Missing Tracks is Back!!!

Transcription

Missing Tracks is Back!!!
October 19 2004
Hi again, Bruce fans. Missing
Tracks, like Elvis, has returned
from the dead. Due to some
important stuff (like getting
married and changing jobs) I
wasn't able to keep the site up
and running. Bruce is pretty
quiet at the moment, so not
much to report. Not a great
deal of new additions to the
site, but keep your eyes peeled
for some exciting new
additions, like maybe a
counter or something.
Missing Tracks is an on-line
archive of all the songs Bruce
Springsteen has written and
performed in a career spanning
over 30 years.
Click on one of the album
covers to the right to re-live
well known and loved songs,
and discover the outtakes, the
acoustic fragments and covers
from 1966 to the present day.
Throughout his career, Bruce
has search for a connection
with his audience. We need
YOU, the Springsteen
community, to contribute
lyrics and comments to make
this site the definitive record
of Bruce's work. All published
contributions will be credited.
Early Days.
A Bottle Of Red
Wine
All I Wanna Do Is
Dance
America Under Fire
American Tune
And The Band Played
Arabian Nights
Baby Doll
Baby I
Ballad Of Jesse James
Black Sun A-Risin'
Black Widow Spider
Bless My Soul
Border Guard
Born To Win
California
California You're A
Woman
Camilla Horn
Changing Children
Cherokee Queen
C'mon Billy Break
Out The Wine
"You put on that leather jacket like
you put on respect...."
Come On
Coming Home
Cowboys Of The Sea
Daddy Sing Me A
Cradle Song
Dance Dance Dance
Darkness Darkness
Do It With A Feeling
Down To Mexico
Eloise
Family Song
Fucked Up Amplifier
Blues
Funk Says Right On
Garden State
Parkway Blues
Get Outta My Life
Woman
Goin' Back To
Georgia
Goin' Down Slow
Group Therapy
Henry Boy
He's Guilty (Send
That Boy To Jail)
Hobo's Song
Hollywood Kids
I Am The Doctor
I Can't Take It No
More
I Just Can't Change
If I Was The Priest
I'm In Love Again
I Never Heard The
Word On You
I Remember
I'll Be Your Saviour
It Takes A Lot To
Laugh, It Takes A
Train To Cry
Jambalaya
Jazz Musician
Jeannie I Want To
Thank You
Jesse
Justin Fears
Lady Of Boston
Lady Walking Down
By The River
Last Night In Texas
Last Night In Tulsa
Like A Stranger
Livin' Rock & Roll
Look Into My
Window
Look Toward The
Land
Love Is A Crazy
Thing
Magic Kind Of
Lovin'
Make Up Your Mind
Marie
Mary Louise Watson
Missie
Mistress Annie
Mother
Mr Jones
My Baby's Natural
Magic
No Need
Nothing Can Stop Me
Now
Oh Mama Why
Pretty Little Woman
Prodigal Son
Randolph Street
(Master Of
Electricity)
Resurrection
Secret To The Blues
See My Friend
Shanghai
Sister Theresa
She's A Woman
She's Leaving
She's My Westside
Angel
Somethings Gotta
Break
Song To The Orphans
Soul Freakout
Southern Son
Street Queen
Sure Can Feel The
Pain
Sweet Melinda
Talking About My
Baby
Tell Me Mama Why
Is It So Hard
Temporarily Out Of
Order
Thats What You Get
The Bands Just
Boppin' The Blues
The Break Song
The Jazz Man Plays
His Horn
The Jazz Musician
Plays His Horn
The Judge Song
The Lady And The
Doctor
The Song
The Train Song
The Visitation
The War Is Over
The Wind And The
Rain
The Word
The Zoom Song
Tokyo
Two Hearts In True
Waltz Time
Vaginal Vandals
Vibes Man
Vision At Fort Horn
Visitation At Fort
Horn
War Nurse
We'll All Man The
Guns
When You Dance
Why'd You Do That?
You Dont Leave Me
No Choice
You Mean So Much
To Me
You Sure Can Dance
A Bottle Of Red Wine
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Get up to get you man a bottle of red wine
So get up, to get your man a bottle of red wine
I can't get out of bed with this crazy feeling in my head
You heard what I said
Well I don't love you anyway
Get up, to get your man a bottle of red wine
So I went to an allnight get together
Said everyone I knew was there
Baby and I had a love that last's forever
Said everywhere I looked someone was standing there
So I went to an allnight get together
Said everyone I knew was there
Baby and I had a love that last's forever
Said everywhere I looked someone was standing there
Still can't get out of bed with this crazy feeling in my head
So get up, I fell down
Get up, get up right now
Change your man, or find him paralysed
Get up, get up right now, he's hittin' the bottle baby
Available:
All I Wanna Do Is Dance
Comments:
A Bruce Springsteen Band song
Lyrics:
Version 1
I been looking, I been searching
I been like a buzzard perching on a branch
Its summer I've been hopping
I've been bopping
I've been running out of gas
Well tonight I gotta go to the ranch
??? burst through that ???
Whoa ??? girl
Cause I wanna do is dance, dance
I been ??? ,I been burning, I been running ???
I been stepping, I been ???
Well Friday night I go to your house
???
???
Cause all I wanna do is dance
Well I been ???
And I know that you need me
Baby I know its hard for you
??? for you
???
???
???
???
Cause all I wanna do is dance
Well look out boys ??? over
???
???
???
Cause you know ???
???and you know I would now now
I been looking, I been searching
I been like a buzzard perching on a branch
I've been slipping, I've been scraping
But you wont let me out
???
???
Cause all I wanna do is dance, dance, dance
???
???
???
???
Boot: Exit Through The Backdoor
Label: Yellow Cat
Date: February 26 or 27 1972
Location: The Back Door Club, Richmond, VA
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1
Time: 8:17
Version 2
I been lookin', I've been searchin'
I neen like a buzzard perchin' on a fence
I been boogalooing, I been boppin', I been stompin'
I've been learning how to dance
Every Friday night I go to the Ranch
When I'm looking for love, searchin' for a sweet romance
Girl, what have I got to do
Ah just to get to dance a dance with you
I been turnin', I been learnin'
I been burnin' all my midnight lamp
I been escapin', I been achin'
I've been savin' up to buy me an amp
Every Friday night I got to the hop
My feet they move so fast that they just can't stop
Child, what've I gotta do now, tell me
Oh baby you know that I need you
And I know that you need me
I'll learn to play guitar for you
Woman I'll be a star for you
I been lookin', I been searchin'
I'm like a buzzard perchin' on a fence
I been breakin', I been achin'
I've been savin' up just to buy me a big old amp
Then I'm lookin' for love, searchin' for sweet romance
Mama what have I got to do girl
We'll look out Mama, cause I'm takin' over
Oh step back kids, let the music roll you over
I can do anything, anyhting you wanna do
Well that's alright with me girl
Ah won't you come on through, all you gotta do
Dance, come on babe, come see about me
I been lookin', I been searchin'
I'm like a buzzard perchin' on a fence
Yeah I've been savin', I've been scapin'
Just to buy me a big old amp
Then I'm lookin' for love, searchin' for a sweet romance
Child what have I got to do girl
Ah just to get to dance a dance
Go go mama
Go go mama go
Go go children, go go Mary go
Go go mama, go around, go around, go around
Oh because I just wanna see ya dance
Available:
America Under Fire
Comments:
A vicious, cynical attack on the Vietnam war that ironically ends with a snippet of the Star Spangled
Banner, later to appear as the intro to Born In The U.S.A. on the Human touch tour of 1992. In this
track, Bruce contemplates the uselessness of war, a theme he would revisit late in the Born In The
U.S.A tour, with a great cover version of Edwin Starr's "War".
Lyrics:
Version 1
Conquered freak soldiers return from the war
And the stares of their countrymen look just as they did before
And the women whom they love have all turned into whores
And the band still can't play any better than before
And I'm tired and I think I will remain
For America's under fire, the sky's turning grey
They step off the train and wonder who's to blame
For all this madness and sorrow
The streets are filled with blind men, all viciously insane
You stand there and they hand you a cup and a cane
For America's under fire, and the sky's turning grey
And the bombs they go boom like a big red balloon in the evening sky
And the rockets they burst and shatter the earth, making the little girls cry
And the bells they are ringing and the children are singing oh but they don't know why
And the aeroplanes are scrapping and the people are laughing
They know not what it is to cry
To cry
Mother and daddy, give them a kiss and shake his hand
Congratulations my son on becoming a man
And the generals can see the reason
Theres such a high percentage of treason
They feel, they're quite sure that it must just be the season
America, America, god shares his grace on me
And crown thy hood with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea
Boot: Live At The Matrix
Label: Great Dane Records
Date: January 13 1970
Location: The Matrix, San Francisco, CA
Time: 6:53
Available:
American Tune
Comments:
See Visitation At Fort Horn
Visitation At Fort Horn
Comments:
Also know as Vision At Fort Horne, The Visitation, American Tune. This song was originally slated
to be on Greetings... and was also considered for The Wild.... Lyrically it is a spellbinding story of
man versus magic, and how we go to great lengths to prevent fate occuring, yet these efforts are
doomed to fail.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Behind the walls where lightning falls
On five starred gnat-faced princess
The buffalo man shoots at tin cans
Turns and shouts "Children, blow your bridges"
In death row halls where dustmen stall
For time's an enemy and a friend
At night jackals crawl from the cracks in the walls
And salvation is never spoken
Morning sickness breaks the garrison gates
The cavalry cries for treason
The soldier strokes his pony and goes to shine the Captain's sword
In this young boy's eyes lie reason
And then sergeant bursts in, says "Captain, I caught a prisoner, Captain
A prisoner, what ho!"
The Captain looks up and says "Let her go"
"But captain, she commands the light ships that patrol the sea around
The rainbow tips, whose bagpipes wail unbroken
She haunts the night and the dawnin' light
On her sounds and words your cavalry's chokin'
The Captain says "Have no fear, boys
For what you hear
Because danger can't be spoken"
The whirlwind crackles and I hear the rustle of shackles
From the stockade door bursts Merlin
His eyes red and swollen, like they've been pushed into the sun
His robes aflame and burnin'
He jumps a horse, tries to get away
But he gets caught in his eyes, tangled in his eyes
He falls to the ground, his neck is broken
His spirit rises high into the western sky
The magician lies an empty token
The sergeant walks over and kicks his body
And says "Captain, he's dead, I think he's dead, what shall we do with him?"
The Captain says "Hang him
For though his life moments on this earth are well spent
And I can see his body is sure well bent
It's his magic that must be broken"
Now night cradles low
The penniless weed plays wrath felt in the Captain's corner
With anvil spread wide, the Captain glides
Each blow to scare her, not to hurt her
She spits "what truth" at the Captain's boots
But he holds his rage suspended
The sergeant comes in stinkin' of soldiers gin
And cries "Captain, the storm she blows unending"
Oh and the lightning cracked and the sky was hacked
By dagger rain it was torn
And the yard was charged into a raging sea
And the Captain ran crazily
For the first time in his life, in the Captain's heart
Fear was born
The Captains storms out on the stoop, panic strikes
He sees Merlin's hung body stretched by the neck
Silhouetted on his door
The sergeant screams "Captain, look high, look to the sky"
Some whirling, swirling emission
But the Captain falls to his knees, crying silent pleas
'Cause he knows, he knows, and he thinks to himself
"A Magician..."
Boot: Missing Tracks Vol. 1
Label: Thrill Hill Records
Date: June - July 1972
Location: Media and 914 Sound Studios, New York City, N.Y.
Time: 7:39
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June-July 1972
Location: Media and 914 Sound Studios, Blauvelt, N.Y.
Note: Lyrics match Version 1
Time: 7:46
Boot: The Early Years
Label: Early Records / Lama Records
Location: Media and 914 Sound Studios,
Blauvelt, N.Y.
Time: 7:40
Available:
And The Band Played
Comments:
Also titled Tokyo, Born To Win, and Shanghai, the studio demo features Bruce alone on the piano in
Version 1. Much more different vocally than other demos of this era, this song was also a feature of
Bruce's live set during the early 70's. Lyrically it is just as sprawling and delightfully confused as
other songs of the time.
Lyrics:
Version 1
The hook hung like a shadow on a rung over Shanghai
The Firemen were returning home screaming "Banzai"
And the reindeers played games
And got hurt in the rain
As I listened to the broadcast
Oh blow me down, now Tokyo cause I'm sinkin' fast
The legendary chaplain of the fightin' 51st was gettin' ready to go
I said "Padre, do you know a cheap virgin who likes to tango?"
He said "You can try Rosa Lee"
Around the corner and across the sea
Ohhhhhh word's out that she's fast
Well then bust me down now Rosie 'cause I'm sinkin' fast
And the cats are sure getting fat
Down in the train yard
Sandman brings them dreams
To ship out in boxcars
The union says hold, break out the dice, and the gold
It's lunchtime at last
Whoa Stage Mama said "George's raft tonight on the late show"
She sits straddlin' a kitchen chair, really gung-ho
She shivers with chills, wet with her slot car thrills
Hypnotically lost in the glass
And the sunrise
And we all sigh
As we watch the credits pass
And the morning cloak fell down
Like a hoax over Sleepytown
Them garbage truck vigilantes were out making their last rounds
The inheritor sipped beer
And made fun of the queer
Threatenin' to kick his ass
But the bell rings, a horn blows
Pump that gas
Ohhhhh pumping gas
Time: 4:02
Boot: Before The Fame
Label: Pony Express
Blauvelt, N.Y.
Notes: Lyrics match, Version 1
Time: 4:04
Boot: The Unsurpassed Springsteen Vol. 4: Greetings From Asbury Park
Outtakes
Label: Yellow Dog Records
Location: Media Sound Studios, Blauvelt, New York
Time: 4:02
Version 2
Well the moon hung like a shadow on a rung over Shanghai
Them soldier boys were returning home screaming Banzai
And the kids are still playing their games
Gettin' hustled and rustled out in the rain
As I sat inside listening to the broadcast
Oh save my soul sweet rock & roll 'cause I'm sinkin' fast
And then the band played
Out of nowhere
It was alright
Well now the legendary chaplain of the fightin' 51st was gettin' ready to go
He said "You can try Linda Lee"
Oh word is out, word is out she's fast
Well blow me down now Linda 'cause I'm sinkin' fast
And them cats are sure getting fat
And the sandman brings them dreams
To ship out in the boxcars
Well the union says hold, break out the dice, breakout the gold
It's lunchtime at last
And Big Mama said "George Raft's tonight on the late show"
She shivers with chills, wet with slot card thrills
Hypnotically lost in the glass
And we all sigh with the sunrise
As we watch the credits pass
And then the morning cloak fell down
Them garbage truck vigilantes are out making the last rounds
The inheritor he sipped his beer
And he poked cute fun of the queer
And threatened to kick his ass
And the bell rings, the horn blew
And I was outside pumpin' gas
But things were moving so slow tonight
So the kid goes back inside the station and turns on his radio
To his local AM station
And the band played
On the radio
It was alright
It's on the radio
And he listened to the bass line
And the boys in the band sang
Whoa, whoa whoa-wo
Whoa, whoa whoa-wo
(They're so excited about it)
Whoa, whoa whoa-wo
(Everybody alright)
Whoa, whoa whoa-wo
(And the band played)
Whoa, whoa whoa-wo
(And the band played)
Whoa, whoa whoa-wo
(Everybody)
Whoa, whoa whoa-wo
Boot: Thundercrack
Date: April 24th 1973
Location: The Main Point, Bryn Mawr, PA
Time: 7:36
Version 3
Well the moon hung like a shadow on a rung over Sleepytown
The midnight shift was returning home with their pants down
And the kids were still playing the games
Gettin' busted dancin' out in the rain
And I sat inside listening to the broadcast
Well save my soul sweet rock & roll 'cause I'm sinkin' fast
And then the band played
Everybody, all night long
Well now the legendary chaplain of the fightin' 51st was gettin' ready to go
He said "You can try Rosa Lee"
Oh word is out, word is out she's fast
Well blow me down now Rosie 'cause I'm sinkin' fast
Oh one time
And them cats are sure getting fat
And the sandman brings them dreams
To ship out in the boxcars
Well the union says hold, break out the dice and the gold
It's lunchtime, baby its lunchtime at last
Whoa stage Mama said "George's raft tonight on the late show"
She shivers with chills, wet with her slot card thrills
Hypnotically lost in the past
And we all sigh with the sunrise
And we watch the credits pass
And then the morning cloak fell down
Them garbage truck vigilantes were out shaking and smashing them cows around
The inheritor he sipped his beer
And he poked cute fun at the queer
And threatened, threatened to kick his ass
And the bell rings, the horn blew
And I was outside pumpin' gas
What am I gonna do?
Boot: All Those Years
Label: Templar Records
Date: June 3 1974
Location: The Agora, Cleveland, OH
Time: 5:47
Boot: You Never Cant Tell
Label: Piggham
Date: June 3 1974
Location: The Agora, Cleveland, OH
Time: 6:53
Available:
Arabian Nights
Comments:
Not one of the better demos from the early days, this tracks seems even more disjointed than many of
the period. However it contains a nice observation on the Vietnam war, on how Bruce is being paid to
sing like a bird when other men his age are fighting in a far off land. Is this evidence for a sense of
guilt, or simply a comment on the zeitgeist?
Lyrics:
Version 1
Shrieks of Sheikhs as they run across the movie screen
A thousand sand-dune soldiers led by an Arabian Queen
And the Harem girls move like fancy dancers
In my dirty dreams
And I wake up on the floor holding onto a bed lamp
Mama she comes in and screams
"Huh you been out with that tramp again last night
That silver-sequined Ivory black bitch
The one that Mama don't like?"
You see but Mama she sings me moontime melodies
With this great Top 40 hook
But Mama don't care
Papa he just stares and says "Mary, look the girl's alright
The girl's alright"
And theres a tenseness in the air. Dont you know, can't you feel
Theres something hanging there, pull back the mist and reveal it
Even if you fear what you hear, try to conceal it
And if what Mama feels is too real, she just claims she dont feel it
So come out from behind your bunkers
The lift-offs been a bust
Papa's gone and Mama's dead
And buried in my rocket dust
You're alone now for the first time
But that's all right
Because all fear will completely disappear
Come the Arabian Night
The soundman smiles and turns the dials
To set the meter readin' rising
He pulls the singer's voice from out of his pocket
To see how the audience likes it
Oh and in the very first row sits sweet Jenny Rue
With a bell on her shoe and she wants him to make it
He flicks a switch but Jenny moves too fast
And the audience sways to the sound of her shotgun blast
The manage runs out
"Check the band's arms for bullet holes
And make that man roll up his sleeves"
The drummer shoots himself with cyanide
And then asks to be relieved
And me, I say, "It's crazy in here
Where is the stage door, which way is out I gotta get up for work"
And the man says "Once, once you're in they all lead out
Whats the matter, ain't you heard?
There's a war going on outside
And I'm paying you to sing like a bird
So get in and get tough or get up and get out
Because things are'nt too tight"
I said "Don't worry, everything's gonna loosen up
Come the Arabian Night"
So I get back in bed
But outside my window I hear another gang fight
It's Duke and the boys against the Devil's best man
And both sides have drawn their knives
And with one quick jab Duke brings the Devil down
He smiles 'cos he knows there's a high price on Devil's
In any good God-fearin' town
Well Duke sold the Devil to some priest in Pennsylvania
To exhibit on his altar Christmas Night
But the Devil's eyes they're remain red like fire
As long as Duke walks upright
And the devil swears there's going to be a showdown
At sundown on the Arabian Night
Whoa on the Arabian, Arabian Night
Boot: The Unsurpassed Springsteen Vol. 1: The Early Years
Date: January- March 1971
Location: Unknown
Time: 5:29
Version 2
Shrieks of Sheikhs as they run across the movie screen
And the Harem girls move like fancy dancers
In my dirty dreams
And I wake up on the floor holding onto a bed lamp
And Mama comes in, she screams
"Hey you been out with that tramp again last night
You know that silver-sequined Arab black bitch
The one that Mama don't like?"
But Mama she sings me them moontime melodies
She shrugs her shoulders, she don't care
Papa just stares and says "Mary, look the girl's alright
The girl's alright"
And theres a tenseness in the air. Dont you know, can't you feel
Because theres something hanging there, pull back the mist and reveal it
Even if you fear what you hear, don't conceal it
Cos if what Mama feels is too real, she just thinks you dont feel it
'Cos the lift-offs been a bust
Oh Papa's gone and Mama's dead
You're alone now for the first time
But that's all right
Well the soundman smiles and turns the dials
To see if the audience likes it
Oh and in the very first row sits sweet Jenny Rue
The manager comes running out from behind stage and says
Make'em roll up his sleeves"
And me, I say, "Well, hey it's crazy in here
Which is the stage door out, I gotta get up tomorrow morning for work"
And the promoter says "Man, once you're in they all lead out
Whats the matter man, ain't you heard?
There's a war going on on the outside
I told him "Don't worry, everything's gonna loosen up
Come the Arabian Night"
So I get back in my bed
But outside my window I hear another gang fight
It's Duke and the boys against the Devil's best man
But Duke he's a well-known knife-fighter
And with one quick jab he brings the Devil down
He smiles 'cos he knows there's a high bounty on Devil's
In any good God-fearin' town
Well they say Duke sold the Devil to some priest in Pennsylvania
But the Devil's eyes they're still red with fire
And the devil swears there's going to be a showdown
Come sundown on the Arabian Night
Whoa on the Arabian, arabian night
Date: May 3 1972
Location: CBS Studios, New York City, N.Y.
Time: 5:27
Boot: Ultra Rare Trax Vol. 1
Label: The Genuine Pig
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 5:30
Boot: The Unsurpassed Springsteen Vol. 3: CBS
Audition (Hammond Demos)
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 5:27
Version 3
Shrieks of Sheikhs as they come across the movie screen
And the Harem girls move like Clancy's dancers
Through my dirty dreams
I wake up on the floor clutching the bed lamp
Mama comes in, she screams
"Hey you been out with that tramp again last night
That silver-sequined Arab black bitch
You know the one Mama don't like?"
But Mama she sings me moontime melodies
Mama just stares and Papa don't care but he says "Look Mama, the girl's alright
The girl's alright"
He turns and says "Tell me son whats the word"
Cause you know he can't hear
Papa the word's out on the curb
But don't go near it
It's criticised as too absurd
Even the animals fear it
Papa says "Fetch me my flashlight son"
And stumbles out the front door
'Cos the lift-offs been a bust
Papa's gone and Mama's dead
Whoa you're alone now for the first time
Don't worry cause that's all right
Mmmmm
Now soundman smiles and turns the dials
To see if the audience likes it
And in the very first row sits sweet Jenny Row
The manager comes running out from behind stage and says
Make that man roll up his sleeves"
And me, I just say, "It's too crazy in here
Which is the stage door out, I gotta get up tomorrow morning for work"
The promoter says "Man, once you're in they all lead out
Whats the matter man, ain't you heard?
There's a war going on on the outside
I told him "Don't worry man, everything's gonna loosen up
Oh yeah, come the Arabian Night"
Well I got back in bed
But outside my window I heard another gang fight
It's Duke and the boys against the Devil's best men
Now Duke he's a well-known knife-fighter
And with one quick jab he brings the Devil down
He smiles 'cos he knows there's a good bounty on Devil's
In any God-fearin' town
So Duke sold the Devil to some priest in Pennsylvania
But the Devil's eyes they're still burn red with fire
And he swears there's going to be a showdown
Come sundown on the Arabian Night
Whoa on the Arabian, arabian night
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 6:02
Boot: The Demo Tapes
Label: Travelling Records / Crystal Cat Records
Location: Media Sound Studios, New York City,
New York
Time: 5:49
Location: Media and 914 Sound Studios, Blauvelt, NY
Time: 5:56
Available:
Baby Doll
Comments:
A touching song that explores a love that doesn't need words, a love that can't be spoken. When
someone delves beneath the outer layers of the persona imposed on them by society, the explorer
finds a more worthwhile being, a being worth the efforts of love. Essentially a song about an outsider,
perhaps Bruce projects a share of himself into the persona of Baby Doll
Lyrics:
Version 1
Whoa baby doll
They tried to tell me you were deaf and dumb
But I knew they were wrong
You were just a silent one
Oh baby doll
They tried to tell me you could not feel
But I found out they tried to conceal
From you, that you were warm
Well they brought you in to this laboratory
And tried to give you the show and tell
They want to hear you say that you were sorry
And then they told you, that you were concieved in hell
But baby doll you knew, you knew that was'nt true
You knew that it was them, it was a gift
Oh baby doll
It was so hard to know you
I could not tell you I could'nt show you
But I didnt have to 'cause you already knew
Oh baby doll
We had to see by touching hands
We had to dance to a silent band
And you surprised me being so graceful
I know you can't hear these songs I sing
But then they're more for me than they are for you
Because you don't need these songs
Babe well I got news
Yeah you knew the first time that I held you
Baby didnt have to hear "I love you"
Whoa baby doll
They tried to tell you were deaf and dumb
But I knew that they were wrong
And you were just the lonely one
Label: Pony Express
Date: May-June 1972
Location: Offices of Laurel Canyon Music, New York City, NY
Time: 5:04
Available:
Baby I
Comments:
Co-written by Bruce Springsteen and George Theiss. Along with Thats What You Get, these were the
first studio recordings Bruce ever made. I think this is the inferior of the two Castiles studio tracks,
Baby I is a song that sounds very much like an early Beatles number. However, it perfectly captured
the pop sensibilities of The Castiles.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Baby I - Dont need your loving no more
Baby I - Don't need your kisses no more
Baby I - Don't need you tender touch
Baby I
Baby I - Don't need your tender kiss
Baby I - You'll never miss
Baby I - Don't want you round me no more
Baby I
'Cause I got someone new
Somebody better than you
Somebody who'll be true
Baby I
Baby I
'Cause I got someone new
Somebody who'll be true
Baby I
Baby I
Boot: The Bruce Springsteen Story Vol. 2
Label: E Street Records
Date: May 18 1966
Location: Mr Music Inn, Bricktown, NJ
Time: 2:10
Boot: Deep Down In The Vaults
Date: May 18, 1966
Location: Mr Music Inn, Bricktown, N.J.
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, Castiles demo
Time: 2:10
Boot: Missing Tracks
Vol. 1
Label: Thrill Hill
Records
Date: May 18, 1966
Location: Mr Music
Inn, Bricktown, N.J.
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 2:10
Available:
Ballad Of Jesse James
Comments:
A track that originally dates from The Bruce Springsteen Band era, from the only known studio
session that the Band ever did. As in accord with other songs of the time, there is a Western theme
running through this song. Some polished production shows that Bruce's studio work had improved in
leaps and bounds since the days of Steel Mill.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Don't you wanna climb a mountain
Don't you wanna ride the river
Drink from a magic fountain
Give a woman all the love that you can give her
Well don't you wanna be an outlaw
Don't you wanna ride the range
Don't you wanna be an outlaw children
Just like Jesse, like Jesse James
Just like Jesse boy
Don't you wanna swim the ocean
Don't you wanna climb the highest tree
Drink some of Mama's loving potion
Don't you wanna dream some fantasy
Don't you wanna be an outlaw
Just a poor boy caught on the skids
Just like Billy, just like Billy the Kid
Billy he was a bad boy
He won the wild west
By the year of 21, had many notches on the gun
Someone laid him to an early grave
Dont you wanna climb a mountain
Give your woman all the love that you can give her
Just like Jesse
Jesse he was a bad boy
He won the wild west
And many notches on the gun, by the year of 21
Someone laid him to an early rest
Dont you wanna climb a mountain
Give your woman all the love that you can give her
Just like Jesse
Just like Jesse, just like Jesse, just like Jesse
Whoa whoa whoa
Date: Late 1971 or early 1972
Location: Studio
Time: 6:41
Date: Late 1971 or Early 1972
Location: Studio
Time: 7:04
Available:
Black Sun A-Risin'
Comments:
A Bruce Springsteen Band song.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well there's a black sun risin'
Shining darkness on the White House
Well there's a black sun risin'
Shining darkness on the White House
Turn on the white light protection, come on
Now there's a new day dawn
When no-one's gonna pay the cost
They never ???
???
Oh revolution is ours
Man has told me to propogate love
I'm gonna get you, oh, oh, oh, oh, all right
Available:
Black Widow Spider
Comments:
Also known as Mary Louise Watson. A strong, bluesly number with some great guitar and piano
work.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well I got a girlfriend
Mary Lou Watson is her name
Yeah I said I got a girlfriend
Mary Lou Watson is her name Now she'll tell you that she don't have a lover
But I know that she do just the same
And she's a sweet young thing
Her best friends they all call her Lulu
And she's a sweet young thing
Her best friends they call her Lulu
She might tell you that she don't
But I know that she do
Mr Dave Sancious
Yeah she's a sweet young thing
Look like an angel with her heart on fire
Yeah she's a sweet young thing
She looks just like an angel with her heart on fire
You might think she's a butterfly, boy but that woman ain't no doubt
Shes a black widow spider
Yeah I got a girlfriend, Mary Louise is her name
Oh buddy I got a girlfriend
Oh sweet Louise, thats her name
She can tell you that she don't love you
But I know that she send you her ???
Boot: Down The Road Apiece
Label: Golden Stars
Date: December 17 1971
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Time: 10:18
Version 2
I got a girlfriend, ah Mary, heavy Louise Watson is her name
I tell ya, I got me a girlfriend, Mary Lou Watson is her name
Well I tell you anymore, anymore
All the time she's telling me she don't love me
But I don't care cause I know she do just the same
Now she's, she's a pretty good looking woman
She lost a little weight, you know, she been on that diet
And her best friends they don't call her heavy no more
Now they call her, her best friends they call her Lulu
Ah shes taken on some fine womanly qualities, yes she had
And her best friends, her intimate friends, they don't call her heavy no more
They call her Lulu, oh yeah
Now this woman, she may come up on ya, and she may tell you she don't
Thats right but I know she do, do, yeah
Oh I'm gonna speak to you on the subject of this lady right now
Now I wanna tell you
Whenever I sleep with this woman I have the strangest dreams
Well she lost a little weight and she thinks she did it by the grace of the Lord
So old Lulu, heavy Louise, she just, she done got herself some religion
And every night, every night before I go to bed she makes me kneel down on my knee
And say two Hail Mary's and four Our Fathers
It's allright, you know, that ain't too bad, but every morning
I don't go to bed early, you know, I got to bed a little late
After Johnny Carson or something, you know
And every morning, six o'clock, she makes me get up and go down to that church
She won't, she won't love meif I don't do this, she tells me
Go down to that church and bless myself with the holy water
And go in and take confession
Now this is every morning, she makes me do this
You know like when I was in Catholic school I'd go once a month
Or when the nuns would drag me on Friday, you know
I didn't mind that too much
Now this woman makes me go every morning
She figures I got a lot of confessing to do or something
Oh I guess I do, you know the way life is these days
With raw sex on Channel 13, you know, and alcohol on the streets
Now the Pandemonium shut down, she was glad about that you know
She joined the Woman Temperance Union, you know
Yeah she's really strong on this stuff now, she certainly is
Anyway now, this has been going on for two months, you know
Since she brought herself down to 205
So I wanna tell you about the dreams I have
When I, when I'm laying beside her and I fall off to sleep
You know I dreamed I dined with angels
I'll be damned if the Lord wasn't there too
I said I dreamed I dined with the angels, thats right
I'll be damned, goddamned if the Lord wasn't there too
Sittin' at the head of the table and he got to drink out of the gold cup
Me and the angels got the silver ones
Well I must say I was suprised to see that sweet lady Mary
Oh she come all dressed in blue
Oh what a vision, oh what a vision yeah
Oh but alas I must admit, I was tempted by that old man Lucifer, alias Satan
Alias the Devil came in disguise, oh yes he did
Oh I must admit I was tempted by Lucifer, who came dressed in disguise
As an Egyptian princess, with the biggest diamond you've ever seen
I say the biggest diamond you ever seen, right between her thighs, oh yes she did
I wanna tell ya, that dream last night, well that dream last night
Must have been, it must have been, I said it must have been
It must have been some kind of warning, because I don't remember
I don't remember, I don't remember waking up this morning
And if I didn't you people are in a lot of trouble too
Available:
Bless My Soul
Comments:
See You Sure Can Dance
You Sure Can Dance
Comments:
A Bruce Springsteen band number. Also known as Bless My Soul.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Whoa bless my soul
Mmm, yeah you sure can dance
Bless my soul Mama
Ah now you sure can dance
I've been looking for a good lovin' woman
To wed, the news, all-time romance
I've danced through the city, child
And I lived sometine in the country too
I've danced through the city child
And I lived sometime in the country, yes I did
There's only one way to go
You gotta do what you gotta do
Yeah alright
Over on the far right is Garry Tallent on the bass
Here on the right, Steve Van Zandt on the guitar
Well in the back is Mad Dog Lopez on the drums
Here on the left is Dave Sancious on the organ
Gonna get some relief, here we go
Label: Yellow Cat
Time: 12:07
Available:
Border Guard
Comments:
This demo has very similar themes to those shown in The Ghost Of Tom Joad track, The Line. The
dilemma of a border guard and the protection of an imaginary line that only exists on maps and in the
minds of those who defend it. While the ranger in The Line defends the Tex-Mex border, the border
guard of this track is probably stationed in Vietnam or Berlin if anywhere, as the theme of the
intangible nature of the border could be used in any setting. Another possibility is the line between life
and death, the light of life and the darkness of death, "Till I wake on that wonderful morning with no
more light"? Maybe, like For You, an ode to suicide?
Lyrics:
Version 1
Bless on the border guard so cold and alone
Bless on the child so far from home
Pity the border guard who feels like a woman to cry
Pity the border guard, his life guards the line
A line is a funny thing, a border, sometimes
A line is a hurtful thing, use only to divide
I pity the refugee, whose home lies behind
I pity the border guard, and his border line
He keeps his machine gun nose, pointed to the sky
The night time is his master, and you know the dawn light brings his captor
And I pity the border guard, as he walks, well as he walks his own
The echo of his footsteps is all a friend would know
A home is a funny thing, you get tied to the earth
Like love is a crazy thing, in the eyes of a child
I pity the border guard, soul taken captive at birth
May the sweet brace of his grief show him how to be so wild
Yes a line is a funny thing
A border sometimes
A line is a hurtin' thing
Used only to divide
He who made the open plains and the world one and all
Could not have concieved with a barbed wire brain
For the building of the wall
And at night I keep my fire bright
So that I may be safe when I sleep
Till I wake on that wonderful morning with no more line well ohhhhh
Label: Pony Express
Time: 6:30
Location: Media and 914 Sound Studios, New
York City, N.Y.
Time: 6:28
Boot: Unearthed
Label: Masquerade Music
Location: Media and 914 Sound Studios, Blauvelt, New York
Time: 6:30
Available:
Born To Win
Comments:
See And The Band Played
California
Comments:
See Family Song.
Family Song
Comments:
One of Bruce's most emotional early demo's, this is another track that highlights the influence his
family had on his early songwriting. Autobiographical in it's nature, its also called California or
California, You're A Woman
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well ya know how when you're young
There's such a distance between you and your family
You can't ever see things from the same point of view
Papa wants a lawyer and mama she wants an author
And all you want is for them to want you
Well, we had a lot of bad times, saw some real bad signs on the East coast
And I guess you could say it took California to bring us close
Saw a lot of hard livin' and some stone cold women on the East Coast
And my papa turned away when I needed him the most
Oh and California, she's an angel
Oh, so heavenly dressed
Woah and the Pacific she's a woman
The Lord he must have loved her best
And I got a California rainbow to come give them thunder clouds a rest
Oh and the mountain is my friend now, she put me to her test
Well you know every father has dreams and schemes for his own kid
And dreaming ain't been declared no capital crime
But I just hope when I grow up and have my own kids
I'll love them all I can and let'em make their own minds
And you know how a mother can hold a son through understanding
Well my father he once held me close by crying
And my mama's love it don't ever leave me standing
And my papa's love can only leave me smiling
Whoa, and my mama she's a angel
Oughtta see her on Sunday when she's dressed
Whoa, and my papa he's a good man, you know he gives me and mama his best
Whoa, she's a California rainbow, come to give my thunder clouds a rest
And my family is my friend now California put us through her test
Date: May - June 1972
Location: Offices of Laurel Canyon Music, New York City, NY
Time: 5:51
Version 2
Well ya know how when you're young
There's such a distance between you and your family
Just can't see things from the same point of view
Papa wants a lawyer and mama she wants an author
And all you want is for them to want you
Well, I saw a lot of bad signs and we had some real bad times
Back on the East Coast
And I guess you could say it took California to bring us close
There was a lot of hard livin' and some stone cold women on the East Coast
And I saw my papa turn away when I needed him the most
Oh and California, she's an angel
Oh, so heavenly dressed
Woah and the Pacific she's a woman
The Lord ohhh must have loved her best
I got a California rainbow to come give them thunder clouds a rest
And the mountain is my friend now, she put me to her test
Well you know every father has dreams and schemes for his own kid
And dreaming it ain't been declared no capital crime
But I just hope when I grow up to have my own kids
I'll love them all I can and let'em make their own minds
Now you know how a mother can hold a son through understanding
And my father he once held me close by crying
Whoa, and my mama's love it don't ever leave me standing
And papa's love it just leaves me smiling
Whoa, and my mama she's a rainbow
Gotta see her on Sunday when she's dressed
Whoa, and my papa he's a good man, he gives me and mama his best
Whoa, my mama she's a rainbow, come to give them thunder clouds a rest
And my family is my friend now California put us through her test
Label: Pony Express
Date: July - August 1972
Time: 5:04
York City, N.Y.
Time: 5:00
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 5:09
Blauvelt, NY
Time: 5:03
Boot: Unearthed
Time: 5:03
Available:
California, You're A Woman
Comments:
See Family Song
Camilla Horn
Comments:
Similar to Eloise, titled after a woman (like so many great songs to follow later in his career) and very
short, the chord progression in this demo is also quite close to Growing Up. Another characteristic
that it shares with Eloise is that both songs short nature makes them slightly haunting, as they come
and go in a fleeting second.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Camilla Horne, she was born a long, long time ago
She came from Germany to the U.S.A.
And was acclaimed as the next Garbo
They came to her on their knees, to bless them, caress them
And tell them what they need
But oh, oh, she did not know
And so she took her place at the bar
Just another fallen star
Label: Pony Express
Time: 1:04
York City, N.Y.
Time: 1:04
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 1:05
Boot: Unearthed
Blauvelt, New York
Time: 1:04
Time: 1:04
Available:
Changing Children
Comments:
This track may have got Steel Mill some airplay, if they could have found a way to hack off 7 minutes
of it. However, that would have come at the price of losing the core of their act, the ability to play
long, improvised tracks that electrify the crowd.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well everybodys saying their favourite sayings
Everybody's singing their favourite songs
Everybodys got a favourite game they're playing
Well ha, we're alright, but I guess we're all wrong
I said you better take a look around you brother
Something's happening here
Sooner or later it's gonna surround you
And leave you with nothing but fear
All you gotta do is hang around
Tell you you're never gonna know
Whats going down
Changing, changing children
Bring it on down
Bring it on down now
Bring it on down
Yeah well now I know that we all wanna change it
I tell you first, first we gotta rearrange it
No one in here want's to be, be selfish so
We got the first five people here that can see
And there ain't no one in the back that can't see at all
Ok, alright now let me say something to you
Well theres cannons on my left, I got cannons on my right
Rode my people out of battle 'till the side was right
And you know I only path thats bringing'em low now, can't you see the light
Oh doing what you want to, living life like you like
Hey look you better take a look around you
Something's gonna happen here
Sooner or later we're gonna surround you
And leave them with nothing but fear
All you gotta do is hang around
Tell you you're never gonna know
Just whats going down
You ain't never gonna know
I think we're gonna take our first clapping lesson here
The trick is to clap in time
Whoa whoa it's that time again
Whoa yeah it's that time again
Whoa whoa it's that time again
Whoa yeah it's that time again
I ain't felt like this since I don't know when
A new sun is rising and the weather is changing
Whoa whoa it's revolution
Yeah yeah it's revolution
So lets get together and have a good time
There's so much fun it's gonna blow your mind
Break out the guns and the ammo
Everythings gonna be fine
Break out the guns and the ammo
We're gonna have ourselves a real good time
Whoa whoa its that time again (for revolution)
Yeah yeah its that time again (for revolution)
So take LSD and hawk the pigs
The summer is over gonna make it big
Ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
Ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
Well everybodys saying their favourite sayings
Everybody's singing their favourite songs
Everybodys got a favourite game that they're playing
Everybody's right Lord, and huh we're all wrong
Oh but we can fix that up
We can amend that mistake
Well you know I made a lot of mistakes in my life
Stepped on a few toes too
Well I made a lot of mistakes in my life
The Lord god up above knows thats true
Changing, we got to change ourselves oh yeah
From all the destruction
From all the corruption
Oh yeah
Alright yeah
Lets do it
We got to change it now
Changing, changing
Changing, changing
Changing, changing
Changing, changing
Oh you got to change
You want to change
Location: D'Scene, Sayreville, NJ
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, With Steel Mill
Time: 11:14
Available:
Cherokee Queen
Comments:
Also known as "Daddy Sing Me A Cradle Song", this is a typical, hard rocking Steel Mill number,
with some stellar work from Phantom Dan Federici on the organ. The organ solo three quarters in the
track is very similar to the guitar solo that would later resurface on "You Mean So Much To Me"
Lyrics:
Version 1
Ahh she's a Cherokee queen now
Yes the prettiest sight I have ever seen
She's an Oklahoma lady
And she drives me crazy
I don't know what it is about her
But I just can't live without her
She's got me in a trance sir
Yeah so hot she's a dancer
Locked away she silently comes
A mellow beat she sweetly hums
Shes got the words to all my songs
She sings to me all night long
She goes "Daddy sing me a cradle song
Like you did a long time ago
Daddy sing me a silly song
Won't you rock my crazy bones"
"Daddy sing me a cradle song
It's alright
It's alright
It's alright
Ahh she got all her elevation
And out of my arms
I put down legislation
With her redneck charms
I don't know what it is she doubts there
Make me want to love her
She got a crazy way of smiling
Just drives the boys wild
Reminds me of one of my high school haunts
She knows what I mean, she knows what I want
She got the words to all my songs
She sings to me all night long
She goes "Daddy sing me a cradle song
It's alright
It's alright
It's alright
It's alright
It's alright
It's alright
Ahh she's a Cherokee queen
Ohthe prettiest sight I have ever seen
She's an Oklahoma lady
And she drives me crazy
I don't know what it is about her
But I just can't live without her
Ahh she's got me in a trance sir
Yeah so hot she's a dancer
Locked away she silently comes
A mellow beat she sweetly hums
Shes got the words to all my songs
And she sings to me all night long
Date: June 1970
Location: West End Bar, West End, N.J.
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, with Steel Mill
Time: 6:05
Available:
C'mon Billy Break Up The Wine
Comments:
Also called Nothing Can Stop Me Now, this was a Bruce Springsteen Band original. Probably best
left in the archives, as the lyrics are a little cringeworthy, although the sentiments are admirable and
similar to later songs, the desire to escape and move on to something better. A big band number with
plenty of horns and a refrain from the lady back-up singers who were stars in their own right as
members of this band.
