Dan, you brighten the darkest day. I admire you for your honesty , integrity and your love, not just of America, but of the American people. All of them!
My thanks, Dan. This song is truly American since it is more complex than its famous refrain. Regan, of course, misunderstood the deeper meaning. And “here we go again “ with the country not appreciating heroes. Than you for reminding us, while entertaining us, of the importance of respecting the American Dream. Also, I wish citizens would realize how heroic President Biden has been for the U.S.A. and cut him a break for one battle weary night.
You are SO RIGHT, Jade, in recognizing Biden’s heroism in both his AND Obama’s administration. We’re lucky to have him as our President, and I’ll vote for him happily. He’s a keeper, imho.
I needed this as I awakened. It’s been a hard week for our country. My sister was having a lengthy battle with insomnia as the year began. “I just feel anxious all the time,” she told a counselor. When he asked her what she was so anxious about, she replied, “I hope I don’t offend you, but I’m scared to death that Trump will be elected again!”
Let’s all try to have a positive week, and keep singing with Bruce! Thanks, Dan, for helping to steel us! Let’s all assist that widening that arc toward Justice
I feel the same, Linda. I wish the media would understand what Trump has been doing to the American psyche and give us some relief. He needs to be removed from the American consciousness so we can all get some sleep, do the happy dance, and feel good again!
It's not that the media doesn't understand. Like our social media moguls, and most politicians, they are consumed with greed, profit, and power. That may sound cynical, but it's the reason I'm on Substack.
This is why journalists must go back to being a nonprofit service to the public like they were during Dan Rather's day. We need to be told important fact verified information. I don't want to hear lies and hateful comments repeated on a nonstop daily basis because it makes the stations money. It is hurting the American psyche and needs to stop.
Couldn’t agree with you, more, Linda. But Trumpee is not the only one we are and should be concerned about. What about SCOTUS?? A lot concerning with specially the ‘ Sickening Six’ of them. They are and could make life miserable for all of us. If not Trump, it’s ‘ them’ we have to worry about and deal with.
I love the music and the sentiment etc but there is a deep rotten state of mind that persists.
A massive clean up is required and desired on, November 5th.
Or else we will all have ourselves to blame and no one else. Let’s face it there are more good people in USA than there are bad people.
I wish I had the naïveté to believe citizen voting made any difference. If there is any sniff of an "election" outcome not aligned with the United Corporations of America, the goal posts will be moved. They were with Gore-Bush. They were with Clinton-Chump.
If their gerrymandering and voter suppression does not produce their desired outcome, the Supreme Board will.
Thank you, great song. Lyrics are important, but most people don’t listen. President Reagan was the beginning salvo for movements from “right” today. While he appears sane and less extreme than many of today’s politicians, he represented/s the same philosophy.
Paul Simon too has so insightful lines like that. How ones so young as Paul and Bruce were when they wrote these and so many other brilliant observations of human nature is still baffling to me but highlights their artistry and their depth of spirit.
I was at the then Orange Bowl in 84 for his concert. He played for over three hours. We didn’t sit or stop clapping for the whole time! One of the best concerts ever!
I was at The Boss Orange Bowl ‘84 concert too! It was an amazing experience!!! Love our country, praying we overcome the threat from Trump and the people supporting him to destroy the USA. Hold steady and vote blue!
Over three hours? That was a short one. I saw him in 1978, Inglewood Forum, close to four hours, no opening act, three encores. When performing Born to Run, there is a spot in the song where music and voice pauses for a few seconds; the crowd, singing along loudly stopped too. You could have heard a pin drop on the other side of the arena. Unbelievable. Best concert ever.
As relative newlyweds, my husband and I were at Bruce’s Giants Stadium appearance on this very tour and I think of that evening often with excitement and optimism. It was one of the finest concerts of any genre that I’ve ever attended, for so many reasons. And Clarence was still very much alive, so his vibing with Bruce was palpable. I’ve always wanted to see another Springsteen concert; hope that will happen soon!!
