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

Born in the U.S.A. Lyrics Video Song on Youtube

Born in the U.S.A. Lyrics

Start of the Lyrics

[Verse 1]
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
Till you spend half your life just covering up, now

[Chorus]
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. now

[Verse 2]
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

[Chorus]
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.

[Verse 3]
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”

[Verse 4]
I had a brother at Khe Sanh
Fighting off them 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

[Verse 5]
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

[Chorus]
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 rocking Daddy in the U.S.A. now

Born in the U.S.A. Lyrics Credit Details

Song Title – “Born in the U.S.A.”
Film/Album – Born in the U.S.A. (1984)
Produced By – Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin & Little Steven
Written By – Bruce Springsteen
Recording Engineer – Toby W. Scott
Mixed At – The Power Station, New York, NY
Recorded At – The Power Station, New York, NY & The Hit Factory (New York City)
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Bruce Springsteen
Distributor – Sony Music Entertainment
Record Label – Columbia Records
Design – Andrea Klein
Art Direction – Andrea Klein
Photography – Annie Leibovitz
Guitar – Bruce Springsteen
Assistant Engineer – Billy Straus, Bruce Lampcov, Jeff Hendrickson & Zoë Yanakis
Label – Columbia Records
Mastering Engineer – Bob Ludwig
Mixing Engineer – Bob Clearmountain
Synthesizer – Roy Bittan
Percussion – Clarence Clemons
Saxophone – Clarence Clemons
Glockenspiel – Danny Federici
Organ – Danny Federici
Background Vocals – Roy Bittan, Clarence Clemons, Max Weinberg & Garry Tallent
Bass – Garry Tallent
Acoustic Guitar – Little Steven
Mandolin – Little Steven
Harmony Vocals – Little Steven
Drums – Max Weinberg
Piano – Danny Federici
Recorded At – The Power Station
Release Date – June 4, 1984

Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA”: An Anthem of Resilience and Misinterpretation

Bruce Springsteen’s iconic song “Born in the USA” has remained a cornerstone of American rock music since its release in 1984. With its catchy melody and powerful lyrics, the song has captivated audiences worldwide. However, a closer examination of the lyrics reveals a deeper message than what may initially meet the ear. In this article, we delve into the rich layers of “Born in the USA,” exploring its themes of resilience, the human cost of war, and the misinterpretation it has often faced.

Verse 1: The Illusion of Prosperity:
“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
Till you spend half your life just covering up”

The opening verses of “Born in the USA” depict the harsh reality of growing up in a working-class environment. Springsteen paints a vivid picture of a struggling protagonist, born into a world that offers little hope or opportunity. The reference to being “born in a dead man’s town” signifies the economic decline of many American manufacturing centers during the time. The lyrics reflect the frustration and disillusionment felt by the blue-collar workers who were struggling to make ends meet.

Chorus: The Paradox of Patriotism:
“Born in the USA
I was born in the USA
I was born in the USA
Born in the USA”

The chorus of “Born in the USA” is often misinterpreted as a patriotic anthem due to its catchy and repetitive nature. However, Springsteen cleverly uses irony to subvert the traditional notion of blind patriotism. While the chorus repeats the phrase “Born in the USA” proudly, the verses that follow reveal the stark contrast between the protagonist’s experience and the rosy image of America projected by those in power. The song highlights the tension between blind allegiance to one’s country and the struggle for a better life within that very same nation.

Verse 2: The Brutal Cost of War:
“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”

In the second verse, Springsteen tackles the impact of the Vietnam War on young Americans. He tells the story of a young man who, faced with limited opportunities, is conscripted into the military and sent to fight in an unfamiliar land. The line “To go and kill the yellow man” challenges the dehumanization of the enemy and questions the moral implications of war. Springsteen uses this verse to shed light on the profound consequences war has on those who serve, both physically and mentally.

Verse 3: Resilience and the Struggle for Redemption:
“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 now?'”

The third verse of “Born in the USA” explores the difficulties faced by veterans upon returning home. The protagonist, disillusioned and broken, seeks solace and redemption but is met with further disappointment. The lyrics touch upon the challenges of finding employment and accessing proper healthcare services for veterans. Through these lines, Springsteen highlights the struggles faced by those who sacrificed for their country and the broken promises they often encounter.

Conclusion

Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” is a multi-layered anthem that addresses themes of resilience, disillusionment, and the cost of war. While its energetic music and seemingly patriotic chorus may have led to widespread misinterpretation, a deeper analysis reveals Springsteen’s critique of the

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