Lyrics:
Version 1
C'mon Billy won't you break out the wine
I wanna see you pop that cork
Today is the day we have all been waiting for
Now I'm gonna get down to some serious celebrating
We ain't been out of this one horse town
This bus is gonna take us
Nothing can stop me now
Got a ticket to New York
No, no, nothing can stop me now
Say my goodbyes to Mary
She's just standing there at the door
I'm dont wanna leave that women so bluesy
I never left that girl before
A man's gotta seek his fortune
A man's gotta seek his fame
I tell you when I get back this whole town's gonna know my name
No nothing can stop this boy
Not even my mama
No, nothing can stop me now
No, no, no
C'mon Billy won't you break out the wine
I wanna see you pop that cork
Today is the day we have all been waiting for
Mama, we're gonna get down to some serious celebratin'
Hey Mr Greyhound driver
Get me there right on time
All I wanna know is how far to go
Until we arrive
No, nothing can stop me
Don't let it stop me now
Boot: The Bruce Springsteen Story Vol.6: Dance, Dance, Dance
Label: E-Street Records
Date: July 23 1971
Location: Damrosch Park, Lincoln Centre, New York City, NY
Time: 7:04
Label: Golden Stars
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick,
NJ
Time: 4:43
Boot: The Bruce Springsteen Story Vol. 4: 1971-72
Date: 1972
Location: Unknown
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, with The Bruce Springsteen Band
Time: 5:08
Version 2
C'mon Billy won't you take out you car
I wanna see you cut that mark
This is what we have all been waiting for
Got to have us some serious celebrating
Cause there ain't been nothing in this one horse town
Not in a long time sugar
Ain't nothing can stop me now
Got to get to New York
No, no, nothing can stop the boy now
No, not even his mama
Play that guitar, you better cut loose
Think he's gonna merit a star
I'm dont wanna leave that women so blue
Yoy know I've never held back girl before, no
A man's gotta seek his fortune, ah, ah, ah
I tell you when I get back
This whole town's gonna know my name
No nothing can stop me now
No nothing can stop the boy now
No, not even my mama
No, nothing can stop him now
No, no, nothing at all
C'mon Louie won't you break out some more
I wanna see you rock and roll
Seems to me what we have all been waiting for
I wanna get to do some serious celebratin'
Hey Mr good time driver
It's good to see you right on time
And all I wanna know is how far do we go
If you need a ride
Oh no, no, nothing can stop me
Nothing can stop him now
Not even my mama
Not even the Middletown police
No one can stop me now
Available:
Come On
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well come on are you ready
The temperatures risin' and summer's comin' on
Well come on, go let'em, get you ready now
Cause the time is right so let's get going
Come on, are you ready
Well the bells are ringing and the people are singing their songs
Won't you come on, don't you fear it
The world is crying for freedom, can't you hear it
Gather up children
And go down ot the riverside
Teach them well, show them good
They go no reason to hide
Gather up children
Come on, gotta be ready now
Time has come, I want to sing a new song
Come on, dont you fear it
The world is crying for freedom
The world is crying for freedom
Can't you hear it
Version 2
Well come on are you ready
The temperatures risin' and summer's comin' on
Well come on, go let'em, get you ready now
Cause the time is right so let's get going
Come on, are you ready
Well the bells are ringing and the people are singing their songs
Won't you come on, don't you fear it
The world is crying for freedom, can't you hear it
Gather up children
Gather up children
Come on, ya gotta be a man now
I wanna see ya
I wanna see ya raise you hands now
Come on, dont ya fear it
The world is cryin' for freedom
The world is cryin' for freedom
Don't ya hear it
Available:
Coming Home
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well the living ain't easy on this side of the highway
It's time to get on home, bye bye
When its takes so long just to have a bit of fun
Shoe me your curls and show me your eyes
Well things are gonna change
Well things are changin' every day
I'm goona break out of Kansas
I don't think I can handle it no more
I'll head out on the highway all alone
Tryin' to get my foot through your door
And Mama, I'm a coming home
Ah can you hear me
??? in Kansas
I can't stay in Kansas no more
Show me your guns and you show me your heart
Yeah but things are gonna change
Things are changin' every day
Won't you meet me on the highway
???, Mama gonna move
???
But man don't wait till the morning comes
Oh Mama I'm coming home
Ah, get that dinner cookin', all right
I swear livin' ain't easy on this side of the highway
It's time to get on home, bye bye
Well it can't take long just to have some fun
Show your guns, and you show you're a man
But this has gotta change
Cause real life changes every day
We can't stay in Kansas no more
I don't think I can handle it
It's no use cryin' tough
Mama I'm a coming home
Oh can't you hear your Daddy comin'
I'm, I'm, I'm coming home
Available:
Cowboys Of The Sea
Comments:
The amount of demos featuring Wild West and cowboy imagery suggest that Bruce had enough
material for an early concept album, or was it that he was simply lost in the aura that the code of the
cowboys promised? Bruce said himself he wrote his early songs in fits and bursts of energy, a
storyline lost in a flow of pictures and rhymes. This track manages to combine both elements.
Lyrics:
Version 1
They ride beneath the waves at 20,000 leagues
On stallions stitched to seaweed strands
So smiling, so smiling
They herd the fishes of the deep
They ride for you and me
They ranch the rich and the sunken soil
At the bottom of the sea
In the dead of night, alive in sleep
I hear them calling me
Them deep sea desperadoes
Them midnight maelstrom freaks
The cowboys of the sea
So on wings of sleep I pierce the deep
And ride like a hurricane
At midnight still I paid my bill
And turned my back on the land
With the help of Old Paint, that seaweed nag
Its just Jesse James and me
We ride the depths and we rob the banks
With the cowboys of the sea
With a seaman's grip on navigation
And some fired, hired hands
We set forth to confront the nation
And lend a cowboy's hand
We do the dolphin's dance duet
My mermaid babe and me
Then I ride off into the blue sunset
And with the seaman's grip on submarining
And some aqualung outlaws
Our guns are made of solid dreamin'
And bullets of the cause
And with hand held high to touch the sky
A good Texas Ranger I'll be
But sometimes I feel like a lone stranger
'Midst the cowboys of the sea
Oh and man above he just cannot make love
He's must rape his mother sea
And because of his greed
We're a vanishing breed
We cowboys of the sea
Whoa the cowboys
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 4:54
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 4:51
Boot: The
Unsurpassed
Springsteen Vol. 3:
CBS Audition
(Hammond Demos)
Label: Yellow Dog
Records
Date: May 3 1972
Location: CBS
Studios, New York City, N.Y.
Time: 4:54
Version 2
In the dead of night, alive in sleep
So on wings of sleep I pierce the deep
And turned my back on the land
We ride the depths and rob the banks
With a seaman's grip on navigation
We set forth to confront the nation
And bullets of the cause
Oh and man above he cannot make love
He's must rape his mother sea
Label: Pony Express
Time: 4:15
Boot: The Unsurpassed Springsteen Vol. 4:
Greetings From Asbury Park Outtakes
Location: Media Sound Studios, Blauvelt, New
York
Time: 4:06
Version 3
And in the dead of night, alive in sleep
On wings of sleep I pierce the deep
And I turned my back on the land
We ride the depths and rob the banks
Oh and with a seaman's grip on navigation
We ride out to confront the nation
And bullets from a broken cause
Oh and man above he cannot make love
He must rape his mother the sea
Location: Media Sound Studios, New York City, New York
Time: 4:20
Available:
Daddy Sing Me A Cradle Song
Comments:
See Cherokee Queen
Dance Dance Dance
Comments:
A Bruce Springsteen Band original, once again dominated by the female backing vocals. This track is
concerned with getting you on the dance floor to have a boogie. Bruce does his bit to get people to
break free from embarrassment and dance the night away.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Everybody's groovin' on the floor now
Feet's movin, think they're gonna dance
The band is playing as you walk in that door now
Come on now, won't you take that chance
I said come on now won't you mama
Come on won't you take that chance
There ain't none of us gonna hound you
Ain't nothing too it, let your body go and
Dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
It dont take no concentration
And I swear it's a miracle cure
Its as good as some more medication
When you get out there on the floor
Come on now won't you mama
Ahhh won't you take that chance
Now remember the night beneath the pale moon light
When you had a few beers and you were hanging loose
Lets go crazy, shot like a deuce
Dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
Ahhh won't you come on home now
Dance floor, stop go, round and round
Feels so fine in summertime, once you try it you ain't fall down
Fast slow, stop go, around and around
Fast slow, stop go, around and around
Everybody's movin on the floor now
Feet's groovin, think they're gonna dance
The bands is playing as you walk through the door
The music's got you hooked in a trance
Come on now, won't you mama
Come on won't you take that chance
There ain't none of us gonna harm you
Aint nothing too it, let your body go and
Dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
Date: July 23 1971
Time: 8:06
Label: Golden Stars
NJ
Time: 6:15
Available:
Darkness Darkness
Comments:
Instrumental
Lyrics:
Version 1
Label: Golden Stars
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 5:44
Label: Yellow Cat
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 12:58
Available:
Do It With A Feeling
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
I wanna tell you something
Yeah now I'm talkin' tonight on the Bible
I'm sure you all know just what it says
Well how ya can't do this, and ya can't do that
There's no messin' round, or playin' about on Sundays
Yeah now I got as much religion
As any man's got, ain't no doubt
But there's a few commandments I've made up myself
That the Lord don't know nothin' about
Thats if you're gonna do it
I said do it with a feeling
Do it, till you hit the ceiling (till you're rockin' and reelin')
Do it, do it with a feeling
But if you're gonna do it
Ah, do it with a feeling
Now once I thought I had a good woman
But Mama much to my surprise
She was playin' around with each and every boy in town
Lord but she could get around some
Ah tell me can I get a witness
Cause I loved her just as much as I can
Well I ??? I know that
??? that I'm her only man
I want the judge I'm ???
Do it with a feeling
Do it till you're rockin' and reeling" (till you hit the ceiling)
Ah won't you come with me Mama
I'm going, won't you get on board
My train it leaves in an hour
You gotta pay your witness to the Lord
Now I'm talkin' tonight on the Bible
Sure you all know just what it says
Ah how you can't do this, and ya can't do that
There's no messin' round, or gettin' down on Sundays
Now I've got as much religion
As any man's got, ain't no doubt
Theres a few commandments I made up myself
That the Lord don't know nothing about
Thats if you're gonna do it
Do it with a feeling
Do it, till you hit the ceiling
Do it till you're rockin' and reelin'
Available:
Down To Mexico
Comments:
A Bruce Springsteen Band song. Dave Marsh's Glory Days books lists this as written by Bruce, but
I'm not so sure, I suspect this track is a cover. The version I have is of very poor quality and makes it
difficult to discern the lyrics. Regardless, it is a fun rocker typical of this period.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Oh do run daddy
Yeah you do or don't you daddy
Pappa where are you going
Down to Mexico
Oh do run Daddy
Well you do or don't you Daddy
Oh papa, where are you going?
Down to old Mexico
Oh no papa don't, where you goona go
It's just that she always tells
Tell me Papa we're gonna go back to
Do run daddy
You do run so well
Oh do run Daddy
Yeah you do or don't you Daddy
Papa where are you going
Down to old Mexico
Oh do run, do run
Do do do run, don't you Daddy
Where are you goin
Down to old Mexico
Do run Daddy
Yeah you do run, don't you Daddy
Oh where are you going?
Down to old Mexico
Do do run, don't you, do run, don't you Daddy
Where are you going
Down to old Mexico
Yeah where are you goin'
Down to old Mexico
Where are you going?
Down to old Mexico
Going to Mexico
Oh Daddy
Where are you going
Down to mexico
Where are you going
Down to mexico
Date: February 4 1972
Time: 5:32
Label: Yellow Cat
Time: Version 1: 5:38, Version 2: 4:57
Available:
Eloise
Comments:
An early acoustic demo, this could have been the inspiration (musically, not lyrically) to Growing Up.
Often described as poor in comparison to the track later to appear on Greetings..., it remains one of
Springsteens shortest complete songs. Displaying some of the Catholic imagery that is a highlight of
his early work, Eloise is one of the more uptempo demos coming from Bruce's early acoustic Laurel
Canyon demos.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well what power of God does a nun use to hold a parish priest
And what makes a good cop let go a beautiful thief
Oh, and how does the queen know she got hold that man with honey
Oh, and what makes an old woman give a young man all her money
Well late in the night 'neath that pale moonlight
That power comes over me
And it's all Eloise yeah
Label: Pony Express
Time: 1:04
Location: Media and 914Sound Studios, New
York City, N.Y.
Time: 1:02
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 1:04
Blauvelt, NY
Time: 1:05
Boot: Unearthed
Time: 1:03
Available:
Fucked Up Amplifier Blues
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Here well all are back in Richmond, Virginia
You know when everythings, they're going bad, you know
Like when your guitar's freakin' out and your amps doing their own thing
Oh we're, we're gonna play a slow blues, like so I can relate to you
Get it out of our system I hope you don't mind
Cause my amplifier's blown a fuse and don't you know I'm so damn confused
I've got those old screwed up fucked up amplifier blues
I don't care about women, women dont bother me when I'm playing
Like they get all the loving in the world offstage
But when I'm playing on stage or practicing I forget all about them
No nothing can stop me, like what year is it?
What you trying to do, we ain't working out, you know
Now these women they're always fussing and fighting and screamin' and fighting
Just leave me alone I just wanna pick a tune ha ha
Oh its all fine, and I might be some kind of loon
Oh but there ain't no one badder than those messed up, screwed up
Old messed up fucked up amplifier blues
I'm gonna tell you just how she makes me feel
It makes me feel so mean
C'mon on now baby, sometimes, Danny boy, it don't work right easy
Oh right now I got those fucked up amplifier blues
Well my amp's blown and my mind is too
Standin' here feeling kinda all alone
I just don't know what Im gonna do
Gonna get myself a thousand dogs
Build myself a boat with a guard named Danny, ha!
Listen to me, oh I know what I would get, all I gotta lose
Is some woman drowning in some blues
I got those screwed up old messed up amplifier blues
I'm gonna get cured of them, I'm gonna
Oh I always seem to get screwed
I got those screwed up, messed up, broken down, broken up, all around
Fucked up amplifier blues
Available:
Funk Says Right On
Comments:
See The Bands Just Boppin' The Blues
The Bands Just Boppin' The Blues
Comments:
A Bruce Springsteen Band song. Also known as Funk Says Right On.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well its a Sunday night, sitting at the bar all alone
And your feeling kinda tired
But your not tired enough to go on home
Well sit back and hang loose, because the band's just boppin' the blues
Well you might dig boogie woogie
Or maybe you like rock and roll
Well I wanna tell you about a music
Saves me right down in my soul
Oh have you heard the news, the band's just boppin' the blues
There still some
Hold on and we'll play you some more
Yeah when my man plays his guitar
The little young girls outnumber you on the floor
Oh sit back and hang loose, because the band's just boppin' the blues
Well its a Sunday night, sitting at the bar all alone
Feeling kinda tired
But you ain't tired enough to go on home
Well buddy hang loose, because the band's just boppin' the blues
Label: Yellow Cat
Time: 13:17
Version 2
Well it's another Saturday night
And you're sittin' at the bar all alone
Well man you're feeling kinda tired
But you're not tired enough to go home
Well sit back and look loose
Because the band's just boppin the blues
Well now its the same old singer Mama
And I know that it's the same old song
And tha band keeps on playing
Well now I know it ain't no news
Cause the bands just boppin' the blues
I got Madman on the drums
And Mr Dave Sancious down to my left on the keys
And when the man plays his guitar
It hits the little girls right between the knees
Well so just sit back and hang loose
Because the band's just boppin the blues
Oh you might dig boogie woogie tunes
Or maybe you like rock and roll
But right now I'll tell you about the music
Saves me right down into my soul
Ah, ah, well just sit back and hang loose
Because the band's just boppin' the blues
Available:
Garden State Parkway Blues
Comments:
One of the stranger songs in Bruce's back catalogue. This track shows an immaturity in his
songwriting, an immaturity to be corrected very soon. As with all Steel Mill songs, heavy guitar
features throughout, drowning out Danny's organ, if its hiding in there. Possibly the longest song ever
performed by Bruce.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Got a woman lives across the tracks
Whoa lady won't you come rub my back
Yeah you know I love her
I got a woman who lives across the town
Whoa baby woman won't you show how you put'em down
Know that I dig it now
Show'em how you put'em down
Know that I dig it now
Show'em how you put'em down
Know that I dig it
Good morning
Vitamin B1, Niacin, 5 percent iron
How can I help but win?
My very best friend, when I get up in the morning
Whoa my Kellogs Cornflakes are my very best friend
And I dont have to look very hard
Cause right inside is your very special 3D baseball card
Yeaaaahh, whoa whoa
Well I get up in the morning
And I say "Well Goodbye Hon"
Now you make sure the kids dont forget to take their lunch"
I clean myself up and I stumble out the door
Into my garage and I jump into my old Ford
But the damn thing it don't wanna start
But I dont care, what do I care?
It's really got a heart
I got the Garden State Parkway Blues
Early in the morning, hits you without warning
Going to the job, fighting off the road hogs
Punch in at nine, punch out at five
Boss he thinks I'm crazy
And says "Son, why are you so lazy?
And if you wont leave me alone, I'm gonna mosie on home
Aint no, yes, no, no son of a bitch
Well I work all day, I make terrible pay
I get home and I just can't get to sleep
Yeah my woman gives me something Lord that God of mine hummin'
But it don't work I'm just too weak
I got electric bills, doctor bills, baby bills, just about everything but a dollar bill
And I haven't even paid my rent yet
I got 12 more payments on my car, 6 more on the guitar
Yeah now my mama wants a new dress, Lord what a damn mess
Don't know what I'm gonna do
But I'm sick and tired of hearing about all the damn bills
I'm tired about worrying about them
Yeah
Alright
Hey
Well I dont know where I'm goin' and I don't understand but thats alright
Because the only thing I feel is the touch of your hand in the night
Cars on the Parkway they pull up and stare
Ask me where I'm goin' and I tell them that I'm there
Yeah and I just don't even care
The people I meet are all hip to the latest scene
They sit around reading Rolling Stone magazine
I ask how they can sit so sweetly serene
While there's thousands of places that they have never seen
They have never been
Goin' back, goin' back, goin' back
Signs on the highway dont mean nothing
Two-eyed monsters keep on coming
Don't know where I'm goin' but I just keep running
Away, away
You know life ain't so easy
Life ain't always so sweet
Aint' got nowhere to go home
Nothing to eat
They got holes in thier shoes
Clear on through to your feet
Sleeping on the cold cement floor
With no place else to sleep
Sure can be a drag sometimes, oh it just ain't no fun
You know I used to tell myself
Oh some day you're gonna be driving a big cadillac
And you'll be attending all them special business office luncheons
And have a pretty secretary to sit on your lip
But as I got older I just did'nt want that
Oh and as the years came on I got old anyway, babe
Well I always wanted to travel
Oh to Europe and France
Watch the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace
Go on to Sweden, find out what their tanning secret is
You said you'll do all those things you wanted to do sometime
Theres a young cowboy lives on the range
Hmmmm, maybe I'll take a cab on down to Spain
Always wanted to be like Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Fighting all them pirates on the Spanish Main
Whoaaaaaa
Well maybe I'll get myself a black leather jacket
And a big Harley Davidson motorcycle yeah
Just like Sonny Berger
Maybe I'll get myself a sawn-off pool cue too, to meet the occasion
When I've done all the things I would like to do
Maybe I'll take one last trip
Ohh off to never never land yeah
Yeah with the lost boys and Tinkerbell
You know I always wanted to learn how to fly
You know I always thought I could do it
Oh but travellin' ain't no fun if you've got to travel alone
Sure does feel good to get there
Yeah I'm gonna be there
Ohh yeah
I don't wanna hear about my bills
How many men killed in Vietnam
Gonna take it one more time around
Hey!
He gets up in the morning as the suns about to rise
And with his guitar singing he goes down upon the green hillside
He sings about a land he said he seen where there's never any night
And sunlight soul just dance and sing before your very eyes
Sing it to me
His father is the sun and his mother is the sky
And today he's to be wed to the wind, he knows not to reason why, yeah
For he is the mountain child
For he is the mountain child
Yeahh yeahhhhhhh
In his cloudy chariot he takes his brand new bride
On into the house of stone down upon the green hill side
There they stay for a year and a day, hands held side to side
They will decieve the daughter who will be the rain to clean your dusty mind
And when the dew has fallen down upon the earthy home
They will set sail on a clipper ship never to return
On into the blood red horizon where the fire of love that still burns
And the beauty of the perfect lover will turn and turn and turn
And the beauty of the perfect lover will turn and turn and turn
You know the beauty of the perfect lover will turn and turn and turn
He gets up in the morning as the suns about to rise
And with his guitar singing he goes down upon the green hillside
He sings about a land he said he seen where there's never any night
La la la la la la oh can't you hear him singing
Oh yeah
Unhappy man, yes I am
I wanna bag yeah
Make us feel so good
Oh woah woah woah
Bring it down, bring it down
Listen to rhythm of the band, bring the rhythm from your head to your toes and down to your hands
Ok ready, stop!
You can do it by yourself now
Listen to rhythm of the band, bring the rhythm on down
We're gonna come and take you for one more ride now
So get ready now
We're gonna take you for one more ride now so fasten your seatbelts hey!
Whoa la da la da da
Boot: The Bruce Springsteen Story Vol. 3: Steel Mill
Date: March, 1970
Location: West End Bar, West End, NJ
Notes: Edited. Lyrics match Version 1
Time: 13:35
Boot: Torn And Frayed
Date: May 4 1970
Location: Monmouth College, Long Branch, NJ
Time: 28:05
Available:
Get Outta My Life, Woman
Comments:
Only a short excerpt exists of this track exists, featuring the chorus. Possibly co-written by Bruce
Springsteen and George Theiss. Very muddy sound, at least on the E Street Records release.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Get outta my life woman, I don't love you no more
Get outta my life sugar, you don't treat me right
Boot: The Bruce Springsteen Story Vol 1: The Castiles
Date: January 1967
Location: The Left Foot Teen Club, Freehold, NJ
Time: 1:03
Available:
Goin' Back To Georgia
Comments:
A Steel Mill track. Maybe Goin' Back to Jersey would have been more appropriate? Strong guitar and
organ work abounds in this tale. Songs like this make it a real shame that there never was an Steel
Mill album produced. A demo was recorded for Bill Graham in San Francisco in 1970 so who knows
what might have been?
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well I'm goin' back to Georgia
To spend my last few years
Away from the sadness and the tears
Well I've been out to San Francisco
Well I travelled on down to L.A.
Still only one place that I can stay
With my last few dollars
And I'm gonna bring my last few dimes
Goin' back to Georgia
And I'm goin' back one more
And I'm goin' back one more time
Well I went up to New York City
And I've been out the Chicago loop
Still only one place that I found truth
When I sailed down the Mississippi
Well I gambled in New Orleans
Still no finer site I ever seen
Goin back to Georgia
Well I'm goin back to Georgia
Spend my last few years
Away from the sadness and the tears
And I'm goin' back to Georgia
Said I'm goin' back to Georgia
And I'm goin' back to Georgia
Said I'm goin' back to Georgia
You know I'm goin' back to Georgia
Goin' back to Georgia
and I'm goin' back one more time
Said we're goin' back one more time
Location: Fillmore Recording Studio, San Francisco, CA
Time: 5:18
Boot: The Bruce Springsteen Story Vol. 3: Steel
Mill
Location: Fillmore Recording Studio, San
Francisco, CA and West End Bar, West End, NJ
Time: 5:18 and 5:21
Time: 5:34
Date: May 4 1970
Time: 5:14
Date: May 14 1971
Location: The Sunshine Inn, Asbury Park, NJ
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1. First two verses acoustic, then repeated
plugged
Time: 8:55
Label: Golden Stars
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1. First two verses acoustic, then repeated
plugged
Time: 7:56
Available:
Goin' Down Slow
Comments:
A Steel Mill track
Lyrics:
Version 1
I feel you breathin' real low
I feel your heart beatin', well a beatin' real slow
Well I oughta be leavin', but mama you got it so I just can't get up and go
Well this makes us even, makes us even woman that you know
Woman you know
Well I set the fire and your the first to go
It's gettin higher and I'm gonna watch
Watch it goin' down slow
Said I'm getta get up and watch it goin' down slow
I said woman you made the thorns and projections
And she comes with a long long list, mass of directions
Any man is full, full of bloody dissections
And she leaves behind a body of long long list of human rejections
Yes she does
Whoa she does
Yeah she does
Your gonna see me watch it goin' down slow
Well I feel you breathin' real low
I feel your heart beatin', a beatin' woman so slow
Well I oughta be leavin', woman got herself a man so I can't go
This makes us even, this makes us even woman you know
Come and get it
She's the best little woman I ever seen around
Just the kind of woman that puts'em down
The finest woman in the whole damn town
And the prettiest thing I've seen
I'm goin' down
She come and goin' down
She come and goin' down
The finest I seen in town
Whoa, gypsy woman got that spell on me
Whoa, gypsy woman got that spell on me
Whoa, ohhh
I said goin' down
Time: 17:07
Available:
Group Therapy
Comments:
See It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry
It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To
Cry
Comments:
A Dr Zoom and The Sonic Boom track
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well, I ride on a mailtrain, baby
Can't buy me no thrill
Well, I sit up all night, baby
Leanin' on the window sill
Well, if I die
On top of the hill
And if I don't make it
You know my baby will
Don't the moon look good, mama
Shinin' through down through them trees
Don't the brakeman look good, mama
Chuggin' down the "Double E"
Don't the sun look good
Goin' down over the sea
Don't my gal look fine
When she's comin' after me
Now the wintertime is coming mama
The windows are filled with frost
I tried to tell everybody
But I could never get my thing across
Well, I wanna be your lover, baby
I don't wanna be your boss
Don't say I never warned you
When your train gets lost
I said I ride on a mailtrain, baby
Can't buy me no thrill
Well, I sit up all night, darling
Leanin' on the window sill
And if I die
On top of the hill
And if I don't make it
You know my baby she will
Don't the moon look good, mama
Shinin' through down through them trees
Don't the brakeman look good, mama
Chuggin' down the "Double E"
Goin' down over the sea
Don't my gal look fine
When she's comin' in after me
Now the wintertime is coming mama
The windows are filled with frost
I tried to tell everybody
But I could never get my thing across
Well, I wanna be your lover, baby
I don't wanna be your boss
And don't say I never warned you
When your train gets lost
Date: May 14 1971
Time: 7:39
Available:
Henry Boy
Comments:
Reminiscent of Does This Bus Stop..., this track could have fitted onto Greetings quite comfortably,
especially with the backing of the band. Henry appears to the be epitiome of the misfit kid, who
doesn't belong anywhere, maybe Bruce felt a little like this when he was composing this tune.
Lyrics:
Version 1
They broke your toys this morning, Henry
Rode your board right into dust
Surrounded you with strangers who you could not trust
And then they had the gall
To write your name up on the girl's room wall
And send you out to Maria
Who spoke of babies and all
And wanted to shoot your joy
It's a hard world when you're the new kid in town
Ain't it, Henry Boy
Well the North side is for diamond studded women
Subtly selling their wares
And the West side is for debutantes
And would be millionaires
Oh the East side is for lost boys
Who know their moves too well
The South side is for gamblers, Henry
The train stops once for hell
It's a hard world when they're forcing you
To live your life out on Broadway
But Henry I'm sure you're gonna like it well
Whoa the constellation she points to Gate Eleven
That's where you got your connections
Let me take a look inside my magic book
I don't think you're beyond my inventions
Oh these doctor's appendages I'm giving you for wings
I'm sure it will meet the occasion
I'm gonna mix you some magic, you'll be spittin' sparks
And ready for the invasion
Oh and the Milky Way's a trip for dippers
They saw you coming a mile away
In the amusement park you'll get clipped by rippers
Hiding behind candy 'cades
In the alleyway you'll get ripped by strippers
All who know your name
In the stalls sit the soldier-boy kissers
On leave for just a day
And Henry could'nt take it
He's gonna be a submariner
Riding underground for the Pope
Gonna stand on the corner of Broadway
And scream "Up 'scope"
Location: Media Sound Studios, New York City, N.Y.
Time: 3:19
New York
Time: 3:22
Outtakes
Time: 3:19
Available:
He's Guilty (Send That Boy To Jail)
Comments:
A Steel Mill track employing the use of high pitched backup singers (in this case, Robbin Thompson),
a common feature of Bruces early work, especially a little later in The Bruce Springsteen Band days.
A good number with strong guitar work characteristic of the Steel Mill era, and a good contrast to the
acoustic demos to follow a couple of years later. Thanks to Richard from Amsterdam for help with the
lyrics.
Lyrics:
Version 1
All rise
Well Judge and Jury came into the court room
About 9:30 the 23rd of June
Now we're here to try this boy for his crime
To see if we set him free or make him serve his time
Jury you're gonna send him to jail
He's guilty, he's guilty send that boy to jail
Whoa George been speedin, runnin' down his mother
Killing his father, stabbin' his lover
Well the court is ready to hear your plea
Well are you guilty or not guilty
The jury all got up to hear his plea
He's guilty, he's guilty, don't let that boy go free
All rise
Well Georgin' George came into the court room
Well about 9:30 on the 23rd of June
The court is ready to try, try
To see if we gonna kill ya or let you stay alive
Jury don't send him to jail
Time: 7:33
Version 2
All rise
About 9:30 on the 23rd of June
George been speedin, runnin' down his mother
Stabbin' his wife and stranglin' her lover
Guilty or not guilty
Jury ignore his plea
Alright
Jury send him to jail
Date: February 22, 1970
Time: 6:01
Time: 6:01
Boot: The Unsurpassed Springsteen Vol. 1: The
Early Years
Francisco, CA
Time: 6:16
Version 3
All rise
George been speedin, runnin' down his mother
Stabbin' his wife and stranglin' her lover
Guilty or not guilty
Jury ignore his plea
Your honor, your honour, oh won't you treat me fair
And all I want is justice, but you caught me like a county fair
You honour, your honour, oh won't you treat me fair
And all I want is justice, but you caught me like a county fair
And can I get what I want there, can I get what I need there?
Can I get what I want there, can I get what I need?
Can I get want I want, can I get what I need?
All rise
Jury send him to jail
Date: May 4 1970
Time: 7:33
Available:
Hobo's Song
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1:
Rocking along in a boxcar
Still looking for a place to hide
Got a sackfull of bills, and I'm wanted
I got a rifle right by my side
Now do you hear that whistle blowing
Or is it just all the wine, I don't know
Don't matter no-how, ain't stoppin' me now
Cause I'm goin' on a train ride
Livin' on bread and water
Ain't no life for me
Why no, oh no
Broke out of jail in Memphis
Disguised as the Warder's wife, hard!
Well I killed a man, I killed a man in South Carolina
Stabbed him, stabbed him with my knife
Now do you hear them dog's a-barking
Or is it just all that wine
No matter no how, nothing's stopping me now
Going on a train ride
Why no, oh no
Cause I'm goin', and nothing's gonna
Good God, I broke out of jail in Memphis
Disguised as the Warders wife
Oh I'm gonna get me down to South Carolina
Lord it's gonna save my life
Now do ya, do ya, do you hear them pen-hounds a-barking
Or is it just all that wine
No matter no how, nothing's stopping me now
Going on a train ride
Why no, oh no
I'm runnin', I'm pushin' hard just to find a boxcar
Oh I'm gonna get me home
I'm going down to South Carolina
Oh I gotta get back home
Now do ya, do ya hear them hounds a-barking
Or Lord is it just all that wine
I don't care, thats all right cause I'm goin'
Got to get it on a train ride
Goin', goin', goin', Lord I'm goin', goin' on some kinda train ride
Lord I gotta get back home
Goin' on a train ride, ride
Goin', goin', goin', Lord I'm goin', goin' on some kinda train ride
Available:
Hollywood Kids
Comments:
A dig at people on the West coast perhaps? Bruce believes that they lack substance ("Oh they know
hello and goodbye but not what goes inbetween") compared to the people of Freehold and Asbury
Park. Perhaps this song was motivated by his lack of success on the West coast in the early days.
Lyrics:
Version 1
They're Hollywood kids each and everyone
With a high class smile and a little baby's tongue
Lonely hard-head losers dressed in the tinsel of the times
And I learn all the latest lines and the order in which they come
So perfumed sweet and so obscene
Like the fancy dancers of our dirty green
Oh they know hello and good bye but not what goes in between
Yeah and its such a scene on Saturday night
Fifth avenue freaks straight off the racks
They swear you can buy and sell your soul on a good day outside
And on Sunday back into their holes they run
And on Monday here I stand alone on this littered stage like an animal who forgot he was in a cage
Just a restless soul
Just waiting for 'em to come
Yeah that's it for that one
Label: Pony Express
Time: 2:39
Time: 2:35
Boot: Unearthed
Blauvelt, New York
Time: 2:38
Available:
I Am The Doctor
Comments:
A Steel Mill song
Lyrics:
Version 1
Yeah if I can make you happy
Yeah and if I can make you smile
And if I can make you feel good
Just for a while
I'd wiggle my ears and stand on my head
Forget about your worries and don't sulk-as long as I can play
If I can turn your teardrops into a laught
Make you forget about the hard times, and forget the past
Do anything that you want me to
Forget about your worries and don't sulk, it's alright for you
Well you're screamin' and bitchin' about the hard times that you've had
You say that not a single day don;t go by
Without you getting had
You show me all the things you bought with money you never had
And you're feelin' kinda sorry now and lookin' kinda sad
Well if you've a backache or a earache or too much LSD
Well I am the Doctor, won't you call me, call me
Now I am the Doctor, yeah wanna get you singing
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, awhoa, whoa, la, la, la, la
If you got a backache, or an earache, or a headache
Or a toothache, or a bellyache, or any ache
If you got a borken car, a burned down bar
Your car smashed, you got whiplashed, your lovers gone, or you're all alone
Or you broke some of your bones, or you might just be a little too stoned
Well I am the Doctor, won't you come on and see me
I am the Doctor, won't you come and see me
I am the Doctor, one hundred percent guaranteed
Well I can cure nearly baby, all of your miseries
But you gotta take it easy, I said you gotta take it easy
Oh just forget about your bills
And all your little cheap thrills
Doesn't solve much
Just try to be cool
It's all right
Well I am the Doctor, won't you come on and see me
I am the Doctor, one hundred percent guaranteed
I can cure nearly all of your miseries
All you gotta do, I won't charge you no mammoth fee
Just come over to my office for free
All you gotta do, I said all you gotta do
I wanna get you singing, whoa whoa whoa whoa, awhoa, whoa, la, la, la, la
If I can make you happy
If I can make you smile
If I can mek you feel good
Just for a while
I'd wiggle my ears and stand on my head
Forget about your worries and don't sulk, as long as I can play
Available:
I Can't Take It No More
Comments:
Here is evidence of the drive to escape showing early in Bruce's work, a theme that would come to a
head on Born To Run. Except in this case, the desire to run is born from a woman, not a class or social
environment.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Uh uh uh ohhhhhhhhh
Uh uh uh ohhhhhhhhh
I can't take it, everything coming down on me
Gotta make a break for it
I can't take it no more
Respect woman I demand it
You got to learn to settle down first
Caught you so many times telling that same old lie
I can't take it
I can't take it
Everything coming down on me
Gotta make a break for it
I can't stand it no more
You know I need my respect woman I demand it
You got to say I won't go
But honey I love you but I told you so
I can't take it no more
You know it's always the same
Pulling tighter on the rein
You always make it very plain
As to count me as a loser
You count me as a loser
You count me as a loser
Before the end of the game
Ain't it a shame
I guess I am the one to blame
Because that sweet talk's mine, not hers
That sweet talk, baby, bad's the word
You got to learn to ask me why
I've caught you so many times telling that same old lie
I can't take it, take it no more
Guess I'm gonna fake it, I just can't take it
You know I can, you know I can
I just can't take it no more
I just can't stand it
Just can't stand it no more
Time: 9:59
Boot: The Bruce Springsteen Story Vol. 4: 197172
Time: 8:11
Available:
I Just Can't Change
Comments:
A Bruce Springsteen Band song, this could almost be an answer to the Steel Mill track I Can't Take It
No More. One person can't change, the other can't take it, they both love each other but refuse to find
a compromise. Another example of just how complicated even the most simple things can be.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well, you can come by in the morning baby
It'll be alright
That's alright
Well if you wanna stop by this evening
I'll be home about nine
Well but don't you come around if you're gonna act strange
No don't do it to me
Because I just can't change, babe
I just can't change
No matter how I try, child
I just can't change
Well you tell me how much you miss me girl
Well I miss you too
Yes I do
And it's been so long since you kissed me
Don't you think I'm about due
Ohhhhhhhhh
But don't you, don't you be comin' 'round
If you're gonna try and rearrange
No don't do it to me
Because I just can't change, girl
I just can't change
No matter how I try, child
I just can't change
Yeah, well you come around whenever you want to
And don't you know I want you to because you're so fine to see
And you tell me how you've got the love
Yes I know you've got a lot of love
And you wanna give it to me
But sometimes you make me crazy
Trying to put them chains on me, babe
No, not me baby
And she calls so sweetly
So discreetly on the telephone
And she says how you been babe
Are you busy and are you alone
And I tell her
If you've got the money, then something can be arranged
Child
Oh I just can't change
No I just can't change
No matter how I try honey
I just can't change
Ohhhhhhh
I just can't change
You gotta take me as I am
Yeah, you gotta take me as I am
I just can't change baby
No I just can't change
Time: 5:59
Label: Yellow Cat
Time: 7:02
Available:
If I Was The Priest
Comments:
Covered by Allan Clarke, this demo combines all the strongest themes of Springsteens early work. As
well as being dominated by Catholic imagery, he also manages to once again include the magic of the
Wild West and his family in this track. In a change from other early demos, Bruce plays the piano
rather than an acoustic guitar as backing, although his playing is not as strong as his efforts on Janey
Needs A Shooter, or later, The Promise.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well there's a light on yonder mountain
And it's calling me to shine
There's a girl by the water fountain
And she's asking to be mine
And Jesus is standing in the doorway
In a buckskin jacket, boots and spurs, really fine
He says "We need you, we need you up in Dodge City
'Cause there's oh so many outlaws
Tryin' to work the same line"
Well if Jesus was the sheriff and I was a priest
If my lady was an heiress and my Mama was a thief
And Papa rode shotgun for the Fargo line
There's still too many bad boys
Tryin' to work the same line
Sweet Virgin Mary
She runs the Holy Grail saloon
Where for a nickel they'll give you whiskey
And a personally blessed balloon
Whoa the Holy Ghost, he's the host with the most
He runs the burlesque show
Where they let you in for free
But they hit you when you go
And Mary serves Mass on Sunday
And then she sells her body on Monday
To the bootlegger who payed the highest price
But he don't know he got stuck with a loser
Mary's a stone junkie, what's more she's a boozer
She's only been made once or twice
By some kind of magic
Well if Jesus was the sheriff, and I was the priest
Oh and Papa rode shotgun for the Fargo line
Well things ain't been the same in Heaven
Ever since big bad Bobby came to town
He's been known to down eleven
And then ask for another round
And me I've got scabs on my knees
I've been kneeling way too long
It's abouttime I played a man that took a stand where I belong
And forget about the old friends and the old times
Because there's just too many new boys
Now there's a light on yonder mountain
Jesus, he stands in the doorway
With his six-guns drawn, and ready to fan
He says "You know we need you in Dodge City"
But I'm already overdue in Cheyenne
Date: January- March 1971
Location: Unknown
Time: 6:02
Version 2
Well there's a light oh, on yonder mountain
Whoa and Jesus is standing in the doorway
With a buckskin jacket, boots and spurs, really fine
He says "We need you son, up in Dodge City
'Cause there's just too many outlaws
Well now if Jesus was the sheriff and I was the priest
Now old sweet Virgin Mary
And the Holy Ghost, he's the host with the most
But boy do they hit you when you go
And she sells her body on Monday
To the bootlegger who will pay the highest price
And she's only been made once or twice
And me I've been, I've got scabs on my knees
I've been kneeling way too long
About time I played a man that took a stand where I belong
And you gotta forget about the old friends and the old times
Well now if Jesus was the sheriff, mama and I were the priest
There's a girl over by the water fountain
Whoa and Jesus, he's standing in the doorway
He says "Now we need you boy, in Dodge City"
But I told him I'm already overdue in Cheyenne
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 5:27
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 5:29
Boot: The
Unsurpassed
Springsteen Vol. 3:
CBS Audition
(Hammond Demos)
Label: Yellow Dog
Records
Date: May 3 1972
Location: CBS
Time: 5:27
Version 3
Well there's a light on yonder mountain
There's a girl over by the water fountain
And ain't that Jesus, he's standing in the doorway
With a buckskin jacket, boots and spurs, so really fine
He says "We need you up in Dodge City, son
'Cause there's oh so many bad boys
Well now if Jesus was the sheriff and I was the priest
Now old sweet Virgin Mary
And the Holy Ghost, he's the host with the most
But oh hit you for your soul when you go
And then she sells her body on Monday
To the bootlegger who will pay the highest price
And she's only been made once or twice
And me I got scabs on my knees
From kneeling way too long
I gotta take a stand, be the man, up where you belong
And forget about the old friends and the old times
Well now if Jesus was the sheriff and I were the priest
There's still too many outlaws
And Jesus, he's standing in the doorway
He says "We need you son, up in Dodge City"
But I'm already overdue in Cheyenne
Label: Pony Express
Time: 5:57
Boot: Missing Tracks Sampler
Blauvelt, N.Y.
Time: 5:37
Time: 5:42
York
Time: 5:44
Available:
I'm In Love Again
Comments:
A Bruce Springsteen Band number, completely sung by one of his female vocalists, so dont get
worried when reading lyrics like "and I ain't no schoolgirl" etc etc. A very different departure from
what most people think of Bruce, however its just another example of how well he can organise
arrangements for a band.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I met him at a party on a lonely Saturday
I listened to him talking and I liked the things he had to say
He invited me up to see him, and I knew right from the start
No use trying to fool myself, I'm in love again, I'm in love again
No use being cruel to myself, its a hard enough world
And I aint no schoolgirl, I know it's a sin
Cause I'm in love again
His name is Joe and he talks real low, and he dance so good
He looks so fine and I know he's mine like I knew he would
He smiles so sweet when he holds my hand, he's my man
Cause I'm in love again
He sees me each and every day, and loves me each and every night
When we go out to a show, he puts his arm around me and holds me real tight
And lets me know everythings alright, everythings alright, everythings alright
I met him at a party on a lonely Saturday
I listened to him talking and I liked the things he had to say
He invited me up to see him, and I knew right from the start
Cause I'm in love
Cause I'm in love
I'm in love
Whoa love
I'm in love again
Date: July 23rd 1971
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1. Sung by Delores Holmes
Time: 5:30
Available:
I Never Heard The Word On You
Comments:
See The Word
The Word
Comments:
Also known as I Never Heard The Word On You and The Song, this track reminds me a lot of the
style Elvis Costello just before he released My Aim Is True in 1977. Another verbal altercation with a
woman and as usual, Bruce comes off second best, although that line about "your mark on my jeans"
suggests that, although Bruce was losing the war, he won the odd battle.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well you flash your tongue like diamonds
You tied me to your wildcat schemes
And you forced me to into a power dive
And left your mark on my jeans
And I heard the word on your soldiers
And I heard the word on Jesus too
I heard the word on the country
But I never heard the word on you
Your love was like a machine gun
I wore your bugle in my belt
And I was your kid glove lover
All the cards were yours
You always dealt
And I stood before your soapbox
Noiseless and shoeless
Playing my pantry boy's games
You had your raised up
You had your hands raised up
You were raised up to the sky
Shouting "Oh Sunday deity
Oh Big Daddy Longlegs
Come down and bless your sister please"
You were shoutin' orders about the construction
Going on down the highway
Doin' the Virginia Reel
You were namin' names, blamin' blames
And you blamed me
You wore your heart like a challenge
Far and apart for anyone who came
Open and wide like the river
With rocks on both sides to keep the water tame
But I heard the word on your high tides
And I felt the pain when I tried
To rip your floodgates wide
And pull your body on over to my side
Where we both could hide
But you heard about the freedom ride
And you heard about the Highway Crew
Who could cut the light a little bit faster than you
So you left me just your shoes
And I heard the word on Jesus
And I heard the word on his marching troops
And I heard the word on the country
But I never heard the word on you
Time: 3:49
New York
Time: 3:53
Available:
I Remember
Comments:
A Bruce Springsteen Band song, and a long one it is too. Some really great lyrics are let down by the
interlude in the middle of the track that is preoccupied with the number of times a door is slammed.
