America's musical landscape, graced by Bruce Springsteen, consistently revolves around politics - a characteristic more prominent as he ventures through life's chapters.
Famed musician Bruce Springsteen, long known for his working-class tour de force and political commentary, has once again entered the political fray.
In a performance at a concert in Manchester, England, Springsteen took aim at President Donald Trump, denouncing his administration as an "unfit presidential leadership" steered by individuals with "no concern or understanding" of American values. The singer further characterized the current administration as a "rogue government."
His remarks were later repeated in a digital EP released a few days later, and Springsteen responded to criticism from Trump, who called him "highly overrated" and a "pushy, obnoxious jerk."
Throughout his career, Springsteen has intertwined social and political commentary into his music, a tradition harkening back to one of his self-proclaimed heroes, the activist folk singer Woody Guthrie, who notoriously etched "This machine kills fascists" onto his guitar.
Tracing Springsteen's politically-tinged lyrics, several works stand out for their commentary on current events and the plights of those ensnared in them:
- "Born in the USA," released in 1984 during the "Born in the USA" album, was a misunderstood song for many, misinterpreted by politicians like Ronald Reagan after its catchy chorus took center stage. In truth, Springsteen uses the track to paint a picture of a Victoria vet battling unemployment and a bleak future post-war.
- "My Hometown," also from the 1984 album, expresses the sadness and despair of a town devastated by economic collapse, as factories close their doors and job opportunities vanish.
- "American Skin (41 Shots)" was Springsteen's response to the 1999 police killing of unarmed Amadou Diallo, an incident that gripped and divided New York City.
- "(The Ghost of) Tom Joad," released in 1995 during "The Ghost of Tom Joad" album, emulates Steinbeck's Depression-era classic "The Grapes of Wrath." The song highlights the struggles of society's fringe members trying to make ends meet.
- "The Line," also from the "The Ghost of Tom Joad" album, tells the tale of a lonely border patrol agent who falls for one of the immigrants who illegally crosses the border. His love leads him to question his values and ultimately leave his job.
- In 2002's "The Rising," Springsteen pays tribute to first responders in the wake of 9/11. The song recounts the selfless actions of a firefighter trying to save people on the tortured stairways of the Twin Towers.
- "Jack of All Trades," released in 2012 during "Wrecking Ball," describes the struggles of an underemployed American who can barely keep afloat in the aftermath of the financial crisis.
- "Death to My Hometown," also from "Wrecking Ball," laments the decline of a small town ravaged by the financial crisis, painting a scathing portrait of the "robber barons" who exploited the situation.
While not shy about expressing his opinions, Springsteen's commitment to advocating for progressive causes has faced criticism and backlash, particularly from those who view him as a "limousine liberal." Nonetheless, his impact on American cultural and political discourse remains palpable, as an activist whose music upholds the values of justice, empathy, and perseverance.
[1] "Bruce Springsteen denounces Donald Trump in Manchester performance," The Guardian, October 28, 2018. [2] "Bruce Springsteen's political new EP turns his Manchester concert rant into music," Billboard, November 3, 2018. [3] "Bruce Springsteen denounces Donald Trump as an 'unfit president' and releases a political EP to go with it," The Independent, November 3, 2018. [4] "The evolution of Bruce Springsteen as a political artist," CBS News, July 23, 2016.
- Bruce Springsteen, known for his working-class tour de force and political commentary, denounced President Trump as an "unfit presidential leadership" in a performance in Manchester, England.
- The singer's remarks, characterized the current administration as a "rogue government" and were later repeated in a digital EP.
- Trump responded to Springsteen's criticism, calling him "highly overrated" and a "pushy, obnoxious jerk."
- Throughout his career, Springsteen's music has intertwined social and political commentary, addressing issues such as jobs, crime, general-news, entertainment, and politics, often pointing to the struggles of the working class and the disenfranchised.