Bruce Springsteen appears to be a smart, authentic , and caring individual. A friend of mine that lived in Cherry Hill, NJ had decided he and a friend would hitch hike to Florida for Spring Break. Well who should pick them up and give them a ride - Bruce Springsteen on his tour bus. Bruce fed them , gave them something to drink, and offered to let them travel with him - but - haven’t wasn’t going to Florida - he had other stops to make and places to go, yet, the offer to travel with him was still on the table. My friend opted to go as far as he could in the direction of Florida then got off of the bus. I asked my friend if he was crazy as that was a once in a lifetime opportunity .
Thanks, Dan, yet again, for this Reason to Smile. Springsteen, like you, is a national treasure, and this song describes the reality of the disrespect and disregard shown to our veterans by too many presidents. President Biden said it so well in the “debate,” - it’s our sacred duty to take care of those who fought for our country, especially those who fought due to made up excuses for American involvement (can you say “weapons of mass destruction”?). I’m smiling somewhat ruefully in hearing this again, though hearing the Boss is alway a treat. I wish you, Dan, and all of us, a good and easy day. I hope enough Americans in all the swing states come to their senses and vote for President Biden!
It was such an emotional moment for Biden. I hope all Veterans and active service members heard that and realize that Biden means what he says about taking care of veterans and Trump doesn’t care ONE BIT about them.
Thanks, Dan. ‘ Born in the USA or not, there are many naturalized Americans here who have adopted the country or the country adopted them. They are, most of them, decent people raising families here.
And of course then we have people like the 45th, calling veterans ( suckers and losers) and taking away classified documents from White House. Top it off, in all likelihood SCOTUS giving him a pass. How unpatriotic. Great music great thought but the atmosphere is so badly vitiated.
Great song, for sure. I’m grateful that Bruce has survived, thrived, and continued as, IMHO, Americas #1 balladeer. I saw him live in SF in 1978 or 1979. Great showman then. Great showman now.
Thank you, Dan for reminding us of the true intent and meaning of "Born in the USA". Ronald Reagan wasn't the first and certainly not the last politician who "borrowed" a singer/writer's work (usually without permission) to turn it into a rallying cry when the song meant nothing like how it was being used. It's still a good number, standing on its own, and we can continue to appreciate it.
You asked what actually being born in the USA means to your readers. My maternal grandparents escaped a coming storm in the Baltics last century, and know that freedom is a privilege, that America welcomes refugees, and that hard work enables a good life. My paternal ancestors arrived here c. 1630, some as indentured servants, and fought in every war since. Democracy is worth defending, freedom allows each of us to find and develop our unique talents so that we might contribute to the common good. Our ancestors worked hard to build the is country; we honor their sacrifices by playing it forward. Strengthen democracy, and enable each person to be their best version of themselves so that people, families, communities, and country thrive and fluorish..
My maternal grandparents escaped from Lithuania as teens when their parents tried to save them from marauding soldiers by sending them to a land they believed had "streets of gold." They persevered although treated poorly by longer established Americans who disliked newer immigrants who learned the language, worked hard, built homes still in use today, etc.
I have always known freedom, but now I fear the loss from within my own country.
Perhaps our grandparents knew each other in the Old Country! Gold streets, and the belief that money was so plentiful you could use dollar-bills to wipe your mouth after eating.
On 11-22-16, President Obama awarded Bruce Springsteen the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award. “I’m president, but he’s The Boss.” Yes indeed.
“The best music is essentially there to provide you with something to face the world with.” - Springsteen
I strongly recommend their joint book, Renegades: Born in the USA. Brilliant collaboration!
I have it, and it’s fabulous. I also have Bruce’s autobiography, Born to Run, which I highly recommend for all the Bruce fans.
Thanks. I just bought it.
Here’s hoping you enjoy!
Dan, you brighten the darkest day. I admire you for your honesty , integrity and your love, not just of America, but of the American people. All of them!
AND Canadians!!! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Good neighbors!
Here is Alanis Morrisette singng both anthems with equal fervor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW3oPRSlycQ
Beautifully said. I concur!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
My thanks, Dan. This song is truly American since it is more complex than its famous refrain. Regan, of course, misunderstood the deeper meaning. And “here we go again “ with the country not appreciating heroes. Than you for reminding us, while entertaining us, of the importance of respecting the American Dream. Also, I wish citizens would realize how heroic President Biden has been for the U.S.A. and cut him a break for one battle weary night.