Drive all night just to buy you some shoes it isn't.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I remember the first time saw you
Cause I thought to myself I said
Mmmmm that woman sure looks good
And I went home and I prayed to the Lord each night
I said "Oh Jesus", I told him I had to, I had to have you
Because I thought that you would love me like I'd want my baby to
Yes and I remember
The first time I loved you, sure felt true
And I remember ohhhhhh
Yes I, yes I yes I do
Ohhhhhh
I miss your lovin' baby
Yes I do
And I remember
The first time I touched you
Because the stars fell from the sky
And they glowed down on the earth like a giant firefly
And thats when I knew
Yeah thats when I knew
I said thats, thats when I knew
That it had to, oh baby, it had to be you
Thats when I knew, thats when I knew
Thats when I knew it had to be you
There was just no other, that I needed you for my lover
Thats when, thats when I knew
Oh thats when I knew
Baby thats, thats when I knew
I said thats when I knew
Because I remember
The first time I loved you
Oh it felt so true
Oh Yes I gotta have your lovin', yes I, yes I
Gotta have your lovin'
Oh baby I
Yes I do
Yes I do mama
I remember
The first time that you left me
Because I thought that you were fooling when you said you were gonna go
Just like you fooled me, fooled me so many times before
Cause you know we got along alright for a few years
But then just things started happening and it wasn't the same no more
No it just wasn't the same no more
And you have gone off so many times before
But you always came back
And I remember when you went out and you slammed the door once
Yes I remember that was the first time
You went out and you slammed the door
Oh yeah, and I thought you were fooling, yeah and I thought you were fooling
And you went out and slammed the door a second time
But you came back, oh you came back yes you did
And you went out and I heard that door slam three times
But you came back to me, and I remember the fourth time you went out
And this time it hurt
Oh baby, oh darling, don't do it
But you came back, but it was the fifth time that you went out, you went out the door went
Oh stop it, oh stop it
And you came back
And the days went by, and the months went by
And I just stayed up in my room
I just hung out in my room, playing the records and the radio
Just watching tv all the time by myself
And then the year gone by and I saw you
Walking downtown, I saw you, I saw you walking down the street
Oh you looked so good you were boppin' down the street
She had here hair all dolled up, and she had that little dog
She had that dog on that leash, and her friends were telling her
You got that boy on a leash, you got that boy on a leash
She had that little dog that she always had, walking down the street
She was boppin down the street to the beat of the band
And her friends say you got that boy on a leash, you got that boy on a leash
And I said "hiya baby how ya doing", and she said "Oh I been fine"
And I said "yeah you look good, whats been happening"
She said "oh not too much, I just been going to work, I got a little job
And I got a good man who says he loves me"
And then I said "baby, oh baby sweet baby, won't you come back to me?"
And she said "no I just can't make it"
I said "darling won't you come back to me I've been missing you"
And she said "no I just can't take it"
I said "darling won't you come back to me because I need you"
And she said "no honey I just can't stand it again"
I said "but darling I want you"
She said "no Bill I just can't make it"
I said "well honey I need you"
And she said "no, I just can't make it"
I said "but darling I want you I feel so bad"
She said "no, I just can't make it"
I said "Darling I love you, and you said it would be alright, you said it was going to be alright"
"Oh darling I love you won't you come on home"
She said "I'm coming home"
She's coming home, she's coming home
She's coming home, shes coming home, babys coming home
Baby's coming home
And I remember the first time I loved you
It was so damn true
Cause I gotta have your lovin'
Yes I, yes I do
Yes I, yes I
I remember
Yes I do
Yes I do girl
Yes I do
Yes I really do girl
Because the way, the way you love me sometimes is just so frightening
Can't you see we go together mama, just like thunder and just like lightning
Time: 15:15
Version 2
Well I remember the first time I saw you
Because I thought to myself
I said ooh, there's one woman that sure looks good, yes she does
And I prayed to the Lord each night, I said Oh Lord, if there's a Lord
I told him I had to have you
Because I thought that you would love me like I would want my baby to
Yes, yes and I remember the first time I saw you, sure was true, yes it was
Cause I gotta have your lovin', yes I, yes I
I gotta have your lovin', oh come on to me now, I gotta have your lovin'
Yes I do, oh yes I do, babe
Well I remember the first time I touched you
I swear the stars fell from the sky
And glowed down on the earth like a thousand fireflies
And I thought to myself, I swear this is one time, yes I knew it
I said maybe baby if we tried, perhaps we could get through it
Yes I knew, I knew we could get out and do it
Without, without later wonderin' which one of us blew it
Yes and I, well I remember the first time I touched you, oh you were so true
And I gotta have your lovin', yes I, yes I
I gotta have your lovin', oh baby child
I gotta hae your' lovin, yes I sure do babe
Ah even the Lord knows I do
Well I remember the first time you love me
Sure you was a young girl just fresh from schoolin'
But how on earth did you expect me to know that you was only foolin'
Ob baby you were just, you was only a lonely teenager
And I was on the hunt, and I tried to cage her
Soon as I found ya babe on the corral, you tried to get down
Oh and I wanted to surround you
But you went away from me, yes she did, oh you went away for one year
And I hadn't seen that woman so long, when
And hey, yes, I had not seen that woman so long
And one day I saw her walkin' down on the other side of the street
I said, Hey baby, there goes my baby, yes she did
And I said, and I said, I said Hey baby, what's goin' on
Won't you come back to me
And she said "uh-yh, uh-uh
I said, Hey baby
Available:
I'll Be Your Saviour
Comments:
A Steel Mill track
Lyrics:
Available:
Jambalaya
Comments:
Like an echo of a Chuck Berry song, with its female name title and talk of the South. The line
"Jambalaya, she's my fire" is very appropriate if you have ever eaten the dish of the same name. A big
thanks to Craig Statham for help with the lyrics.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Said I got a girl I wanna tell you her name
She lives way down south in New Orleans
She's strong like a lion, she growls like a tiger
And I call my woman Jambalaya
Jambalaya
She's my fire
Well she comes on dressed like a hurricane
She drives old Dr. Zoom insane
She's a sweet little woman, she's a hot rock and roller
Built like Marilyn Munroe and she walks just like Smokie Stova
Jambalaya
She's my fire
She was born and bred down Louisana
Dressed in blue jeans and ???
She loves a man, she rolls him in clover
She loves him so hard all you can do is
Roll over, roll over, roll over, roll over
Over and over again
Jambalaya
She's my fire
She was born and bred down in Louisana
Dressed in blue jeans and ???
She loves a man, she rolls him in clover
Said I got a girl I wanna tell you her name
Way down south in New Orleans
Strong like a lion, wild like a tiger
Call my woman Jambalaya
Jambalaya
She's my fire
Date: July 23 1971
Time: 13:02
Version 2
Well I got a girl I wanna tell you her name
She lives way down south in New Orleans
She's strong like a lion, she's wild like a tiger
And I call my woman Jambalaya
Jambalaya
She's my fire
Well she hits you like a hurricane
She drives old Dr. Zoom insane
She's a good little woman, she's a hot rock and roller
Built like Marilyn Munroe and she walks like Smokie Stova
Jambalaya
She's my fire
She was born and bred down in Louisana
Dressed in blue jeans and red bandanna
When she comes on, she loves a man in clover
Jambalaya
She's my fire
When she gets you she locks you in her room
She comes on to you like a big ???
She loves a man, she puts him in clover
Date: May 14 1971
Time: 8:22
Available:
Jazz Musician
Comments:
Also known as The Jazz Man Plays His Horn and The Jazz Musician Plays His Horn, this track also
features lyrics that would later appear in Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out. A very bluesy, even jazzy piano
driven track that features many elements of Bruce's early writing, e.g. New York, taxi's, hard living
women and even a bit of religion thrown into the mix.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well it's Saturday night in New Jersey
And you're feeling kinda wet
Now the summer heat is starting to get you worried
So you look as innocent as you can as you sweat
And you've got a woman on the other side of the law
But it ain't cool to go see her yet
Because her ex-old man's a city cop
Who thinks he's auditioning on Dragnet
So you stand on the corner looking kinda torn
And in the Blue Light Lounge
Where death was born
The jazz musician blows his horn
You pop a letter to your baby in Richmond
'Cause you're feeling pretty down
She's kinda small but at least she's a rich one
She needs you real bad
And sometimes that's all that counts
You had a teenage band and flying hands
And oh, you was pretty big in the South
But you passed out on stage and flew into a rage
And someone tried to revive you
Mouth to mouth
You felt a pain in your chest
As you passed the crown
The lights went down
And the audience slipped silently out of town
Well now the athiest he burns you for laughing out loud
Cause he can't understand what you're saying
And the word's out, everybody knows, when they threw him in the hole
Oh he went out praying
Oh, and the park is dark but the sidewalk's bright
And alive with the light of the living
Oh and Mama won't you let me walk you home tonight
'Cause it's a big bad city
And this boy's got a lot for the giving
I was stranded in the jungle
First stage witness at a company killing
I'm clutching my high school diploma, shuffling my feet
They promised me sixty bucks a week
And top billing
Well you can live a life of love in New York
Only if you don't love living
And I met this taxi driver who rides me around town
He revels in telling tales of his back seat women
But now out on the corner there's no room to move
'Cause everybody's trying so hard to groove
The jazz musician plays his blues
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 5:38
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 5:40
Boot: The Unsurpassed Springsteen Vol. 3: CBS Audition (Hammond
Demos)
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 5:38
Version 2
Well it's a Saturday night in New Jersey
Now the summer heat is getting you worried
You've got a woman on the other side of the law
Because her ex-old man's some half-shot detective
With his heart set on Dragnet
And so you stand on the corner looking kinda torn
'Cause you're feeling kinda down
She's kinda small but at least she don't bitch none
Whoa you had a teenage band and flying hands
And yeah, you were pretty big in the South
Mouth to mouth
And you felt a pain in your chest
And the audience, like monks, slipped silently out of town
Well now the athiest burns you for laughing out loud
Whoa and the DJ, he's rattling like a Gatling Gun
But man, thats your record he's playing
Oh, and outside the park is dark but the sidewalk's bright
Oh and baby can I walk you home tonight
'Cause it's bad outside and there's so much of a giving
Shuffling my feet, clutching my high school diploma
Promised sixty bucks a week
And top billing
And has anybody seen sweet Gabriel
That dark woman with the funny tattoo
The curtain calls of her shadow on my walls
Are all I got to pull me through
Oh and out on the corner there's no room to move
The jazz man plays his blues
Outtakes
Time: 6:16
Version 3
Well it's a Saturday night in New Jersey
Now the summer heat is getting you worried
You've got a woman on the other side of the law
Because her ex-old man's some half-shot detective
With his heart set on Dragnet
And so you stand on the corner looking kinda torn
'Cause you're feeling kinda down
She's kinda small but at least she don't bitch none
Whoa you had a teenage band and flying hands
And yeah, you were pretty big in the South
Mouth to mouth
And you felt a pain in your chest
And the audience, like monks, slipped silently out of town
Well now the athiest burns you for laughing out loud
Whoa and the DJ, he's rattling like a Gatling Gun
But man, thats your record he's playing
Oh, and outside the park is dark but the sidewalk's bright
Oh and baby can I walk you home tonight
'Cause it's bad outside and there's so much of a giving
Shuffling my feet, clutching my high school diploma
Promised sixty bucks a week
And top billing
And has anybody seen sweet Gabriel
That dark woman with the funny tattoo
The curtain calls of her shadow on my walls
Are all I got to pull me through
Oh and out on the corner there's no room to move
The jazz man plays his blues
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 6:13
Time: 6:09
Available:
Jeannie I Want To Thank You
Comments:
A Steel Mill song dominated by guitar. Jeannie of course would reappear in outtakes all the way up
until the Darkness sessions, in the guise of Jeannie Needs a Shooter.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Jeannie I want to thank you
For the ride 'cause it was fun
I'd like to go around another turn
But that ride is done
The game it has been won by you
Whoa darling, darling, darling don't go
Sometimes I think I was such a fool
For doing the things I done
But the consequences are dearly felt
As I stand alone
A man without a home or you
Whoa darling, darling, darling come home
Jeannie I want to thank you
For the ride 'cause it was fun
I'd like to go around another turn
But that ride is done
The game it has been won by you
Darling, darling, darling come home
Darling, darling, come home
Time: 10:21
Available:
Jesse
Comments:
A Laurel Canyon demo, perhaps a warning to a future Springsteen on the pitfalls of being a prisoner
of rock and roll? Yet more Catholic imagery permeates this demo, a characteristic of Springsteen's
song writing at this time. A very strong demo, perhaps a little too close to the bone to be considered
for an album
Lyrics:
Version 1
Oh Jesse, you better start thinking about saving you neck
Oh Jesse, you put on that leather jacket like you put on respect
You got cleats on your boots and a woman who shoots everytime you shuffle out the stage door
And darling Jesse, ahhhhhh do you know what it's all for?
Ah Jesse, your manager brought by them eight by ten glossies of your band
Oh Jesse, he says you wear a cross 'round your neck and come on with nails in your hands
With your insides showing and your New York band blowin' them old Chicago blues
Ah Jesse, can't you see you're the one Jesse
Ah sonny, this time it's you
Well, Jesse, your child is slobbering all over your pants
And Jesse, your wife has fallen into a trance
She's got eyes that tell no lies
She's seen so many wars
Ah be a good boy Jesse, tell her she don't have to look no more
Well Jesse, he knows all the tricks to get the crowd reeling
Oh and Jesse, yeah he rocks 'em with that old soul feeling
And he walks off the stage in a self-adoring haze
And gets shoved right out the door
Whoa Jesse, can't you see now boy that that's what its all about Jesse
Not even time to do that old played out encore
Whoa Jesse
Mmm Jesse
Label: Pony Express
Time: 3:04
York City, N.Y.
Time: 3:04
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 3:05
Blauvelt, NY
Time: 3:05
Boot: Unearthed
Time: 3:04
Available:
Justin Fears
Comments:
Never released
Lyrics:
Version 1
The architect angel from Cell Block 19
Complains the mob has ripped her gutter
She requests the New York Times
From which she steals several lines
She swears she's known this critic as a lover
Her agent's Justin Fears
She holds his thin arm and sips his beer
He keeps the fans from wringing water from her socks
Though his name is Justin Fears
She calls him Justin dear
She gets up and gets down with a queer
And hopes Justin does'nt hear
As she whispers you're cute
I like your boots, lets rock
Available:
Lady Of Boston
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
I got a lady in Boston
She's outta sight yeah
When I get up into Massachusetts
Oh she keep a coming in every night ohhh lord yes she does
Well she's mean and she hits ya like a Kansas twister
She's a solid gold, genuine, bona fide, super soul sister yeah
Well I don't want her money and no money can satisfy
All I want is your loving
Great god almighty she got the lord on her side
See her every Friday night down at the disco scene
When she gets out on the floor everybody moves ohhh she's so clean
You know she's so heavenly
All a man wants to do is just hold her
And I tell you there ain't no other woman on earth
There just ain't nobody bolder yeah
Now I don't care about her bankbook 'cause Sally would satisfy
All I want is her loving
Great god almighty she got the lord on her side
It's a funny and a hurting 'cause things ain't right
Try bake it, try to ball 'em maybe start a fight
But your friends don't wanna know you
They just pass you by
But they couldn't be your friends
'Cause they wouldn't lie
So sit down shut up don't you cry
'Cause things will get better if you really try
So don't you panic, don't you panic give it one more try
Don't you panic, don't you panic give it one more try
Oh keep on trying; (yeah keep on trying)
Keep on trying; (yeah keep on trying)
Yeah keep on trying; (keep on trying)
Oh keep on trying, (yeah keep on trying) aghhhhhhh
Keep on trying
Keep on trying
Date: May 14 1971
Time: 13:13
Available:
Lady Walking Down By The River
Comments:
A Steel Mill song, this song is full of repetition, as if it is striving to make a point and hammer it
home.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Lady walking down by the river
Can't you see how she moves along
She says her work is never done
Men and lovers quench their thirst for sunlight
Wedging their tongues in a forestland stream
Bathe in the splendour of their bodies
And they sleep 'neath the silent trees
Won't you come and sing me a song
Won't you come and take me along
Carrying her infant son
She says her man has long been gone
Carrying her infant son
Won't you come
Time: 10:33
Available:
Last Night In Texas
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
I said its the last night in Texas
And I'm down to San Antoine
It's my last night in Texas
And I'm down to San Antoine
???
Going to leave old Texas and me alone
Well in South Dakota yeah yeah
Well I met ???
South Dakota yeah yeah
???
Have myself a big old ???
Spend the nights just ???
Well I'm moving on the west bound
Moving on the west bound train
Said I'm moving on the west bound
I'm on the west bound train
Once I get out of this town
I'm never gonna come back to Texas again
Last night in Texas and I'm on to San Antoine
Got no woman to kick me, no woman to call my own
???
God knows she won't leave it alone
Date: May 14 1971
Time: 9:16
Available:
Last Night In Tulsa
Comments:
Very similar to Going Back To Georgia thematically, even though both songs were being played at
the same dates. Good use of the band, with several excellent solos
Lyrics:
Version 1
Last night in Tulsa
And I'm going back home
It's my last night in Tulsa
I been in town just one night too long
My bags all packed up at the station
Gotta take them on the Tulsa line
My bags all packed up at the station
I gotta take them all on the Tulsa line
There ain't never been a feelin' so fine
As laying out in some of that home warm sunshine
And everything looks surely grand
I wanna hand, little woman of mine
I remember all them sweet kisses
And I know I'm gonna miss her
She was fine that woman of mine
On the piano
Harvey
Well I remember all them sweet kisses
To get back home again
Alright
Last night in Tulsa
It's my last night in Tulsa
I'm just kinda travelling right along
I been in this town one night too long
Alright guys
Last night in Tulsa
My last night in Tulsa
My last night I'm coming home
Coming home, coming home, coming home
Yes back home, get back home
Home to New Jersey
On the saxophone
Label: Golden Stars
Time: 4:32
Available:
Like A Stranger
Comments:
A Bruce Springsteen Band track
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well no matter where I run, no matter where I hide
Like a bloodhound on the trail of a convict lost in flight
She sees me in the daytime, mama, and chills my sheets at night
She thrills me in the night-shine, mama, and chills my sheets at night
Yes and what I wouldn't give
Oh darlin' what I would not give
Baby what I would'nt give to be able to live
Like a stranger, no woman, no home
Like a stranger, no cares but my own
Like a stranger, a different face, a different name
Like a stranger, a different place, a different game
Like a stranger, a different touch, a different smell
Cause then you would not know me so well
Well she claims she knows everything I do
And why I do everything
She says she knows all the meaning to every song I sing
Shes the wind that blows me inside out
On the streets at 2am
She burps me up and spits me out, and yells me who I am
Yes and what I wouldn't give
What I would not give
What I would'nt give to be able to live
Like a stranger, with no cares but my own
And when the children return to their mothers
When my lover goes home to her lover
She pulls tight around me just like my covers But yoo know loneliness is such a bad lover, such a bad,
such ???
Yeah what I wouldn't give
Darlin what I would not give
Yeah what I would'nt give
To be able, to be able to live
Like a stranger, no cares but my own
Available:
Livin' Rock & Roll
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Mama, mama, wont you come and see
See what the music has done to me
Gone all through my fingers, gone down deep into my soul
I'm just another boy tryin' to live with rock and roll
Sister, sister, sister come quick
Just the other night, a revelation
Got it last night, soul deep on the radio
I'm just another boy, tryin' to live in rock and roll
Well if you've got it, baby, baby, baby if you've got it
Don't hide it, you can't hide it
You can feel it, you can't hide it
In your body, you can't hide it
If it moves ya, if it moves ya
Yeah, how does it feel to discover
There's rock and roll on the radio
Mama, mama won't you come and see
See what the music has done to me
Gone all through my fingers, gone down deep into my soul
I'm just another boy tryin' to live in rock and roll
Sister, sister, sister come quick
Gives my life a real salvation
I got it last night, soul deep on the radio
Yes I'm just another boy tryin' to live in rock and roll
I said I'm just another boy tryin' to live in rock and roll
Yeah Mama I'm just another boy tryin' to live in rock and roll
Just another boy tryin' to live in rock
Available:
Look Into My Window
Comments:
Co-written by Bruce Springsteen and George Theiss
Lyrics:
Look into my window girl
You're lookin' at me
Cause to get my window girl
Tell me what you see
Look into my window
Tell me what I'm like
Look into my window
And don't be afraid to try
Date: January 1967
Time: 1:36
Available:
Look Toward The Land
Comments:
A track that originally dates from The Bruce Springsteen Band era
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well I dreamed I was a gypsy riding the land
With a tambourine and a gypsy queen and a rainbow caravan
Happy old land sailor yeah thats what I want to be
Stealing diamonds from the rich men to throw in the sea
Singing look towards the land 'cause the land is the key
Singing look towards the land and keep an eye on the sea
Well I dreamed I was a cabin boy on that American Clipper line
Watering flowers for the captain that they may not wilt
Bringing cargo to the colonies of South Carolina
On the best old clipper Dave McKay ever built
Singing look toward the land 'cause the land is the key
Singing keep an eye on the land, and an eye on the sea
Well I dreamed I was your lover 'cause thats what I wanna be
And I dreamed that every night you dreamed only of me
And we walked along the beach, and oh we held hands
And I told you you were my only woman and I'll was you only man, singin'
Look towards the lovers for they are the key
Keep an eye on the lovers and an eye on the war machines
Well I dreamed I was the captain of a River Queen
Caressing Mississippi waters down to New Orleans
Yeah happy old river boat captain that's what I'd like to be
And I'd let you ride my honey I'll let you ride her for free
Singing look towards the river for the river's the key
Keep an eye on the river and an eye on the sea
Well I dreamed I was your friend, cause thats what I want to be
And every night you had dreams and they were all of me
We walked all the streets together hand in hand
And we be kind to the man, and the woman be kind to the man
If only that would happen some day again
And I would be singing look towards the lovers for they are the key
Keep an eye on the lovers and an eye on the war machines
And thats why at night I am afraid to sleep
Cause some of my dreams frighten me
Date: May 14 1971
Time: 6:11
Available:
Love Is A Crazy Thing
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well love is a crazy thing
Some woman might want a fancy car
Cavier, or maybe a wedding ring
But at night time my baby
It aint none of these things
She gives me love ohhh
And shes not the kind of woman who would put you down
Shes not the kind of woman who moves around
She do anything that you want her to do
Most of all she let you be like who you got to be
Let you see who ever you got to see
Let you do what ever you got to do
You love, ahhh its a beautiful thing
Yeah now woman, watch out cause she is a deadly game
But no not my baby
Oh she ain't that kind
Shes sweet shes wonderful and shes mine girl
I just love her all the time
She not the kind of woman that can play that card
Shes not the kind of woman who always wants to be the boss
She let you do anything that you want to do
Most of all she let you be like who you got to be
Let you see who ever you got to see
Let you do what ever you got to do
Whoa its a crazy thing
Some woman want a fancy car
Cadillac or maybe cavier, maybe she wants a wedding ring
But oh not my baby, she don't want none of these things
She only wants my love
Oh take it easy, you gotta giver her love
I'm saying love, you gotta give her love
Most she wants is love
She wants love
Don't you know she wants love
Label: Yellow Cat
Time: 7:12
Available:
Magic Kind Of Lovin'
Comments:
Bruce Springsteen Band song
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well I might not be no natural born lover
Or a brown eyed handsome man
Well ??? come true
When she said ???
???
She found her magic kind of loving
She found her magic kind of loving
She found her kind of magic loving
??? momma ??? me
Well I might not be no king bee
And my baby might not be no queen
Well when she comes to the door
She says "Daddy I'm yours"
??? ever see
She got that magic kind of loving
She got that kind of magic loving
??? me
Well I might not be no natural born lover
Or ???
But when my momma, she's blue
She said "Daddy ???
??? boy ???
And it's sure alright for me
And it's sure alright for me
???
Take it home
Label: Yellow Cat
Time: 5:12
Available:
Make Up Your Mind
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Hey now baby, when I walk with you
Ah you make me feel just fine
Yeah and Darlin' whane I talk to you
Oh Child, I could not read between your lines
Oh how was I to know you were just a lonely teenager
It didn't show, nay, it didn't show
And like a man on the hunt
I was trying to cage her
But she would'nt go, ah she could'nt go
And after she told me how she loved me so
Said you'd better make up your mind, babe
You'd better do it in time, babe
It's me or you, you gotta choose
Somebody's got to lose
Baby when you smile at me
Well it makes me feel so good inside
Oh when you walk and you talk and you while away your time with me
Ah you know thats what I like
Well you, you look so soft but you talk so loud
Oh you were a young girl, just out of school
And when you walked away ah you walked so proud
I had to guess that was your ruling
Well how was I to know that all the time I loved ya
You were only fooling
Well you gotta make up your mind, girl
You'd better do it in time, babe
It's me or you, you gotta choose
Hey baby when I walk with you
Ah you make me feel just fine
But when I talk to you I juts can't read between your lines
Well how was to know you were just a lonely teenager
You were a young girl, ah, just out of school
And I was like a man on the hunt
Yes I tried to cage her
Ah but you said no, I guess I wasn't worth it
And when you walked away
I knew you were'nt fooling then babe
Ah you gotta make up your mind
You gotta do it in time
It's me or you, make up your mind, babe
Do it for me in time (Do it in time for me, babe)
You gotta choose
Available:
Marie
Comments:
Very similar in structure and lyrically constructed like Mary, Queen Of Arkansas. Not a reason to be
avoided however, this early demo documents the struggle between desire and imprisonment, two
feelings that love can simultaneously produce. Although Marie produces so much pain, she remains
"the only lonely cowgirl on my range", yet another Wild West reference.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Marie, she comes to me in the twilight
When the wind blows down 'cross the river
So cold the fishermen cry
She rapes me in a rage of rainbow violence
Till my bare nerves, they sing
Like the strings of a violin
And the room seeps into a savage silence
Soaked in colours, red as blood, blue as night
And Marie she skins me alive
Carves her initials in my side
Lures me with her purrs, then cuts me with her knife
And the horses pound like thunder
They bolt like lightning on her range
She feels she's going under and she zeroes in the rein
She's so strange
Well, Marie, you know, she's the queen of all the stallions
And I'm her prince of mules
And one of her principal fools
Marie, she's got the claws of a falcon
And she's perched upon my shoulder, and slowly digging in
But she, oh she can be so strange sometimes
Like at night when the coyotes whine
Or when the neighbours come to dine
Marie, she skins me alive
Burns her initials in my hide and then leaves me all alone
Branded to the bone
And my heart pounds like her horses
Oh, stampeding on the range
Marie knows all the sources
And she shoots me with her pain
And for her, I take it, Lord, down in my veins
And I watch her dance like some beserk fairy
All across the concrete prairies of Bleeker Street
Marie, she can be so strange
But she's the only lonely cowgirl on my range
Label: Pony Express
Time: 4:42
York City, N.Y.
Time: 4:39
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 4:45
Blauvelt, NY
Time: 4:42
Boot: Unearthed
Time: 4:42
Available:
Mary Louise Watson
Comments:
See Black Widow Spider
Missie
Comments:
An early 1972 demo
Lyrics:
Available:
Mistress Annie
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Sweet Mis Annie, gonna raise them young boys down home
Yeah sweet Miss Annie, startin' to raise them young boys now
Cause Poppa's bring their sons
And Miss Annie, she'll call "Hi"
Mistress Annie, come on, Kung Fu Ann
Mistress Annie, yeah, I'm your, I'm, I'm your man
I know she'll come
And honey'll show them how to do it right
Mistress Annie, lay your money down
I said hey, Miss Annie, come lay your money down
All the poppa's bring their sons
But Miss Annie show's them how, all right
Version 2
Sweet Mis Annie, gonna raise them young boys down home
Yeah sweet Miss Annie, startin' to raise them young boys now
Cause Poppa's bring their sons
And Miss Annie, she'll call "Hi"
Mistress Annie, come on, Kung Fu Ann
Mistress Annie, yeah, I'm your, I'm, I'm your man
I know she'll come
And honey'll show them how to do it right
Mistress Annie, play your music now
I said hey, Miss Annie
Come play your music now
All the power is in the song
But Miss Annie shows them how
Available:
Mother
Comments:
An early 1972 demo
Lyrics:
Available:
Mr. Jones
Comments:
Written by Bruce Springsteen.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I woke up this morning ???
And I looked out on my window
???
??? dream
??? dream
I woke up this morning I sit up on
And I forgot ???
???
??? dream
??? dream
???
???
??? goodbye
And I ??? sky
For the strangest sight I have ever seen
??? dream
??? dream
??? dream
Date: January 1967
Time: 3:57
Available:
My Baby's Natural Magic
Comments:
An absolutely brilliant track, possibly the best from the Bruce Springsteen Band, Maybe a little too
soppy to be put on Greetings... or The Wild...., but then, Blinded By The Light was included. A really
sweet soul number from the guys.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I'd climb a mountain if you want me too
I'd swim the ocean just to get to you
I do most anything that you asked me to do
Don't you know now darling my lovings for you
Oh but don't take me for the fool
Cause it would be the wrong thing to do
In the end it sure would be tragic
Because my baby's natural magic
Oh she's alright
Come on
I'd steal the moon from the midnight sky
Sprinkle it in stardust and tie'em in butterflies
I'd buy for you a sailing ship and I'd sit out on the sea
All I ask of you darling is you let me be free
And if that is too much to do
To keep my girl from singing the blues
In the end it sure would be tragic
Because my baby's natural magic
She's just alright
She's not the kind of girl that misses ??? and pretty
Always there to lend a certain touch
When she somethings she likes she'll have it
Never taken too much and always leavin' enough to get home
Yeah she does
I want you to climb on
Climb on
Climb on
Climb on
You know I love you
I'd climb a mountain if you want me too
I'd swim the ocean just to get to you
I'd do most anything that you asked me to do
Don't you know now darling my lovings for you
Oh but don't take me for some kind of fool
That would be the wrong thing for you to do
Oh it sure would be tragic
Cause my baby's natural magic
Oh yeah
In the end it would sure be tragic
Cause my baby's natural magic
Date: 1972
Location: Unknown
Time: 5:41
Available:
No Need
Comments:
Also titled She's My Westside Angel, this rather moving tribute to a woman is performed with Bruce
solo at the piano. Some fantastical lyrical work again is apparent on this track, however there is
always that painful edge that comes on the flipside of a love so deep.
Lyrics:
Version 1
She's a broken winged angel
Refugee from things her Mama knew
And she's done everything ohh the bible said not to do
Well I don't know if she believes in Jesus
The good book, or even Satan you see
I'm just trying to get her to believe in me
Oh 'cause when I see her face
No matter where I am I'm in the right place
And the girls I left behind
Oh, they never satisfied me, it's so true
But baby, baby, you do
She's the belle of Eighth Street
High society's midnight vamp
Oh, she's my queen, yeah and I'm her tramp
Yes she's a free falling flyer
And she flows whichever way that the wind blows
And she's the only woman I ever knew
Who could teach me more about me, bind me in chains
And still let me be free
Oh my heart swells up inside
Starts beating like I'm gonna die
And my body breaks in pain
As she falls down on me like the rain
It's only her and my songs that keep me from going insane
And I guess I'm one of those people
Who measures love in pain
You see, I never had too much personal success
And to me there's nothing sweeter
Than a teardrop of rain
I just love that feeling of sadness
Oh and it worries me so
She's my West Side angel
She looks so funky in her Hollywood wing
And she knows how I stumble when I talk
So she says "Don't talk at all babe, just sing"
And I have seen her body in candle glow
In the deep heart of the night
When you finally let loose of everything
Oh and she loves me like such a good woman
And still, oh, she's just a sweet young thing
And I know this might sound crazy, untrue
Or just the words of a young fool
But I swear I'd be on the floor
If she ever walked out the door
I swear I'd wish that she would shoot me first
And I know that sounds insane but sometimes I believe it's true
And that's what scares me worst
'Cause I dance for her
Talk any chance for her
And I pray for her
Lord God knows I pray for her
And I need for her
And I bleed for her
Time: 6:09
York
Time: 6:09
Available:
Nothing Can Stop Me Now
Comments:
See C'mon Billy Break U The Wine
Oh Mama Why
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
You get up every morning at the sound of the bell
You stumble out the door just a-feeling like hell
I make it into class about a quarter past eight
I hear my teacher yakking at me 'cause I'm ten minutes late
So down at my desk next to my girlfriend Mary
You were late for a date so I went out with Harry
Honey don't you know I had to stay in the class
I never took my homework on that old dark road
This car, it ran out of gas
I get up every morning at the sound of the bell
Oh mama, oh mama, why
Stumble out the door just a-feeling like hell
I get into class about a quarter past eight
I get my teacher yakking at me cause I'm ten minutes late
Why do you treat me like this?
Cause when I look in your eyes you know I just can't resist
You're my hully gully, baby, I'm all a-twist
I get up every morning at the sound of the bell
Stumble out the door just a-feeling like hell
Why do you treat me like this?
Oh why
Oh mama, mama, mama, mama
Have up on the school and I gotta go to job
My teacher and papa screaming that I look like a slob
My boss man won't give me a moment of peace
I'm just a low class, pumpin' gas, monkey in grease
Why do you treat me like this, I don't know
Oh mama why
Available:
Pretty Little Woman
Comments:
A Dr Zoom and The Sonic Boom track
Lyrics:
Version 1
Whoa that little girl of mine
She used to dance so good
Whoa pretty little girl of mine
She said I guess I should
Whoa she looks so fine that pretty little woman of mine
Love me so sweet
Sweet like apple pie
Love me baby so sweet now
Sweet as an apple pie
A body like heaven I know about this woman of mine
C'mon Southside
Date: May 14 1971
Time: 9:08
Available:
Prodigal Son
Comments:
One of the best of Springsteen's early Laurel Canyon demos, this song is often interpreted as a bitter
comment on the Nixon administration of the early 1970's. Also, we see an early example of how the
relationship between Bruce and his father influenced his songwriting. Finally, note the fantastic line
"and your body takes over when your mind gives in".
Lyrics:
Version 1
In a place where outlaws are banned from the range
On a day when mountains have fallen to foes
In a land where boys are forbidden to grow
And metal is the only master
Where the highway ends and the desert breaks
And buildings are bent from great earthquakes
And statesmen crawl on their bellies like snakes
And feed off the public hunger
In a land where sky-scrapers scratch the sky
And delinquent daughters to their mothers still lie
Papa stands on the corner he wants to beat the drum
Welcome home my prodigal son
When rivers run raging through city streets
And great eagles have fallen from their lofty peaks
And policemen moonlight as sideshow freaks
For the final crime is committed
When Presidents ride in Ford Mustangs
And the black man releases his Cadillac fangs
And your cheque died in bed as the landlord bangs
The young girl next door for the rent
Where telegraph wires are attached to your mind
Delinquent daughters to their mothers still lie
Papa stands on the corner waitin' to beat the drum
When the telephone rings and falls off the hook
And your legs have been stolen by some defence department crook
And you startin' to think about writing a book
But now you won't pledge allegience to anything
And the maid comes in with coffee and cake
In a low-cut dress she wore just for your sake
You explain your not dead and she takes it as a compliment
And sticks out her tongue and asks for requests
In a land where skyscrapers scratch the sky
And delinquent daughters to their mothers still lie
Papa stands on the corner waitin' to beat the drum
And the mercury men with hydraulic joints
They bribe with a smile and hold you up in the alley at pinpoint
And ask you to bend over that they may annoint
You with the holy water of your profession
When the line between love and hate gets so thin
And your body takes over when your mind gives in
And your lady lover demands that you pin her to the floor
But its too late your reflexes are shot
And the man on the corner with the nervous twitch
Whispers "Hey, how would you like to buy a nice bitch
Shes a .38, and I got her loaded in all six"
He keeps talkin', and you just keep walkin'
And you reach for the sky and get stuck on a steeple
You reach out for love but you get lost in the people
You run through the canyon, screaming like an eagle
Then you fall face first in the mud
In a land where skyscrapers scratch the sky
And delinquent daughters have their own children who lie
Papa stands on the corner, watchin' the parade, he wants to beat the drum
Welcome home, welcome home my prodigal son
Welcome home, my prodigal son
Label: Pony Express
Time: 6:56
Time: 6:56
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Blauvelt, N.Y.
Time: 7:02
Time: 6:58
Boot: Unearthed
Blauvelt, New York
Time: 6:56
Available:
Randolph Street (Master Of Electricity)
Comments:
A nostalgic song, showing glimpses of Bruce's early life in the imagery that abounds within this track.
A song of unfulfilled promise and talent, the old man who could have been a success is now a shell of
his former self, and the woman can only do so much before she too must go away. The old man could
be Springsteens grandfather, himself an electrician that fixed appliances around the house.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I remember yesterday when I'd sit and watch the hound dogs play
Howlin' at the China moon
Now yesterday is the busted blues
Life was young, things were easy
Days were short, nights were warm
Time's were good, hate was shallow
Love was crazy, the hand in my marrow
I swear that I've seen your face somewhere back in that time
And in that place. Do you remember?
The old house stood like World War II with just two rooms
And a hall to be used
The lady was lean, just slightly unclean with a heart of cold silver and gold
The kitchen smelled of kerosene
Ceiling hung down on veil and rotted beams
And the man, they said, his work could have hung in the Louvre
Now he sits around all day because his left arm won't move
He was a master of the art of electricity
He lectured on tubes and circuitry
He was self-employed, but he could never see his way into the light
He had a room full of switches and dials and lights
And a head full of clouds and eyes full of sight
And when it got dark
I could hear his heartbeat like a mother in the night
She stood like a guardian ready to give everything up
If I asked for a sword and her blood in a cup
But there was just time when I asked for too much
She sighed because she could not give it
We used to sit beneath the tree just the lady, the radio man and me
And I think it was the winter of '63 the man went away and let us be
It was early on an August day that the lady decided she too must go away
Her heart it seems could not pay the price for what her body was buying
I came home from school and I found the note, went into the kitchen
And lit the old stove with senses set on overload
I turned on the TV, spent the rest of the afternoon watching
All my old cartoons through the hall
And across the porch was the sun surrendered like a crying torch.
Label: Pony Express
Time: 3:44
York City, N.Y.
Time: 3:41
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 3:51
Blauvelt, NY
Time: 3:49
Boot: Unearthed
Time: 3:45
Available:
Resurrection
Comments:
Perhaps the earliest example of how much Bruce's catholic upbringing influenced his music. A
stinging attack on Catholic dogma is the subject of this song, all the time with the haunting chant of
"Hail, hail resurrection" being echoed in the background by the backup singers. More guitar action of
course, reminiscent of the Steel Mill period.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Ever since I was a young man
I've known the devil too well
I can still hear my mama screamin'
"Boy you gonna burn some day in hell"
Drag me to church on Sunday
Head down, head down, head down on your knees and pray
When it comes you won't forget to call
Well I can't say that I'm a believer
I can't say that I ain't
Oh but three words on a piece of paper
It sure ain't gonna make no kind of sense
Drag us to church on a Friday
And we confess our sins
Special old price of three Hail Marys and your soul is clean again
Yeah!
You must believe what we are saying to believe for without belief you are dying
They told me you must believe what we tell you to believe and yours is not to question why
For the sisters never lie
Yours not to know ro die
Might as well not even try
Hail, hail resurrection
You'll invited to come and dance on my grave
Oh I'm gonna have a lot of money
I'll say my prayers to the earth and the sun
Oh won't you come on now
Whoa whoa whoa
Can't you hear'em coming now
I said can't you hear'em coming now
Date: March, 1970
Time: 13:41
Date: May 4 1970
Time: 10:59
Available:
Secret To The Blues
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well it's a Wednesday night
Cause I'll sitting here in my seat all alone
And I'm feelin' kind of tired, yeah, you know what I mean
But not tired enough to go home, not that tired
So sit back and hang loose
Cause thats the secret to the blues
Oh we got the Funky Chicken on the bass
Dave Madcap on the keys
Well when the man plays the saxophone
Them teenyboppers fall right to their knees
Thats the secret to the blues
So it's a Monday night
You're sittin' at that seat all alone
And you're feelin' kinda tired
But not tired enough to go home
So just sit back and hang loose
Thats the secret of the blues
Thats the secret of the blues
Sit back and stay loose
Sit back and stay loose
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: June 13 1973
Location: Broom County Memorial Arena
Time: 7:26
Available:
See My Friend
Comments:
A possible Castiles origininal
Lyrics:
Version 1
See my friend
See my friend
See my friend
See my friend
See my friend
See my friend
See my friend
See my friend
See my friend
See my friend
See my friend
See my friend
Down by the river
See my friend
See my friend
Down by the river
As he rides
As he rides down the river
See my friend
Down by the river
Ohhhhhhh
Date: January 1967
Location: St Peters Church, Freehold, NJ
Time: 4:43
Available:
Shanghai
Comments:
Sister Theresa
Comments:
A Steel Mill song
Lyrics:
Version 1
Sister Theresa, golden hair, you're locked away
Sister Theresa, dressed in black
With rosary beads strung around her neck
What you need's a man to love
Can you tell what I'm thinking of
Sister Theresa, feeling her way back home
Sister Theresa, up in the morning saying her prayers
Sister Theresa, revealing herself to the midnight air
You say you're married to Jesus Christ
And that he's in your bedroom every night
Why is he so hard, why's he treat you so cruel
Is he jealous, or just a fool
Sister Theresa, come with me awhile
I promise I'll make you smile
Mother Superior, come and see, Sister Frances, come and see
Mother Superior, come and see, Sister Frances, come and see
She is gone, she is gone
Sister Theresa, I've given you my heart
Available:
She's A Woman
Comments:
Massive powerpop, with fairly repetitive and unimaginitive lyrics. More extensive guitar riffs, typical
of the pre-Greetings days
Lyrics:
Version 1
She brings me down, she sends me down
She weighs me down, she's like my mother
She pick me up, she picks me up on Sunday
She picks me up, oh but momma
She weighs me down, she weighs me down
She weighs me down, she weighs me down
She's my woman, oh shes my queen
She's my woman
She brings me down, she drives me wild
She more like a child, she's my woman
She can weigh you down, she make you hurt
She can put you down
She weighs me down, she blows me down
She throws me down
Shes my woman, whoa shes just a girl
Whoa shes a woman
Shes a woman
Shes like a woman
Shes my woman
Label: Golden Stars
Time: 3:54
Version 2
She'll bring you down, she'll sleep with you
She'll birng you down, she's my woman
Now she'll pick me up
Yeah she'll mess me up on Sundays and kiss me
Aah, she's my girl
Then she lays me down, she plays me down
She brings me down
She's my woman, yeah she's my queen
She's my woman
She makes me smile, she drives me wild
She calls my shots, she's my woman
She cries "Where you been?"
She can make you grin
She can put you down, I'm her partner
She weighs me down, she blows me down
She plays me down, shes a woman
She's my woman, oh she's knocked me out
And she's the only one
She's my woman, all she does is remember
She's my woman
Available:
She's Leaving
Comments:
A sad lament to the loss of a girl, typical of this acoustic period. A quite unremarkable song generated
during one of the most creative times of Bruce's career. This track lacks the poignancy of Baby Doll,
and the imagery and lyrics are fairly sterile.
