadBorn to Run
Tenth Avenue Freeze-out
Night
Backstreets
Born to Run
She's the One
Meeting Across the River
Jungleland

Click on Underlined songs to see the lyrics only. For songs that are not underlined, click "Next Page" for individual lyrics and comments.
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West Chester University
History 650
Seminar in 20th Century
American Popular Culture
Dr. Charles Hardy
Fall 2003
Joseph O'Brien