You are SO RIGHT, Jade, in recognizing Biden’s heroism in both his AND Obama’s administration. We’re lucky to have him as our President, and I’ll vote for him happily. He’s a keeper, imho.
Oh, WOW! I so agree. President Biden is a national treasure and I for one have been giving him a break. He deserves no less.
I needed this as I awakened. It’s been a hard week for our country. My sister was having a lengthy battle with insomnia as the year began. “I just feel anxious all the time,” she told a counselor. When he asked her what she was so anxious about, she replied, “I hope I don’t offend you, but I’m scared to death that Trump will be elected again!”
Let’s all try to have a positive week, and keep singing with Bruce! Thanks, Dan, for helping to steel us! Let’s all assist that widening that arc toward Justice
I feel the same, Linda. I wish the media would understand what Trump has been doing to the American psyche and give us some relief. He needs to be removed from the American consciousness so we can all get some sleep, do the happy dance, and feel good again!
It's not that the media doesn't understand. Like our social media moguls, and most politicians, they are consumed with greed, profit, and power. That may sound cynical, but it's the reason I'm on Substack.
This is why journalists must go back to being a nonprofit service to the public like they were during Dan Rather's day. We need to be told important fact verified information. I don't want to hear lies and hateful comments repeated on a nonstop daily basis because it makes the stations money. It is hurting the American psyche and needs to stop.
Couldn’t agree with you, more, Linda. But Trumpee is not the only one we are and should be concerned about. What about SCOTUS?? A lot concerning with specially the ‘ Sickening Six’ of them. They are and could make life miserable for all of us. If not Trump, it’s ‘ them’ we have to worry about and deal with.
I love the music and the sentiment etc but there is a deep rotten state of mind that persists.
A massive clean up is required and desired on, November 5th.
Or else we will all have ourselves to blame and no one else. Let’s face it there are more good people in USA than there are bad people.
We must vote.
Thank you
Well said. But first we have to 🔪 off the head of the 'snake'. Then we can focus on the others.
Lol, we just have to vote on November, 5th. If and when we abstain from voting, that could result in a vote for the snake.
Don’t want a snake in the white house and in our backyard.
I wish I had the naïveté to believe citizen voting made any difference. If there is any sniff of an "election" outcome not aligned with the United Corporations of America, the goal posts will be moved. They were with Gore-Bush. They were with Clinton-Chump.
If their gerrymandering and voter suppression does not produce their desired outcome, the Supreme Board will.
Thank you, for doing God’s work on planet earth
I think you meant SBOTUC, Supreme Board of the United Corporations of America, didn't you?
I feel the same. Thanks for verbalizing it.
Thanks, Dan. You're absolutely correct that this is a great week to have this anthem as a Reason to Smile.
Thank you, great song. Lyrics are important, but most people don’t listen. President Reagan was the beginning salvo for movements from “right” today. While he appears sane and less extreme than many of today’s politicians, he represented/s the same philosophy.
“A man hears what he wants to hear, and disregards the rest.” — Paul Simon
Paul Simon too has so insightful lines like that. How ones so young as Paul and Bruce were when they wrote these and so many other brilliant observations of human nature is still baffling to me but highlights their artistry and their depth of spirit.
Damn. Excellent lyrics on lyrics quote! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I was at the then Orange Bowl in 84 for his concert. He played for over three hours. We didn’t sit or stop clapping for the whole time! One of the best concerts ever!
I was at The Boss Orange Bowl ‘84 concert too! It was an amazing experience!!! Love our country, praying we overcome the threat from Trump and the people supporting him to destroy the USA. Hold steady and vote blue!
Over three hours? That was a short one. I saw him in 1978, Inglewood Forum, close to four hours, no opening act, three encores. When performing Born to Run, there is a spot in the song where music and voice pauses for a few seconds; the crowd, singing along loudly stopped too. You could have heard a pin drop on the other side of the arena. Unbelievable. Best concert ever.
As relative newlyweds, my husband and I were at Bruce’s Giants Stadium appearance on this very tour and I think of that evening often with excitement and optimism. It was one of the finest concerts of any genre that I’ve ever attended, for so many reasons. And Clarence was still very much alive, so his vibing with Bruce was palpable. I’ve always wanted to see another Springsteen concert; hope that will happen soon!!