Lyrics:
Version 1
She's leaving, she's leaving
Everybody knows
And I feel like such a fool
She left me standing here just two foot tall
I just don't know how she could do it
In front of our friends and all
She had better things to do and bigger plans
I thought we could make it with just us two
But I guess we can't
'Cause she can't
And I'm only one man
But I love her
It's winter
Suddenly it's winter
And I feel so cold inside
It's different
It could've been different
If only she did'nt feel that need to lie
What's the matter girl
Didn't you think I was that strong
That you couldn't tell me
What was going on
Don't remember the words
Time: 2:58
York
Time: 2:58
Version 2
Everybody knows
And I feel like such a fool
I don't see how she could do it
In front of our friends and all
She had better things to do and bigger plans
But I guess we can't
'Cause she can't
But I love her
It's winter
Suddenly it's winter
And I'm feeling cold inside
It's different
It could've been different
If only she did'nt feel that need to lie
Did you really think I would not understand
If you said you had a thing to do for a night or two with another man
And how could you believe I would not know
When you came up to say goodbye, look me in the eye
You let it all show
Oh and baby yes you hurt me
Oh you hurt me deep inside
Yes darling and you hurt me
Cause I'm just a foolish boy with his foolish pride
I asked you, I asked you
Baby you think I'd be enough
And what you told me, and what you showed me
Ohh now you want me to believe your lovin'
But don't you think you make that kinda tough
When you did'nt even think that I was that strong
That you could really tell me what was going on
Truth hurts girl yes I believe that but still
If the truth hurts honey the lies they kill you
The lies, na na na na
Time: 5:08
York
Time: 5:16
Version 3
Shes leaving, shes leaving, and everybody knows
Shes leaving, shes leaving, and I feel like such a fool
And I swear if I could, I'd crawl into the wall
She has other things to do and bigger plans
But I guess we can't because she cant
It's winter suddenly its winter, and I feel so cold inside
It's different, it could have been so different
Did you think we needed them silly lies
Becausehow could you believe I wouldn't understood
You just said you had a thing to do with a night or two
With another man
And how could you think that I would not know
Babe, I saw it in your eyes
When you said "I got to go", how could you do it
Oh, how I loved you
I asked you, I've asked you babe, and that ain't all
What you've told me, what you've shown me
You want me to believe that you love him, it hurts
Sometimes you make it kinda rough
Well did youreally wanna know that night what was wrong
When you could'nt even tell me what was goin' on
Didn't ya think I was that strong
Yeah the truth hurts baby, well I believe that much still
If the truth hurts, honey, well lies, they kill
Yes I'm bitter, oh how I'm bitter, and it feels good to say it out loud
Oh you're a killer, you're a real killer
Just listen to the crowd, do you feel proud
Oh but there's no sense in being mad
Cause that only makes thing worse
And babe it's not mad that ya made me, it's only real sad
Cause you know how it is when you think you come first
And you're the only thing I ever had
How could ya do it when I loved you so bad
But what does it matter, cause nobody ever listens
What goods a song once it's sung
If the memory goes so fast
And sometimes I feel so stupid, yes I feel so bad
Well maybe paintin' you what I wanted you to be
Not asking for your life
Baby I don't need a companion
Though I'm too young for a wife
Oh it's alright
Somehow you got me feeling like I should be leaving
It's alright, it's alright
It's alright
But you've got me feeling
Like I should be leaving
Believe I really should, mmm, oh yeah
Available:
She's My Westside Angel
Comments:
See No Need
Somethings Gotta Break
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Hey Ma won't you give me a chance
To show you what a son your man is
Now I know that you're confused, yeah, and so alone
Oh, but thats a chance that you take
Something's gotta break
Hey I know you know just whats goin' on
But you say that's all right, thats all right
We're gonna, we're gonna let everything stay the same
You said it ain't hell that you're thinkin' of and that it don't matter, no
But you're ??? that someone might say
Something gotta break
Gather up your roses before it's too late
Don't forget to have everything that you may
By remembering now girl ???
Any excuses you make to your mind, so silently
Where does your mind come from, ah won't you tell me if it's for me
If it is then we'll ??? but ya tell me nothin's for free
But I remember that once
She left me to make her way from me
Melinda go and sell flowers
Oh how she wants real love
But she thought that she would be alone
Thought that she would be alone
Ya can't go on living life that way
End them tears that ya been cryin' girl
They are gonna drown a man one day
I know you're disillusioned at the mass hysteria, and the real
I know that something gotta break
Available:
Song To The Orphans
Comments:
A slow and ponderous song that was part of Bruce's early live reportoire. The theme of this track
seems to be the search for something not defined, and when the searching is finally over, it appears
that nothing originally thought worthwhile was worth the cost of the journey. Perhaps.
Lyrics:
Version 1
The multitude assembled and tried to make the noise
Them black blind poet generals
And restless loud white boys
But time's grew thin and the axis
Was left somehow incomplete
Where instead of child lions
Was left ageing junkie sheep
How many wasted have I seen signed "Hollywood or bust"
Left to ride those ever ghostly Arizona gusts
Oh, cheerleader tramps and kids with big amps
Sounding helpless in the void
High society vamps and ex-heavyweight champs
Mistaking soot for soil
So break me now big Mama
As Old Faithful breaks the day
Believe me, my good Linda
Let the aurora shine the way
Whoa the confederacy, she's in my name now
And the hounds are held at bay
The axis needs a stronger arm
Do you feel your muscles play?
The doorstep blanket weaver
Oh Madonna pushes bells
From house to house I see her
Giving last kisses and wishing well
To every gypsy, mystic and hero
That all the babies might find a place
Who've been lost to true fathers and mothers
On their time travels deep in space
Now the sons return for fathers
But the fathers are all gone
Oh and the lost souls search for saviours
But saviours don't last long
Those aimless, questless renegade brats
Who live their lives in songs
They run the length of a candle
And in a goodnight whisper and a puff they're gone
Help is on the way
Cause the Confederacy, she's in my name now
I can feel my muscles play
The missions are filled with hermits looking for a friend
The terraces are filled with cat-men looking for a way in
And orphans abandoned on silver mountains
Are junked in celestial alleyways
They wait for that old tramp Dog Man Moses
Cause he takes in all the strays
He told me "don't grow on empty legends boy
Or lonely cradle songs
'Cause Billy the Kid was just a bowery boy
Who made a living twirling his guns
And this night she'll be long and lanky
She'll speak in a mother tongue"
And then he lullabied the refugees
With an amplifier's hum
And believe me my good Linda
Oh, help is on the way
And the Confederacy, she's in my name now
Can you feel your muscles play?
Can you feel your muscles play?
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 6:34
N.Y.
Time: 6:13
Time: 6:05
Blauvelt, N.Y.
Time: 6:27
Outtakes
Time: 6:13
Boot: Unearthed
Time: 6:28
Version 2
The multitude assembled and tried to make the noise
Them black blind poet generals
And restless loud white boys
But time's grew thin and the axis
Was left somehow incomplete
Where instead of child lions
We found ageing junkie sheep
How many wasted have I seen signed "Hollywood or bust"
Left to ride them ever ghostly Arizona gusts
Oh, cheerleader tramps and kids with big amps
Sounding in the void
High society vamps, ex-heavyweight champs
Mistaking soot for soil
Whoa so break me now big Mama
The aurora will shine your way
The confederacy, she's in my name now
Them hounds are held at bay
The doorstep blanket weaver
Madonna she's pushin' bells
From house to house to house to house
Giving last kisses and wishing well
To every gypsy, mystic and all-starhero
That the kids might find a place
Who've been lost forever to papa and mama
On their weekends out in space
The sons they search for fathers
But their fathers have all gone
Oh and the lost souls search for saviours
But saviours don't last long
Those aimless, questless renegade brats
Who live their lives in songs
They run the length of a candle
In a goodnight whisper and a puff they're gone
Whoa so break me now big Mama
The aurora will shine your way
The confederacy's in my name now
The missions are filled with hermits looking for a friend
The terraces are filled with cat-men looking for a way in
There's orphans jumped on silver mountains
Lost in celestial alleyways
They wait for that old tramp Dog Man Moses
He takes in all the strays
No don't grow on empty legends
Or lonely cradle songs
Because Billy the Kid was just a bowery boy
Who made a living twirling his guns
Night she's long, she's lanky
She speaks in a mother tongue
And then he lullabied the refugees
With an amplifier's hum
So break us now big Mama
Believe me my sweet Linda
Oh help she sure is on the way
The Confederacy's in my name now
The hounds are held at bay
The Confederacy's in my name now
Location: Max's Kansas City, New York City, NY
Time: 8:21
Boot: Unsurpassed Springsteen Vol. 2
Label: Yellow Dog
Location: Max's Kansas City, New York City,
NY
Time: 8:18
Boot: Live At Max's Kansas City
Label: The Swingin' Pig
Notes: Lyrics match, Version 2 (Incomplete)
Time: 4:14
Early Years
N.Y.
Time: 8:13
Available:
Soul Freakout
Comments:
Probably the shortest of all the Steel Mill tracks
Lyrics:
Version 1
Soul freakout
Ohhhhhh
Yeah everytime I go out
Go out in the street
??? the street
???
Hey!
Soul freakout
Date: May 4 1970
Time: 2:10
Available:
Southern Son
Comments:
Another demo that contains images of the Wild West, this time contrasted with visions of the Old
World, namely Paris. Perhaps a song on class conflicts, the divides between North and South, East
and West, American and Europe, the old and the new?
Lyrics:
Version 1
Born on the Hudson, twenty-two years gone
Bred and raised in the city
From my papa's knee I learned the Union songs
But Grandma sang lullabies of Dixie
And though the Northern winters fill my heart with joy
It's a southern sun that shines down
On this Yankee boy
Mama would speak of Paris nights
And boatin' on the Seine
She said "yeah we're gonna see it all too
Soon as Papa comes home again"
She'd speak to me in broken French
Dressed like a painting of Lautrec's
In the night she'd clutch me to her breast
And say "you'll make it outta here yet"
And though the Parisienne women
They strut so fine down the Eiffel mall
It's a southern one I sing my songs for
Well with the local bunch of do-good boys
And an old man from the West
We crossed the land in a caravan
We travelled with the best
There were circus acts and vaudeville hacks
And even a Mississippi Delta Queen
She told me the news and sold me the blues
In an alley in New Orleans
And though the Western plains are stained
With the blood of great cowboys
It's a southern sun
That shines down on this Yankee boy
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 4:07
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 4:08
Boot: The
Unsurpassed
Springsteen Vol. 3:
CBS Audition
(Hammond Demos)
Label: Yellow Dog
Records
Date: May 3 1972
Location: CBS
Time: 4:07
Version 2
Born on the Hudson, twenty-two years gone
Bred and raised in the city
From my daddy's knee I learned the Union songs
But Grandma sang lullabies of Dixie
And though the Northern winter fills my heart with joy
Oh its a southern sun that shines down
On this Yankee boy
Mama dreamed of Paris nights
And boatin' on the Seine
She said "we're gonna make it there too
Soon as Papa comes home again"
And she'd speak to me in broken French
Dressed like a painting of Lautrec's
In the night she'd clutch me to her breast
And say "we'll make it outta here yet"
And though the Parisienne women
Strut so fine down the Eiffel mall
It's a southern one I sing my songs for
Well with the local bunch of do-good boys
And an old man from the West
We crossed the land in a caravan
Yes we travelled with the best
With circus acts and vaudeville hacks
And the Mississippi Delta Queen
She told me the news and sold me the blues
In an alley in New Orleans
And though the Western plains are still stained
With the blood of great cowboys
It's a southern sun
That shines down on this Yankee boy
Label: Pony Express
Time: 4:17
New York
Time: 4:04
Outtakes
Time: 4:24
Boot: Unearthed
Time: 4:17
Available:
Street Queen
Comments:
An early song that documents Bruce's fascination with cars and girls, this song manages to combine
the two into one, as both the female and the vehicle transcend their status as objects and become a
single icon that shares attributes from both. Both give a thrill, yet both are dangerous when let out of
control.
Lyrics:
Version 1
She got high class
She rides around in a cut down Chevy machine
Her eyes are certified plate glass
And legs just like a limousine
She comes stocked with class
And the ride ain't there to be mean
Whoa she's the baddest thing this town's ever seen
Oh, Street Queen
Well she got a turbine engine
With maximum thrust
She got Cadillac hips, she's got the best on the strip
She knows how to use a clutch
She comes on shiny and black
And to hit her you gotta be in touch
Oh she's the slickest thing that I've ever seen
Oh, Street Queen
Now you can always tell when she's in town
You can hear that engine roaring
Everybody knows when little queen's around
She says "get in" and takes you soarin'
Now the boys jump back
As that engine unwinds
And I'm glued to my seat
As I watch that speedometer climb
She moves so fast she's almost obscene
Street Queen
Well, if you're going to come streakin' down my street, baby
Like an angel with Chevy Wings
If you're going to come streakin' down my street baby
Like an angel with Chevy Wings
You better watch out, Street Queen
'Cause you're messing with the king
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 4:04
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 4:06
Boot: The
Unsurpassed
Springsteen Vol. 3:
CBS Audition
(Hammond Demos)
Label: Yellow Dog
Records
Date: May 3 1972
Location: CBS
Time: 4:04
Version 2
She got high class
She rides around in a cut down Chevy machine
Her eyes are plate glass
And legs like a limousine
She comes stocked with sass
Try it, but better be mean
She's the baddest thing this town's ever seen
Oh, Street Queen
Well she got a turbine engine, Mama
With maximum thrust
Cadillac hips, she's got the best on the strip
She knows how to use a clutch
She comes on shiny and black
And boys to hit her you better be tough
Oh she's the slickest thing that I've ever seen
Oh, Street Queen
And you can always tell, oh Mama when she's around
You can hear that engine roaring
She says "come on, get in, hey baby you wanna go for a ride"
I know she sets your mind soarin'
And the boys they jump back
As that engine unwinds
I'm glued to my seat Mama
As I watch that speedometer climb
Oh she moves so fast she's almost obscene
Street Queen
Well, if you're going to come streakin' down my street, baby
Like an angel with them Chevy Wings
If you're going to come streakin' down my street baby
Like an angel with them Chevy Wings
You better watch out, Street Queen
'Cause you're messing with the king
Time: 4:01
Available:
Sure Can Feel The Pain
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
River wide, mountain so high
Rainbows break across the Southern sky
Ocean so vast it floods the eye
Moving so fast
It's hard to know of you're dead or if still alive
Yeah, there's something so good
Like nothing before you ever had
And a love's so good
That you value love so bad
Hair's so long, eyes sould deep
Heart on fire even when I'm asleep
Sun's so bright it blinds me for the light
No I cannot make it
Without another night
Searchin' for a blind man
Lost without his dog or his cane
Feeling like a blind man
I can't see what's hurtin' me
But I sure can feel the pain, so bad
River deep, valley so low
Now when the sun passes over
You dont even leave a shadow
A bottomless pit
Out of which i cannot climb
And I get so selfish
I want it all to be mine, yeah
I'm a blind man
Lost without his dog, or without his cane
And I can't even see what's hurtin' me so bad
But I sure can feel the pain
Big black rooster, open your eyes
Look at the country
Before you waste it blind
Freedom bells ringing
And animals have learned to speak
I am still trying to learn how to fly, yeah
I'm like a blind man
Lost without his dog or his cane
I can't even see whats hurtin' me, all I know
But I sure can feel the pain
Available:
Sweet Melinda
Comments:
A Steel Mill track
Lyrics:
Version 1
Sweet, sweet Melinda
You turn my heart to a cinder
They way you do them things a-that you do
When ooh, there's no-one there
Ooh Melinda
You say you're just a beginner
Well a fine mistake, thats kinda hard to take, how it's true
No, no doubt now she's all alone
I call my baby on the telephone
But oh Melinda, oh ya make a boy smile
Ooh that baby can drive-a-me wild
Ah, if the Pope knew you were such a sinner
He'd be on his way
But she don't care today
I wanna tell you about my Melinda
Call my Mama on the telephone
She said "come on, my mama's gone, I'm all alone now"
Now don't worry nothing never leave a man stung
Cause I can't talk Melinda, walk and show me now
Oh you turn my heart to a cinder, oh girl it's smokin'
Oh when you do them things that you do
I don't wanna hear about it anymore
Call my baby on the telephone
She says "come on, Mama's gone, I'm all alone"
You know I'd never leave a boy stung
Oh I can't talk Melinda, well hang on
Sweet, sweet, Melinda, you know it hurts, you know
You turn my heart to a cinder, oh you do
When you do the things that you do
Oh sweet, sweet Melinda
You know you turn my heart to a cinder, oh babe you do
When you do the things that you do, oh, call on me
Yeah, when you do the things that you do
Ooh, yeah Mama, yeah
Available:
Talking About My Baby
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
She's cool
Shes the only girl ever played me for a fool
And she's tough
And when she love me, don't ya know she loves me rough
She comes on fast, she plays the game hard
She once told me nothing ever lasts
I said but look at you babe
Can't you see that you're battle scarred
Well shes a demon
I find it so hard to please her
Shes a victor
Shes making eyes at each and ever mister
Oh and she's got style
I cna tell you when she's mad
Because she's mine
Shes cold
Sometimes I think that her heart's made out of stone
But when she's hot
She loves me superwarm and
Gives me everything that she got
She comes, and cries to me
She says "Honey, I got to be free"
I tell her I don't mind (all right, little woman of mine)
Cause thats the only way, the only way that I can be
Shes a lover
Don't you know shes a mother
Shes a lover
Shes another kind of lover
Oh she got class, I know (Shes real fine)
She's mine
Thats how I know you're my girl
She's scared
I ain't never seen a woman who was so scared
And don't ya know that she's an outlaw
Just ask her, she'll tell you what for
She comes on fast, she plays the game hard
She tells me baby, can't ya see nothing ever lasts
I said but babe, without you, I'm no good
Can't ya hear me, can't ya hear me
Talkin' 'bout my baby
I'm talking 'bout my baby, she's on my mind
I'm talking 'bout my baby
Can't ya hear me, can't ya hear me, can't ya hear me
Talking 'bout my
Can't ya hear me, can't ya hear me, can't ya hear me
I'm talking 'bout
Available:
Tell Me Mama Why It's So Hard
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Take your last look, I'll take mine
Maybe I'll see you around
I know we both wonder
What each other's all about
But ain't it a shame that we'll never find out
Life goes on and everything remains the same
In a little while babe, you look away from me
But it don't matter
Just before I go babe, one thing I got to know
Tell me mama, why is it so hard
This here town of yours
Has brought me nothing but pain
I though love was sunshine
But it's a midnight rain
Why can't anybody stand the change
Oh show me the reason
Whole town looks like a Christmas tree, baby
Out of season
Well I guess you got what you need, baby
I can't give you no more of mine
I'm havin' some trouble' movin' on
Oh I don't wanna go
Just before I go, one thing I wanna know
Oh tell me mama, why is it so hard
Oh mama why
This here town of yours
Brought me nothing but pain
Always though love was sunshine
But it ain't
Seems nobody can stand the change
But tell me the reason, baby
You're lookin' like a Christmas tree
Out of season
I guess you got what you need, girl
I can't promise you no more
Well I can't move the mountains
Oh I don't wanna hold back tears
Just before I go babe, one thing I got to know
Why it's so hard, why is it so hard
Oh why is it so hard
I said why
Available:
Temporarily Out Of Order
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1:
Well I call my baby the other day
Ah this is just what, what went down, yeah
I said "You remember our, our Friday night date, don't ya?"
She said "sure, yeah, sure I do"
But come Friday, no, she was nowhere to be found
I'm sat at home eatin' my TV dinner
And I'm watchin' the late late show
I've tried so hard but can't seem to sleep
I'll go and ??? more, I'm certain
Wait a minute, I'm gonna call her on the telephone
I ring through to dinf out that she wasn't home
Temporarily out of order
Yeah thats what the operator said now
It's alright, don't worry about it
That's the only thing that I hear
Thats on the phone-set on in my ear
Loss of power too, yes you do this
I keep pushin', temporarily out of service
I ain't lying, oh no, oh no
Na na na na na
Na na na na na yeah
Na na na na na
Na na na na na yeah
Does anybody answer your tune
Till finally I get some power-house on
I'm back on the top of your list, now here we go, oh no
Thats the only thing I hear
Now there's a buzzer pumpin' in my ear
I guess I am, temporarily out of order, oh child, oh child
I'm so made, temporarily out of order
Available:
Thats What You Get
Comments:
Bruce's first ever recording, this was written in the back seat of a car on the way to the studio. Cowritten with George Theiss, this immature, yet catchy tune, was a sign of things to come. Only a few
copies survive on acetate. The lyrics are almost indecipherable in places
Lyrics:
Version 1
The moonlight dances on her face
I got my lips ???
I'm living the life of a lie
It was for me, for me that she died
Thats what you get for loving me
???
True love, unhappiness
I fall down on my knees and I cry
Its my way of saying goodbye
The moonlight is ??? on the ???
As I ??? into my head
And I, I'm gonna cry
It's my way of saying goodbye
Date: May 18 1966
Location: Mr Music Inn, Bricktown, NJ
Time: 3:08
Date: May 18 1966
Location: Mr Music Inn, Bricktown, N.J.
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1. Castiles demo
Time: 3:15
Vol. 1
Label: Thrill Hill
Records
Date: May 18 1966
Location: Mr Music
Inn, Bricktown, N.J.
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 3:15
Available:
The Break Song
Comments:
See Jeff's Boogie
Lyrics:
Available:
The Break Song
Comments:
This track is a Yardbird's song from 1966 called "Jeff's Boogie", written by Jeff Beck, not a Castiles
original. Thanks to Peter Bambini for this information.
Lyrics:
Date: January 1967
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 2:47
Date: January 1967
Location: St Peters Church, Freehold, NJ
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 2:26
Available:
The Jazz Man Plays His Horn
Comments:
See Jazz Musician
The Jazz Musician Plays His Horn
Comments:
See Jazz Musician
The Judge Song
Comments:
See He's Guilty (Send That Boy To Jail)
The Lady And The Doctor
Comments:
A sprawling early acoustic demo, filled with sexual references hidden behind the relationship between
a doctor and his patient. Sung with a rather melancholy tone, the listener just knows that the doctor
and his lady just aren't going to make it, their relationship is based upon dependence of the worst
possible kind.
Lyrics:
Version 1
The lady keeps the doctor in a place inside her pocket
In a circle made of silver like a wheel
The doctor gives her stange love, and the lady she don't knock it
She's glad to get a piece of anything
Because the lady needs the medicine he brings
And the doctor needs the lady to see
Well the doctor keeps the lady in a page in a book
On the history of communicable disease
The lady's she went to school, she lets the doctor play it cool
He writes the script, she follows his lead
Beause the doctor writes a love story so fine
And the lady's learned to read between his lines
Sometimes.......
Well the doctor he takes housecalls where he visits the animals
In their stalls, shoots them full of juice and then goes home
The lady hits the supermart where she rides the aisles in a shopping cart
'Till she feels she's played enough of the part to get by ohhhhhhh
But the lady feels its enough to just be good
But the doctor has this need to be understood
Well the doctor feels he's so abused and the lady feels she's so unused
She demands the doctor tend her daily parts
But the doctor just can't do it whoa because the lady
Blew it, she's too old now to make another start
And the lady feels the doctor's made of stone
But the doctor's heart, it just ain't fond of home
Outtakes
Date: May - June 1972
Location: Offices Of Laurel Canyon Music, New York City, NY
Time: 3:22
Version 2
The lady keeps the doctor in a place inside her pocket
The circle made her silver like a wheel
The doctor gives a stange love, but the lady she don't knock it
She's glad to get a piece of anything
Because the lady needs the medicine he brings
The doctor needs the lady to see
The doctor keeps the lady in a page in a book
On the history of communicable disease
The lady's been to school, she lets the doctor play it cool
He writes the script, she follows his lead
'Cause the doctor writes a love story so fine
The lady's learned to read between his lines
Sometimes.......
The doctor he takes housecalls where he visits the animals
In their stalls, shoots them full of juice and then goes home
The lady hits the supermart where she rides the aisles in a shopping cart
'Till she feels she's played enough of the part to get by ohh
The lady feels its enough to just be good
But the doctor has this need to be understood
The doctor feels he's so abused and the lady feels she's so unused
And demands the doctor tends her daily parts
Ooh, but the doctor he just can't do it because so long ago the lady
Blew it, they're too old now to make another start
The lady feels the doctor's made of stone
The doctor's heart, it just ain't fond of home
Label: Pony Express
Location: 914 Sound Studios, Blauvelt, New York
Note: Lyrics match, Version 2
Time: 4:12
Location: 914 Sound Studios, Blauvelt, New
York
Time: 4:09
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 4:13
York
Time: 4:11
Boot: Unearthed
Time: 4:11
Available:
The Song
Comments:
See The Word
The Train Song
Comments:
An excellent track from the Steel Mill days. It starts off as a pop jingle but soon turns into an almost
gospel dirge and shows the variety that the band could produce at the time. A great twist at the
conclusion as the darlin' that Bruce is running home to is an unexpected friend, the electric chair.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Locomotive number 9 traveling down to New Orleans
Spittin' out fire and smoke as black as coal the hottest I have ever see
Oh Engineer, Mr Engineer won't you please get me home on time
'Cause I can't stay away, no not another day
From that pretty little woman of mine
Long time riding oh down this rusty track
And I fear that I'd never get home
Long time dreaming of what I'll do when I get back
Be there when the morning comes
When the morning comes
Hey there Mr Conductor
Can you tell me what time we're due
Well I hate to seem impatient but you'd be excited too
If you got a pretty little woman like I got
Just waitin' for you back at home
And once I reach her loving arms
And never again she'll roam
Seems kind of hard to believe
That I'm goin, goin home at last
They say that things have changed
Well I guess a lot of time has passed
And just a few more miles and a little more time
Before you know it I'll be there
And I'll be waltzing arm in arm
With my darling electric chair
Seems kind of hard to believe I'm goin' home at last
They say that things have changed
Well I guess a lot of time has passed
Just a few more miles and a little more time
Before you know it I'll be there
Itis been a long time riding oh down this rusty track
And I feel that I never get home
I've been a long time dreaming
Of what I'd do when I'd get back
Time: 7:11
Francisco, CA
Time: 6:37
Time: 6:37
Early Years
Francisco, CA
Time: 6:52
Available:
The Visitation
Comments:
The War Is Over
Comments:
Another Steel Mill song describing the uselessness of the Vietnam War, and how the American public
distracted themselves while a war was being fought half a world away, a war in which their sons were
dying.
Lyrics:
Version 1
The king and the queen have drowned in their laughter
Today the new court jester has arrived
And he'll tell you funny stories and dance a bit after
And help the king forget the revolution outside
Well the wars been lost can your army stay and watch
As thousands desert to the other side
Your people pledge allegiance in the face of a bomb
And too many people have died telling other jokes
The king he cried
Well when are you gonna realise that your kingdom is crumbling before your eyes
Your tears have been streaming like blood from the sky
When you hear the children screaming whose brothers have died
You can murder in the name of freedom but you just can't hide
The moon is hanging high over the castle tonight
Theres rumours of an attempt on the throne
The king has locked himself into his chamber
And the walls are screaming out "Your alone, you fool your alone"
And from the cave of night rides a horseman
And he comes bringing word of the war
He says "Sire your armies are defeated
No people are fighting anymore, for your kingdom it ain't yours
And they killed your last soldier"
And the war is over
And the war is over
And the war is over
Time: 14:39
Available:
The Wind And The Rain
Comments:
A Led Zeppelin inspired number from Steel Mill. A huge, sprawling guitar landscape that would have
been impossible to be fully captured in the weak grips of vinyl. But its strength can also be its greatest
downfall, as there is a tendency to drift away in some of the less poetic sections of the track.
Lyrics:
Version 1
The wind and rain slash at my window paine
Lightning's flashing, looks the sky has gone insane
And it seems like you have lied again
And now I'm left with the wind and the rain
Oh, shattered truth, jagged memories of you
You know Its hard, them dreams that just can't come true
How longs it been since I've known you
Now the wind and the rain is my only truth
Hey!
Summertime, summertime, that was when you were mine
And now that's left so far behind
Can you see what you have done to my mind
Now the wind and rain's forever mine
Yeah yeah yeah time has shorn it up
The years have made me far too tough
You know where I start and I go, I got drowned
And the wind and the rain is my only love
I said the wind and the rain is my only love
You know the wind and the rain is my only love
Wintertime, memories when you were mine
Oh let'em shine, golden moments lost in time
Now I hear the grandfather chime
Wind and rain is forever mine
Now the wind and the rain slash at my window paine
Seems like you have lied again
By now I guess that it's just the same
And I am left with the wind and the rain
Hasn't time shown you enough
Things have made me far too tough
But you know where I stood when the going got rough
The wind and rain is my only love
The wind and rain is all I love
The wind and the rain is all I love
The wind and the rain...
Date: March 1970
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1. Steel Mill track
Time: 18:43
Boot: The Bruce Springsteen Story Vol. 3: Steel
Mill
Date: March 1970
Time: 17:10
Available:
The Zoom Song
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Come on along, come on along, with Dr Zoom and his Sonic Boom band
Come on along, Come on along, its the best band in the land
And if you want to hear that ??? rhythm???
Come on along, come on along , with Dr Zoom and his Sonic Boom band
Get funky
Come on along, come on along, Dr Zoom and his Sonic Boom band
Come on along, Come on along, its the best band in the land
And if you want to hear that ??? rhythm???
Come on along, come on along , with Dr Zoom and his Sonic Boom band
Date: May 14 1971
Time: 2:24
Available:
Tokyo
Comments:
Two Hearts In True Waltz Time
Comments:
Another theme apparent in Springsteens early demos was that of a dominant woman. This song is a
perfect example of that theme. But although strong, she is still vulnerable and dependent on the one
she loves. Sit back, listen and let the wordplay wash over you.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well the first frame finds her running
But the night pushes her deep within the tunnel
She camouflages herself in dayglo paint
And sings her love songs through a funnel
And she clings to the walls like a cat who calls
The shots for life and for death
Wearing nothing but the make-up she uses
To try and cover up for herself
Well but she can't hide her sword
She gives no terms for surrender
She's living the Third World War
The tunnel police, they steadily increase
The search for where she hides her kids
She swings on a vine across the State Line
They measured the length of her skid
She never goes back to do something she did'nt
Or undo something she did
Her smoke steams from the street
And the night is complete
With a long and fiery belch
She's just another Orphan Annie cartoon and a rocket wail
She rides like Caesar, brandishing a whip
On the hood of his squad car
As the siren wails she silently sails
Leaving footprints in the tar
Oh she breaks with the dawn
And by morning she's gone
Leaving nothing but another night
She returns to her home
Like a dog returns to a bone
Another unsatisfied wife
And there's little Booth
Secure from the truth
He wants her more than he's got the guts to say
But as she needs to be real
He needs to conceal
The realness of his place
So he sings a little song
And in a chiffon sarong
She performs a black ballet in space
But she's just another flop with a fancy name
And he's just another cop with a pretty face
So together they commit the ultimate crime
As two hearts locked in true waltz time
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 3:56
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 3:57
Boot: The
Unsurpassed
Springsteen Vol. 3:
CBS Audition
(Hammond Demos)
Label: Yellow Dog
Records
Date: May 3 1972
Location: CBS
Time: 3:56
Version 2
Well sundown finds her running
But the night pushes her deep within the tunnel
She camouflages herself in dayglo paint
And sings her love songs through a funnel
Whoa she clings to the walls like a cat who calls
The shots for life and for death
Wearing nothing but the make-up that she uses
To try and cover up for herself
Well but she can't hide her sword
She gives no terms for surrender
She's living the Third World War
Now the tunnel police, they steadily increase
The search for where she hides her kids
She swings on a vine across the State Line
They measured the length of her skid
She never goes back to do something she did'nt
Or undo something she did
Her smoke streams from the street
And the night is complete
With a long and fiery belch
She's just another Orphan Annie hung up pushing for a mademoiselle
She rides like Caesar, brandishing a whip
On the hood of his squad car
As the siren wails she silently sails
Leaving catprints in the tar
Oh she breaks with the dawn
And by morning she's gone
Leaving nothing but another night
She returns to her home
Like a dog returns for a bone
Another unsatisfied wife
And there's little Booth
Secure from the truth
He wants her more than he's got the guts to say
But as she needs to be real
He needs to conceal
The realness of his place
So he sings a little song
And in a chiffon sarong
She performs a black ballet in space
But she's just another flop with a fancy name
And he's just another cop with a pretty face
So together they commit the ballroom crime
As two hearts in true waltz time
Label: Pony Express
Time: 3:29
Available:
Vaginal Vandals
Comments:
No known copy of a recording is known to exist.
Lyrics:
Available:
Vibes Man
Comments:
An early version of New York City Serenade, but slower and with slightly different lyrics. Bruce solo
on the piano. Doesn't rate compared to the album version on The Wild, The Innocent and the E Street
Shuffle
Lyrics:
Version 1
Vibes man in the alley, play me your spitball serenade
Any deeper blue and you'll be playing in your grave
Save your notes, spend them on your blues, boy
Help your darlin' yearlin' blues, boy
Hit the church note, ring it
Vibes man, sing the trashcan, hear your junkman, singing
Fish lady, don't you bait those tenement walls
Don't take corner boys because they're too easy
You were born black and blue
You didn't have to wait for somebody to hit you
Take my arm, I'll move with you down Broadway
Take my arm, oh honey, I'll walk with you down Broadway
I'm the young man and I'll be proud
And I can talk real loud
And I'm from out of town, too
Won't you come home with me
Won't you come home with me
But no, 'cause she won't take the train
Oh she won't take that train
She won't take a train
Oh she won't take that train
She won't take a train
Oh no she won't take that train
Oh she won't take a train
Oh no she won't that that train
You won't take that train
She won't take the train
Cause she's afraid those tracks are gonna slow her down
And when she turns around
I'm gonna be gone like the notes in this song
Label: Yellow Dog
Time: 3:09
N.Y.
Time: 3:17
Time: 3:13
York
Time: 3:14
Available:
Vision At Fort Horn
Comments:
War Nurse
Comments:
Perhaps an ode to his mother, who managed to keep on supporting a family while in the middle of a
"combat zone" that the Springsteen household was when Bruce was growing up. In contrast to many
songs of the time portraying women as simply sex objects, songs such as this shows Bruce's
appreciation for the many facets of womanhood in a society which often ignores them. This was often
forgotten in the controversy around the time of the release of The River when women's groups derided
Springsteen for calling women "little girls", a purely affectionate saying, not a put down as many
overzealous feminists understood it to be.
Lyrics:
Version 1
She was just another war nurse
She could strike a noble pose
Caring for our young boys when a bullet laid them low
She would hover over them and cry
And pull the covers over them when they'd die
She was just another lonesome lady, lover, sister of the gun
And though France would call her darling
She was a nurse 'neath the rising sun
She knew no hells or heavens, or harbours or havens
She was every mother, sister, wife and lover
Whose love a soldier boy was savin'
She believed in the birth of the broadsword
She was not a shielded one
Though France would call her darlin'
She was nurse 'neath the rising sun
She was a soldier's shrapnel sweetheart, direct from the combat zone
She was a reincarnation of the Virgin Mary
She was the hooker down San Antone
And though her heart was somewhere in Iceland
Commanding the dawn patrol
Blessed in this blood and stitched into these bones
The war nurse left her soul
Blessed in this blood and stitched into these bones
The war nurse left her soul
Label: Pony Express
Time: 2:06
York City, N.Y.
Time: 2:04
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 2:07
Blauvelt, NY
Time: 2:07
Boot: Unearthed
Time: 2:06
Available:
We'll All Man The Guns
Comments:
A Steel Mill track
Lyrics:
Version 1
And we'll all man the guns for America
And we'll all run the enemy home
Just be there when I get home
Come to me Mary, oh I wanna know
If you still love me
Like you told me so
Meet me in the field
Underneath that old oak tree
Oh wont you say you will
When the rooster crows
And the train whistle blows
That's when I'll be gone
You see I got a job to do
My country is at war
But I'd fight the fiercest battle
And I'd cross the roughest land
If only I could be sure
I'd have my Mary's hand
The sooner it's done
The sooner we've won
The sooner I'll be home
In my dreams I hear
The cannon thundering in the night
But sometimes I wake up screaming
I've soaked my bed in fright
We'll tomorrow I'll be leaving
And I might never come back again
You know I said that I will
I'm a God-fearing patriotic man
Won't you meet me 'neath that old oak tree
Fast as I can. you see I've got my duty to do
As a God-fearing patriotic man
But I'd fight the fiercest battle
And I'd walk the roughest land
If only I could be sure
I'd have Mary's hand
The sooner it's done, the sooner we've won, the sooner I'll get home
Available:
When You Dance
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1:
Well when you dance
Ah come on mama, hold me tight
Lets make romance
Ah kiss me baby in the night
Oh well when you move
Don't ya know I love it so
It's such a groove
Well when they turn the lights down low
Well come on mama, don't be afraid
There's no need to stand back
Come on baby, hold me close (I won't do ya no harm)
Come on mama, dance (Come on mama, come on won't ya dance)
Well when you smile
Ah don't you know ya drive me wild
Don't know why
I want ya for my partner child
And when you love
Our love shakes the heavens above
And Lord above
I want you for my only love only
Come on mama don't be afraid
There's no need to stand back
You know baby I'll be true
Baby you know thats where I'm at
Available:
Why'd You Do That?
Comments:
A Steel Mill track
Lyrics:
Version 1
I still got your picture honey
Hangin' up on my wall
Oh I can still remember the day ya gave it to me
We were walking through the woods, heading for the waterfall
Looked so damn pretty, said you'd get down, pack
Honey why'd you do that?
Well I gotta sing up here in New Jersey
Oh look out New York City here I come
All I can say is, no matter how, I'm in motion
Ah, I get the pretty little women on the run
I'm on my way
When I get back
Everything's gonna be ok
I still got you picture, ah ha
Hangin' up upon my wall
I cans till remember Lord,the day ya gave it to me
Walking through the woods, heading for the waterfall
Oh you looked so damn pretty
Said you'd get down and pack
Honey why'd you do that?
Available:
You Don't Leave Me No Choice
Comments:
Performed by one of the female backup singers in Dr. Zoom and the Sonic Boom, this is the tale of a
woman at the end of her tether, one who has decided it's time to go
Lyrics:
Version 1
While you been out there doing your cheating
I been staying home, wondering, just thinking about
Everybody doin' ???
Don't want you to be by yourself
???
You don't leave me no choice
Ain't ???
Made up my mind and I'm still believin'
Here by yourself ???
When tomorrow comes I'll be gone, gone
I saved up all my hard earned money
Now baby I take my chance
I gone crazy just trying to please you
You don't seem worth it so I'm gonna leave ya
Spent all last night ???
The time for changing ???
???
???
Ohhhhhhhhhh
Ohhhhhhhhhh
Ohhhhhhhhhh
Ohhhhhhhhhh
Date: July 23rd 1971
Time: 8:56
Available:
You Mean So Much To Me
Comments:
Covered by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Dukes with Ronnie Spector. Originally a Bruce
Springsteen Band number, and it was in this incarnation that the song is carried off best, with a wall of
sound in the shape of huge female backing vocals. This track became a live regular in the early 70's
with the E-streeters, especially on the various radio programs they did when the song was performed
acoustically
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well she comes to me like a childhood soul
Or an old time friend I ain't seen in so long
When she sings to me she's like a Robin's song
She can be so sweet, she don't do me no wrong
You mean so much to me baby
You know you drive me crazy
I want you for my girl
Well sometimes she's like a baby playing with a toy
Then she's so much woman she makes me feel like a little boy
And when she comes to me, and she's all alone
And she cries "Oh daddy, oh daddy make me strong"
That's when she means so much to me baby
Yes I do
Well she comes to me like a childhood soul
Or an old time friend I ain't seen so long
When she sings to me she's like a Robin's song
She can be so sweet, oh she don't do me no wrong
I want you
Date: July 23 1971
Time: 6:31
Label: Golden Stars
NJ
Time: 5:20
Date: 1972
Location: Unknown
Time: 4:54
Date: May 31 1973
Location: WGOE Studios, Richmond, VA
Time: 7:58
Date: May 31 1973
Location: WGOE Studios, Richmond, Virginia
Time: 8:27
Boot: Radio Waves
Date: May 31 1973
Location: WGOE Studios, Richmond, Virginia
Time: 7:04
Label: Templar
Records
Date: July 31 1973
Location: My Fathers
Place, Roslyn, NY
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 7:04
Boot: My Fathers Place
Date: July 31 1973
Location: My Fathers Place, Roslyn, NY
Time: 7:00
Boot: Jacksonville and My Father's Place
Label: Midnight Beat
Date: July 31 1973
Location: My Fathers Place, Roslyn, New York
Time: 7:48
Boot: Electric Surges Free
Label: No Label
Date: November 17 1973
Location: The Roxy, Manayunk, PA
Time: 7:38
Boot: Introducing Rosie
Label: B Street Records
Location: Joes Place, Cambridge, MA
Time: 12:18
Boot: You Mean So
Much To Me
Label: Great Dane
Records
Location: Kent State
University, Kent, OH
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 9:50
Available:
Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.
4th Of July, Asbury
Park (Sandy)
Ballad Of The Self
Loading Pistol
Bishop Danced
Blinded By The Light
Calvin Jones And The
13th Apostle
Circus Song
Circus Town
Contessa
Coupe Deluxe
Does This Bus Stop
At 82nd Street?
E-Street Shuffle
Evacuation Of The
West
For You
Growin' Up
Helen Blue
Hey Santa Ana
Incident On 57th
Street
It's Hard To Be A
Saint In The City
The Wild, The Innocent And The EStreet Shuffle
Janey Needs A
Shooter
Jennifer
Kitty's Back
Lost In The Flood
Mary, Queen Of
Arkansas
New York City
Serenade
New York City Song
No More Kings In
Texas
Over The Hills Of St
Croix
Phantoms
Prisoner Of Wars
Ride On Sweet
William
Rosalita (Come Out
Tonight)
Saga Of The
Architect Angel
Santa Ana
Seaside Bar Song
She's So Fine
Shootout In
Chinatown
Spirit In The Night
The Angel
The Ballad Of The
Architect Angel
The Fever
The Late Show
The Shootout
The Story Of The
Self Loading Pistol
Thundercrack
Wild Billy's Circus
Song
Winter Song
Zero And Blind Terry
4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)
Comments:
The classic ode to the transition into adulthood based on the locales of the Jersey Shore. The lyrics are
different from the album verison, however the version that appears here was often played live (similar
to how the Sad Eyes interlude, played during the Darkness tour, differed from the album cut). Born In
The Studio features a charming instrumental of this track.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Boot: Born In The Studio
Label: Archive Productions
Date: June 28 1973
Location: 914 Sound Studios, Blauvelt, NY
Notes: Instrumental Version 1
Time: 5:45
Boot: The Unsurpassed Springsteen Vol. 5: E
Street Shuffle Outtakes
Date: June 28 1973
York
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 5:54
Version 2
Sandy the fireworks are hailin' over Little Eden tonight
Sparkin' an empty light in all those lonely faces reachin' up like bandits in the sky
Down in town the circuits full with switchblade lovers so fast, so shiny, so sharp
As the wizards play down on Pinball Way on the boardwalk way past dark
And the boys from the casino dance with their shirts open like Latin lovers on the shore
Chasin' all them silly New York virgins by the score
Sandy the aurora is risin' behind us, this pier lights our carnival life forever
Ohh love me tonight for I may never see you again, hey Sandy girl
Now now baby
Now the greasers, ahh they tramp the streets or get busted for sleeping on the beach all night
Them boys in their high heels, ah Sandy their skins are so white
And me I just got tired of hangin' in them dusty arcades, bangin' them pleasure machines
Chasin' the factory girls underneath the boardwalk where they all promise to unsnap their jeans
And you know that tilt-a-whirl down on the south beach drag
I got on it last night and my shirt got caught
And they kept me spinnin' baby, they didn't think I'd ever get off
Oh Sandy the aurora is risin' behind us
This pier lights our carnival life on the water
Runnin' laughin' 'neath the boardwalk with the boss's daughter
I remember Sandy girl
Na na na na baby
Sandy them Northern angels lost their desire for us
I spoke with them last night, they won't set themselves on fire for us anymore
Still when the weather gets hot they ride that crazy road down from heaven on their Harleys every
season they come and they go
Dressed like stars in all them cheap little seaside bars parked with their babies out on the Kokomo
And the cops finally busted Madame Marie for tellin' fortunes better than they do
Just goes to show baby
This boardwalk life is through
Oh Sandy the aurora's rising behind us
Oh the pier life it drags on and on forever
Oh love me tonight girl I promise I'll love you forever
Hey Sandy girl, na na na na baby
Oh Sandy girl, na na baby
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July-August 1973
Location: 914 Sound Studios, Blauvelt, N.Y.
Time: 5:43
Time: 5:40
Available:
Ballad Of The Self Loading Pistol
Comments:
Also known as The Shootout, Shootout In Chinatown or The Story Of The Self Loading Pistol, this
song was in the running to appear on both Greetings.... and The Wild....An acoustic number similar to
the Hammond demos, this track may have benefited from a full band workout. Yet another track filled
with Western imagery.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Father, I have come
To tell you about somethin' I done
Well as the night reared its light head
Into a baby's sun
We rolled down into the town
From where the Black Throats come
And you know there was a robbery
There was a holdup
Ohh, there was a shootout
And there was a killin'
And there's blood on my hands
Today I killed a man
Well now sister, you know me well
And you ask me well, how it was I felt
Well, she had an appetite for lovin'
Only a fadin' beauty could possess
She knew just what she wanted
And she would'nt take less
I figured it was a small town
It was at sundown
It was just a small crowd of people around
Oh, but he would'nt put his guns down
No, he would'nt put his guns down
Oh, he would'nt put his guns down
Now his blood's on my hands
And papa, you showed me the beauty of buckshot
The love song a bullet sings as she whistles
And showed me the story of the self-loading pistol.
