Bruce Springsteen – Born In The USA: Lyrics and Music Video

"Born in the U.S.A." is one of Bruce Springsteen's most iconic and powerful songs, released as the title track of his 1984 album Born in the U.S.A.. While often mistaken as a purely patriotic anthem due to its rousing chorus and upbeat sound, the song actually conveys a deeper and more complex message about disillusionment and the struggles of working-class Americans, particularly veterans returning from the Vietnam War.

Key Details:

• Release Date: June 4, 1984 (as part of the Born in the U.S.A. album).
• Album: Born in the U.S.A.
• Writer: Bruce Springsteen.
• Producer: Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, and Steven Van Zandt.

Themes and Meaning:

• Critique of Post-War America: The song tells the story of a working-class man who is "born in the U.S.A.," sent off to fight in Vietnam, and then returns to a country that has forgotten or neglected him. Despite the upbeat and anthemic tone, the lyrics reflect disillusionment, frustration, and anger over how Vietnam War veterans were treated after coming home, as well as the broader economic struggles faced by ordinary Americans.
• Irony in the Chorus: The famous chorus, "Born in the U.S.A.," is often misinterpreted as a straightforward celebration of American pride. However, it's actually laden with irony, as the verses describe hardship, betrayal, and alienation. The chorus contrasts with the harsh realities expressed in the verses, emphasizing the gap between the ideals of the American Dream and the lived experiences of many Americans, particularly veterans.

Lyrics Breakdown:

• The narrator of the song is a man born in a small town, sent to fight in Vietnam, and upon returning, he struggles to find work and fit into society again. Key lyrics such as:
  • "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", reference the draft and the dehumanizing effects of war.
  • "I'm ten years burning down the road, nowhere to run, ain't got nowhere to go" reflects the long-term impact of war on the narrator’s life and the lack of support for veterans.

Musical Style:

• The song combines rock with synthesizers, which was a departure from Springsteen's earlier sound, embracing a more mainstream, arena-rock style that dominated the mid-1980s.
• Springsteen’s raw, gritty vocals add to the song’s emotional intensity, while the pulsating beat and powerful instrumentation make it sound like an anthem.

Commercial Success:

• "Born in the U.S.A." became one of Bruce Springsteen’s biggest hits. The album of the same name was a massive commercial success, selling over 30 million copies worldwide.
• The single peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped Springsteen achieve international superstardom.

Cultural Impact and Legacy:

• Misinterpretation: The song is often misunderstood as a purely patriotic anthem, particularly due to its bombastic sound and chorus. Politicians have used it in campaign rallies, most famously Ronald Reagan in 1984, but Springsteen distanced himself from such uses, clarifying the song's true meaning.
• Reflection on American Identity: "Born in the U.S.A." has become a symbol of the complex, often contradictory nature of American identity. It highlights how patriotism can coexist with deep criticism of the country's social and political realities, especially in terms of how it treats its veterans and working-class citizens.

Music Video:

• The music video, directed by John Sayles, further emphasizes the working-class and blue-collar themes of the song. It shows Springsteen performing against a backdrop of American flags, mixed with footage of working-class life, reinforcing the contrast between the idealized image of America and the struggles of ordinary people.

Legacy:

• "Born in the U.S.A." remains one of Springsteen's most enduring and influential songs. It is widely recognized not just for its chart success but for its political and social commentary. The album and the song played a major role in cementing Springsteen's reputation as the "voice of the working class."
• The song is often cited in discussions about American patriotism, social justice, and the treatment of war veterans.

In Summary:

"Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen is a complex, socially charged anthem that juxtaposes upbeat, patriotic sounds with lyrics that critique the treatment of Vietnam War veterans and the struggles of working-class Americans. Its powerful message, combined with its huge commercial success, has made it one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s and a staple in Springsteen’s catalog.