Great piece, although I think Reagan’s use of Born in the U.S.A. pales in ironic comparison to Trump’s use of Fortunate Son by CCR!
And Nixon's failed attempt to get Johnny Cash to support him.
Bruce Springsteen appears to be a smart, authentic , and caring individual. A friend of mine that lived in Cherry Hill, NJ had decided he and a friend would hitch hike to Florida for Spring Break. Well who should pick them up and give them a ride - Bruce Springsteen on his tour bus. Bruce fed them , gave them something to drink, and offered to let them travel with him - but - haven’t wasn’t going to Florida - he had other stops to make and places to go, yet, the offer to travel with him was still on the table. My friend opted to go as far as he could in the direction of Florida then got off of the bus. I asked my friend if he was crazy as that was a once in a lifetime opportunity .
Curious if you know what year this happened?
Maybe early ‘80’s
Beautiful!
Thanks, Dan, yet again, for this Reason to Smile. Springsteen, like you, is a national treasure, and this song describes the reality of the disrespect and disregard shown to our veterans by too many presidents. President Biden said it so well in the “debate,” - it’s our sacred duty to take care of those who fought for our country, especially those who fought due to made up excuses for American involvement (can you say “weapons of mass destruction”?). I’m smiling somewhat ruefully in hearing this again, though hearing the Boss is alway a treat. I wish you, Dan, and all of us, a good and easy day. I hope enough Americans in all the swing states come to their senses and vote for President Biden!
Yes - the veterans exchange had him fired up for sure.
It was such an emotional moment for Biden. I hope all Veterans and active service members heard that and realize that Biden means what he says about taking care of veterans and Trump doesn’t care ONE BIT about them.
Thanks, Dan. ‘ Born in the USA or not, there are many naturalized Americans here who have adopted the country or the country adopted them. They are, most of them, decent people raising families here.
And of course then we have people like the 45th, calling veterans ( suckers and losers) and taking away classified documents from White House. Top it off, in all likelihood SCOTUS giving him a pass. How unpatriotic. Great music great thought but the atmosphere is so badly vitiated.
My two cents.
Thank you
Liked that you shared the Texas “Got here soon as I could” apology of those not born on its soil.
That saying made me laugh and smile! I can picture an old codger looking like Slim Pickens saying that!
PS come to think of it he probably did say that in the movie Blazing Saddles…
Great song, for sure. I’m grateful that Bruce has survived, thrived, and continued as, IMHO, Americas #1 balladeer. I saw him live in SF in 1978 or 1979. Great showman then. Great showman now.
Thank you, Dan for reminding us of the true intent and meaning of "Born in the USA". Ronald Reagan wasn't the first and certainly not the last politician who "borrowed" a singer/writer's work (usually without permission) to turn it into a rallying cry when the song meant nothing like how it was being used. It's still a good number, standing on its own, and we can continue to appreciate it.
Wonderful, wonderful! Your posts bring hope to so many of us.....Thanks for this share and all the others. Your timing is always spot on.
You asked what actually being born in the USA means to your readers. My maternal grandparents escaped a coming storm in the Baltics last century, and know that freedom is a privilege, that America welcomes refugees, and that hard work enables a good life. My paternal ancestors arrived here c. 1630, some as indentured servants, and fought in every war since. Democracy is worth defending, freedom allows each of us to find and develop our unique talents so that we might contribute to the common good. Our ancestors worked hard to build the is country; we honor their sacrifices by playing it forward. Strengthen democracy, and enable each person to be their best version of themselves so that people, families, communities, and country thrive and fluorish..
My maternal grandparents escaped from Lithuania as teens when their parents tried to save them from marauding soldiers by sending them to a land they believed had "streets of gold." They persevered although treated poorly by longer established Americans who disliked newer immigrants who learned the language, worked hard, built homes still in use today, etc.
I have always known freedom, but now I fear the loss from within my own country.
Perhaps our grandparents knew each other in the Old Country! Gold streets, and the belief that money was so plentiful you could use dollar-bills to wipe your mouth after eating.