Well now, father, I have come
To tell you about somethin' I done
He had a widow, runnin' through the town screamin'
He had a brother, and his tears were streamin'
Now I'm movin' on the border
With a rifle on my shoulder
'Cause daddy, you showed me the beauty of buckshot
The love song a bullet sings as she whistles
And showed me the glory of the self-loading pistol
And I just come to tell ya
That it don't hurt no more
No, it don't hurt no more
Cause your son, he's an outlaw
Oh, your son, he's an outlaw
Yes, your son, he's an outlaw
Now, your son, he's an outlaw
And this blood feels good on my hands
Time: 5:13
Label: Yellow Dog
Blauvelt, N.Y.
Time: 5:12
Available:
Bishop Danced
Comments:
Recently released officially for the first time on Tracks, this song was a feature of Bruce's live set in
the early 70's. A highlight is Danny Federici's accordian solo. Not too suprising that this was left off
an album, as firstly, no known studio version exists and secondly, it is just a superior live number.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Bishop danced with a thumbscrew woman
Did a double-quick backflip and slid across the floor
The Catholic traffic flowed freely 'cross the river
And fiddlestick fiddled quick out the front door
All right
Oh baby dumpling, mama's in the back tree
If the bow breaks, mama might fall
Little sad and only baby don't be lonely
Mama knows 'rithmatic, knows how to take a fall
Mama knows 'rithmatic, knows how to take a fall
And the kids are crying "Flapjacks, make'em fat, early in the morning"
Little Jack, grab your hat, hear the breakfast call
Muskrat, bat a cat, kick him in the fireplace
There's someone in the kitchen blowing "Dinah" on their horn
There's someone in the kitchen blowing "Dinah" like they're born
Well maverick daddy got a one-eyed bride
She glides like a monkey-mule kicking on the backslide
Over hill, over hill, daddy don't you spill now
Papa got a switch stick, he's pumping little Bill
Papa got a switch stick, he's pumping little Bill
And Billy he's crying "Tomahawk, Tomahawk, daddy better duck now"
The Mohawks, the Mowhawks, they're still out there in the woods
Manotuk, Ocanuk, runnin' through my dreams now
With fire on their fingertips and injun screams
With fire on their fingertips and feathers made of moonbeams
Get funky
Well early in the morning the cannoneer cried
"I seen the sailor's warning in the Western sky"
Well mountain man, if you can, cut me down a fir tree
Branches full of candlesticks for baby and me
And my darling cried, she said "Honey the weathervane lately it's been pointing the way to heaven"
Scatterbrains, scatterbrains, watch out where you fall
Champagne, champagne, a round for all old choir boys
They're busting off the altar chasing Dinah through the hall
They're busting off the altar chasing Dinah through the hall
And like kids they're crying "Flapjacks, make'em fat, early in the morning"
Little Jack, grab your hat, hear the breakfast call
Muskrat, bat a cat, kick him in the fireplace
There's someone in the kitchen blowing "Dinah" on their horn
There's someone in the kitchen blowing "Dinah" like they're born
Boot: Forgotten Songs
Label: Traveling Productions
Time: 4:25
Label: Yellow Dog
NY
Time: 4:30
Label: Pony Express
Location: Max's Kansas City, New York, New York
Time: 4:19
Location: Max's Kansas City, New York, New
York
Time: 7:40
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: March 2 1973
Location: Berkeley Community Theatre, Berkeley, CA
Time: 6:04
Available:
Blinded By The Light
Comments:
Later made famous by Manfred Mann and his Earth Band, this was one of the last songs written for
Greetings... To be released as a single, its sprawling, jumbled lyrics is typical of Bruce's writing at the
time.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Madman drummers bummers and Indians in the summer with a teenage
diplomat
In the dumps with the mumps as the adolescent pumps his way into his hat
With a boulder on my shoulder feelin' kinda older I tripped the merry-goround
With this very unpleasing sneezing and wheezing the calliope crashed to the
ground
Some all-hot half-shot was headin' for the hot spot snappin' his fingers
clappin' his hands
And some fleshpot mascot was tied into a lover's knot with a whatnot in her hand
And now young Scott with a slingshot finally found a tender spot and throws his lover in the sand
And some bloodshot forget-menot whispers daddy's within earshot save the buckshot turn up the band
And she was blinded by the light
Cut loose like a deuce, another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
She got down but she never got tight, but she'll make it alright
Some brimstone baritone anticyclone rolling stone preacher from the east
He says: "Dethrone the dictaphone, hit it in its funny bone, that's where they expect it least"
And some new-mown chaperone was standin' in the corner all alone watchin' the young girls dance
And some fresh-sown moonstone was messin' with his frozen zone to remind him of the feeling of
romance
Yeah he was blinded by the light
He got down but she never got tight, but he's gonna make it tonight
Some silicone sister with her manager's mister told me I got what it takes
She said I'll turn you on sonny to something strong if you play that song with the funky break
And go-cart Mozart was checkin' out the weather chart to see if it was safe to go outside
And little Early-Pearly came in by her curly-wurly and asked me if I needed a ride
Oh, some hazard from Harvard was skunked on beer playin' backyard bombardier
Yes and Scotland Yard was trying hard, they sent a dude with a calling card,he said, do what you like,
but don't do it here
Well I jumped up, spit in the air, fell on the ground, asked which was the way back home
He said take a right at the light, keep going straight until right, and then boy you're on your own
And now in Zanzibar a shootin' star was ridin' in a side car hummin' a lunar tune
Yes, and the avatar said blow the bar but first remove the cookie jar, we're gonna teach those boys to
laugh too soon
And some kidnapped handicap was complaining that he caught the clap from some mousetrap he
bought last night
Well I unsnapped his skull cap and between his ears I saw a gap but he'd figured he'd be all right
He was just blinded by the light
Mama always told me not to look into the sights of the sun
Oh but mama that's where the fun is
Available:
Calvin Jones And The 13th Apostle
Comments:
No known recording of this song exists
Lyrics:
Available:
Circus Song
Comments:
Also known as Circus Town. Eventually became Wild Billy's Circus Story and is very similar, except
for the protracted ending between Samson and Tiny Tim.
Lyrics:
Version 1
The machinist climbs his ferris wheel like a brave
The fire eater's lyin' in a pool of sweat victim of the heatwave
Behind the tent the leatherboy tightens his legs
On the sword swallower's blade
Circus town's on the shortwave
Well the runway lies ahead like a great false dawn
Oh fat lady, Big Mama, Missy Bimbo, sits in her chair and yawns
And the man-beast lies in his cage sniffin' popcorn
The midget licks his fingers and suffers Missy Bimbo's scorn
The circus town's been born
Whoa and the press-roll drummer go, ballerina to-and-fro
Cart-wheelin' up on the tightrope
With a cannon blast, lightning flash, moving fast through
The tent Mars bent, he's gonna miss his fall
Oh God save the human cannonball
And the flying Zambini's watch Marguerita do her neck twist
The ringmaster gets the crowd to count along
Ninety-five, ninety-six....ninety-seven
And behind the tent half bent money spent
With his wet make-up drippin on the ground
Theres a half-smile half-frown goin' down
Oh Jesus sent some sweet women to save all the clowns
And circus boy dances like a monkey crossed barbed wire
And the barker romances with a junkie, she's got a flat tyre
And the elephants dance real funky, and the band plays like a jungle fire
Circus town's on the live wire
And strongman lifts the midget, up on his shoulders
Up above the liars
Hear the liars whisperin' to the Barker
Hear the liars checkin' out the centre ring
Hear the liars checkin' out the trapeze ring
Oh hear the liars, feel their fire
Oh hear the liars, they're so scared of dying
Well anybody wanna try the big top
All aboard, Nebraska's our next stop
Label: Yellow Dog
Time: 4:36
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: March 2 1973
Location: Berkeley Community Theatre,
Berkeley, CA
Time: 6:04
Version 2
The machinist climbs his ferris wheel like a brave
And the fire eater's lyin' in a pool of sweat victim of the heatwave
Behind the tent the leatherboy tightens his legs
On the sword swallower's blade
Oh fat lady, Big Mama, Missy Bimbo, sits in her chair and yawns
The midget licks his fingers and suffers Missy Bimbo's scorn
The circus town's been born
Oh and the press-roll drummer go, ballerina to-and-fro
Cart-wheelin' up on the tightrope
With a cannon blast, lightning flash, moving fast through
The tent Mars bent, he's gonna miss his fall
Oh God save the human cannonball
And the flying Zambini's watch Marguerita do her neck twist
The ringmaster gets the kids to count along
Ninety-five, ninety-six,....ninety-seven
And behind the tent half bent money spent
With his wet face drippin on the ground
With a half-smile half-frown goin' down
Oh Jesus sent some sweet women to save all the clowns
And circus boy dances like a monkey on barbed wire
And the barker romances with a junkie, she's got a flat tyre
And the elephants dance real funky, and the band plays like a jungle fire
And strongman Samson lifts the midget, Little Tiny Tim, way up on his shoulders
Way up above the liars
Little Tiny goes "Where the liars?"
Samson goes "Outside parking the cars in the parking lot"
Little Tiny goes "Where the liars?"
Samson goes "Over there whispering, making deals with the barker"
Little Tiny goes " Sampson, Where's the liars?"
"There inside signing"
Little Tiny goes "Sampson wheres the liars?"
"Oh outside crying"
Oh hear the liars, they're all scared of dying
Well anybody wants to try the big top
Boot: Thundercrack
Date: April 24 1973
Time: 7:10
Available:
Circus Town
Comments:
See Circus Song
Contessa
Comments
See Hey Santa Ana
Hey Santa Ana
Comments:
The original mix of what would later appear on Tracks, Version 1 is unedited and contains the flute
solo missed by so many on the official release. One of the few early demos featuring the E-Street
band. This was to appear on The Wild....until Columbia blocked it's inclusion on the album. Also
known as Contessa or Santa Ana.
Lyrics:
Version 1
From the tin rooftop the little boy did watch
The procession down through town
Through the museum where Daniel whupped the devil
With them boys from the underground
Where the Giants of Science fight for tight control
Over the wildlands of New Mexico
Sam Houston's ghost's in Texas fighting for his soul
And the townsfolk rest uneasy beneath the guns of Kid Colt
And the kid say's "Hey, where's Santa Ana?"
He who could romance the dumb into talking
Take a chance with me tonight, my contessa
If it don't work out I ain't lame, I can walk
Hey!
Now some folks think cancer's taken to the streets of this town
Well Sandy eats her candy and then lays her money down
Them cats are in from the canyons to strut their stuff in town
But there's only secret sinners here
Lord, there's only secret thieves
Only a fool would try to save
What the desert chose to leave
And now hey there senorita
With your playboys in their spanish bandanas
French cream won't soften those boots, baby
French kisses will not break your heart
Oh!
Oh painted night set free with light
Glows outside the Rainbow Saloon
Matching braces with a spanish lady
'Neath a graduation moon
No more colleges, no more coronations
Some punk's idea of a teenage nation
Has forced Santa Ana to change his station
From soldier to cartoon
And the Giants of Science spend their days and nights
Not with wives, not with lovers, but searchin' for the lights
They spotted in the desert on their helicopter flights
Just to be lost in the dust and the night
Hey now my contessa, in your juke joint rags you always bring candy for the kids
Come waltz with me tonight senorita
'Cause only fools are alone on a night like this
Hey ohhhhhhhhhhh ya ya ya ya ya ya
Ohhhhh your callin' come on darlin'
Boot: The Unsurpassed Springsteen Vol. 5: E Street Shuffle Outtakes
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 4:56
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 4:48
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 28 1973
Location: 914 Sound
Studios, Blauvelt,
N.Y.
Note: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 5:01
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 4:57
Boot: Unearthed
Date: June 28 1973
York
Time: 4:56
Version 2
From the tin rooftop the little boy did watch
The procession down through town
Through the museum where Daniel whupped the devil
With them boys from the underground
Where the Giants of Science fight for tight control
Over the wild kids in North Mexico
Sam Houston's still in Texas fighting for his soul
And the townsfolk rest uneasy under the strains of revolt
Crying "Hey, where's Santa Ana?"
You could romance the dumb into talking
Take a chance with me contessa
If it don't work out I ain't lame, I'm good at walking
Hey!
Now some folks say cancer's taken to the streets of this dusty little town
Well Sandy eats her candy and then lays her money down
Them cats come in from the canyons to strut their stuff in town
But there's only secret sinners here
Lord, there's only secret thieves
Only a fool would try to save
What the desert chose to leave
And I said hey, hey lady
With your negros in their spanish bandanas
French cream won't soften her boots
French kisses aint gonna break her heart
Oh!
Oh painted night set free with light
Glows outside the Rainbow Saloon
Matching braces with a spanish lady
'Neath a graduation moon
No colleges, no coronations
Some punk's idea of a teenage nation
Has forced Santa Ana to change his station
From soldier to cartoon
And the Giants of Science spend their days and nights
Not with wives, not with lovers, but searchin' for the lights
They spotted in the desert on their helicopter flights
But they were lost in the dust and the night
They cried
Hey Santa Ana, in his juke joint rags you always bring candy for the kids
Come waltz with me tonight senorita
'Cause only fools are alone on a night like this
Hey ohhhhhhhhhhh ya ya ya ya ya ya
Ohhhhh your callin' come on darlin'
Boot: Thundercrack
Date: April 24 1973
Time: 8:09
Available:
Coupe Deluxe
Comments:
See Seaside Bar Song
Seaside Bar Song
Comments:
The original mix of this song, before extra backing vocals and an added count-in were added to the
Tracks released version, can be heard on Version 1. Another demo featuring the E-Street band,
probably the most up-tempo of Bruce's early songs and an indicator of the Born To Run period. This
song was to feature on The Wild... until it was blocked by Columbia
Lyrics:
Version 1
One, two, three, four
Well Billy brought a Chevy '40 coupe deluxe
Chrome wheels, stick shift, give her gas, pop the clutch
Little girls on the corner like a diamond they shine
Someday Billy I'm gonna make'em all mine
Hey girl, you wanna ride in Daddy's cadillac
'Cause I love the way your long hair falls down your back
Bo Diddley, Bo Diddley at the Seaside Bar
We'll run barefoot in the sand and listen to his guitar
You say your mama's gonna meet you when the morning comes
Yeah, and papa's gonna beat you 'cause he knows you're out on the run
I'm gonna live a life of love and tonight you're the one
The highway is alive tonight so baby do not be frightened
There's something about a pretty girl on a sweet summer night
That gets this boy excited
The radio man finally understands and plays you something you can move to
You lay back easy, cut loose your drive power
Your girl leans over says "Daddy can you turn that radio up any louder?"
Ahhhh the juke joints hummin', everybody came down
Little Willie and the Soul Brooms layin' all his stuff down
Well don't let that daylight steal your soul
Get in your wheels and roll, roll, roll, roll, roll, roll
Oh that's right now
Oh go on, go on, go on,
Oh mama's gonna meet you when the morning comes
And your daddy's gonna beat you 'cause he knows you're out on the run
But I don't care, I wanna live a life of love while the nights still young
Allllll right now
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 3:37
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 3:33
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 28 1973
Location: 914 Sound
Studios, Blauvelt,
N.Y.
Note: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 3:35
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 3:38
Boot: Unearthed
Date: June 28 1973
York
Time: 3:36
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Location: Asbury Park Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ
Time: 5:24
Available:
Does This Bus Stop At 82nd Street?
Comments:
Appearing On Greetings..., one or two alternate studio versions exist, most notably on Tracks.
Strangely perhaps, I have always thought that this song was the perfect lead in for Lost In The Flood,
like how Jungleland is accompanied by Meeting Across The River. Maybe I have listened to
Greetings... one too many times.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Hey bus driver, keep the change, bless your children, give them names
Don't trust men who walk with canes
Drink this and in a week you'll have wings on your feet
Broadway Mary, Joan Fontaine, advertiser on the downtown train
Christmas crier bustin' cane
He's in love again
Where dock worker's dreams mix with panther's schemes to someday own
the rodeo
Tainted women in Vistavision perform for out of state kids at the late show
Wizard imps and sweatsock pimps
Mixed with interstellar mongrel nymphs
Rex said his lady left him limp
Well you know loves like that
Well Mary Lou found out how to cope
She rides to heaven on a gyroscope
The Daily News asks her for the dope
She says "Man, the dope's that there's still hope"
Well now Queen of Diamonds, Ace of Spades
Newly discovered lovers of the everglades
They take out a full page ad in the trades to announce their arrival
Senorita, Spanish rose, wipes her eyes and blows her nose
Uptown in Harlem she throws a rose to some lucky young matador
Date: May 3 1972
Notes: Identical to the Tracks version. Lyrics match Version 1
Time: 2:11
Date: May 3 1972
Notes: Identical to the Tracks version. Lyrics
match Version 1
Time: 2:10
Version 2
Hey bus driver, keep the change, bless your children, give them names
Don't trust men who walk with canes
Drink this and you'll grow wings on your feet
Broadway Mary, Joan Fontaine, advertiser on a downtown train
Oh Christmas crier bustin' cane
He's in love again
Where dock worker's dreams mix with panther's schemes to someday own the rodeo
Tainted women in Vistavision perform for out of state kids at the late show
Wizard imps and sweatsock pimps
Interstellar mongrel nymphs
Oh Rex said that lady left him limp
Loves like that, sure it is
Oh Queen of Diamonds, Ace of Spades
Newly discovered lovers of the everglades
They take out a full page ad in the trades to announce their arrival
And Mary Lou she found out how to cope
She rides to heaven on a gyroscope
The Daily News asks her for the dope
She says "Man, the dope's that there's still hope"
Senorita, Spanish rose, wipes her eyes and blows her nose
Uptown in Harlem she throws a rose to some lucky young matador
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June-August 1972
Time: 2:07
Time: 2:07
Available:
E-Street Shuffle
Comments:
The opener to The Wild..., this electric track is a good lead-in to the rest of the album. A lot more
tighter and jazzier than the debut LP, however this track has apparently failed to win the hearts of
many fans, being overshadowed by standout performances such as Incident on 57th Street and
Rosalita. Was often performed as a slow, soul song during the mid 70's.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Sparks fly on E Street when the boy prophets walk it handsome and hot
All the little girls' souls grow weak when the manchild gives them a double
shot
The schoolboy pops pull out all the stops on a Friday night
The teenage tramps in skin-tight pants do the E Street dance and everything's
alright
Little kids down there either dancin' or hooked up in a scuffle
Dressed in snake-skin suits packed with Detroit muscle
They're doin' the E Street Shuffle
Now those E Street brats in twilight duel flashlight phantoms in full star
stream
Down fire trails on silver nights with blonde girls pledged sweet sixteen
The newsboys say the heat's been bad since Power Thirteen
Gave a trooper all he had in a summer scuffle
And Power's girl, Little Angel, been on the corner keepin' those crazy boys out of trouble
Little Angel steps the shuffle like she ain't got no brains
She's deaf in combat down on Lover's Lane
She drives all them local boys insane
Little Angel says, "Oh, everybody form a line
Oh, everybody form a line."
Sparks fly on E Street when the boy-prophets walk it handsome and hot
All them little girls' souls grow weak when the manchild gives them a double shot
Little Angel hangs out at Easy Joe's, It's a club where all the riot squad
Goes when they're cashin' in for a cheap hustle
But them boys are still on the corner loose and doin' that lazy E Street Shuffle
As them sweet summer nights turn into summer dreams Little Angel picks up
Power and he slips on his jeans as they move on out down to the scene
All the kids are dancin'
Available:
Evacuation Of The West
Comments:
Another demo preoccupied with visions of the Wild West, this one features some great work on the
organ from Danny Federici. This would have been worthy of a place on either of the first two albums,
probably being more suited to Greetings...Also known as No More Kings In Texas.
Lyrics:
Version 1
It was on a day the cowboys were abandoned from the range
Metal touched world as a master
They rode their ponies down in the cities of gold
To leave them for ever after
Now the sun was swollen, red and old
The earth it was windy, dark and cold
Where the highway ends the desert takes its toll
So dusty, red and angry
It was a time when men died out on the prairie
From not having a decent friend
At nights the ghosts to the more rough riders
Was a howl in the canyon winds
You can hear'em crying
Good God, I think they're dying
When them rangers down in Dallas
Had all but given it up and left
And those that hung on hoping
Were trying their best to, to forget
The way those outlaws and desperadoes
Right from the cheapest to the best
Rode in on ponies made of skin and bones
Give up their rusty guns and went back home
And the governer was sent down from Population Control
And marshall law was passed
Riverboat gamblers put their money on faith
For the time for hope had passed
In the cold blue light of the desert night
There was a thousand starry ships
And men came down from still I don't know where
With death on their fingertips
Now there's no more kings in Texas
I swear they rounded up each and everyone
And old Atlanta Canastoga
Reached from the Rocky Mountains into the old dead sun
Now Anna Maria walks the plains alone
The last of a struggling people
She thinks of all those outlaws who wanted to reach for the skies
And got stuck up on a steamboat
Oh you can hear them crying
Good God, I think they're dying
In the wind you can hear them sighing
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 4:31
Label: Pony Express
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 4:28
Vol. 1
Label: Thrill Hill
Records
Date: June 28 1973
Location: 914 Sound
Studios, New York
City, N.Y.
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 4:24
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 4:32
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 4:29
Boot: Unearthed
Label: Masquerade
Music
Date: June 28 1973
Location: 914 Sound
Studios, Blauvelt,
New York
Notes: Lyrics match,
Version 1
Time: 4:28
Available:
For You
Comments:
A star of Greetings.., this track shows the maturity that Bruce was displaying in his songwriting. Often
quoted as a song on the subject of suicide, it still stands the test of time. Released as a single in 1973,
although it did not meet with much success.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Princess cards she sends me with her regards
Oh barroom eyes shine vacancy, to see her you gotta look hard
Wounded deep in battle, I stand stuffed like some soldier undaunted
To her Cheshire smile I'll stand on file, she's all I ever wanted
But you let your blue walls get in the way of these facts
Honey, get your carpetbaggers off my back
You wouldn't even give me time to cover my tracks
You said "Here's your mirror and your ball and jacks"
But they're not what I came for, and I'm sure you see that too
I came for you, for you, I came for you, but you did not need my urgency
I came for you, for you, I came for you, but your life was one long emergency
And your cloud line urges me, oh and my electric surges free
Well crawl into my ambulance, your pulse is getting weak
Reveal yourself all now to me girl while you've got the strength to speak
`Cause they're waiting for you at Bellevue with their oxygen masks
But I could give it all to you now if only you could ask
And don't call for your surgeon even he says it's too late
It's not your lungs this time, it's your heart that holds your fate
Don't give me money, honey, I don't want it back
You and your pony face and your union jack
Well take your local joker and teach him how to act
I swear I was never that way even when I really cracked
Didn't you think I knew that you were born with the power of a locomotive
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound?
And your Chelsea suicide with no apparent motive
You could laugh and cry in a single sound
Whoa
And your strength is devastating in the face of all these odds
Remember how I kept you waiting when it was my turn to be the god?
You were not quite half so proud when I found you broken on the beach
Remember how I poured salt on your tongue and hung just out of reach
And the band they played the homecoming theme as I caressed your cheek
And that ragged, jagged melody she still clings to me like a leech
But that medal you wore on your chest always got in the way
Like a little girl with a trophy so soft to buy her way
We were both hitchhikers but you had your ears tuned to the roar
Of some metal-tempered engine on an alien, distant shore
So you, left to find a better reason than the one we were living for
And it's not that nursery mouth I came back for
It's not the way you're stretched out on the floor
`Cause I've broken all your windows and I've rammed through all your doors
And who am I to ask you to lick my sores? And you should know that's true
I came for you, for you, I came for you, but you did not need my urgency
I came for you, for you, I came for you, but your life was one long emergency
And your cloud line urges me, and my electric surges free
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 4:47
Time: 4:44
Available:
Growin' Up
Comments:
Almost anthemic in its call for rebellion (as highlighted by Bruce telling stories of his past, see the
excellent example on the Live 75-85 box set), this Greetings... track is also suited to an acoustic
performance, note the version that appears on Tracks. It shows that, like Born In The U.S.A., it is a
song that can show its mettle when backed by a band AND acoustically. Indeed a track that has
universal qualities.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I stood stonelike at midnight suspended in my masquerade
I combed my hair till it was just right and commanded the night brigade
I was open to pain and crossed by the rain and I walked on a crooked crutch
I strolled all alone through a fallout zone and came out with my soul
untouched
I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd but when they said "Sit down"I stood
up
Ooh-ooh growin' up
Well the flag of piracy flew from my mast my sails were set wing to wing
I had a jukebox graduate for a first mate she couldn't sail but she sure could sing
I pushed B-52 and bombed èm with the blues with my gear set stubborn on standing
I broke all the rules strafed my old high school never once gave thought to landing
I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd but when they said "Come down" I threw up
Ooh-ooh growin' up
I took month-long vacations in the stratosphere and you know it's really hard to hold your breath
I lost everything I ever loved or feared I was the cosmic kid in full costume dress
Well my feet they finally took root in the earth but I got me a nice little place in the stars
I swear I found the key to the universe in the engine of an old parked car
I hid in the mother breast of the crowd but when they said "Sit down" I stood up
Ooh-ooh growin' up
Ooh-ooh growin' up
Date: May 3 1972
Notes: Identical to the Tracks version. Lyrics match Version 1
Time: 2:55
Date: May 3 1972
Notes: Identical to the Tracks version. Lyrics
match Version 1
Time: 2:52
Version 2
Well I stood stonelike at midnight suspended in my masquerade
I combed my hair till it was just right and commanded the night brigade
I was open to pain and crossed by the rain and I walked on a crooked crutch
I strolled all alone through a fallout zone and came out with my soul untouched
I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd but when they said "Sit down" I stood up
Ooh-ooh growin' up
Well the flag of piracy flew from my mast my sails were set wing to wing
I had a jukebox graduate for a first mate she couldn't sail but she sure could sing
I pushed B-52 and bombed èm with the blues with my gear set stubborn on standing
I broke all the rules strafed my old high school and never once gave thought to landing
I hid in the clouded warmth of the crowd but when they said "Come down" I went "Huh?"
Ooh-ooh growin' up
I took month-long vacations in the stratosphere and you know it's really hard to hold your breath
Swear I lost everything I ever loved or feared I was the cosmic kid in full costume dress
Well my feet they finally took root in the earth but I got me a nice little place in the stars
I swear I found the key to the universe in the engine of an old parked car
I hid in the mother breast of the crowd but when they said "Pull down" I pulled up
Ooh-ooh growin' up
Ooh-ooh growin' up
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 3:22
Time: 3:19
Available:
Helen Blue
Comments:
Lyrics:
Available:
Incident On 57th Street
Comments:
Arguably the best song off The Wild..., this street opera stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of
Jungleland and Racing in The Street. Recently resurrected on the recent World Tour to the delight of
many fans, the story of Spanish Johnny and Puerto Rican Jane lives in the hearts of many Bruce fans.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Spanish Johnny drove in from the underworld last night
With bruised arms andbroken rhythm and a beat-up old Buick
But dressed just like dynamite
He tried sellin' his heart to the hard girls over on Easy Street
But they said, "Johnny, it falls apart so easy and you know hearts these days
are cheap."
And the pimps swung their axes and said, "Johnny, you're a cheater."
Well, the pimps swung their axes and said, "Johnny, you're a liar."
And from out of the shadows came a young girl's voice, said "Johnny don't
cry."
Puerto Rican Jane, oh won't you tell me what's your name
I want to drive you down to the other side of town
Where paradise ain't so crowded and there'll be action goin' down on Shanty Lane tonight
All the golden heeled fairies in a real bitch-fight pull thirty-eights
And kiss their girls goodnight
Goodnight, it's alright, Jane
Now let them black boys in to light the soul flame
We may find it out on the street tonight, baby
Or we may walk until the daylight, maybe
Well, like a cool Romeo he made his moves, oh she looked so fine
Like a late Juliet she knew she'd never be true but then she really didn't mind
Upstairs a band was playin' and the singer was singin' something about going home
She whispered, "Spanish Johnny, you can leave me tonight, but just don't leave me alone."
And Johnny cried, "Puerto Rican Jane, word is down the cops have found the vein."
Them bare foot boys left their homes for the woods
Them little barefoot street boys, they said their homes ain't no good
They left the corners, threw away their switchblade knives and kissed each other goodbye
Johnny was sittin' on the fire escape watchin' the kids playin' down the street
He called down, "Hey little heroes, summer's long but I guess it ain't very sweet around here anymore
Janey sleeps in sheets damp with sweat, Johnny sits up alone and watches her dream on, dream on
And the sister prays for lost souls then breaks down in the chapel after everyone's gone
Jane moves over to share her pillow but opens her eyes to see Johnny up and putting his clothes on
She says, "Those romantic young boys, all they ever want to do is fight
Those romantic young boys, they're callin' through the window
Hey, Spanish Johnny, you want to make a little easy money tonight?"
And Johnny whispered, "Goodnight, it's all tight Jane
I'll meet you tomorrow night on Lover's Lane
We may find it out on the street tonight now baby
Or we may walk until the daylight, baby."
Goodnight, it's alright Jane, I'm gonna meet you tomorrow night on Lover's Lane
We can find it out on the street tonight, baby
Or we may walk until it's daylight, maybe
Available:
It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City
Comments:
Bruce's streetwise, edge of society backround oozes through the lyrics of this track. This song
announces his arrival, and confirms the reasons for why he belongs in the rock world. The version on
Deep Down In The Vaults is a further extension of this image, with its ad-lib street rap as the track
fades out.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well I had skin like leather and the diamond-hard look of a cobra
I was born blue and weathered but I burst just like a supernova
Well I could walk like Brando right into the sun
Then dance just like a Casanova
With my blackjack and jacket and hair slicked sweet
Silver star studs on my duds like a Harley in heat
When I bopped down the street I could hear its heartbeat
The women fell back and said "Don't that man look pretty"
The cripple on the corner cries "Nickels for your pity"
Them gasoline boys downtown sure talk gritty
It's so hard to be a saint in the city
Well I was the king of the alley I could talk trash
I was the prince of the paupers crowned downtown at the beggar's bash
I was the pimp's main prophet I kept everything cool
Just a backstreet gambler with the luck to lose
And when the heat came down it was left on the ground
The devil appeared like Jesus through the steam in the street
Showin' me a hand I knew even the cops couldn't beat
I felt his hot breath on my neck as I dove into the heat
It's so hard to be a saint when you're just a boy out on the street
And the sages of the subway sit just like the living dead
As the tracks clack out the rhythm, their eyes fixed straight ahead
They ride the line of balance and hold on by just a thread
It's too hot in these tunnels, you can get hit up by the heat
I get up to get out at the next stop but they push me back down in the seat
My heart starts beatin' faster as I struggle to my feet
Then I get outa that hole and I'm back up on the street
And them South Side sisters sure look pretty
The cripple on the corner knows I dont pay for no pity
And them gasoline boys sure talk gritty
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 3:09
Notes: Identical to the verison that appears on Tracks. Lyrics match
Version 1
Demos)
Date: May 3 1972
Notes: Identical to the version that appears on Tracks. Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 4:32
Version 2
I had skin like leather and the diamond-hard look of a cobra
I could walk like Brando right into the sun
Then dance just like a Casanova
When I strut down the street I could feel its heartbeat
The sisters fell back and said "Don't that man look pretty"
The cripple on the corner cried out "Nickels for your pity"
Them downtown boys sure talk gritty
I was the king of the alley I could talk some trash
A backstreet gambler with the luck to lose
And when the heat came down it was left on the ground
It's so hard to be a saint when you're just a boy
As the tracks clack out the rhythm their eyes fixed straight ahead
But it's too hot in these tunnels you can get hit up by the heat
You get up to get out at your next stop but they push you back down in your seat
Your heart starts beatin' faster as you struggle to your feet
Then you're outa that hole and back up on the street
The cripple on the corner cries out "Nickels for your pity"
And them downtown boys sure talk gritty
Notes: Lyrics match Version 2, with the street rap at the end
Time: 3:15
Version 3
I had skin like leather and the diamond-hard look of a cobra
I could walk like Brando right into the sun
Dance just like a Casanova
When I strut down the street I could hear its heartbeat
The women fell back and said "Don't that man look pretty"
The cripple on the corner cried out "Nickels for your pity"
Them gasoline boys downtown sure talk gritty
And It's so hard to be a saint in the city
I was the king of the alley, Mama I could talk trash
Just a backstreet gambler with the luck to lose
And when the heat came downand it was left on the ground
It's so hard to be a saint when you're just a boy out on the street
As the tracks clack out the rhythm, their eyes fixed straight ahead
But It's too hot in these tunnels, you can get hit up by the heat
You get up to get out at your next stop but they push you back down in the seat
Your heart starts beatin' faster as you struggle to your feet
Then your outa that hole and back up on the street
The cripple on the corner cries out Nickels for your pity
Them downtown boys they sure talk gritty
Outtakes
Time: 2:47
Available:
Janey Needs A Shooter
Comments:
An excellent song that was re-recorded a few times for different albums, similar to how Frankie
evolved between 1976 and 1984. Would later appear as Jeannie Needs A Shooter, with completely
different lyrics, covered by Warren Zevon.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well Janey's got a doctor who tears apart her insides
He investigates her and silently bates her every little sigh
Oh he probes with his fingers but he knows her heart only through his
stethoscope
Oh his hands are so old and his instruments so cold
Janey turns him down like dope
And Janey's got a proctor from his marble pulpit he smiles
He provides consolation and an open invitation to confession at any time
Between the pages of his bible he holds from what Janey he hides
With her doors open wide she begs come inside
He's too long been content to mess around with the handles on the outside
And Janey needs a shooter
A shooter like this boy on her side
Janey needs a shooter
Someone who knows her style
And I know her style
Janey loved a mechanic who owned a gas station down on Route 9
Well she took him to bed and I beat my head on his gas tanks and bled all over his tyres
And then he smashed my car with his big tow bar. I got out and asked him why
He said "Cause with her it's either you or me, and it's gonna be me"
And I watched Janey silently stand by
Then she flopped with a cop who lived round the block
He'd come peek in my window every night
Janey's skin would turn pale as the siren he'd wail
Outside my house all night long when he knew she was inside
She said his big gun was fun but Janey's small, and sometimes he scared her
So I held her real close, she was more a saint than a ghost
And told her I so long had been prepared for her
And Janey needs a shooter
A shooter just like me on her side
Janey needs a shooter
Someone who won't let her slide
And I can't let her slide
Woah, I'm stayin' here tonight, baby, and I won't let you slide
I'm stayin' here tonight, woah, Janey and I won't let you slide
I'm stayin' here tonight, baby I'm a-can't let you slide
Time: 6:07
Blauvelt, N.Y.
Time: 6:09
Label: Yellow Dog
Time: 6:07
Available:
Jennifer
Comments:
No known recording is known to exist.
Lyrics:
Available:
Kitty's Back
Comments:
Appearing on The Wild..., this is perhaps the closest Springsteen gets to the genre of jazz. This track
has a real jazz club, swing feel to it, with lots of horns permeating the air. Like most of The Wild...
catalogue, this song has been neglected on stage for many years.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Catlong sighs holdin' Kitty's black tooth
She left to marry some top cat, ain't it the cold truth
And there hasn't been a tally since Sally left the alley
Since Kitty left with Big Pretty things have got pretty thin yeah yeah
It's tight on this fence since them young dudes are musclin' in
Jack Knife cries cause Baby's in a bundle
She goes runnin' nightly, lightly through the jungle
And them tin cans are explodin' out of the ninety degree heat
Cat somehow lost his baby down on Bleeker Street
It's sad but it sure is true
Cat shrugs his shoulders, sits back and sighs
Ohhhh, what can I do, oh oh oh what can I do?
Catlong lies back bent on a trash can
Flashin' lights cut the night, dude in the white says he's the man
Well you better learn to move fast when you're young or you're not long around
Cat somehow lost his Kitty down in the city pound
So get right, get tight, get down
Well who's that down at the end of the alley, she been gone so long
Kitty's back in town, Kitty's back in town, Kittys back in town, Kittys back in town
Cat knows his Kitty's been untrue and that she left him for a city dude
But she's so soft, she's so blue
When he looks into her eyes he just sits back and sighs
Oooh what can I do, ooh what can I do?
Oooh what can I do, ohh what can I do?
Oh oh oh oh oh oh, alright
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 7:13
Date: June 28 1973
York
Time: 7:26
Version 2
Catlong sighs holdin' Kitty's black tooth
She left to marry some top cat, ain't it the cold truth
And there hasn't been a tally since Sally left the alley
Since Kitty left with Big Pretty things have got pretty thin yeah yeah
It's tight on this fence since them young dudes are musclin' in
Jack Knife cries cause Baby's in a bundle
She goes runnin' nightly, lightly through the jungle
And them tin cans are explodin' out of the ninety degree heat
Cat somehow lost his baby down on Bleeker Street
It's sad but it sure is true
Cat shrugs his shoulders, sits back and sighs
Catlong lies back bent on a trash can
Flashin' lights cut the night, dude in the white says he's the man
Well you better learn to move fast when you're young or you're not long around
Cat somehow lost his baby in the city pound
So get right, get tight, get down
Here she comes walking back down the alley, she been out all weekend long
She's all dressed up in her hot pants, she got on her spiked heels and a boy here she comes
Cat knows Kitty's been untrue and that she left him for a city dude
But she's so soft, she's so blue
When he looks into her eyes he just sits back and sighs
Oooh what can I do, ooh what can I do?
Oooh what can I do, ohh what can I do?
Oooh alright, ooh alright, ooh alright, ooh alright
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 7:21
Date: June 28 1973
York
Time: 7:17 and 7:26
Available:
Lost In The Flood
Comments:
Only performed live sparingly, and not for many years, this classic is a fans favourite. Like so many
greats songs (e.g. Backstreets) this starts off quiet and melancholy, before building to a crescendo of
hurt and violence intertwining on the street. As often occured in songs of this period, Catholic and
religious imagery spring forth.
Lyrics:
Version 1
The ragamuffin gunner is returnin' home like a hungry runaway
He walks through town all alone
He must be from the fort he hears the high school girls say
His countryside's burnin' with wolfman fairies dressed in drag for homicide
The hit and run, plead sanctuary, `neath a holy stone they hide
They're breakin' beams and crosses with a spastic's reelin' perfection
Nuns run bald through Vatican halls pregnant, pleadin' immaculate
conception
And everybody's wrecked on Main Street from drinking unholy blood
Sticker smiles sweet as gunner breathes deep, his ankles caked in mud
And I said "Hey gunner man that's quicksand, that's quicksand that ain't mud
Have you thrown your senses to the war or did you lose them in the flood?"
That pure American brother, dull-eyed and empty-faced
Races Sundays in Jersey in a Chevy stock super eight
He rides her low on the hip, on the side he's got Bound For Glory in red,
white and blue flash paint
He leans on the hood telling racing stories, the kids call him Jimmy The Saint
Well the blaze and noise boy, he's gunnin' that bitch loaded to blastin' point
He rides head first into a hurricane and disappears into a point
And there's nothin' left but some blood where the body fell
That is, nothin' left that you could sell
Just junk all across the horizon, a real highwayman's farewell
And he said "Hey kid, you think that's oil? Man, that ain't oil that's blood"
I wonder what he was thinking when he hit that storm
Or was he just lost in the flood?
Eighth Avenue sailors in satin shirts whisper in the air
Some storefront incarnation of Maria, she's puttin' on me the stare
And Bronx's best apostle stands with his hand on his own hardware
Everything stops, you hear five, quick shots, the cops come up for air
And now the whiz-bang gang from uptown, they're shootin' up the street
And that cat from the Bronx starts lettin' loose but he gets blown right off his feet
And some kid comes blastin' round the corner but a cop puts him right away
He lays on the street holding his leg screaming something in Spanish
Still breathing when I walked away
And somebody said "Hey man did you see that? His body hit the street with such a beautiful thud"
I wonder what the dude was sayin' or was he just lost in the flood?
Hey man, did you see that, those poor cats are sure messed up
I wonder what they were gettin' into, or were they just lost in the flood?
Available:
Mary, Queen Of Arkansas
Comments:
The first ever track Springsteen laid down for Columbia, as noted by John Hammond at the beginning
of an epic journey that is Tracks. This song has for years been criticised as perhaps the weakest in
Bruce's catalogue. I have to agree as it is ponderous. However, it must be said that the Tracks version
is much stronger than one that appears on Greetings..
Lyrics:
Version 1
Mary queen of Arkansas, it's not too early for dreamin'
The sky is grown with cloud seed sown and this bastard's love is redeeming
Mary, my queen, your soft hulk is reviving
Oh, and you're not too late to desecrate, the servants are just rising
Well I'm just a lonely acrobat, the live wire is my trade
I've been a changed man at your laundromat and a wharf rat of your state
Mary, my queen, your blows for freedom are missing
You're not man enough for me to hate or woman enough for kissing
Well the big top is for dreamers, we can take the circus all the way to the border
And the gallows wait for martyrs whose papers are in order
But I wasn't born to live to die and you were not born for queenin'
Oh it's not too late, we can still infiltrate, the servants are just leavin'
Mary queen of Arkansas, your white skin is deceivin'
Oh you wake and wait to lie in bait, but you know you can't keep me from leavin'
But on your bed, on your bed Mary I can see the shadow of a noose
I don't understand how you can hold me so tight and love me so loose
I know a place where we can go, Mary
Where I can get a good job and start out all over again clean
I got contacts deep in Mexico where servants have been seen
Date: May 3, 1972
Version 1
Time: 4:32
Demos)
Date: May 3, 1972
Version 1
Time: 4:32
Available:
New York City Serenade
Comments:
One of Bruce's longest released tracks, this number was recently resurrected on the recent tour
throughout the U.S.A. Complementing the jazzy feel of The Wild..., it features a very nice change of
pace midway through the song. However, I've always felt this one is a bit disappointing, and was often
thankful it was the last track on the album. Too long, too sprawling and too self-indulgent (note Dave
Sancious' opening piano).
