Introduction
Born in the U.S.A. was released on June 4th, 1984, through Columbia Records. Initially consisting of over 50 recorded tracks, the album was siffled down to the 12 tracks that currently make the album up. All seven of the singles reached the U.S. top ten. These singles include: “Dancing in the Dark,” “Born in the U.S.A.,” and “I’m on Fire.” Further, it was the best-selling album of 1985, while topping the charts in nine countries. Since the 1984 release, Born in the U.S.A. has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, making it Springsteen’s best-selling album. Let’s take a deeper dive into this majorly successful seventh studio album by the Boss.
Background
Born in the U.S.A. was first conceptualized in a ranch rented by Springsteen in New Jersey. Following his River Tour in September of 1981, Springsteen settled down in the ranch for a time. It was there where Springsteen recorded “Vietnam” – a song about a Vietnam veteran coming home to an unexpected response. A mixture of this song and reading Born on the Fourth of July, an autobiography of a Vietnam veteran, that led to his research into the Vietnam war. Furthermore, director, Paul Schrader, also had asked Springsteen to write music for an ultimately scrapped movie titled, Born in the U.S.A. Springsteen became fascinated by the name, and began to work on a project with the same name.
Initial Recording and Nebraska
His fascination became reality in early 1982, where Springsteen and the E Street Band began recording the project. In the Hit Factory in New York City, the project officially began recording. Whilst recording a song for Donna Summer there, “Cover Me” was recorded. Upon consideration, Springsteen instead kept the song for Born in the U.S.A. While a majority of the final 12 tracks were recorded in this demo, Springsteen had a plethora of other tracks with no home from these sessions. This led to him releasing the demo tracks as Nebraska. Nebraska was seen as a major artistic statement, and it ended up being a great commercial success for Bruce.
Finalization
Although there was a brief break in recording due to Nebraska, recording continued between May and June of 1983. These marked the first sessions without Steven Van Zandt, as he had left the band a year prior. By the following months, Bruce was left with over fifty tracks to choose from. Springsteen, however, was still found unsatisfied with the project. The final inclusions came from producer, Jon Landau, as he urged the inclusion of a final single – “Dancing in the Dark.” And finally, Van Brandt, still a close friend to Bruce, pushed for his inclusion of “No Surrender.”
Purpose
The title may seem to push a different agenda then what was initially offered. Born in the U.S.A. is quite the opposite of a love fest for the nation. Throughout the project, Springsteen criticizes the American Dream for its lack of realism and attainability. Further, Springsteen goes into depth with personal experiences to push this further, while continue to keep the integrity of the project. A handful of the songs also push the narrative explored in the initial stages of recording, the Vietnam War. While a decade prior, the War still crippled many veterans, and the cold welcome home was explored on a handful of tracks.
“Born in the U.S.A.” and “Cover Me”
The song written initially, “Vietnam,” became the title track, “Born in the U.S.A.” One of the most iconic opening songs of an album, it features the backbone of the meaning of the whole album. Serving as a sad story of a veteran returning from Vietnam, Springsteen criticizes himself for being born into a country that welcomes their veterans home in this manner. “Cover Me” follows a similar feel. The narrator finds themself in a world covered with disaster and obstacles. Featuring the analogy between stormy weather and the 1970s as a decade, Bruce adds much into the lyrics of this otherwise up-tempo song.
“I’m on Fire”
This track features much controversial topics. The opening lines are considered to be the most questionable part of the whole project, as Springsteen seemingly projects himself as a man into young women. Although this is seen at face value, the song talks about his fascination with a woman who is seeking intimacy with another man. He believes he can do anything that he can or better. It is also believed that the song was written after conversations with Frank LaVere, Bruce’s promotor. Allegedly, LaVere could “seduce any woman and get what he wanted.” While all this is speculation and has never seen any merit, it has certainly raised questions for all Springsteen fans.
Conclusion
While Born in the U.S.A. has certainly been seen as one of the greatest albums ever released, it is clearly seen that it is much more than just a musical project. The album features heavy hitting lyrics and a classic Springsteen sound that is just addicting. The lyrics and purpose behind every track lead for a seamless listening experience that wants you to yearn for more. Certainly, a timeless classic, Born in the U.S.A. won’t be going anyway for years to come.
Song Rankings
These song rankings are dependent upon the weight the song had on the overall meaning of the album. Again, take these rankings as sheer opinion based.
- “My Hometown”
- “Born in the U.S.A.”
- “I’m on Fire”
- “Dancing in the Dark”
- “Bobby Jean”
- “Cover Me”
- “Downbound Train”
- “Glory Days”
- “No Surrender”
- “Darlington County”
- “Working on the Highway”
- “I’m Goin’ Down”
Final Thoughts
As always, take the reviews as opinion pieces. Not everyone will share the same views. As for these opinions, leave them below to share your thoughts. We also suggest subscribing to our emails to keep up to date with posts. To do so, go to the home page and scroll down. This will allow you to receive weekly emails of recaps. Finally, go give Born in the U.S.A. a listen for yourself.