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Thursday, January 29, 2026
The Boss Speaks For Me
He names names, too.
Lyrics at the link.
You know, I've described myself as sort of a lapsed Springsteen fan for a while now, but the above is the kind of thing that made me a fan in the first place.
While it's not "Ohio" it IS something. Political Bruce is always good Bruce. Now, let's use this to inspire action against these authoritarian traitors.
Ditto to all above comments. This is solid. And let's not forget long lineage of protest songs. Ohio, Chicago, Volunteers etc...as dutiful readers have posted. Couple of My Faves: Nina Simone: The King of Love is Dead (Live) MLK Bob Dylan: George Jackson
I am in no way a lapsed Springsteen fan. Not even close. Yeah, I'm one of those people. Musically, it's not "Incident on 57th Street", but it doesn't need to be. Lyrically, it definitely gets the job done. Naming both the heroes and the villains is incredibly effective, and he, like Billy Bragg, deserves kudos for doing this. We need more and more artists to take up the banner, as well. Two enthusiastic thumbs up.
While it's not "Ohio" it IS something. Political Bruce is always good Bruce. Now, let's use this to inspire action against these authoritarian traitors.
ReplyDeleteNo argument. I, too, admit to Boss fatigue in recent years. But this is powerful stuff. Memories of Kent State resound.
ReplyDeleteDitto to all above comments. This is solid. And let's not forget long lineage of protest songs. Ohio, Chicago, Volunteers etc...as dutiful readers have posted. Couple of My Faves:
ReplyDeleteNina Simone: The King of Love is Dead (Live) MLK
Bob Dylan: George Jackson
Great as a protest statement. Boring as a musical statement.
ReplyDeleteI’m not trying to be a wise guy it’s just how I feel. I’ve listened three times now but I can’t make it to the end without getting bored.
Captain Al
Dude -- it's a great sounding record. If there was still a radio universe like there was in the early 70s, it would have been as big a hit as "Ohio."
DeleteI am in no way a lapsed Springsteen fan. Not even close. Yeah, I'm one of those people. Musically, it's not "Incident on 57th Street", but it doesn't need to be. Lyrically, it definitely gets the job done. Naming both the heroes and the villains is incredibly effective, and he, like Billy Bragg, deserves kudos for doing this. We need more and more artists to take up the banner, as well. Two enthusiastic thumbs up.
ReplyDeleteBravo!
DeleteGreat song!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely picked up my spirits
ReplyDelete