Lyrics:
Version 1
Billy, he's down by the railroad tracks, sittin' low in the back seat of his
Cadillac
Diamond Jackie, she's so intact, and she falls so softly beneath him
Jackie's heels are stacked, Billy's got cleats on his boots
Together they're gonna boogaloo down Broadway and come back home with
the loot
It's midnight in Manhattan, this is no time to get cute, it's a mad dog's
promenade
So walk tall, or baby don't walk at all
Fish lady, oh fish lady, fish lady she baits them tenement walls
She won't take cornerboys, ain't got no money, and they're so easy
I said, "Hey baby won't you take my hand, walk with me down Broadway
Whoa Mama take my arm and move with me down Broadway
I'm a young man and I'm talkin' real loud and I play it real proud for you
So shake it away, so shake away your street life, shake away your city life
And hook up to the train, oh hook up to the night train, hook it up hook up to the, hook up to the train
But I know that she won't take the train, no she won't take the train
No she won't take the train, no she won't take the train
She's afraid them tracks are gonna slow her down
And when she turns this boy'll be gone
So long, sometimes you just gotta walk on, walk on
Hey vibes man, hey jazz man ah play me a serenade
Any deeper blue, you'll be playin' in your grave
Save your notes, don't spend 'em on the blues boy
Save your notes, don't spend 'em on the darlin' yearlin' sharp boy
Straight for the church note ringin', vibes man sting a trash can
Listen to your junk man, listen to your junk man
Listen to your junk man, listen to your junk man
He's singin', he's singin', he's singin', singin'
All dressed up in satin, walkin' past the alley
Watch out for you junk man, watch out for your junk man
Watch out for your junk man
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 10:09
Time: 10:02
Available:
New York City Song
Comments:
Evolved from Vibes Man into New York City Serenade. This version is quite different to the final one
recorded for The Wild... This remains a much better live song than what came out of the studio.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Blacky's down by the railroad tracks, he's sittin' low in the back seat of his
Cadillac
And Diamond Jackie, she's so intact, she freezes beneath Black's attack
Jackie's shoes are shellacked, she's got cleats on her boots
Together they're gonna boogaloo down Broadway and come back with the
loot
Because it's midnight in Manhattan, this is no time to get cute, it's a mad cat's
promenade
It's New York City, the city that never sleeps
Well Angel Jackie prays, ain't she sweet
Her faith lies at midnight, between her teeth
She got a dirty big daddy, who through all the tears
Has supplied her with hope and kept her in fear
He's a lone profiteer, working down on the docks
He was born in 1943 and almost died of the shock
And now he drags her to some D-side joint
Where the atomic punks they rock
Until she breaks down and falls
Soft like a child, crying New York City, you're so wild
And in the night air you hear crying
And now the girls say anything, girls say anything
He was born on the border of the Kansas line
When he broke into town, it was hot, 90 degrees
He swore he'd bust that monster to it's knees
Folks say he was master of the universe
Some kid said he was the holder of the common keys
His throat was choked with lightning from some childhood disease
And with a burnt gun blast he's got people running from the streets
And he lies empty in Time Square just like street scum
Crying New York City, keep it young
Crying New York City, keep it young
From a tenement window you hear
Boot: Thundercrack
Date: April 24 1973
Time: 7:10
Available:
No More Kings In Texas
Comments:
See Evacuation Of The West
Over The Hills Of St. Croix
Comments:
See Phantoms
Phantoms
Comments:
Although the arrangement is identical to Zero And Blind Terry, the lyrics are far removed from the
more well known version, although the basic theme running through both tracks is essentially the
same, that of lovers seperated by powers larger than themselves.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Jamie rides in high boots, breaks his drink and wades in the river
Holds his gun above the water and crosses to the shore
Now the Christian army awaits you, and Jessie is still waiting to date you
Those Phantoms fly in strict formation over the hills of St Croix
Now the rebel life is lonely, oh but them mountains are soft with freedom
To be free is to be lonely, ohh lonely lonely lonely lonely
Jamie rides down a broken highway, the heat of the sun tends to bring him
down
He's filled full of crazy visions of negroes and white women in evening gowns
And he hears Jessie calling to him in the hills
Oh she calls to him from the clouds
And the men are working in the fields
Oh listen to 'em work
Oh bustin' rocks
Oh bustin' those rocks
Ohhhhh Jamie rides in high boots, breaks his rank and wades in the river
Now the Christian army awaits you, and Jessie is still waiting to date you
Ohhhhhhhhhh alright alright alright
Ohhhhhhhhhh
Those Phantoms still fly in strict formation of the hills of St Croix
Those fighters fly in strict formation of the hills of St Croix
But he hears Jessie calling him home
Hears Jessie calling him home
And he hears those prisoners workin' in the fields
The chain gang bustin' rocks
Jessie is calling them home
Those Phantoms still fly in strict formation over the hills of St Croix
Date: July or August 1973
Location: 914 Sound Studios, Blauvelt, New Jersey
Time: 5:39
Location: 914 Sound Studios, New York City,
N.Y.
Time: 5:39
Version 2
Well Billy rides in high boots, breaks his drink and wades in the river
Holds his gun above the water and calls softly to the shore
Now the Christian army awaits you, and Bobby is still waiting to date you
Now the rebel life is lonely, oh but them mountains are soft with freedom
To be free is to be lonely, ohh lonely lonely lonely lonely
Billy rides down a stony highway, the heat of the sun brings the jungle down
???
???
???
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Ohhhhh Billy rides in high boots, breaks his rank and wades in the river
Now the Christian army awaits you, and Bobby is still waiting to date you
Ohhhhhhhhhh alright alright alright
Ohhhhhhhhhh
Those Phantoms still fly in strict formation of the hills of St Croix
Those Phantom jets fly in strict formation of the hills of St Croix
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: June 13 1973
Location: Broom County Memorial Arena
Time: 4:59
Version 3
Well Billy and Lou in high boots
Went hiking days in the river
Hold your gun above the water
Calls softly to the shore
Now the fisher's on his way too
In darkness to wake the day shift
Those pythons fly in strict formation
Over the hills of St Croix
Now they don't hide their hardware (Now they know why they're all there)
But those South men don't come with fear
So those freedom cruisers all slip away (So those freedom fighters are allright)
Over the hills as they go down to the river
Well Billy and Lou sat on a stony highway
In the heat of the sun just to come down (Needing for something to come on down)
And his dreams are full of crazy visions
Of those white ladies in their evening gowns
They like wandering the hills (They're like water in the hills)
Ah, he looks up at them above the walls until he sees trouble
Oh they're like water in his hand (They felt like water in his hands)
And he hears them "Hey Billy"
He hears them calling "Going back to land"
And they cry "Hey Billy, ho ho, ho ho ho"
Ah thats what they call
Ho ho, ho ho ho
Ah he hears them call Over the hills of St Croix
Along the blue horizon
They skipped and ran away to the river
Those python troopers guard'em
Let him wake up on the shore
Now today I have been praying
For darkness to wake the day shift (For this crazy nation)
Those phantoms fly in strict formation
Those phantom jets fly in strict formation
Version 4
Well Billy he blew his hard books
Great swimming days in the river
??? above the water
Calls softly to the shore
Now the ??? break through
In the darkness to wake the day too
Those pythons fly in slick formation
Now they don't hide their hardware
But those South men don't come with fear
So those freedom cruisers all slip away
Over the hills as they go down river
While a Middletown guy sat on a stony highway
Needing for something to come on down
And his dreams so fill of crazy visions
Of those white ladies in their evening gowns
They like wanderin' the hills
Ah he looks up at 'em above the walls
Until he sees trouble
Dripped a little light water in her hand
And he hear's them "Hey Billy"
He hears them calling "Going back to the land"
And he cries "Hey Billy, ho ho, ho ho"
Ah thats what they call
Ho ho, ho ho
Are you gonna swim across
Along the blue horizon
They skipped and ran away to the river
Those python troopers saw them
Laid awake up on the shore
Now the ???
Them pythons still wait to race you
Those phantoms fly in strict formation
Those phantom jets fly in strict formation
Available:
Zero And Blind Terry
Comments:
Recently released officially for the first time on Tracks, most bootleg versions are quite similar,
except for a lack of backing vocals. Phantoms, another early 70's track features different lyrics but
identical music to that of Zero and Blind Terry. Also note the fascinating instrumental version
available on Born In The Studio.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 5:54
Date: June 28 1973
York
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 6:06
Version 2
The Skulls met the Pythons
Down at the First Street Station
Alliances have been made in alleyways
All across the nation
These boys live off the milk of a silver jet
And the love of sweet young women
Now the Pythons are down from old Englishtown
And they're lookin' to do some livin'
Well the leader of the Pythons
Is a kid they just call Zero
Now Terry's pop says these kids are some kind of monsters (Zombies)
But Terry says "No, pop, they're just plain heroes"
Zero and Terry they found a love that burns like wildfire
Now Terry's daddy understood that this Zero was no good
A child, a thief and a liar
Well from out of the darkness that breaks the dawn
Zero rode like twilight
He said "Tonight's the night, blind Terry, come on"
Terry come on, tonight is the night
Pack you bags baby
And together they ran like reindeers through the street
Whoa like tomorrow the earth was gonna catch on fire
Now Terry's dad hired some troopers to kill Zero and bring Terry back home
They crawled up in the night
Like firelight
Now snow-white troopers from the council of crime
Rode like silver foxes through Terry's field
Oh they met the Pythons down on Route 9 but they refused to yield
The Pythons fought with buzz guns
And the troopers with swords like light
And Zero and Terry they ran away
As the gang fought all through the night
Well some folks say Zero and Terry got away
Others said they were caught and brought back
But still them young pilgrims to this day
Go to that spot way down by the railroad track
Where the troopers met the pythons
Old timers cry on a hot August night
If you look hard enough, if you try
You'll catch Zero and Terry and all the Pythons
Oh just hiking the streets of the sky
Just walkin', hiking the streets of the sky
Just hiking the streets of the sky
Hey Zero
Label: Pony Express
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 5:53
Date: June 28 1973
Time: 5:45
Label: Templar
Records
Date: July 18 1973
Location: Max's
Kansas City, New
York City, NY
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 5:50
Label: Yellow Dog
Date: July 18 1973
Time: 6:08
Time: 7:44
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Location: Allen Theatre, Cleveland, OH
Time: 6:31
Available:
Prisoner Of Wars
Comments:
No known recording is known to exist.
Lyrics:
Available:
Ride On Sweet William
Comments:
This track was performed live a few times, most notably in Houston on March 10 1974. No studio
versions are known to exist. Also known as "She's So Fine"
Lyrics:
Version 1
Hey baby
Well she's vicious as a razor
Resting on your mainline
She's brutal as an ace
Laid on the table at just the right time
She's like a devil-woman
But she's locked in over-drive
Her eyes are cold stone
But she's backed by a power-glide
She's sweet, she's educated
She knows about history, geometry
She's so fine
Well now the boys down there say
She swings the silver rod
Some kids call her angel
All the boys call her God, down on Lover's Lane
Well now the kids down in Houston
Say she's cold but dynamite
Ahhh they know that lady wears them blue jeans oh so tight
She gets in my car and the highway bursts to life
And way down on E Street
That only happens once or twice
She's sophisticated
She's a, she's a lady, you know what I mean?
She's so fine
Oh she says I ain't got the love
I ain't got the time
Ain't gonna give you no kiss
Ain't gonna hand ya
All I want's a ride, Sweet William
All I want's a ride
Clarence Clemons!
And it's oh baby, oh baby
Won't you come, don't you wanna go for a ride
I'll get in my car and burn it up
Now switch on the radio and turn it up
And we're gonna be burnin' down a straight road
I want some love and I got to truck along
Well she's vicious as a razor
Resting on your mainline
She's brutal as an ace
Laid on the table at just the right time
Like a devil-woman
But she's locked in overdrive
Her eyes are cold stone
But her body's backed by a power-glide
She's so educated
She's got a nice mama
She's got a nice pop
She's so fine
Oh and the boys say she swings a silver rod
The kids call her Angel
Some kids call her God, down on Lover's Lane
Be my baby
Won't you be my lover
Oh won't you be my lover
So she get's in my car and I take her home
She lives on 16th and E Street
Steps out of the car and says "see ya"
Runs up the driveway, into the house and she's gone
But, but that can't be the end of the story
Of course you know I was sitting in the car
And the door opens a little bit, and, and
And a leg comes out of the suitcase
She's all packed and she's gonna come with me
Come on baby
Come on baby
Come on baby
Come on baby
I said hey baby
Date: March 10 1974
Location: Liberty Hall, Houston, TX
Time: 7:42
Boot: Liberty Hall
Label: Mistral Music
Date: March 10 1974
Time: 8:08
Available:
Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)
Comments:
The perennial show closer and fan's favourite for many years, the saga of Rosie remains close to the
hearts of many. The scene of many an adlib, crazy stage antics and storytelling, Rosie signalled the
link between the end of the show and the beginning of the encore from the mid 70's up until the Born
In The U.S.A.tour. Although largely shunned during the recent tour, despite fans requests via the use
of large signs (a tactic which in the end angered Bruce) its many wild playings live in the minds (and
on the bootlegs) of many.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Spread out now Rosie doctor come cut loose her mama's reins
You know playin' blind man's bluff is a little baby's game
You pick up Little Dynamite I'm gonna pick up Little Gun
And together we're gonna go out tonight and make that highway run
You don't have to call me lieutenant Rosie and I don't want to be your son
The only lover I'm ever gonna need's your soft sweet little girl's tongue and
Rosie you're the one
Dynamite's in the belfry playin' with the bats
Little Gun's downtown in front of Woolworth's tryin' out his attitude on all
the cats
Papa's on the corner waitin' for the bus
Mama she's home in the window waitin' up for us
She'll be there in that chair when they wrestle her upstairs `cause you know we ain't gonna come
I ain't here for business, I'm only here for fun
Oh Rosie your the one
Rosalita jump a little lighter, senorita come sit by my fire
I just want to be your lover ain't no liar, Rosalita you're my stone desire
Jack the Rabbit and Weak Knees Willie you know they're gonna be there
Ah sloppy Sue and Big Bones Billie they'll be comin' up for air
We're gonna play some pool, skip some school, act real cool
Stay out all night it's gonna feel alright
Rosie come out tonight, Rosie come out tonight
Windows are for cheaters, chimneys for the poor
Closets are for hangers, winners use the door
So use it Rosie, thats what its there for
Now I know your mama she don't like me `cause I play in a rock and roll band
And I know your daddy he don't dig me but he never did understand
Papa lowered the boom he locked you in your room
I'm comin' to lend a hand
I'm comin' to liberate you, confiscate you I want to be your man
Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny
But now you're sad your mama's mad
And your papa says he knows that I don't have any money
Tell him this is last chance to get his daughter in a fine romance
Because a record company Rosie just gave me big bucks
My tires were slashed and I almost crashed but the Lord had mercy
My machine she's a dud out stuck in the mud somewhere in the swamps of Jersey
Hold on tight stay up all night `cause Rosie I'm comin' on strong
By the time we meet the morning light I will hold you in my arms
I know a pretty little place in Southern California down San Diego way
There's a little cafe where they play guitars all night and day
You can hear them in the back room strummin'
So hold tight baby `cause don't you know daddy's comin'
Version 2
Spread out now Rosie doctor come cut loose her chiffon reins
You know playin' blind man's bluff is a little baby's game
You pick up Little Dynamite, oh I'm gonna pick up Little Gun
And together we're gonna go out tonight and make that highway run
You don't have to call me lieutenant Rosie and I don't want to be your son
The only lover I'm ever gonna need's your soft sweet samurai tongue
Rosie you're the one
Dynamite's in the belfry baby playin' with the bats
Little Gun's downtown in front of Woolworth's tryin' out his attitude on all the cats
Papa's on the corner waitin' for the bus
Mama she's home in the window waitin' up for us
She'll be there in that chair when they wrestle her upstairs `cause you know we ain't gonna come
I's not here on business Rosie, I'm only here for fun
Oh Rosie your the one
Jack the Rabbit and Weak Knees Willie don'tyou know they're gonna be there
Sloppy Sue and Big Bones Billie they'll be comin' up for air
We're gonna play some pool, skip some school, act real cool
Stay out all night, it's gonna feel alright
So Rosie come out tonight, Rosie come out tonight
Windows are for cheaters, chimneys for the poor
Closets are for hangers, winners use the door
So use it Rosie, thats what its there for
Now I know your mama she don't like me `cause I play in a rock and roll band
And I know your daddy he don't dig me but he never did understand
Papa lowered the boom he locked you in your room
I'm comin' to lend a hand
I'm ridin' for liberation, confiscation, I want to be your man
Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny
Da da da
But now you're sad your mama's mad
This is last chance to get his daughter in a fine romance
Rosie the record company just gave me a big advance
My tires were slashed and I almost crashed but the Lord had mercy
My machine she's a dud out stuck in the mud somewhere in the swamps of Jersey
Hold on tight stay up all night `cause Rosie I'm comin' on
By the time we meet the morning light I will hold you in my arms
I know a pretty little place in Southern California down San Diego way
There's a little cafe where they play guitars all day
You can hear them strummin'
Outside my baby dance's hummin'
And everybody says
Date: Late 1973
Location: Unknown
Time: 8:38
Available:
Date: June 28 1973
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 7:03
Date: June 28 1973
York
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 7:16
Saga Of The Architect Angel
Comments:
A quiet tune, featuring, guess what, more images straight out of Westerns. Bruce is once again solo on
the piano. This is probably the only song I've ever heard that has mention of an architect in it, angel or
no angel.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well the architect angel held the straight Juda ranch
Just a dirty mile down on the borderline
Where he mastered blastin' and hustled young cattle for slaughter
And dated Juda's daughter
From the cellar ways to the attics and all across the plains
Broke electric static, ohh of a religious strain
And though he was not an addict, he wore scars upon his veins
Like a young girl holds her first pimp, he held his Bible limp
From desert bars and church bazaars, the hungry slowly came
With vulgar faces from vulgar places lookin' for a game
With ivory gun handles and chamber grease
And souped-up hydroplanes
With bullets burned from TV silver, bearin' great cowboys' names
14 inches of gun barrel, and he was smokin' from the lid,
Spurs on straight black bootheels, he said "Uptown, they call me the Brooklyn Kid"
And in their lonely Zenith nightmares, well that's just what they did
Well, with a holster slung low like a hot kid-sister
Tied tight to his leg like he was gonna do
He was stompin' a step he called the Brooklyn Twister.
With six-guns pumpin' he was comin' through
And his tongue hung low like sawdust scrapin' across the plains
He crawled up outside the Juda Ranch
And started callin' the angel names
And now the architect angel stood, in one hand a staff, and in the other a gun
He held the staff high in the wind, the gun was like a piece in the sun
He started howlin' like a monsoon wind, drew fast, and the job was done
That night the moon stretched tight light down on the plains
As real cowboys sat around real campfire flames
And the county wolf called as if to explain to his son
The way the West was won
The way the West was won
Location: Max's Kansas City, New York, New York
Time: 6:09
Version 2
The architect angel held the straight Juda ranch
Just a dirty mile down on the borderline
Where he mastered blastin' and hustled young cattle for slaughter
And dated Juda's daughter
From the cellar ways to the attics and all across the plains
Broke electric static of religious strain
And though he was never an addict, he wore scars on his veins
Like a young girl holds her first pimp, he held his Bible limp
From desert bars and church bazaars, the hungry slowly came
With vulgar faces from vulgar places lookin' for a game
Well ivory gun handles and chamber grease
And souped up hydroplanes
The bullets burn from TV silver, bearin' great cowboys names
Now with 14 inches of gun barrel smokin' from the lid
Spurs on straight black bootheels, he said "they call me the Brooklyn Kid"
And in his lonely zenith nightmares, well thats just what they did
Oh, how he played out his scenes, loaded on bends of dreams
Well, his holster slung low like a hot kid sister
Tied back to his leg like he gonna do
He was stompin' the step he called the Brooklyn Twister
His six-guns were pumpin' through
His tongue hung low like sawdust scrapin' across the plains
He crawled up outside the Juda ranch
And started callin' the angel names
And now the architect angel stood, in one hand a staff, the other a gun
He held the staff high in the wind, the gun was like a piece in the sun
He started howlin' like a monsoon wind., drew fast, the job was done
At night the moon stretched tight light across the plains
As real cowboys sat around real campfire flames
And the county wolf called as if to explain to his son
The way the west was won
The west was finally won
The way the west was won
Time: 4:21
Label: Yellow Dog
Blauvelt, N.Y.
Time: 4:21
Available:
Santa Ana
Comments
See Hey Santa Ana
She's So Fine
Comments:
See Ride On Sweet William
Shootout In Chinatown
Comments:
See Ballad Of The Self Loading Pistol
Spirit In The Night
Comments:
One of the Greetings... tracks that has stood the test of time, this was cut to be a single for the album.
Like Blinded By The Light, the sales didn't break any records. Was recorded by Manfred Mann and
his Earth Band, but did not achieve anywhere as much success as their (very poor) interpretation of
Blinded...This song inspired the name for one of the better Bruce web sites on the net, Greasy Lake.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Crazy Janey and her mission man were back in the alley tradin' hands
Long came Wild Billy with his friend G-man all duded up for Saturday night
Billy slammed on his coaster brakes and said anybody wanna go on up to
Greasy Lake
It's about a mile down on the dark side of Route 88
I got a bottle of rose so let's try it
We'll pick up Hazy Davy and Killer Joe
And I'll take you all out to where the gypsy angels go
They're built like light
And they dance like spirits in the night (all night) in the night (all night)
Oh you don't know what they can do to you
Spirits in the night, in the night
Stand up now and let it shoot through you
Well now Wild Billy was a crazy cat
And he shook some dust out of his coonskin cap
He said "Trust some of this it'll show you where you're at
Or at least it'll help you really feel it"
By the time we made it up to Greasy Lake
I had my head out the window and Janey's fingers in the cake
I think I really dug her `cause I was too loose to fake
I said "I'm hurt" she said "Honey let me heal it"
And we danced all night to a soul fairy band
And she kissed me just right like only a lonely angel can
She felt just right just like as sweet as a spirit in the night
In the night baby don't know what she do to you
Spirits in the night, in the night
Stand up now and let her shoot right through you
Now the night grew bright and the stars threw light in Billy and Davy dancin' in the moonlight
We were down near the water in a stone mud fight
Killer Joe'd passed out on the lawn
Well Hazy Davy got really hurt he crawled into the lake in just his socks and a shirt
Me and Crazy Janey were makin' love in the dirt singin' our birthday songs
Janey said "Hey little brother don't you think it's time now we go"
So we closed our eyes and said goodbye to gypsy angel row felt just right
Together we moved like spirits in the night, all night
Baby don't know what it do to you
Spirits in the night, all night
Stand up now and let it shoot right through you
Available:
The Angel
Comments:
Like Mary, Queen Of Arkansas, The Angel has been a source of much criticism. Never played live
until The Ghost Of Tom Joad tour, its been seen as a clumsy attempt to glorify the plight of
motorcycle gangs, which are more noted for terror and violence than a romantic lifestyle as depicted
by Bruce. If reality can be ignored for a few minutes, then the strong imagery evident in this track
makes it well worth giving another chance
Lyrics:
Version 1
The angel rides with hunch-backed children
Poison oozing from his engine
Wieldin' love as a lethal weapon
On his way to hubcap heaven
Baseball cards poked in his spokes
His boots in oil he's patiently soaked
The roadside attendant nervously jokes
As the angel's tires strokes his precious pavement
The interstate's drunk with nomadic hordes
In Volkswagen vans with full running boards dragging great anchors
Followin' dead-end signs into the sores
The angel rides by humpin' his hunk metal whore
Madison Avenue's claim to fame
In a trainer bra with eyes like rain
Rubs against the weather-beaten frame
And asks the angel for his name
Far in the distance the marble dome
Reflects across the flatlands with a naked feel off into parts unknown
The woman strokes his polished chrome
And lies beside the angel's bones
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 3:55
Date: May 3 1972
Time: 3:57
Boot: The
Unsurpassed
Springsteen Vol. 3:
CBS Audition
(Hammond Demos)
Label: Yellow Dog
Records
Date: May 3 1972
Location: CBS
Notes:Lyrics match Version 1
Time: 3:55
Version 2
The angel rides with hunch-backed children
Poison oozing from his engine
Wieldin' love as a lethal weapon
On his way to hubcap heaven
Baseball cards poked in his spokes
His boots in oil he's patiently soaked
The roadside attendant nervously jokes
As the angel's tires strokes his precious pavement
Well the interstate's choked with nomadic hordes
In Volkswagen vans with full running boards dragging great anchors
Followin' dead-end signs into the sores
The angel rides by humpin' his hunk metal whore
Madison Avenue's claim to fame
In a trainer bra with eyes like rain
She rubs against the weather-beaten frame
And asks the angel for his name
Off in the distance the marble dome
Reflects across the flatlands with a naked feel off into parts unknown
The woman strokes his polished chrome
And lies beside the angel's bones
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 3:30
Time: 3:27
Boot: Brixton Nights
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 22 1996
Location: Royal
Albert Hall, London,
England
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2, only ever
live version
Time: 3:28
Available:
The Ballad Of The Architect Angel
Comments:
See Saga Of The Architect Angel
The Fever
Comments:
Covered (and made famous) by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Dukes, this track first appeared on
radio in the early 70's to increase public awareness of Springsteens talent. Although never officially
released until very recently on 18 Tracks, it has remained a fan's favourite, this fact only increased by
some excellent performances of the song through the 70's. Although considered by some to be too
jazzy / bluesy, it would have fitted in perfectly on The Wild... next to Kitty's Back and The E-Street
Shuffle.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Alright
When I get home from my job
I turn on the T.V.
But I can't keep my mind on the show
When I lay down at night
I don't get no sleep
So I turn on the radio
But Lord, the only thing I hear
Is you whisperin' in my ear
The words that you used to say
Well now the days grow longer
My love grows stronger
And the fever gets worse every day
I got the fever for this girl
He's got the fever
Oh, he's got the fever
Nothing that a boy can do
When he's got the fever for a girl
He's got the fever
Oh he's got the fever
Left this little boy blue
Well I can remember comin' home
See you standin' at the stove
With the dishes on the table
Dinner ready to go
Or maybe out to a movie show
Something that you'd like to see
Because you were my sun in the morning
You were my moon at night
When I think about it
Makes me feel alright
And the love just grows stronger
And the fever gets so bad at night
I got the fever for the girl
He's got the fever
He's got the fever
Alright
Well I can remember coming home
Turning on my T.V.
But he can't keep his mind on the show
I can't get no sleep
But still the only thing I hear
Them words that you used to say
My love just grows stronger
And the fever gets bad every day
I got the fever for a girl
He's got the fever
He's got the fever
Oh's he's got the fever
I got the fever
He's got the fever
He's got the fever
Alright
Date: May 16 1973
Location: The Record Plant, New York City, NY
Time: 7:37
Date: May 16 1973
Time: 7:27
Vol. 1
Label: Thrill Hill
Records
Date: May 16 1973
Location: The Record
Plant, New York City,
NY
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 7:38
Date: May 16 1973
Location: The Record Plant, New York City N.Y.
Time: 7:37
Date: May 16 1973
Time: 7:37
Boot: The Lost Radio Show
Label: Whoopy Cat Records
Date: March 9 1974
Location: KLOL Studios, Houston, Texa
Time: 8:43
Label: Templar
Records
Date: March 10 1974
Location: Liberty
Hall, Houston, TX
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 8:18
Boot: Liberty Hall
Date: March 10 1974
Time: 9:49
Boot: Oh Boy
Date: August 31 1978
Location: The Agora Club, Cleveland, OH
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, with Southside
Johnny and the Asbury Dukes
Time: 9:47
Version 2
When I get home from my job
I turn on the T.V.
But I can't keep my mind on the show
I don't get no sleep
But Lord, the only thing I hear
The words that you used to say
My love grows stronger
And the fever gets worse every day
I got the fever for a girl
He's got the fever
He's got the fever
I can remember comin' home
See you standin' at the stove
With the dishes on the table
Dinner ready to go
Or maybe out to a movie show
Something that you'd like to see
Because you were my sun in the morning
You were my moon at night
When I think about it
Makes me feel alright
And the love just grows stronger
And the fever gets so bad at night
I got the fever for the girl
He's got the fever
He's got the fever
It's gonna be alright, now
If I can make it to the morning
I'm gonna be alright, now
If I can just make it to the morning
It's just this long and lonely nights
Everytime I close my eyes
All I can see is her face
Everytime I shut my eyes
All I can see is her face
But I'm gonna be alright, now
I'll be alright, now
When I shut down all the lights
When I turn off all the lights
When I turn down all the lights
And when I lay my head on the pillow
I can't stop myself thinking
Baby, where are you tonight?
Where is she tonight?
Boot: The Jersey Devil
Label: Golden Stars
Location: The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
Time: 8:33
Boot: New York City Darkness
Label: No Label
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York
City, NY
Time: 9:25
Boot: The Bosses Birthday Party
Date: September 21 1978
Location: Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ
Time: 9:55
Boot: The Unplanned Gig
Label: Flashback World Productions
Time: 8:57
Boot: Winterland Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Winterland, San Francisco, CA
Time: 8:19
Boot: Paramount
Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: December 20
1978
Location: Centre
Arena, Seattle WA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 8:27
Boot: Pretty Flamingo
Label: No Label
Location: Centre Arena, Seattle, WA
Time: 8:01
Boot: The Firecracker Show
Label: Moonlight
Location: Cleveland Coliseum, Cleveland, OH
Time: 8:58
Boot: Raising Cain: Live From Portland
Location: Richfield Coliseum, Cleveland OH
Time: 8:17
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Location: First Union Centre, Philadelphia, PA
Notes: Lyrics match Version 2 (Repeat second
verse)
Time: 11:01
Available:
The Late Show
Comments:
Lyrics:
Available:
The Shootout
Comments:
The Story Of The Self Loading Pistol
Comments:
Thundercrack
Comments:
The show closer before Rosalita took its place, Thundercrack is a very similar type of song. Open to
adlibs, involves the whole band (note Clarences' "Baby's back") and has the ability to ignite the
crowd, a good party song. Recently surfaced for the very first time (officially) on Tracks.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well her brains they rattle and her bones they shake
Oh she`s an angel from the Inner Lake
Her brains they rattle and her bones they shake
Oh she's an angel from the Inner Lake
Thundercrack, baby`s back
This time she`ll tell me how she really feels
Bring me down to her lightning shack
You can watch my partner reeling
She moves up, she moves back
Out on the floor there ain't no one cleaner
She does this thing she calls the Jump Back Jack
She's got the heart of a ballerina
Straight from the Bronx, hung off the line
She slips, she slides, she slops, she bops, she bumps, she grinds
Even the old dancehall hacks from the West side of the tracks
Move in close to catch her timing
She moves up and then she moves back
She ain`t no little girl, she ain`t got no curls
Her hair ain`t brown and her eyes ain't either
Round and round and round and round and round and round and round and round
My heart's wood, she's a carpenter
She's an angel in the night, what she does is alright
Dance with me partner
Dance with me partner, till the dawn
Until the dawn
Thundercrack, baby`s back
This time she`ll tell me how she really feels
Bring me down to her lightning shack
You can watch my partner reeling
She moves up, she moves back
She has parents, she has religion, she has sisters
And around she whirls
My heart's wood, she`s a carpenter
She's an angel in the night, what she does is alright
Dance with me partner, all night
All night, all night
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1 (first half)
Time: 6:44
Label: Yellow Dog
Time: 6:52 (first half)
Location: Max's Kansas City, New York, New
York
Time: 11:33
Boot: Prodigal Son
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: March 2 1973
Location: Berkeley Community Theatre, Berkeley, CA
Time: 11:33
Boot: Thundercrack
Date: April 24 1973
Time: 13:13
Boot: Unsurpassed
Springsteen Vol. 2
Label: Yellow Dog
Date: July 18 1973
Location: Max's
Kansas City, New
York City, NY
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 11:26
Boot: My Fathers Place
Date: July 31 1973
Location: My Fathers Place, Roslyn, New York
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1. From a different source tape
Time: 14:48
Date: July 31 1973
Location: My Father's Place, Roslyn, New York
Time: 13:30
Boot: Electric Surges
Free
Label: No Label
Date: November 17
1973
Location: The Roxy,
Manayunk, PA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 16:49
Time: 13:02
Location: Joe's Place, Boston, MA
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1 (first half)
Time: 6:47
Boot: You Mean So Much To Me
Location: Kent State University, Kent, OH
Time: 11:50
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Time: 7:34
Label: Templar
Records
Date: March 10 1974
Location: Liberty
Hall, Houston, TX
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 13:52
Boot: Liberty Hall
Date: March 10 1974
Time: 13:45
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Location: Asbury Park Convention Hall, Asbury
Park, NJ
Time: 10:13
Available:
Wild Billy's Circus Song
Comments:
Appearing on The Wild..., this track features Gary on the tuba and Danny on the accordian. An
enchanting, almost child-like song, that describes Bruces fascination with carnival life. County Fair,
written over 10 years later, could almost be viewed as the sequel to this song, a more mature outlook
on the local fair. Also known as Circus Song and Circus Town.
Lyrics:
Version 1
The Machinist climbs his ferris wheel like a brave
And the fire-eater's lyin' in a pool of sweat victim of the heatwave
Behind the tent the hired hand tightens his legs on the sword swallowers
blade
Fat lady, big mama, Missy Bimbo sits in her chair and yawns
And the midget licks his fingers and suffers Missy Bimbo's scorn
Circus town's been born
And a press roll drummer go, ballerina to-and-fro cartwheelin' up on that tightrope
With a cannon blast, lightin' flash, movin' fast through the tent, Mars bent
He's gonna miss his fall, oh God save the human cannonball
And the flying zambini's watch Marguarita do her neck twist
And the ringmaster gets the crowd to count along: 95, 96, 97
A ragged suitcase in his hand, he steals silently away from the circus grounds
And the highway's haunted by the carnival sounds
They dance like a great greasepaint ghost on the wind
A man in baggy pants, a lonely face, a crazy grin
Runnin' home to some small Ohio town
Jesus, send some sweet women to save all your clowns
And circus boy dances like a monkey on barbed wire
And the barker romances with a junkie, she's got a flat tire
And now the elephants dance real funky and the band plays like a jungle fire
And the strong man Sampson lifts the midget, little Tiny Tim
Up on his shoulders, way up, and carries carries him on down the midway
Past the kids, past the sailors, to his dimly lit trailer
And the ferris wheel turns and turns like it ain't ever gonna stop
And the circus boss leans over and whispers into the little boy's ear
Hey son you want to try the big top?
Available:
Winter Song
Comments:
This song reminds me of an interview Joe Strummer, of The Clash, did in about 1984. He said he
preferred people in Britan because they were more real and showed their emotions. For example, if
you bumped into someone on the street, they would tell you to !@#$ off, but in America they would
say "Have a nice day". This track shares those sentiments, in that the icy brutal nature of winter is
preferred to the plastic will of summer.
Lyrics:
Version 1
From their northeast source the sour wind roars
Bear gifts fresh from the valley waters
Hollow echoes strip Pennsylvania mountain walls
With their corsets and their old Betsy ruffle
And their slips with pearly white
They stand bulging up against the screen door
A banshee "good night"
Summer's sweet and she brings me water
But give me Winter, that old icy whore
While summer lies meek and follows orders
Winter cries "Me!" and pulls you through the door
The limp milk tramp cries metal flake tears
They drip like honey down mama's leg
You lay watchin' them off, eat a hole in his cloth
He'll ask, but he don't beg
Said I'd like to see the mademoiselle
Who holds the keys to all these doors around the waist
And rings the bell
Summer lies meek and follows orders
With scufflin' sound the knot voiced matron makes her rounds
Knockin' on each and every door
With a look like white heat, she sways, salty, sweet
And leads me 'cross her Persian floor
She squeezed my hand and before her I stood
I was scared, it was dark but it was good
While summer lies meek and follows orders
Location: 914 Sound Studios, New York City, N.Y.
Time: 6:03
Label: Yellow Dog
Blauvelt, N.Y.
Time: 6:03
Boot: Christmas On E Street
Label: Unknown
Location: 914 Sound Studio, New York City, NY
Time: 6:06
Available:
Born To Run
10th Avenue Freeze
Out
A Love So Fine
A Night Like This
Angel Baby
Backstreets
Backstreets / Sad
Eyes
Born To Run
Dance On Little
Angel
Dual
Here She Comes
Jungleland
Killers Paradise
Like Lovers In The
Cold
Linda Let Me Be The
One
Living In The Ghetto
Lonely Night In The
Park
Love And Defiance
Lovers In The Cold
Meeting Across The
"tramps like us, baby we were born to
run...."
River
Night
Paradise By The Sea
Shes The One
So Young And In
Love
The Heist
The Violent Ones
Thunder Hill
Thunder Road
Virgin Summer
Nights
Walking In The Street
Wild Fire
Wings Fror Wheels
10th Avenue Freeze Out
Comments:
A real party song, this tune tells the story of the bands formation (kind of). If you are wondering who
Bad Scooter is, just look at the initials. And who could forget Clarence's deep voice trembling "and
kid you better get the picture..."
Lyrics:
Version 1
Tear drops on the city
Bad Scooter searching for his groove
Seem like the whole world walking pretty
And you can't find the room to move
Well everybody better move over, that's all
I'm running on the bad side
And I got my back to the wall
Tenth Avenue freeze-out, Tenth Avenue freeze-out
I'm stranded in the jungle
Taking all the heat they was giving
The night is dark but the sidewalk's bright
And lined with the light of the living
From a tenement window a transistor blasts
Turn around the corner things got real quiet real fast
She hit me with a
Tenth Avenue freeze-out, tenth Avenue freeze-out
And I'm all alone, I'm all alone
And kid you better get the picture
And I'm on my own, I'm on my own
And I can't go home
When the change was made uptown
And the Big Man joined the band
From the coastline to the city
All the little pretties raise their hands
I'm gonna sit back right easy and laugh
When Scooter and the Big Man bust this city in half
With a Tenth Avenue freeze-out, Tenth Avenue freeze-out
Tenth Avenue freeze-out...
Available:
A Love So Fine
Comments:
Also known as "Paradise By The Sea", identical to So Young And In Love musically. This was a very
popular song in the live shows, and it was a great suprise this never turned up on an album, or even as
a single or B-side. A great rocker, with a fantastic version appearing on The Saint, The Incident and
the Main Point Shuffle.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well there's angels out on your fire-escape
They line them up for you trying to keep you safe
But with them fire alley burglars on a midnight vamp
You lost your heart on Main Street to a beautiful tramp
You lost your mind
Ohhhhhh just one more time
You have a love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
The rat's traps are filled with soul crusaders
Everybodys's popping and hopping and jumping
At Little Melvin and The Invaders
You're out on the floor and you can't get up
Your baby's out there dancing that Continental Strut
She looks so good, she blows your mind
You've got a love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
Everybody's reeling when the band hits the ceiling
Don't you know you wanna go
The joint get's rockin, your knees start knockin'
Everybody party, go
Let's go
The bar's closed down, it's time to go home
You walk to the shady side of town all alone
Papa's screamin' at ya, he wants some cash
Mama's chewin' your ear off at about hanging out with trash
You don't mind, bet you don't mind
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
Hey hey hey
Whoa whoa
Hey hey hey
Lada da lada da
Lada da lada da
Hey hey hey
Whoa
Whoa
Lada da lada da
Lada da lada da
Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
hey hey hey
Whoa
Thats alright, you don't mind
Whoa!
Boot: Cupid In The City
Label: No Label
Date: October 4 1974
Location: Avery Fisher Hall, New York City, NY
Time: 6:52
Boot: Spanish Harlem
Label: Piggham
Location: Union College, Schenectady, N.Y.
Note: Lyrics match Version 1, with Shout interlude
Time: 7:26
Boot: Back To School
Label: Ruthless Copying Records
Location: Springfield College, Springfield, MA
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, with Shout
interlude
Time: 7:49
Version 2
Well there's sparklin angels on your fire-escape tonight
Thats all right, I don't mind
'Cause I got a love so fine
A love so fine, me and my baby
A love so fine
Your baby's out there dancing and struttin' that Continental Strut
She looks so good, she looks so fine
Oh we got a love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
Don't you know you just wanna go
The joint starts rockin', your knees start knockin'
Everybody party, go
Let's go
The bar's closed down its time to go home
You walk to the dirty side of town all alone
Papa's screaming at you, he wants some cash
Mama's chewing you off about hanging out with alley trash
Thats all right, oh you don't mind
'Cause you've got a love so fine, oh me and my baby
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
Boot: Flesh And Fantasy
Label: Doberman
Location: Boston Music Hall, Boston,MA
Time: 8:21
Boot: I Want You
Label: Piggham
Location: Trenton, NJ
Time: 7:53
Version 3
Well there's sparklin angels on your fire-escape tonight
Thats all right, I don't mind
'Cause I got a love so fine
A love so fine
Your baby's out there dancing and struttin' that Continental Strut
She looks so good, she looks so fine
Oh we got a love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
Your knees start knockin', the boys start rocking
Everybody party, go
Let's go
It's 3 o'clock and the bar's closed down
You walk alone with your baby to the dirty side of town
Papa's chewing your ear off about how he wants some cash
Mama's screaming at you about hanging out with trash
'Cause you've got a love so fine, oh me and my baby
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
Boot: The Saint, The Incident and The Main Point Shuffle
Notes: Lyrics match Version 3, with Shout interlude
Time: 8:32
Boot: Prodigal Son At The Main Point
Label: Prodigal Son
interlude
Time: 9:03
Boot: Introducing Miami Steve Van Zandt
Date: July 20 1975
Location: Palace Theatre, Providence, RI
Notes: Lyrics match Version 3, with Shout interlude
Time: 10:38
Boot: Talent And Feeling
Label: No Label
Date: July 29 1975
Location: Carter Baron Amphitheatre,
Washington DC
interlude
Time: 10:10
Version 4
There's sparklin' angels on your fire-escape
They gonna line them up for to keep you safe
But with them fire alley virgins on a midnight vamp
You lost your mind, whoa and thats all right
You got a love so fine
A love so fine, your and your baby
A love so fine, a love so fine
A love so fine
You're out on the floor, you can't get up
Your baby's out there dancing that Continental Strut
She looks so good, she blows your mind
You got a love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
The joint starts rocking, your knee's start knocking
Everybody wanna go
Let's go
The bar's closed down, its time to go home
You walk to the dirty side of town all alone
Papa's chewing your ear off about how he wants some cash
Mama's screaming at you about hanging out with trash
'Cause you've got a love so fine
A love so fine
A love so fine
Thats all right
A love so fine
Thats all right, you dont mind
A love so fine
A love so fine
You and your baby
A love so fine
Boot: The Greatest Performance
Label: Parrot Records
Location: Westbury Music Fair, Westbury, New York
Notes: Lyrics match Version 4, includes Shout interlude
Time: 10:49
Available:
Date: August-October 1974
Notes: Instrumental version.
Time: 3:56
Boot: War And Roses: The Definitive Born To
Run Outtakes Collection
Date: October 1974
Notes: Instrumental version
Time: 3:45
So Young And In Love
Comments:
A real good rocker, this could have easily been on the album, maybe its one drawback is that its
similar thematically to Rosalita. Bruce sounds like he is having a great time doing this number, very
loose and comfortable with the band. This is in stark contrast with the type of mood appearing on
Darkness just 3 years later.
Lyrics:
Version 1
There's flying angels on your fire escape
They lie to your mama for you, try to keep you safe
You're with them fire alley virgins on a midnight vamp
Lost your heart on Main Street to a beautiful tramp
You lost your mind
She's sent from above
So young and in love
Rat traps filled with soul crusaders
They're soppin' 'n' boppin' 'n' moppin' with Little Melvin and the Invaders
Missy's on the dance floor doin' her stuff
Leroy's dancin' doin' the continental strut
So fine, sent from above
Everybody's reelin' when the band hits the ceilin'
Don't you know you wanna go
The kids start rockin' when the boys start knockin'
And everybody wants to go
Let's go!
Joint's shut down but you don't wanna go home
You're in the shady side of town and you're all alone
Papa's chewin' your ear off, you ain't got no cash
Mama's chewin' your ear off 'bout hangin' out with trash
So fine, sent from above
Boot: Seasons Greetings From Asbury Park, 1st Night
Label: None
Location: Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ
Time: 6:32
Boot: Seasons Greetings From Asbury Park, 2nd
Night
Label: None
Seasons Greetings From
Asbury Park, 2nd Night
Time: 6:25
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Location: Asbury Park Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ
Time: 6:50
Available:
Seasons Greetings From
Asbury Park, 1st Night
A Night Like This
Comments:
Uncirculated studio track recorded 16 October 1974.
Lyrics:
Available:
Angel Baby
Comments:
See Dance On Little Angel
Dance On Little Angel
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well the broken down dock
Where Little Angel she dances topless, at night down in Coral Inn
Along the satin couch high above the bar
She watches the surfers drift in just to waste away, this night away
Oh, two ID's at the door
And you're tripped into wonderland, filed with South Shore cruisers
And blondies with false curvy features and sandals and soft hands
Ah you meet a new girl and for a while, boy, you listem to the band
Oh you got no money to get up, but you still got to dance
And baby it feels more honest making love, making love on the sand
She takes off her shoes, runs off into the night
You catch up with her, you take her hand
You lay your jacket down on the sand
And she tries to make it allright
And dance on, dance on Little Angel, dance
Oh now baby don't laugh, oh little girl don't cry
Night after night we searched, we searched for romance
But somehow on nights like tonight we all die
Well across the street in the Shady Bell
Oh the fags come in to drink and dance
Oh and the disco roller DJ blasts out a solid beat
Strike a pose, everybody knows that you're the man
All the floors just a sex machine
Oh as wet hands force themselves into tight pants
Well that ain't gonna get her loose
But tonight you feel like taking a chance
And so you strut across the floor, and with your last breath you say
Baby, do you want to dance
Oh the boardwalk is so quiet at 3 in the morning
Oh and the wind blows life into a sleepy ferris wheel
And somehow tonight even the streets ain't so boring
Raped and ravaged, stripped and savage
With no secrets left to reveal, specially on the front
Well now the bars they close down
And along the beach the lonesome army awaits you
Oh the lost boys, they're waitin', watchin' her transformation, waiting to date you
And them lost boys, oh they dress rough, skin and savage legs
They hide beneath the pier, gettin' hard, drinkin' beer, waitin' to kiss you
And once you're locked in their arms you wanna die
But baby they wont let you
Oh turn up the house lights, Little Angel gets paid
And she goes in the back room to get changed
She's out the door, down the street
She turns the corner, towards her apartment
On the beach she hears the lost boys call her name
Oh Little Angel, bar Angel, bar Angel, Little Angel
And so you gotta danceon, dance on through the night, Little Angel dance
Well baby don't look so frightened, and please honey don't cry
Because night after endless night, up and down this boardwalk we search for romance
But on nights like this, with one last kiss, we all die
Available:
Backstreets
Comments:
What needs to be said about this one? Springsteen's epic of love found, crushed and lost, while hiding
in the shadows of the Backstreets. As the song progresses, the vigour and current of Bruce's voice
swells, a force barely under control, until the passion is built up throughout the chanting of the
Backstreets mantra, until orgasmically, the pain is released in a crescendo. See also Shes The One for
an embryonic version of this track
Lyrics:
Version 1
One soft infested summer me and Terry became friends
Trying in vain to breathe the fire we was born in
Catching rides to the outskirts tying faith between our teeth
Sleeping in that old abandoned beach house getting wasted in the heat
And hiding on the backstreets, hiding on the backstreets
With a love so hard and filled with defeat
Running for our lives at night on them backstreets
Slow dancing in the dark on the beach at Stockton's Wing
Where desperate lovers park we sat with the last of the Duke Street Kings
Huddled in our cars waiting for the bells that ring
In the deep heart of the night to set us loose from everything
To go running on the backstreets, running on the backstreets
Terry we swore we'd live forever, taking on the backstreets together
Endless juke joints and Valentino drag
Watching the heroes working in the funhouse ripping off the fags
The teenage ice exploded in crazy senseless fights
Running off down the boardwalk away from the carnival lights
Blame it on the lies that killed us
Blame it on the truth that ran us down, blame it all on me Terry
Blame it all on that town
But I hated him and his fancy ways
Well I hated you when you went away
Whoa no, whoa no
Laying here in the dark you're like an angel on my chest
Just another tramp of hearts crying tears of faithlessness
Remember all the movies, Terry, we'd go see
Trying to learn how to walk like heroes we thought we had to be
And after all this time to find we're just like all the rest
Stranded in the park and forced to confess
To hiding on the backstreets, hiding on the backstreets
Well we swore forever friends on the backstreets until the end
Hiding on the backstreets, hiding on the backstreets
This is why we go hiding on the backstreets tonight
Boot: War And Roses: The Definitive Born To Run Outtakes Collection
Date: March-July 1975
Time: 6:06
Version 2
Catching rides to the outskirts, tying faith between our teeth
Well we swore forever friends
On the backstreets until the end
Running in the dark well I found her where she fell
Just another wasted sister of Heartbreak hotel
Slow dancing in the dark at Stockton's Wing
Almost to the highway, free from the rain
Roaring along the backstreets, foot on the backstreets
Terry was cold, young and brave
Taking on the backstreets
???
???
Save yourself for a new guitar ???
On the truth that ran us down, you can blame it all on me
Blame it on that town
I hated you when you went away
Living all the movies, Terry, we'd go see
Hey its gonna be alright
Hiding on the backstreets tonight
This is why we go hiding on them backstreets tonight
Time: 6:48
Version 3
Catching rides to the outskirts, tying faith between our teeth
Well we swore forever friends
On the backstreets until the end
In the basement at St. Johns well I found her where she fell
Just another busted sister of Heartbreak hotel
Slow dancing in the dark on the beach at Stockton's Wing
In the deep heart of the night to set us loose from everything
We'd go running on the backstreets, running on the backstreets
We loved so hard and filled with defeat
Running for our lives on the backstreets
Watching the heroes in the funhouse ripping off the fags
The teenage ice exploded in crazy sets of fights
Running off down the boardwalk into the night
On the truth that ran us down, Terry you can blame it all on me
Blame it on that town
I hated you when you went away
Whoa no, whoa no
Remember all the movies, Terry, we'd go see
Call it blood, cold young skins
Spitting out them backstreet scenes
This is why we go hiding on them backstreets tonight
Date: March to July 1975
Location: The Record Plant, New York, N.Y.
Notes: Lyrics match Version 3. Addition of strings to the mix
Time: 6:32
Available:
Shes The One
Comments:
In its early incarnation this track included elements of what was later to become Backstreets before
evolving into the version included on the album. Often half of a medley including Mona during the
Darkness tour, this track drips with lust, of denying a need until it becomes too strong. Also known as
Virgin Summer Nights, some lyrics also turned up earlier in Hey Santa Ana.
Lyrics:
Version 1 (album version)
With her killer graces and her secret places
That no boy can fill
With her hands on her hips
Oh and that smile on her lips
Because she knows that it kills me
With her soft french cream
Standing in that doorway like a dream
I wish she'd just leave me alone
Because french cream won't soften them boots
And french kisses will not break that heart of stone
With her long hair falling
And her eyes that shine like a midnight sun
Oh she's the one, she's the one
That Thunder in your heart
At night when you're kneeling in the dark
It says you're never gonna leave her
But there's this angel in her eyes
That tells such desperate lies
And all you want to do is believe her
And tonight you'll try just one more time
To leave it all behind and to break on through
Oh she can take you, but if she wants to break you
She's gonna find out that ain't so easy to do
And no matter where you sleep tonight or how far you run
Oh she's the one, she's the one
Oh and just one kiss
She'd fill them long summer nights
With her tenderness that secret pact you made
Back when her love could save you from the bitterness
Oh she's the one, oh she's the one
Version 2
With your killer graces and your secret places that no boy can fill
With your hands on her hips, well and that smile on your lips well you know that it kills me
And soft French cream well your a young boy's dream and all the girls want to rip you apart
And French cream won't soften and those French kisses will not soften you heart
Well that smile that shines down on me, one that burns just like the sun
Well she's the one, she's the one, she's the one, she's the one
Well it was not distance and it was not length, that brought down us girl
It was a date last night and a lovers fight in a mixed up baby's world
And you were with me in New York the time we pushed real hard and baby I got beat
You ran and left me wastin', wastin' ohhh right there in the street
With a smile that shines down on me, one that burns just like the sun
Yeah she's the one, she's the one, she's the one, she's the one
And I hated her Ma, and I hated her Pop, hated the kids, we hated the dog
And I hated the lies and I hated the truth that run us down
Hated her town, one day, I hated the way they made us live
I hated him and his fancy ways
And I hated you when you ran away
Ohh she's the one, oh she's the one, oh she's the one, oh she's the one
Now your back and you heard me on the corner baby just like a child
Yeah back on your feet, come out into the street where the danger runs wild
Yeah remember all the movies, all them movies that we'd go see
Trying to learn how to walk, talk, talk just like all those heroes we thought we had to be
And a smile that shines, shines and burns just like the sun
Yeah she's the one, she's the one, she's the one, she's the one
Ohhhhh
Heyyyyyy
Label: No Label
Time: 7:39
Boot: Jungleland MD
Label: KMA Records
Location: Shady Grove Music Fair,
Gaithersburg, MD
Time: 6:55
Time: 7:09
Label: Doberman
Location: Boston Music Hall, MA
Time: 7:08
Boot: The Saint, The
Incident and The Main
Point Shuffle
Label: Great Dane
Records
Location: The Main
Point, Bryn Mawr, PA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 6:37
Label: Prodigal Son
Time: 6:30
Location: Westbury Music Fair, Westbury, New
York
Time: 6:45
Location: The Record Plant, N.Y.C., NY
Time: 6:31
Time: 6:26
Available:
Backstreets / Sad Eyes
Comments:
The Sad Eyes interlude came to prominence during the Darkness tour. Lyrically, it varied
considerably, however it was almost always a short tale about betrayal and lost love. The cut of
Backstreets on the Live 75-85 album features the Sad Eyes part edited out. Quite simply, it remains a
testament of Bruce's passion on stage
Lyrics:
15 February 1977, Masonic Temple Auditorium, Detroit
Til the end
Just me and you baby
Just me and you girl
I remember
I-i-i-i-i remember
I was gonna take all the money out of the bank
And you were gonna quit your job
And I was gonna quit my job too
And I remember that you promised, I remember you swore you was never
Never gonna leave, never gonna go anyplace..without me
I remember you promised, we both swore that you were never gonna go anyplace
?
I remember, I remember
I remember it was chilly and I was standing at the bus station
Standing there in the rain
And the rain came tumbling down
I remember the buses were pulling in
And I was standing there and I remember that you promised thay you
Were never gonna go anyplace without me
I was standing there waiting for you, I was just thinking of all the
Things that you promised. That you were never gonna go anyplace
Without me
I was standing there in the rain. Thats when....
I was standing there waiting for you
And I figured it all out
Had it all figured out
You lied!
You lied!
You lied!
You lied!
Hiding on the backstreets...
Alternate Version
Til the end
Just me and you baby
Just me and you girl
And I remember you even back then
And I remember you from back then
And I remember back then that I swore that for you I'd drive all night
Anytime, anyplace
That for you I'd drive all night
Anytime, anyplace
Anytime, anyplace
Through the wind
Through the rain
Through the snow
Just to buy you some shoes
Just to check you out
Just to kiss that pretty face
Just to taste your tender charms
Just to sleep
Just to sleep
In your arms
Babe, maybe you wasn't even listening
Maybe you wasn't even listening
But I remember you promised that you'd never go anyplace without me
You swore that you'd never go anyplace without me
You promised that you'd never leave without me
You swore that you'd never leave without me
And like everything else
And everybody else from back then you promised
And baby you lied
Baby you lied
Baby you lied
Baby you lied
Little girl you lied
So now you've come back
But just what makes you think that it's so easy
Just what makes you think
That it's so easy
Just to stop
To stop
To stop
To stop
To stop
To stop
To stop
To stop
To stop
To stop
To stop
To stop
To stop
Hiding on the backstreets.....
Available:
Date: March 4 1977
Location: Jacksonville Auditorium, Jacksonville, FL
Notes: Lyrics vary
Time: 13:43
Date: June 24 1978
Location: Paramount Theatre, Portland, OR
Notes: Lyrics vary
Time: 3:29
Boot: Roxy Night
Label: Crystal Night
Date: July 7 1978
Location: The Roxy Theatre, L.A., CA
Notes: Lyrics vary
Time: 14:31
Boot: Oh Boy
Date: August 4 1978
Location: Civic Centre, Charleston, WV
Notes: Lyrics vary
Time: 11:51
Boot: Summertime
Bruce - Live At The
Agora
Label: E-Street
Records
Date: August 9 1978
Location: The Agora
Club, Cleveland, OH
Notes: Lyrics vary
Time: 13:38
Boot: For New York City
Label: No Label
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
Notes: Lyrics vary
Time: 14:09
Boot: Piece De Resistance
Notes: Lyrics vary
Time: 11:41
Label: Crystal Cat
Notes: Lyrics vary
Time: 14:09
Boot: Paramount Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Paramount Theatre, Portland OR
Notes:Lyrics vary
Time: 14:30
Boot: The Firecracker
Show
Label: Moonlight
Date: December 31
1978
Location: Cleveland
Coliseum, OH
Notes: Lyrics vary
Time: 12:55
Born To Run
Comments:
The song that launched a dream, perhaps the ultimate rock and roll song of all time. As fresh now as it
was in 1975, the classic Spector-like wall of sound, roaring guitars and raw emotion combine to fuel
the fire in the souls of many people.
Lyrics:
Version 1, 2, 3, 4
In the day we sweat it out in the streets of a runaway American dream
At night we ride through mansions of glory in suicide machines
Sprung from cages out on highway 9
Chrome wheeled, fuel injected and steppin' out over the line
Baby this town rips the bones from your back
It's a death trap, it's a suicide rap
We gotta get out while we're young
`Cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run
Yes girl we were
Wendy let me in I wanna be your friend
I want to guard your dreams and visions
Just wrap your legs round these velvet rims
And strap your hands across my engines
Together we could break this trap
We'll run till we drop, baby we'll never go back
Will you walk with me out on the wire
`Cause baby I'm just a scared and lonely rider
But I gotta know how it feels
I want to know if love is wild, girl I want to know if love is real
Oh can you show me
Beyond the Palace hemi-powered drones scream down the boulevard
The girls comb their hair in rearview mirrors
And the boys try to look so hard
The amusement park rises bold and stark
Kids are huddled on the beach in a mist
I wanna die with you Wendy on the streets tonight
In an everlasting kiss
The highway's jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive
Everybody's out on the run tonight but there's no place left to hide
Together Wendy we'll live with the sadness
I'll love you with all the madness in my soul
Someday girl I don't know when we're gonna get to that place
Where we really want to go and we'll walk in the sun
But till then tramps like us baby we were born to run
Date: August-October 1974
Locations: 914 Sound Studios, Blauvelt, NY
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1 (Alternate mixes of the same track)
Time: Version 1: 4:33
Version 2: 4:32
Version 3: 4:48
Version 4: 4:26
Date: October 1974
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1 (Alternate mixes of the same track)
Time: Version 1 4:31
Version 4: 4:32
Version 5
In the day we sweat it out on the streets
Of a runaway American dream
At night we stop and tremble in the heat
With murder in our dreams
Sprung from cages on Highway 9
Chrome wheel, fuel injected
And steppin' out over the line
Baby this town rips the bones from your back
It's a death trap, it's a suicide rap
We gotta get out while we're young
Cause tramps like us baby
We were born to run
So close your tired eyes little one
And crawl within my reach
Oh and wrap your legs around these velvet rims
And we'll ride tonight on the beach
Out where the surfers, sad wet and cold
As they watch the skies
There'll be a silence to match their own
Oh will you walk with me Wendy out on the wire
Cause I'm just a scared and lonely rider
But I gotta know how it feels
I wanna know if love is wild
I wanna know if love is real
Oh yes I do
Well outside the Palace the hemi-powered drones
Scream down the boulevarde
The girls comb their hair in custom mirrors
And the boys try to look so hard
Like animals pacing in a dark black cage
Senses on overload
They're gonna end this night in a senseless fight
And then watch the world explode
The highways jammed with broken heroes
And a loneliness in their eyes
Everybody's out on the run tonight
But there's no place where you could hide
We gotta live with the sadness
Drive through this madness
Oh burstin' off the radio
Oh well maybe someday girl I'll get us somewhere
We'll get to that place we really wanna go
And we'll walk in the sun
But till then
Tramps like us
Baby we were born to run
Available:
Dual
Comments:
Availability unknown
Here She Comes
Comments:
Jungleland
Comments:
Featuring the best sax solo of all time, Jungleland is the ultimate rock and roll opera, if you forget the
connotations of that term. Unlike the bloated remnants of glam and pop "opera" such as Queen's
Bohemian Rhapsody, Jungleland weaves a story that is worth the telling as much as it is uplifting
musically.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Now the Rangers had a home-coming in Harlem late last night
And the Magic Rat drove his sleek machine over the Jersey State Line
Barefoot girl sits drinking warm beer, on the hood of an old Dodge
In the soft summer rain
Rat pulls in, rolls up his pants, together they'd take a stab at romance
And disappear down Flamingo Lane
Maximum lawmen they run down the Flamingo chasing the Rat
And the Barefoot Girl
But the kids around here they live just like shadows
Always silent, holding hands
And from the churches to the jails tonight there is silence in the world
As we take our stand
Down in Jungleland
Well there's a crazy kind of light tonight
Brighter than the one that sparkles for prophets
Brighter than the giant Exxon sign that brings this fair city light
There's an opera out on the turnpike, theres a ballet being fought out in the alley
Well the cops, their cherry top, rips this holy night
The streets alive with tough-kid Jets in Nova-light machines
They flash guitars like bayonets and rip holes in their jeans
The hungry and the hunted explode into rock and roll bands
They face off against each other in the street
Down in Jungleland
In the parking lots the visionaries are dressed in the latest rage
As the Spanish girl dance softly in a blacked arcade
But the lights are so bright as he crosses the room
The band moves into their last song
He takes her hand, looks into her eyes, and they're gone
Gone
Beneath the city two hearts beat, soul engines warming down
In a bedroom locked, in silent whispers
Soft refusal and then surrender
In the tunnel of machines, the magic rat chases dreams
Footsteps echo down the hallway in the night
The little girl crawls into bed, shakes her head
And with a kiss and a sigh shuts out the light
Outside the street's on fire in a real death waltz
Between what's flesh and what's fantasy
As poets down here don't write nothin' at all, they just stand and let it all be
And in the quick of the night they reach for their moment and try to make an honest stand
But they wind up wounded, not even dead, down in Jungleland
Label: No Label
Notes: Lyrics match Version Version 1, minus 4th verse
Time: 10:21
Boot: Jungleland MD
Label: KMA Records
Location: Shady Grove Music Fair,
Gaithersburg, MD
Time: 10:42
Time: 11:00
Label: Doberman
Location: Boston Music Hall, MA
Time: 11:15
Boot: I Want You
Label: Piggham
Location: Trenton, NJ
Time: 10:45
Version 2
Well the Rangers had a home-coming in Harlem late last night
Barefoot girl sitting on the hood of a Dodge, drinking warm beer
Rat pulls into town, rolls up his pants, together they'd take a stab at romance
Maximum lawmen run down the Flamingo chasing the rat
And the barefoot girl
Down in Jungleland
Then the hungry and the hunted explode into rock and roll bands
Down in Jungleland
Alright now
But the lights are so dim, he crosses the room
He looks her in the eye, takes her hand, and they're gone
Gone
Beneath the city two hearts beat, soul engines running down
In a bedroom locked, the sound of whispers
Refusal and then surrender
In the tunnel of machines, chasin' their dreams
The girl crawls into bed, shakes her head
And with a kiss and a sigh shuts her eyes
Between whats flesh and whats fantasy
And now the poets down here don't write nothin' at all, they just stand and let it all be
But they wind up wounded, not even dead, tonight in Jungleland
Time: 9:49
Location: Westbury Music Fair, Westbury, New
York
Time: 11:41
Version 3
The rangers had a homecoming in Harlem late last night
And the Magic Rat drove his sleek machine over the Jersey state line
Barefoot girl sitting on the hood of a Dodge
Drinking warm beer in the soft summer rain
The Rat pulls into town rolls up his pants
Together they take a stab at romance and disappear down Flamingo Lane
Well the Maximum Lawman run down Flamingo chasing the Rat and the barefoot girl
And the kids round here look just like shadows always quiet, holding hands
From the churches to the jails tonight all is silence in the world
As we take our stand down in Jungleland
The midnight gang's assembled and picked a rendezvous for the night
They'll meet `neath that giant Exxon sign that brings this fair city light
Man there's an opera out on the Turnpike
There's a ballet being fought out in the alley
Until the local cops, Cherry Tops, rips this holy night
The street's alive as secret debts are paid
Contacts made, they vanished unseen
Kids flash guitars just like switch-blades hustling for the record machine
The hungry and the hunted explode into rock'n'roll bands
That face off against each other out in the street down in Jungleland
In the parking lot the visionaries dress in the latest rage
Inside the backstreet girls are dancing to the records that the D.J. plays
Lonely-hearted lovers struggle in dark corners
Desperate as the night moves on Just one look and a whisper, and they're gone
Beneath the city two hearts beat
Soul engines running through a night so tender in a bedroom locked
In whispers of soft refusal and then surrender in the tunnels uptown
The Rat's own dream guns him down as shots echo down them hallways in the night
No one watches when the ambulance pulls away
Or as the girl shuts out the bedroom light
Between flesh and what's fantasy and the poets down here
Don't write nothing at all, they just stand back and let it all be
And in the quick of the night they reach for their moment
And try to make an honest stand but they wind up wounded, not even dead
Tonight in Jungleland
Time: 9:23
Version 4
Locations: The Record Plant, N.Y.C., NY
Notes: The tail of the track, with backing vocals
Time: 1:35
Notes: The tail of the track, with backing vocals
Time: 1:28
Version 5
Well the Rangers had a home-coming in Harlem late last night
Barefoot girl sitting on the hood of a Dodge, drinking warm beer
Rat pulls into town, rolls up his pants, together they'd take a stab at romance
Maximum lawmen run down the Flamingo chasing the rat
And the barefoot girl
Down in Jungleland
Then the hungry and the hunted explode into rock and roll bands
Down in Jungleland
Alright now
But the lights are so dim, he crosses the room
He looks her in the eye, takes her hand, and they're gone
Gone
Beneath the city two hearts beat, soul engines running down
In bedroom locked, the sound of whispers
Refusal and then surrender
In the tunnel of machines, chasin' their dreams
The girl crawls into bed, shakes her head
And with a kiss and a sigh shuts her eyes
Between whats flesh and whats fantasy
And now the poets down here don't write nothin' at all, they just stand and let it all be
But they wind up wounded, not even dead, tonight in Jungleland
Date: March to July 1975
Time: 9:42
Available:
Killers Paradise
Comments:
Like Lovers In The Cold
Comments:
See Lovers In The Cold
Lovers In The Cold
Comments:
Also known as Walking In The Street, this is a rather poignant tale of a couple caught up in a crime. It
also reflects on death, and perhaps that love can reach even beyond the grave. The Born In The Studio
version has the vocals mixed rather low, but it still remains a very good studio outtake. Covered by
Southside Johnny and the Asbury Dukes
Lyrics:
Version 1
Oh Billy stares at Cherry in the hall
And walks out into the rain so blessed and tall
Standin' on the corner with a gun underneath his coat
Beneath the stars on the street
Oh on Lexington Avenue they stand
Velvet aces they case the promised land
Reachin' out across the hoods with both hands
Oh, tryin' to catch a ride
Tonight we're lovers in the cold, oh, oh, oh
Running past the graveyards in the snow, no, no, no,
Walking in the street with nowhere to go
And it's no, no, no, no, no
Oh and the getaway driver waits outside the store
He pulls away just as Billy runs out the door
Oh and Billy won't run anymore, no, no, no
Oh baby I can't lay the stars at your feet
Oh but I think we could take it all, just you and me
Oh come on, you'll see, there's a lot of room
For you baby, in this front seat
Tonight we're lovers on that road
Running past the graveyards in the snow
And it's oh, oh, oh
Tonight we're lovers in the snow, oh, oh, oh
Running past the graveyards, no, no, no,
And it's oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Location: The Record Plant, N.Y.C., NY
Time: 3:59
Label: Unknown
Date: March - July 1975
Time: 3:56
Vol. 1
Label: Thrill Hill
Records
Date: March-July
1975
Locations: The
Record Plant, New
York City, NY
Time: 3:59
Time: 3:56
Available:
Walking In The Street
Comments:
See Lovers In The Cold
Linda Let Me Be The One
Comments:
Recently coming to light for the first time officially on Tracks, this is yet another love song that treads
a similar path to Zero and Blind Terry, love on the wrong side of the law. Although more implied and
less obvious than the aforementioned song, the boys lurk in the shadows, out of sight from society, on
the run perhaps? This was the last track left off the album.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Midnight boys are outside
Scrapin' tears up off the street
Standing guard over the window
Where the lonely Linda sleeps
There's a kid named Eddie
Walks like an angel in defeat
The ashes of a romance come
Traces Linda's name in a seat
Calls out
Linda will you let me be the one
Linda will you, hey let me be the one
In a room full of contenders
Shadow boxin', Eddie's strong
Till he drops through a feigned surrender
To the canvas draped in the scarves
Stole from Linda's bedroom
The night he laid at her feet
And the midnight boys were wasted
Down on King Street
He calls out
Midnight's base is St Mary's
Midnight boys hide from the rain
Stay with the stolen sisters
Till the streets are dry again
Talking fast cars and chrome parts
Different worlds and strange girls
Empty homes, busted hearts
And kneeling with Linda in the dark
Whoa whoa, yeah
Whoa, let me be the one
Linda will you let me be the one whoa
Time: 4:32
Available:
Living In The Ghetto
Comments:
Lonely Night In The Park
Comments:
Uncirculated studio track
Lyrics:
Available:
Love And Defiance
Comments:
Availability Unknown
Meeting Across The River
Comments:
The perfect introduction to Jungleland (as reflected when played live, often before the classic album
finale) it remains stylistically different to the rest of the album, yet not looking out of place. Stark and
raw, Roy's piano adds soul and life, tinkling away in the backround behind Bruces emotive vocal.
Also known as The Heist.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Hey, Eddie, can you lend me a few bucks
And tonight can you get us a ride
Gotta make it through the tunnel
Got a meeting with a man on the other side
Hey Eddie, this guy, he's the real thing
So if you want to come along
You gotta promise you won't say anything
`Cause this guy don't dance
And the word's been passed this is our last chance
We gotta stay cool tonight, Eddie
`Cause man, we got ourselves out on that line
And if we blow this one
They ain't gonna be looking for just me this time
And all we gotta do is hold up our end
Here stuff this in your pocket
It'll look like you're carrying a friend
And remember, just don't smile
Change your shirt, `cause tonight we got style
Well Cherry says she's gonna walk
`Cause she found out I took the radio and hocked it
But Eddie, man, she don't understand
That two grand's practically sitting here in my pocket
And tonight's gonna be everything that I said
And when I walk through that door
I'm just gonna throw that money on the bed
She'll see this time I wasn't just talking
Then I'm gonna go out walking
Hey Eddie, can you catch us a ride?
Time: 3:17
Available:
Night
Comments:
A show opener for much of the Born To Run tour, this remains a much underated song, yet of all the
tracks on the album, this one probably sums up the album most concisely, as its got the vital
ingredients of cars, girls and darkness (whoops, that comes later...). Brash, loud and fast, turn it up
loud on the car stereo next time you are out cruising.
Lyrics:
Version 1
You get up every morning at the sound of the bell
You get to work late and the boss man's giving you hell
Till you're out on a midnight run
Losing your heart to a beautiful one
And it feels right as you lock up the house
Turn out the lights and step out into the night
And the world is busting at its seams
And you're just a prisoner of your dreams
Holding on for your life `cause you work all day
To blow èm away in the night
The rat traps filled with soul crusaders
The circuits lined and jammed with chromed invaders
And she's so pretty that you're lost in the stars
As you jockey your way through the cars
And sit at the light, as it changes to green
With your faith in your machine off you scream into the night
And you're in love with all the wonder it brings
And every muscle in your body sings as the highway ignites
You work nine to five and somehow you survive till the night
Hell all day they're busting you up on the outside
But tonight you're gonna break on through to the inside
And it'll be right, it'll be right, and it'll be tonight
And you know she will be waiting there
And you'll find her somehow you swear
Somewhere tonight you run sad and free
Until all you can see is the night
Version 2
Get up every morning at the sound of the bell
Get into work late and the boss man giving you hell
And soon you're out on a midnight run
You're not taking any heat from anyone
And it feels right
As you lock up the house
Turn out the lights
And step out into the night
And the world is bustin' out it seems
And you're just a prisoner of your dream
Holdin' on for your life
You work all day to blow it away in the night
The rat traps filled with soul crusaders
Circuits line and jammed with chrome invaders
You're checking with your buddies on the boulevard
As you jockey your way through the cars
And sit at the light
As it changes to green
With your faith in your machine
And off you scream into the night
And you're in love with all the wonder it brings
And every muscle in your body sings
As the highway ignites
You work nine to five trying to stay alive 'till the night
You're out all day bustin' your rump on the outside
But tonight you're going to break on through to the inside
Tonight tonight tonight tonight tonight
And you know she will be waiting there
And you'll find her somehow you swear, somewhere tonight
You'll run wild and free and all you will see
Is the night, the night, the night
Notes: Lyrics match Version 2. Double tracked lead vocals
Time: 2:59
Available:
Paradise By The Sea
Comments:
See A Love So Fine
The Heist
Comments:
See Meeting Across The River
The Violent Ones
Comments:
Thunder Hill
Comments:
Thunder Road
Comments:
The all-time favourite, this stager has recieved some criticism on the current tour as fans complain
about it being tired. These are the fans who have gone to 50 shows and get tickets night after night.
On the other hand, I'm sure fans seeing Bruce for the first time or the only time on this tour have little
cause for complaint. Let Bruce play what he wants, his number one concern is for all fans, not for the
small group of diehards who complain about static setlists
Lyrics:
Version 1
The screen door slams, Chrissie's dress sways
Like a vision she dances across the porch as the radio plays
Roy Orbison singing for the lonely
Hey that's me and I want you only
Don't turn me home again, I just can't face myself alone again
Don't run back inside, baby you know just what I'm here for
So you're scared and you're thinking
That maybe we ain't that young anymore
Show a little faith, there's magic in the night
You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright
Oh and that's alright with me
You can hide `neath your covers and study your pain
Make crosses from your lovers, throw roses in the rain
Spend your summer praying in vain
For a saviour to rise from these streets
Well I ani't no hero, that's understood
All the redemption I can offer, girl, is beneath this dirty hood
With one last chance to make it good somehow
Hey what else can we do now?
Except roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hair
Well the night's busting open
And these two lanes will take us anywhere
We got one last chance to make it real
To trade in these wings on wheels
Climb in back, heaven's waiting on down the tracks
And its oh-oh come take my hand
Riding out tonight to case the promised land
When your blowin with nothing in your hands
Baby its your only chance
Its lying out there like a killer in the sun
Well I know it's late but we can make it if we run
Whoa better take hold, leave what you've lost, leave what's grown old
Thunder Road
Well I got this guitar and I learned how to make it talk
My car's out back if you're ready to take that long walk
From your front porch to my front seat
The door's open but the ride it ain't free
And I know you're lonely just like me
There were ghosts in the eyes of all the boys you sent away
They haunt this dirty road
In the cut down frames of their Chevrolets
They scream your name at night in the street
Your graduation gown lies in rags at their feet
And in the lonely cool before dawn
You hear their engines roaring on
But when you get to the porch they're gone
On the wind, so Chrissie climb in
It's a town full of losers and I'm pulling out of here to win.
Locations: The Record Plant, New York City, NY
Time: 4:38
Time: 4:52
Version 2
The screen door slams, Chrissie's dress sways
Hey that's me babe and I want you only
Don't turn me home again, I just can't face myself alone again tonight
Don't run back inside, baby you know just what I'm here for
Woman there's magic in the night
And that's alright with me
Waste your summer praying in vain
Well I aint no hero, that's understood
All the redemption I can offer, babe, is beneath this old hood
With one last chance to make it good somehow
Hey what else can you do now?
To trade in these wings for some wheels
Climb in back, it's waiting down on the tracks
Well I try hard Chrissie to understand
I'm riding out tonight to case the promised land
Baby if your born with nothing in your hands
Hey its your only chance
Well its lying out there like a killer in the sun
Yeah I know it's late but we can make it if we run
Oh wish you could come
So leave what you've lost, leave what's grown old
On Thunder Road
My car's out back if you're ready to take that long walk
Hey the door's open but the ride it ain't free
Well there were ghosts in the eyes of all the boys you sent away
They haunt this dirty beach road
In the skeleton remains of burnt out Chevrolets
They scream to you at night in the street
From you room you hear their engines roaring on
Lost in the wind, so Chrissie climb in
It's a town full of losers and I'm pulling out of here to win.
Locations: The Record Plant, N.Y.C., NY
Time: 4:38
Locations: The Record Plant, New York City,
NY
Time: 4:39
Date: March - July 1975
Time: 4:41
Time: 4:39
Version 3
The screen door slams, Mary's dress sways
Hey that's me and I want you only
Don't turn me home again, I just can't face myself alone again
Don't run back inside, darling you know just what I'm here for
Show a little faith, there's magic in the night
Oh and that's alright with me
Waste your summer praying in vain
Well I'm no hero, that's understood
All the redemption I can offer, girl, is beneath this dirty hood
With a chance to make it good somehow
Hey what else can we do now?
To trade in these wings on some wheels
Climb in back, heaven's waiting on down the tracks
Oh-oh come take my hand
Oh-oh Thunder Road, oh Thunder Road, oh Thunder Road
Lying out there like a killer in the sun
Hey I know it's late we can make it if we run
Oh Thunder Road, sit tight, take hold, Thunder Road
And my car's out back if you're ready to take that long walk
The door's open but the ride it ain't free
And I know you're lonely for the words that I ain't spoken
But tonight we'll be free, all the promises'll be broken
There were ghosts in the eyes of all the boys you sent away
They haunt this dusty beach road
In the skeleton frames of burned out Chevrolets
They scream your name at night in the street
You hear their engines roaring on
On the wind, so Mary climb in
It's a town full of losers and I'm pulling out of here to win
Notes: Lyrics match Version 3. Sax intro
Time: 5:25
Available:
Virgin Summer Nights
Comments:
See Shes The One
Wild Fire
Comments:
Wings For Wheels
Comments:
The forerunner to Thunder Road, this track varies significantly from the album version. A much less
mature song than its successor, Bruce sings it with almost a boyish charm on The Saint, The Incident
and the Main Point Shuffle. Listen to it for yourself and make up your own mind.
Lyrics:
Version 1
The screen door slams, Angelina's dress waves
That's me babe and I want you only
Don't turn me home again
I can't face myself alone in that mirror again tonight
Don't run back inside baby, you know just what I'm here for
That maybe you ain't that young anymore
Show a little faith there's magic in the night
You ain't a beauty but baby ah you're alright
And thats alright with me
This 4 / 4 she's gonna overheat
Make up your mind girl I gotta get her back out on the street
I know you're lonely like me so baby don't try and fake it
I'm no prince and I can't lay the stars at your feet
But I got this old car and she's pretty tough to beat
There's plenty of room in my front seat, baby if you wanna take it
Oh roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hair
It's like the rushing touch, the dirty wings them highway angels wear
Well tonight we're gonna find out how it feels
I'm gonna trade in your wings for wheels
Climb in back, heaven's waiting down on the tracks
Ah, mama, come take my hand
We're gonna ride all the way to the promised land
Oh I'm gonna dance all the way, dance all the way
Well I don't know but baby I've been told
There's something waiting for us down that dirty road
Oh take a chance, take a chance, take a chance
Well now I bought this guitar and I learned how to make it talk
I got my car parked out back if you're ready to take that long walk
Well I think we could take it all babe, just you and me
Climb in back baby, the ride's for free
Oh come take my hand, we're gonna ride all the way to the promised land
We'll dance all the way
Oh baby I don't know but I've been told
There's something waiting for us down that dirty road
If we take our chance, take our chance
Now the season's over and I feel it getting cold
I wish I could take you to some sandy beach where we'd never grow old
Ah but baby you know that's just jive
But tonight's bustin' open and I'm alive
Oh do what you can do to make me feel like a man
But this 4 / 4 / 2's gonna overheat
Make up your mind girl, I gotta get her back out on the street
I know you're lonely like me, oh so don't fake it
And maybe I can't lay the stars at your feet
But I got this old car and she's pretty tough to beat
There's plenty of room in my front seat
Oh if you think we can make it, climb in
This town is full of losers and baby I was born to win
Time: 6:54
Label: Prodigal Son
Time: 6:27
Time: 6:41
Available:
Darkness On The Edge Of Town
Action In The Streets
Adam Raised A Cain
All Night Long
Badlands
Because The Night
Bo Diddley Rocker
Breakout
Bring On The Night
Broken Hearted
Candy's Boy
Candy's Room
Castaway
City At Night
Crazy Rocker
Darkness On The
Edge Of Town
Dawn Patrol
Dont Look Back
Dont Say No
Down By The River
Drifters Barrio
Drive All Night
"it ain't no sin to be glad you're
alive...."
Endless Nights
English Sons
Factory
Fire
Frankie
Get That Feeling
Give The Girl A Kiss
Goin' Back
Hearts Of Stone
It's Alright
I Wanna Be Wild
I Wanna Be With
You
Independence Day
Janey Needs A
Shooter
La La La
Lets Go Tonight
No Answer
One Way Street
Outside Looking In
Paradise By The C
Preachers Daughter
Prove It All Night
Racing In The Street
Ramrod
Rendezvous
Sad Eyes
Say Sons
Sherry Darling
Someday Tonight
Something In The
Night
Spanish Eyes
Streets Of Fire
Talk To Me
Taxi Cab
The Ballad
The Fast Song
The Iceman
The Loser
The Promise
The Promised Land
The Way
Whats The Matter
Little Darling
World Of Dreams
You're Gonna Cry
Action In The Streets
Comments:
Performed on the Chicken Scratch tour, but may have been recorded for the Darkness album?
However, no known studio recording is known to exist. This may be a good thing, as the high
intensity of this song performed live may have been difficult to capture on an album. Would have
been a great addition to the Live 75-85 album however, as many good versions exist.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Are you alive?
Are you alive?
Are you alive?
Are you alive?
Well don't move
Why don't you listen to what I'm saying
And hey you
You better get up if you plan to be staying
Get loose
You got to listen to what the band is playing
Oh tonight
Theres action in the street all night
We're bopping to the big beat, go
Get up off your seat and roll
At school
The girls you know their dancing, Mister's just my speed
And hey cool
If action is the thing you need
Well don't fool
Satisfaction guaranteed
Oh tonight
Well hey man
Yeah don't let the little girl slide
Understand
If you just move your body side to side
Raise your hand
Shout until you're satisfied
Oh tonight
Boot: Soul Crusaders
Location: Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada
Time: 5:03
Boot: And The Rain Came Tumblin' Down
Label: No Label
Location: Civic Centre, St Paul, MN
Time: 6:04
Boot: Action In The
Streets
Label: Unbelievable
Music
Date: February 22
1977
Location: Milwaukee
Arena, Milwaukee,
WI
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1. Titled as 'Kitty's Back" on packaging
Time: 6:17
Boot: Windy City Promise
Label: None
Location: Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL
Time: 5:50
Date: March 4 1977
Location: Jacksonville Auditorium, Jacksonville,
FL
Time: 5:13
Date: March 4 1977
Location: Jacksonville Auditorium, Jacksonville FL
Time: 6:44
Boot: Everythings Alright
Label: Real Thing
Date: March 5 1977
Location: Jai-Alai Fronton, Orlando, FL
Time: 5:13
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: March 10 1977
Location: Sports
Arena, Toledo, OH
Notes:Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 6:28
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: March 14 1977
Location: Mid-Hudson Civic Centre, Poughkeepsie, NY
Time: 4:54
Boot: The Promise In Boston
Label: No Label
Date: March 22 1977
Location: Boston Music Hall, Boston, MA
Time: 5:52
Boot: Forced To
Confess
Label: Great Dane
Date: March 25 1977
Location: Boston
Music Hall, Boston
MA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 5:58
Available:
Adam Raised A Cain
Comments:
Seen as clumsy by some, this track is more an exercise of controlled aggression and anger. Another
song detailing the complex relationship between Bruce and his father. Its also quite reflective of
Darkness... as a whole, the idea of paying for something you have got, even if you didn't want that
burden on your shoulders.
Lyrics:
Version 1
In the summer that I was baptized, my father held me to his side
Later as I grew older, tell me how on that day I cried
We were prisoners of love, a love in chains
He was standin' in the door, I was standin' in the rain
With the same hot blood burning in our veins
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
All of the old faces ask you why you're back
And they fit you with position and the keys to your daddy's Cadillac
In the darkness of your room your mother calls you by your true name
She knows you didn't come back, its all a little game
You remember the faces, you remember the names
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
In the Bible Cain slew Abel but East of Eden, mamma he was cast
You're born into this life paying for the sins of somebody else's past
Daddy worked his whole life for nothing but the pain
Now he haunts these empty rooms, rattling these chains
You inherit the sins, you inherit the flames
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Lost but not forgotten from the dark heart of a dream
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Whooaaaaaa
Boot: The Lost Masters Essential Collection Vol. 1
Label: Labour of Love
Date: August 1977
Location: Atlantic Studios / The Record Plant, New York City, N.Y.
Time: 4:05
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 3: Rattling The
Chains
Label: Labour Of Love
Date: August 1977
Location: Atlantic Studios / The Record Plant,
New York City, NY
Time: 4:11
Available:
All Night Long
Comments:
See Breakout
Breakout
Comments:
A machine-gun quick rocker, perhaps the early prototype for Badlands. A Clarence solo might have
rounded this number out perfectly, but would have detracted from its bang bang bang approach. Also
know as All Night Long, and contains lines from Badlands and Frankie.
Lyrics:
Version 1
One, two, one two three
Down in an empty heaven
??? promised land
Down with the working ???
Da da da da da
Da da da da da
Da da da da da
Da da da da da
Breakout da da da da
Gonna break out baby again
Fade out, da da da da
Da da da da da da da
Breakout, out little girly
Won't you break out baby if you can
Breakout, out little child
Gonna run to the promised land
Down in the empty ???
Da da da da da da
Da da da da da da
Da da da da da da
Da da da da da da
Da da da da da da
Da da da da da da
Da da da da da da
Breakout, out little child
Wanna breakout babe if you can
Breakout, out little child gonna run to the promised land
Gonna breakout tonight if you can
Break out, out little girly on the way to the promised land
Breakout, hey!
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 3: Rattling The Chains
Date: September 1977
Time: 2:23
Version 2
I was born saved in heaven
It was nothing like the promised land
Raised in a good Christian house
Underneath a good Christian hand
I was schooled down and dirty
Signed a note back to town
It was there that the workers slaved all week
Waiting for payday to come around
Breakout, come on if you're coming
Cause baby I just can't stay
I want to take out the walls of this joint
I want to blow this town away
Now I ain't into fast livin'
I ain't into dying young
And I ain't looking to be forgiven
For any of the stupid things that I've done
For the ones who once had a notion
A notion it was good to be alive
Feel the spark, the rush of emotion
I want to breakout baby tonight
I want to dream, that I got a place
I want to scream in somebody's face
Make it seem, get out of this muddy race
All night long
Well all the little kings lose their thrones tonight
All you little pretty things better learn to sleep alone tonight
It was down in the cool dirty living
With the man with the master plan
Some girl who can beg forgiveness
And a ticket to the promised land
Down where they'll tear your guts out
Making out what you're all about
Making while we were blasting like a motor
I want out I want out I want out
Want out to the outside
Well I'm no small fool
I want to shout I'm bound for nothing
I want to shout about something too
For the ones who once had a notion
It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
I feel the heat, the rush of devotion
I want to tear out baby tonight
I wanna do what ain't ever been done
I wanna win what ain't ever been won
I wanna lose blow it all away
I wanna lose what I've always won
Prove it all night long
I wanna know that I got a place
I wanna go where I can see you face
I wanna rock the roof off this place
I want you to know
I wanna live
Boot: The Definitive Darkness Outtakes Collection
Date: June 1977 - April 1978
Location: Atlantic Studios / The Record Plant, New York City, New York
Time: 2:24
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Date: June 1977 - August 1978
New York City, New York
Time: 2:37
Available:
Badlands
Comments:
The brilliant, stirring, anthemic album opener went through many revisions and came from several
sources (see Breakout). A driving rock and roll tour de force, it remains one of Bruce's greatest songs
and a strong favourite of many fans. In conjunction with a cover-song from Bruces huge rock
reportoire, it was the show opener in the Darkness tour.
Lyrics:
Version 1
One two
Heard it on the street ???
Heard it on the street ??? put down
What do you want with me, looking at me right now?
And I'm talkin' to you baby
I dont give a damn ???
???
???
???
Me and my heart just can't keep it
??? take it out on me
I'm talking to you baby
Badlands, rip the world apart
Badlands ??? start
??? until these Badlands start treating you good
Whoa whoa whoa
??? try to take me
???
???
??? now I'm talking to you baby
I dont care ???
I don't really care ???
??? baby
??? if you can make it
??? can take it
??? tonight
I'll be waiting for my baby
Badlands. tear that world apart
Badlands ??? battle in your heart
Badlands ??? till these Badlands start treating you good
Alright
??? try ???
??? try ???
??? and I'm talking baby
???
Baby ??? understand???
???
Baby ???
Badlands ripping out my heart
Badlands tear the world apart
Badlands ??? till these Badlands start treating us good
Badlands a no no no
Date: August 1977
Time: 3:52
Chains
Date: August 1977
New York City, NY
Time: 3:55
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Date: August 1977
Time: 3:51
Version 2
Lights out tonight trouble in the heartland
Got a head-on collision smashin' in my guts man
I'm caught in a crossfire that I don't understand
But there's one thing I know for sure girl I ain't satisfied
For the same old played out scenes baby I ain't satisfied
For just the in-betweens honey I want the heart I want the soul
I want control right now, listen to me baby
Man talks about a dream, try's to make it real
You end up screamin' in the night with a fear so real
Man on the T.V., promisin' a peace that don't come
Well don't waste your time trying
Badlands baby don't lie
??? on working, wants to die
We'll keep pushin' till it's understood
And these badlands start treating us good
Workin' in the field till you get your back burned
Workin' `neath the wheels till you get your facts learned
Baby I got my facts learned real good right now
You better get it straight darling
Poor man wanna be rich, rich man wanna be king
And a king ain't satisfied till he rules everything
I wanna go out tonight, I wanna find out what I got
Now I believe in the love that you gave me
I believe in the faith that could save me
I believe in the hope and I pray that some day
It may raise me above these
Badlands you gotta live it every day
Let the broken hearts stand
As the price you've gotta pay
Keep pushin' till it's understood
Mmmmmmmmm
Baby dont cry now ??? tears
Dont cry now
???
???
???
??? Dont let go
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
I wanna find one face that ain't looking through me
I wanna find one place, I wanna spit in the face of these
Badlands tear your little world apart
??? deep down in your heart
Keep movin' till it's understood
Awhoa whoa whoa
Badlands awhoa whoa whoa whoa
Badlands ahwoa whoa whoa whoa
Date: August 1977
Location: Atlantic Studios / The Record Plant, New York City, N.Y.
Time: 3:44
Chains
Date: August 1977
Location: Atlantic Studios, New York City, New
York
Time: 3:46
Version 3
Lights out tonight trouble in the heartland
Got a head-on collision smashin' in my guts man
I'm caught in a crossfire that I don't understand
But there's one thing I know for sure I don't give a damn
For the same old played out scenes baby I don't give a damn
For just the in-betweens honey I want the heart I want the soul
I want control right now you better listen to me baby
Talk about a dream, try to make it real
You wake up in the night with a fear so real
Spend your life waiting for a moment that just don't come
Well don't waste your time waiting
We'll keep pushin' till it's understood
Workin' in the field till you get your back burned
Workin' `neath the wheels till you get your facts learned
Baby I got my facts learned real good right now
You better get it straight darling
Poor man wanna be rich, rich man wanna be king
And a king ain't satisfied till he rules everything
Now I believe in the love that you gave me
I believe in the faith that could save me
I believe in the hope and I pray that some day
It may raise me above these
Keep pushin' till it's understood
Mmmmmmmmm
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
I wanna find one face that ain't looking through me
I wanna find one place, I wanna spit in the face of these
Keep movin' till it's understood
Awhoa whoa whoa
Boot: The Heart Of Darkness
Label: Skydisc
Notes: Lyrics match Version 3, a different mix of the album version
Time: 4:04
Version 4 (instrumental)
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 2
Date: August 1977
Location: Atlantic Studios, New York City, NY
Time: 4:15
Boot: The Definitive Darkness Outtakes
Collection
Date: August 1977
Time: Version 4 4:20
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Date: August 1977
Time: 4:17
Available:
Because The Night
Comments:
A huge hit for Patti Smith, this could have been another triumph for Bruce, but as so many other
songs discarded for not fitting the theme of Darkness..., this became an outcast. It found resurrection
in his live shows as one of the ultimate stadium rockers. Has seen action on just about every tour since
1978.
Lyrics:
Version 1
...Belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to lovers
What I got, what I ??? ???
???
??? till the morning comes
Come on now, baby here I plead
Woman baby, whats in it for me
Daylight comes, ???
They can't touch me now, they can't touch me now, they can't hurt us now
Big Man
Well love is here and now ??
???
Na na na na na na
La la la la la la la la
They can't touch me now, they can't touch me now, they can't touch me now
Date: June - August 1977
Location: Atlantic Studios, New York City, New York
Time: 2:32
Version 2
Take me now baby here as I am
Pull me close try and understand
I work all day breaking in the hot sun
On my back 'till the mornin' comes
Come on now try and understand
Work all day pushin' for the man
Daylight comes take me under your covers
They can't hurt me now
What I got what I have earned
What I'm not ???
All I need ???
???
Come on now baby ???
???
Daylight starts take me under your clothes
They can't touch us now
Big Man
Your love is here and now
The ???
Na na na na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na na na na
Whoa
Time: 3:25
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:21
Version 3
Oh baby take me by the hand
Work all the day in the hot sun
Ah ah ah, till the mornin' comes
Come on now, baby here as I am
??? looking for me
Daylight comes, take me under your cover
They can't touch me now, they can't touch me now, they can't touch me now
What I got, what I earned
Oh baby ???
???
??? till the morning comes
Come on now baby here as I plead
Whoa now baby, working for me
Daylight comes, take me under your cover
They can't touch me now, they can't touch me now, they can't hurt us now
Big Man
Your love is here and now
???
???
???
They can't touch me now, can't touch me now, touch me now
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:27
Version 4
Hold me close try and understand
I work all day out in the hot sun
Break my back till the morning comes
Come on now, baby hear my plea
I work all day pushing for the man
Daylight comes, take me under your covers
They can't hurt us now
What I got I have earned
What I'm not baby I have learned
Love is a warning on the telephone
Waits until morning when I'm alone
Take me now as the sun descends
You can hurt me now
They cant hurt us now
They cant hurt us now
Your love is here and I
The vicious circle turns and burns
???
I can't believe that I'm alone
???
Can't touch me now
Can't hurt us now
Date: July 1 1978
Location: Berkeley Community Centre, Berkeley, CA
Time: 5:37
Version 5
Hold me close, try and understand
I break my back till the evening comes
I work all day busting for the man
Daylights gone, take me under your cover
Can't hurt us now, can't hurt us now
Because the night belongs to lust
Because the night belongs to us
Love is like an angel, comes at dusk
Stay in my bed 'till the morning comes
I work all day busting for the man
Daylight comes, take me under you cover
Can't hurt me now, can't hurt you now
Because the night belongs to lust
With love we seed
The doubt, the vicious circle
Turns and burns
Without you I cannot live
Forgive me now, the time has come
To take this moment on
They can't hurt us now, they can't hurt us now
Boot: Live At The Fabulous Forum
Label: No Label
Date: July 5 1978
Location: The Forum, Los Angeles, Ca
Time: 7:47
Boot: Roxy Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July 7 1978
Time: 6:09
Boot: Oh Boy
Date: August 4 1978
Time: 6:51
Boot: Summertime Bruce - Live At The Agora
Date: August 9 1978
Time: 8:03
Boot: The Jersey
Devil
Label: Golden Stars
Location: The
Spectrum,
Philadelphia, PA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 5
Time: 6:42
Label: No Label
Time: 7:03
Boot: Edge Of Darkness
Label: No Label
City, NY
Time: 7:05
Label: No Label
Time: 7:13
Boot: Darkness At Heartbreak Hotel
Label: No Label
Location: Masonic Temple Audiotorium,
Detroit, MI
Time: 8:45
Boot: The Hunchback Of E Street
Label: No Label
Location: Notre Dame Uni, South Bend, IN
Time: 5:54
Boot: Someday We'll Look Back On This
Label: Bruce Tree
Location: Palladium, New York City, NY
Time: 7:35
Boot: Piece De
Resistance
Label: Great Dane
Records
Date: September 19
1978
Location: Capitol
Theatre, Passaic, NJ
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 5
Time: 7:11
Boot: 2nd Night At The Capitol Theatre
Label: Winged Wheel
Time: 7:15
Time: 7:49
Boot: The Unplanned
Gig
Label: Flashback
World Productions
Date: September 21
1978
Location: Capitol
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 5
Time: 7:29
Boot: 85-75 The Outtakes
Label: Catch 22 Records
Time: 7:35
Boot: Fox Theatre Presents The Boss
Label: Papillon
Location: The Fox Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia
Time: 7:16
Boot: Opera Out On The Turnpike
Label: No Label
Location: St Louis, MI
Time: 6:53
Label: Moonlight
Location: Cleveland Coliseum, Cleveland OH
Time: 7:28
Version 6
I break my back till the evening comes
The way I feel when I'm in your hands
Can't hurt us now, can't hurt us now
Love is like an angel, that comes at dusk
Stay in my bed 'till the evening comes
Can't hurt me now, can't hurt you now
With love we seed
The doubt, the vicious circle
Turns and burns
To take this moment and
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 7:34
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 8:23
Label: No Label
Time: 8:09
Boot: Open All Night
Label: Loose Ends
City, NY
Time: 5:57
Boot: Wreck On The Highway
Label: Piggham
Location: Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL
Time: 6:03
Boot: Darkness Over Philadelphia
Label: Loose Ends
Time: 6:05
Boot: Coliseum Night
Date: December 29
1980
Location: Nassau
Coliseum, Uniondale,
N.Y.
Notes: Lyrics match
version 6
Time: 7:36
Boot: Nassau Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, N.Y.
Time: 8:41
Boot: Follow That Dream
Label: Golden Stars
Date: May 8 1981
Location: Johanneshov Isstadion, Stockholm,
Sweden
Time: 5:45
Boot: Teardrops On The City
Label: None
Date: May 8 1981
Location: Johanneshovg Stadium, Stockholm, Sweden
Time: 5:30
Version 7
Stay with me now 'till the morning comes
The way I feel when I'm in your hands
Desire and hunger is the fire I breathe
Stay with me now 'till the morning comes
The way I feel under your command
They can't hurt me now, they can't hurt you now
Your love thats here
And now, the vicious circle
Turns and burns
To take this moment and
Because the night
Because the night
Because the night
Because the night
Boot: A Hard Night To Play
Label: No Label
Time: 6:06
Boot: An Evening At MSG
Label: Piggham
Locaton: Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
Time: 7:38
Boot: Opening Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
Time: 8:19
Boot: El Boss En
Barcelona
Label: Ramrod
Records
Date: April 21 1981
Location: Palais,
Barcelona, Spain
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 7
Time: 4:32
Boot: Movin' On To Brussels
Label: Ramrod Records
Date: April 26 1981
Location: Forest National, Brussels, Belgium
Time: 5:46
Boot: Run Through The Jungle
Label: Gamble Records
Date: April 28 1981
Location: Ahoy Sportspalais, Rotterdam,
Holland
Time: 5:46
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: May 2 1981
Location: Brondbyhall, Copenhagen, Denmark
Time: 6:05
Boot: Born To Be The Boss
Date: June 5 1981
Location: Wembley Arena, London, England
Time: 5:22
Boot: No Used Cars
In Motor City
Label: Piggham
Date: July 31 1984
Location: Joe Louis
Arena, Detroit, MI
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 7
Time: 5:47
Boot: St. James Park Party
Label: None
Date: June 5 1985
Location: St. James Park, Newcastle, England
Time: 5:17
Boot: The Clear Difference
Label: None
Date: June 8 1985
Location: Ullevi Stadium, Gothenberg, Sweden
Time: 5:45
Boot: Dancing In The Park
Label: Hix Records
Date: June 15 1985
Location: Waldstadion, Frankfurt, Germany
Time:6:21
Boot: Fantastico Bruce
Label: No Label
Date: June 21 1985
Location: Milan, Italy
Time: 5:52
Boot: Independence
Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July 4 1985
Location: Wembley
Stadium, London,
England
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 7
Time: 7:50
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: July 7 1985
Location: Roundhay Park, Leeds, England
Time: 6:02
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: June 11 1988
Location: Stadio Communale, Torino, Italy
Time: 5:30
Boot: Flaminio First Night
Label: Talon Records
Date: June 15 1988
Location: Stadio Flaminio, Rome, Italy
Time: 6:11
Boot: Lost In The Darkness Of Love
Date: June 28 1988
Location: Feyenoord Stadium, Rotterdam,
Holland
Time: 6:17
Boot: Summernight Part 2
Label: Piggham
Date: July 3 1988
Location: Stockholm Stadium, Sweden
Time: 5:32
Boot: Rocks Hottest Ticket
Label: Winged Wheel
Date: July 14 1988
Location: Fussballstadion St. Jakob, Basel,
Switzerland
Time: 6:42
Boot: Rockin' The Badlands
Label: None
Date: July 19 1988
Location: Weissensee Cycling Track, East Berlin, East Germany
Time: 6:51
Boot: Wonderful Love In Copenhagen
Label: None
Date: July 25 1988
Location: Idraetsparken, Copenhagen, Denmark
Time: 6:35
Boot: Human Rights Now!
Time: 4:49
Boot: The Basie
Label: Bruce Tree
Date: March 23 1993
Location: Count Basie
Theatre, Red Bank, NJ
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 7
Time: 7:40
Boot: Zurich 1993 Revisited
Label: Golden Stars
Date: April 8 1993
Location: Hallenstadion, Zurich, Austria
Time: 6:17
Boot: Sheffield Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 15 1993
Location: Indoor Arena, Sheffield, England
Time: 6:40
Boot: Meadowlands Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 24 1993
Location: Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
Time: 5:57
Boot: New York City Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 26 1993
City, NY
Time: 6:00
Boot: Copenhagen Rain
Label: Piggham Records
Date: June 26 1999
Location: Idraettsparken, Copenhagen, Denmark
Time: 7:02
Boot: Olympic Stadion 2nd Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 26 1999
Time: 5:38
Boot: Bremen On Fire
Label: RMAS
Date: June 26 1999
Location:
Idraettsparken,
Copenhagen,
Denmark
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 7
Time: 5:34
Copenhagen Rain
Boot: Oslo Finale
Label: Piggham
Date: June 27 1999
Location: Valle Hovin Stadium, Oslo, Norway
Notes: Lyrics Match Version 7
Time: 6:05
Boot: Frisco Second Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Oakland Arena, Oakland, CA
Time: 7:55
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: November 15
1999
Location: Gund
Arena, Cleveland, OH
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 7
Time: 8:30
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: March 31 2000
Location: Pepsi Arena, Denver, CO
Time: 7:00
Available:
Frisco Second Night
Bo Diddley Rocker
Comments:
Like Spanish Eyes, this is an almost complete track, but features some incomprehensible lyrics. It
reminds me in some ways of The Big Payback and Working On The Highway. Bruce's lyric is at his
gravelly best on this one. You have got to love Bruce's devilish laugh at the end of this outtake. Also
known as Goin' Back
Lyrics:
Version 1
Hey
Well I'm working and ??? well
??? for the one I love
Back from nowhere???
??? turn to the window
???
???
Yeah well shake, shake it on tight
And I'm movin' out tonight Jack
I'm goin' back
I'm goin' back
I'm goin' back
I'm goin' back
??? baby
Daddy is coming in an age of crime
??? in the heat of the night
Straight to dawn in the firing light
I'm goin' back, yeah I'm on the right track
I'm movin' out so don't book me Jack
I'm goin back
I'm goin back
I'm goin back
I'm goin back
Big Man
Wanna hear the sax
A more more more
Everybody hey
Hey
??? woke up
Rolling in the back wood, in the back wood
Gotta have my car radio up loud
Better watch out baby getting mean now
??? crime
I break my back with the county line
??? prison ???
I'm gonna die down here ???
I'm goin' back, I'm on the right track
I'm movin' out so don't book me Jack
I'm goin back
Said I'm goin back
Are you ready boys?
One more time with change
???
??? in the back woods
??? car radio up loud
??? baby getting mean now
???cold cold sweat
??? the one I love
??? sheets got wet
??? the sky above
???
I got love like a silver sun
I got love as hot as the sun
I said I got love as hot as the sun
I'm goin back, on the right track
I'm movin' out, so don't book me Jack
I'm goin back
I'm goin back
Alright, oh yeah
Location: The Record Plant, New York City, N.Y.
Time: 5:33
Time: 5:33
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Time: 5:42
Available:
Goin' Back
Comments:
See Bo Diddly Rocker
Bring On The Night
Comments:
Officially released for the first time on Tracks, there is some conjecture over if this song originates
from the Darkness... or The River era. Whether or not this is the case, I thought this was a real
standout on Disc 1 from Tracks. A solid rocker with another great solo from Clarence, and a real tone
of desperation in Bruce's voice.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I lie in bed but baby I can't sleep no matter how hard I try
There's something bad, baby, wrong with me whenever I close my eyes
The dreams of Mary keep me awake with every little curve in place
When I walk home in the daybreak I pray come back home, baby, won't
you give me
Darlin' bring on the night, oh yeah darlin', bring on the night
Oh now darlin', bring on the night
I walk the street, I'm lookin' for romance
I end up stumblin' in some stupid half-trance
As I watch the lovers mix with circumstance
We watch the disco dancers dance
I look for connection in some new eyes
But for protection they're tranquilized
Forbidding close inspection of who's tellin' who
Forbidding close inspection of who's tellin' who lies
Bring on the night, oh yeah darlin', bring on the night
Is it as simple as it seems
I don't know what I'm doin' here, is it as simple as it seems
Is it as simple as I fear, well if I'm right . . .
Baby of who's tellin' who lies
Oh now baby, bring on the night, oh now darlin' bring on the night
Come home darlin', bring on the night
Oh now darlin' bring on the night
Available:
Broken Hearted
Comments:
Only recently emerging from the Darkness sessions, this song, like many outtakes from the period,
suffers from a very local mix, which murders a great vocal performance from Bruce. This comes on
top the poor quality of the track overall, which stutters quite a lot. Not invaluble, but unique.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well I'm ???
??? come runnin' ???
I'm glad you found out
???
At night I'm prayin'
That you won't say it's over
Because my love for you
???
Now I'm just standin'
??? started
??? broken hearted
Ohh broken hearted
Ohh broken hearted
Don't tell me that you ???
??? baby
The days we ???
And though my love for you
Is just a ???
And now I'm cryin'
???
???
??? understand
How these things get started
??? broken hearted
Ohhh broken hearted
Ohh broken hearted
And tell me that you ???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
??? baby
???
???
???
???
???
And though my love for you
???
???
And how these things get started
??? broken hearted
Ohh broken hearted
Ohh broken hearted
Cause baby it hurts
Baby it hurts
Well darling it hurts
It just keeps on hurtin'
Baby it hurts
Date: May 19 1978
Location: Asbury Park, NJ
Time: 5:06
Available:
Candy's Boy
Comments:
When melded with The Fast Song, this became Candy's Room, although this version suggests it could
have survived intact and still been a great number. Also contains a few lines out of Drive All Night.
Great imagery in this song, the line about Mongolian gangs brings to mind pictures of swarthy swordwielding Bikers running on the highways on top of Harleys.
Lyrics:
Version 1
In Candy's room there are pictures of her saviour on the wall
But to get to Candy's room you gotta walk the darkness of Candy's hall
Strangers from the city call my baby's number and they bring Candy toys
But when I come knocking she smiles pretty, she knows tonight I'm gonna
be Candy's boy
Well in the olden days when the Mongolian gangs roamed out on Route 9
We'd go riding in the rain, running south, way down through the pines
Weekends in the sun in that cheap motel down by the dynamo
We loved each other 'till there was nothing left and drove that old car as hard and fast as she would go
Well I got a cold wind blowing in behind me and you
But Candy's got a man who takes care of her better than I'd do
Alright
Well there's machines and there's fire waiting for us on the edge of town
And there's some boys for hire and there waiting to blow me and Candy down
And thats alright cause they can't touch us now babe it seems
Cause I know that I will forever be Candy's boy
Mmmmm, I will forever be Candy's boy
Alright
Let's do the intro
Once more
Date: June 1977 to April 1978
Time: 5:16
Collection
Time: 5:21
Date: June 1977
Time: 5:22
Date: June 1977
Time: 5:25
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Date: June 1977 August 1978
Location: Atlantic
Studios / The Record
New York
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 5:23
Version 2
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, guitar solo edited out
Time: 4:57
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, guitar solo edited
out
Time: 4:52
Available:
Candy's Room
Comments:
The Heart Of Darkness version is identical to the album verison. This song is the offspring of the
fusion of the lyrics from Candy's Boy and the music from The Fast Song. Did'nt get that much play on
the Darkness tour, as compared to other tracks from the album, which is a shame. Max Weinberg rates
this as one of his best drumming efforts.
Lyrics:
Version 1
In Candy's room there are pictures of her heroes on the wall
But to get to Candy's room you gotta walk the darkness of Candy's hall
Strangers from the city call my baby's number and they bring her toys
When I come knocking she smiles pretty she knows I wanna be Candy's
boy
There's a sadness hidden in that pretty face
A sadness all her own from which no man can keep Candy safe
We kiss my heart's pumpin' to my brain
The blood rushes in my veins fire rushes towards the sky
We go driving driving deep into the night
I go driving deep into the light in Candy's eyes
She says baby if you wanna be wild you got a lot to learn, close your eyes
Let them melt, let them fire, let them burn
Cause in the darkness there'll be hidden worlds that shine
When I hold Candy close she makes these hidden worlds mine
She has fancy clothes and diamond rings
She has men who'll give her anything she wants but they don't see
That what she wants is me, oh and I want her so
I'll never let her go no no no
She knows that I'd give all that I got to give
All that I want all that I live to make Candy mine
Tonight
Label: Skydisc
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, Version 2 see The Fast Song
Time: 2:48
Available:
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:03
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:03
The Fast Song
Comments:
Melded with Candy's Boy to create Candy's Room, with this track contributing the music. Just as well
these tracks were combined, as the lyrics to this song are quite weak and disjointed. This track also
lacks the raw passion and energy of the album version.
Lyrics:
Version 1
The night rushes in through the door
Kids running across the floor
Those guys aim it'll tear this town down
And blow it into the sea
Man that's okay with me
'Cause I don't care anymore
She, she who is everything
Theres a fever that she brings
She's got everything, everything
I've got caught
Wasting my life so bad
Just looking for the facts
Sometimes I
Feel like I'm walking dazed
The blood rushes through my veins
I can hear it flow
She lives in a world of dreams come true
But she don't know like I do
Not like I do
Not like I do
'Cause I was nothing
Over and over again
Alone when the nights roll in, without her
She's a miracle in diamond rings
She's got men who bring her anything she wants
But they don't see
That what she wants is me
Oh and I want her so
I'll never let her go
Me, walking into the room
Alone when the nights roll in
Without her, without her, without her
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Time: 2:32
Version 2
The night rushes in through the door
Kids running across the floor
Those guys aim it'll tear this town down
And blow it into the sea
Man that's alright with me
'Cause I don't care anymore
She, she who is everything
The fever that she brings
She's got everything
And I've got caught
Wasting my life so bad
Just looking for the facts
Sometimes I
Feel like I'm walking dazed
The blood rushes in my veins
I can hear it flow
She lives in a world of dreams come true
But she don't know like I do
Not like I do
'Cause I was nothing
Over and over again
Alone when the nights roll in, without her
She's a miracle in diamond rings
She has men who bring her anything she wants
But they don't see
That what she wants is me
Oh and I want her so
I'll never let her go
Me, walking into the room
Alone when the nights roll in
Without her, without her, without her
Time: 3:07
Collection
Time: 3:04
Label: Skydisc
Notes: Titled Candy's Room #2, Lyrics match Version 2
Time: 3:12
Date: August 1977
Time: 3:51
Boot: The Lost
Masters Vol. 3:
Rattling The Chains
Label: Labour Of
Love
Date: June - August
1977
Location: Atlantic
Studios, New York
City, New York
Time: 3:07
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:04
Available:
Castaway
Comments:
See The Ballad
The Ballad
Comments:
Also known as Castaway, No Answer and La La La. A great soulful tune, however the lyrics were
never fully developed. Thanks to JM Locke for the lyrics.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Baby's got on her music tonight
With her hair piled she looks so right
And I will walk beneath the night
All I want is, is to be the one to try
And now castaway, castaway, tonight aqll night
I'm walking deep beneath your cries
I call your name, no answer comes
Why I'm wondering, why have I come
Can you live alone, all alone
And now baby know's I'll be there tonight
To rest in my last night of this time
We'll lean to exit the beginning of
Trial by fire I don't know why
I want an answer baby why
Da da da da da da da da
Time: 3:15
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:15
Available:
City At Night
Comments:
See Taxi Cab
Taxi Cab
Comments:
One of my favourite outtakes from the period, this is a nice, slow, mellow tune. Another tune that
would have a made a great B-side, God only knows what album for though. A great bass line from
Garry Tallent is also a feature on this track. Also know as City At Night.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Taxi cab, taxi cab at the light
Won't you take me on a ride
Through this city at night
I got some money and I'm feelin' fine
I ain't in no hurry so just take your time
Some people wanna die young and gloriously
Well taxicab driver, hey that ain't me
I got a cute little baby
Down on 12th and Vine
And she opens for business just about closin' time
Ah hey hey, a hey hey
City at night, city at night
I don't believe what I see in this street
I don't know how they can take the heat
Well baby I'm a liar, I'm a cheat
And I don't care
I got my money, I can take my fare
I'm ridin' tonight, I'm on my way
C'mon baby
I can take it or live it, when it comes
Got my baby by the light of the sun
You know she brings it with her and then she comes
Hey, hey, city at night
Hey, hey, city at night
Ride on
Time: 3:07
Collection
Time: 3:07
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:13
Available:
Crazy Rocker
Comments:
A messy song full of indecipherable, bluffed lyrics and yelled out key changes. If any one can shed
some light on the lyrics I would love to hear from you. A shame really, as like many other tracks of
the period, it showed real promise. One of the Darkness outtakes that has not been widely circulated.
Also known as It's Alright.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Yeaaaaahhhhh
It doesn't matter, she don't ride
And I don't want her to come my way
It doesn't matter, she don't mind
????
I said it's alright, and baby she don't lose
And its outta sight, I'm gonna find a way
And it's alright ???
???
Now
Got a switch blade ???
???
???
???
I said it's alright ???
???
Its alright ???
Now wait a minute, just wait a minute
Ahhhh one more time
???
???
???
???
And I said its alright, I'm coming home
???
And its alright, the debt I lose
Today
Won't you call my name?
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
Date: November 1977 to April 1978
Time: 5:03
Date: November 1977 to April 1978
Location: The Record Plant, New York City,
N.Y.
Time: 5:03
Available:
Darkness On The Edge Of Town
Comments:
Only making it onto the album at the last minute to take the place of Don't Look Back, it remains
perhaps the quintessential song of the album. The album version remains superior to this outtake,
which lacks a similar amount of passion, although the fantastic guitar work still shines through.
Lyrics:
Version 1
They're still racing out at the Trestles
But that blood it never burned in her veins
And I hear she's got a house up in Fairview
And a style she's trying to maintain
Well if she wants to see me
Tell her that I'm easily found
Tell her there's a spot out `neath Abram's Bridge
And tell her there's a darkness on the edge of town
There's a darkness on the edge of town
Well now some folks are born into a good life
And other folks get it anyway anyhow
I lost my money and I lost my wife
They don't seem to matter much to me now
???
???
??? take'em all down
In the darkness on the edge of town
???
???
???
???
Tonight I'll be on that hill `cause I can't stop
I'll be on that hill with everything I got
Lives on the line where dreams are found and lost
I'll be there on time and I'll pay the cost
For wanting things that can only be found
Time: 4:30
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Time: 4:31
Version 2
They're still racing out at the Trestles
But that blood it never burned in her veins
Now I hear she's got a house up in Fairview
And a style she's trying to maintain
Well if she wants to see me
You can tell her that I'm easily found
Tell her there's a spot out `neath Abram's Bridge
And tell her there's a darkness on the edge of town
A darkness on the edge of town
Everybody's got a secret Sonny
Something that they just can't face
Some folks spend their whole lives trying to keep it
They carry it with them every step that they take
Till some day they just cut it loose
Cut it loose or let it drag èm down
Where no one asks any questions
Or looks too long in your face
Some folks are born into a good life
Other folks get it anyway anyhow
I lost my money and I lost my wife
Them things don't seem to matter much to me now
Tonight I'll be on that hill `cause I can't stop
I'll be on that hill with everything I got
Lives on the line where dreams are found and lost
I'll be there on time and I'll pay the cost
For wanting things that can only be found
Label: Skydisc
Time: 4:41
Available:
Dawn Patrol
Comments:
Uncirculated Darkness outtake
Dont Look Back
Comments:
Removed from Darkness.... at the last moment to make room for the title track, this song was well
worth an inclusion. Like Badlands, a tough but uplifting number that promises to even the score (spit
in the face?) in the fight no man can ever win. Finally finding an official release on Tracks, like so
many Darkness... discards, this too could have been a classic.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Cold rain running down the front of my shirt
??? on the back, spinning in the dirt
??? riding in the blazing rain
I'm blowing pistons, working in the fast line
Whoa whoa whoa whoa, yeah yeah they're taking a stack
Put your foot to the floor and darling don't look back
Night racing in the blazing rain
'63 Palace she's a hydroplane
Angel makes her face up on Baker Street
Straddling the shifter in my front seat
Theres no sense to choose, we're set up to lose
The deck's stacked
Lovers run into the night
In search of a lost paradise
And there's nothing left to stand there and fight, to fight
Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa
Well white heat burning, pocket full of cash
Angel writes her name in lipstick on my dash
Dry racing at the dynamo
Pushing that car as fast as she would go
Theres no sense to choose, theres nothing to lose
The deck's stacked
Put your foot to the floor and darling don't
Put your foot to the floor and darling
Don't look back
Well don't look back
Don't look back
Don't look back
Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: March 10 1977
Location: Sports Arena, Toledo, OH
Time: 3:01
Version 2
I'm flat on my back wheels in the dirt
Angel makes her face up on Baker Street
She's straddles the shifter in my front seat
There's nothing we can do
It's a setup
The deck is stacked
Put your foot to the floor
And darling don't look back
Making night tracks through the blazing rain
Blow them pistons, working in the fast lane
??? racing by the dynamo
Pushing that old car as fast as she would go
Theres nothing to lose
Its a setup, the deck is stacked
??? into the rain
Go on searchin for every day
Drive alone ???
White line burning, pocket full of cash
Angel writes her name in lipstick
She puts ??? the backseat in my heart
Were moving in the city, in the dark
It's a setup
The decks stacked
Put your foot to the floor now darling
Tonight we'll blow off the doors now darling
Don't look back
Don't look back
Don't look back
Don't look back
Dont look back
Whoa whoa whoa
Whoa whoa whoa
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: March 14 1977
Location: Mid-Hudson Civic Centre, Poughkeepsie, NY
Time: 2:51
Version 3
Angel makes her face up down on Baker Street
Straddlin' the shifter in my front seat
There's nothing to lose
It's a setup
The deck is stacked
White heat burning, pocket full of cash
Writes her name in lipstick on my dash
It's a setup
The deck is stacked
We held it in the lonely rain
We made it in the heart of a hurricane
Tore it apart and put it together again
??? to the river night
We wanna rock it, roll it, feel alright
Move with the city in the dark
You got to walk it, talk it in your heart
It's a setup
The deck is stacked
Blow off the doors now darling
Whoooaaaa
Don't look back
Ah, baby, don't look back
Whooaaaaa
Ah baby don't look back
No no no no no
Ah baby dont look, don't look, don't look don't look.....
Don't look back
Label: No Label
Date: March 22 1977
Time: 3:03
Version 4
Angel makes her face up out on Baker Street
She's straddlin' the shifter in my front seat
It's a setup
The deck's stacked
So put your foot to the floor
White line burning, pockets full of cash
It's a setup
The deck's stacked
We held it in our hearts in the pouring rain
We made it in the heart of a hurricane
We tore it apart and put it together again
We'll wash ours sins off down in the sea
Angel won't you believe in love for me
We'll move with the city in the dark
It's a setup
The decks stacked
Tonight we'll blow off the doors darling
Put your foot to the floor darling
Whoooaaaa
Don't look back
Whooaaaaa
No no no no no
Don't look back
Boot: Are You Prepared For A Heart Attack?
Label: No Label
Date: March 23 1977
Time: 3:02
Boot: Running Into The Darkness
Date: March 24 1977
Location: Boston Music Hall, Boston MA
Time: 3:02
Boot: Forced To Confess
Label: Great Dane
Date: March 25 1977
Location: Boston Music Hall, Boston MA
Time: 3:09
Version 5
Yeah she's straddlin' the shifter in my front seat
It's a setup
The deck's stacked
Red line burning, pockets full of cash
It's a setup
Baby your back
We took it all apart in a hurricane
Take ourselves girl ??? in the sea
It's a setup
The decks stacked
Put your foot to the floor now darling
Tonight we'll blow off the doors now darling
Tonight we'll even the score
And baby we won't look back
Whoooaaaa
Don't look back
Whooaaaaa
Don't look back
No no no no no
Don't look back
Whoa whoa whoa
Dont look back
Whoa whoa whoa
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:06
Version 6
Date: June 1977
Notes: Instrumental, different to the instrumental on The Definitive
Darkness Outtakes and The Promise
Time: 3:27
Version 7
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:27
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:39
Version 8
She's straddlin' the shifter in my front seat
It's a heartbreak
The deck's stacked
So put your foot to the floor
We're making night tracks through the blazing rain
Blow them pistons, move in the fast lane
White line burning, pockets full of cash
It's a bad break
But baby we're back
Tonight we'll blow off the doors
And honey we won't look back
We made it through the heart of a hurricane
Come on meet me tonight darlin' out in the street
There's nothin' to lose
It's a heartache
The deck's stacked
So put your foot to the floor darling
Tonight we'll blow off the doors baby
We're gonna even the score
And honey we won't look back
Whoooaaaa
Don't look back
Whooaaaaa
No no no no no
Don't look back
Date: June 1977-April 1978
Location: Atlantic Studios / The Record Plant, New York City, NY
Time: 3:01
Collection
Time: 3:03
Label: Skydisc
Time: 3:03
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:01
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Location: Gund Arena, Cleveland, OH
Time: 3:22
Boot: Awesome In
Anaheim
Label: No Label
Date: May 21 2000
Location: Arrowhead
Pond, Anaheim, CA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 8
Time: 3:39
Boot: The Promise Delivered
Label: None
Date: June 22 2000
Time: 3:33
Available:
The Promise Delivered
Dont Say No
Comments:
A potentially great song is ruined by a terribly low lyrical mix, with the words intelligible except for
the chorus. Any help or suggestions with the lyrics are greatly appreciated. Same music as I Wanna
Be Wild
Lyrics:
Version 1
???
??? seen my baby
???
???
??? I'll do just whatever you want ???
Don't say no
Don't say no
Don't say no
Don't say no
???
Well theres a ??? I can do
???
???
???
Don't say no
Don't say no
Don't say no
Don't say no
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
Don't say no
Don't say no
Don't say no
Don't say no
Don't say no
Don't say no
Don't say no
Don't say no
Time: 3:49
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:55
Available:
I Wanna Be Wild
Comments:
Same music as Dont Say No, this track has the vocals mixed at record low levels, resulting in lyrics
that could be bluffed, or could be real (although doubtful). The chorus is fairly clear though, just as
well or we would'nt have a title for the track.
Lyrics:
Version 1
???
???
???
???
???
I wanna be wild
I wanna be wild
I wanna be wild
I wanna be wild
???
???
???
???
???
I wanna be wild
I wanna be wild
I wanna be wild
I wanna be wild
???
???
???
???
???
I wanna be wild
I wanna be wild
I wanna be wild
I wanna be wild
I wanna be wild
I wanna be wild
I wanna be wild
I wanna be wild
Date: Nov 1977 to Apr 1978
Time: 3:37
Available:
Down By The River
Comments:
See Say Sons
Say Sons
Comments:
A half finished number that Bruce cuts off mid-song. Lyrics a little hard to understand in some places.
Out of all the crop of Darkness... outtakes, this one is easily forgotten. Also known as Down By The
River
Lyrics:
Version 1
Hey!
Well I got a little girl down by the river
Now she keeps ??? and tight
I got a little girl, she keeps me every every night, every night
She says "I'm feeling like a wild, hands on the wheel"
She keeps me all night
??? in sight
Yes thats right
So come on, down by the river
Come on, come on
Just come on, down by the river
It's alright
Well baby, let me protect you little darling
If you let me be your man
I know if you'll just let me in
Well, every day just brings the same
Every day it brings your same games
But every night ???
Yes, come on, down by the river
Oh come on, girl, it's alright
Well, come on, down by the river
Hold tight
Big man
This song should be one verse
Time: 2:21
Collection
Time: 2:21
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Time: 2:26
Available:
Drifters Barrio
Comments:
Drive All Night
Comments:
Also known as Sad Eyes, this track was to appear on The River with very little change. Its length
made it much more suited to the double album. Version 1 is an absolute masterpiece, full of emotion
and heart, possibly better than the released album version. Bruce is almost crying at its conclusion.
Great work on the bass from Garry Tallent as well.
Lyrics:
Version 1
When I lost my money
Sometimes I think I lost my guts too
Babe I wish God would send me a word
Send me something I'm afraid to lose
Lying in the heat of the night
We're prisoners all our lives
I get shivers down my spine
When you catch me in your jewelled eyes
Baby baby baby
I wanna drive all night again just to buy you some shoes
And to taste your tender charms
And I wanna sleep tonight again in your arms
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Mmmmmmm
Now listen to me darlin'
'Cause tonight there's fallen angels and they're waiting for us down in the street
Tonight there's calling strangers, hear them crying in defeat
Let them go, let them go, let them learn
The dances of the dead, let'em go right ahead
But dry your eyes girl
And c'mon c'mon c'mon c'mon let's go to bed, baby, baby, baby
I swear I'll drive all night again just to buy you some shoes
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Big Man
There's machines and there's fire waiting on the edge of town
They're out there for hire but baby they can't hurt us now
Cause tonight, tell you babe
You've got, you've got, you've got my love, you've got my love girl
Through the wind, through the rain, the snow, the snow, the wind, the rain
You've got, you've got my, my love
Girl, you've got my love, you've got, you've got my love
Oh girl you've got my love, you've got, you've got my love
Girl you've got my love
Heart and soul
Heart and soul
Heart and soul
Heart and soul
So take it in baby
And remember
Don't worry darling
Cause you don't have to
Don't cry now
Baby dont cry now
Don't cry now
Don't cry now
Don't, don't cry now
Dry your eyes, little baby
Come on and dry your eyes
Cause baby, I'll drive all night
You'll know I'll drive all night
I swear I'd drive all night
Through the wind, through the rain, through the snow, through the rain, through the snow, through the
rain, through the rain
Baby I'll drive all night
Cause you got my love
You got you got you got my love
Time: 8:34
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Time: 8:45
Version 2
When I lost my money
Babe I wish God would send me a word
We're prisoners all our lives
When you catch me in your jewelled eyes
Baby baby baby
I wanna drive all night again just to buy you some shoes
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Mmmmmmm
Now listen to me darlin'
'Cause tonight there's fallen angels and they're waiting for us down in the street
Let them go, let them go, let them learn
The dances of the dead, let'em go right ahead
But dry your eyes girl
And c'mon c'mon c'mon c'mon let's go to bed, baby, baby, baby
I swear I'll drive all night again just to buy you some shoes
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Big Man
Cause tonight, tell you babe
You've got, you've got, you've got my love, you've got my love girl
Through the wind, through the rain, the snow, the snow, the wind, the rain
Girl, you've got my love, you've got, you've got my love
Girl you've got my love
Heart and soul
Heart and soul
Heart and soul
Heart and soul
So take it in baby
And remember
Don't worry darling
Cause you don't have to
Don't cry now
Baby dont cry now
Don't cry now
Don't cry now
Don't, don't cry now
Dry your eyes, little baby
Come on and dry your eyes
Cause baby, I'll drive all night
You'll know I'll drive all night
I swear I'd drive all night
Through the wind, through the rain, through the snow, through the rain, through the snow, through the
rain, through the rain
Baby I'll drive all night
Cause you got my love
You got you got you got my love
Date: June 1977
Time: 8:26
Date: June 1977
Time: 8:28
Version 3
Well I lost all my money
And I wish God would send me a word
Something I'm afraid to lose
Sitting in a room, walking prisoners for the rest of our lives
Sending shivers down my spine
When you watch me in your jewelled eyes
Baby baby baby
Well I wanna drive all night again just to buy my baby some shoes
And I wanna sleep tonight again in her arms
Mmmmmmm
'Cause tonight there's fallen angels down in the street
Beneath our windows, baby I hear them
Tonight there's calling strangers, moving in defeat
Tonight there's fallen angels la da da da
Dont worry baby
La da da da, la da da da
Cause baby I'll drive all night again just to buy you some shoes
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
Mmmmmmmmm
Date: June 1977
Time: 4:59
Label: Unknown
Date: June 1977
Time: 4:58
Available:
Endless Nights
Comments:
See English Sons
English Sons
Comments:
A complete track crying out for some better mixing. Similar to The Ties That Bind, this track would
have been a better fit for The River than Darkness...Also known as Endless Nights, it perhaps
resembles Be True lyrically just a little.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Girl on the edge flippin' off the lamp
There'll be an end darling to your endless night
On the other side of the street
Yeah, the light on your portrait and the light in your face
And you'll be looking for another pretty place
Baby, this side of the street
Well, keep dreaming baby that your desire brings and girl
I know the sadness that you find in things, it's true
Well, baby if you can't take the heat, what can I do?
Well you and your poetry and your cool cool world
Behind the face hides the face of a modern girl
Yeah, you've got the look as if you own the world
Therefore, you go out there and say what you can learn
On the wrong side of the street
Well you tire of every day bringing the same and so you
Go out looking for some strange new games
Well, pretty soon you don't kmow the score anymore
All right now.....
I know the danger that your desire brings
And I know the strangeness that you'll find
Wait and it will seem straighter for you and for me
Well, turn on the end and baby turn off the lamps
There'll be an end darling to this endless night
Yeah, and everyday, well it just brings the same
You started looking for some very strange new games
On the wrong side of the street
Well, you and your desires lead to confusion
Well, walk away as I don't follow your illusions
And see, open your eyes and see, girl
All right......
Time: 3:54
Collection
Time: 3:53
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:56
Available:
Factory
Comments:
An outstanding country version of Factory features in Version 2 with David Lindley on violin. This
adds an exotic touch to this track. However, this was, in my opinion, correctly discarded as strings on
one track would have been at odds with the atmosphere of the rest of the album. Factory was the last
song to be played live from the Darkness... album, a few weeks after the tour started. The opening
show of the tour featured all the tracks minus Factory.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Early in the morning factory whistle blows
Man rises from bed and puts on his clothes
Man takes his lunch, walks out in the morning light
It's the working, the working, just the working life
Through the mansions of fear, through the mansions of pain
I see my daddy walking towards them factory gates in the rain
Factory takes his hearing, but he understands
He's a working, a working, just a working man
End of the day, factory whistle cries
Men walk through these gates with death in their eyes
And you just better believe, boy
Somebody's gonna get hurt tonight
Cause it's just the working, the working, just the working life
Date: August 1977
Location: Atlantic Studios or The Record Plant, New York City, NY
Time: 2:11
Date: August 1977
Time: 2:13
Version 2
I see my daddy walking through them factory gates in the rain
Factory takes his hearing, but he understands
He's a working, a working, just a working man
Somebody's gonna get hurt tonight
Cause it's just the working, the working, just the working life
Notes: Lyrics match Version 2, with David Lindley on violin
Time: 2:15
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Notes: Lyrics match Version 2, with David
Lindley on violin
Time: 2:15
Version 3
I see my daddy walking through them factory gates in the rain
Factory takes his hearing, factory gives him life
The working, the working, just the working life
somebody's gonna get hurt tonight
Label: Skydisc
Time: 2:20
Available:
Fire
Comments:
Intended to be given to Elvis before his untimely demise, this track became a live favourite (as did
Because The Night) especially with the girls. A big hit for the Pointer Sisters, an official release was
finally forthcoming on Live 75-85. Will always be remembered for opening bass line by Garry
Tallent.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I'm driving in my car, I turn on the radio
I'm pulling you close, you just say no
You say you don't like it, but baby I know you're a liar
Cause when we kiss, hmmmm, Fire
Late at night when I'm takin' you home
I whisper stay, you say you wanna be alone
You say you don't need me, but baby I know you're a liar
`Cause when we kiss, Fire
Well I need a lover to hold tight
???
??? girl
??? night
You say you don't like it, but baby I know you're a liar
Fire
Late at night when I'm takin' you home
You're standin at my door, all alone
Well baby you say you don't need me, but honey I know you're a liar
Fire
Big Man
Well I'm keepin' your lovin' ???
??? touch
???
Well baby I need you too much
You say you don't love me, but girl I know you're a liar
Time: 5:09
Collection
Time: 5:21
Date: June 1977
Time: 5:16
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Time: 5:22
Version 2
You say you don't like it, but girl I know you're a liar
Late at night I'm takin' you home
I say I wanna stay, you say you wanna be alone
You say you don't love me, but you can't hide your desire
You had a hold on me, right from the start
A grip so tight I couldn't tear it apart
My nerves all jumpin' actin' like a fool
Well your kisses they burn but your heart stays cool
Romeo and Juliet, Samson and Delilah
Baby you can bet their love they could'nt deny
Your words say split but your words they lie
Fire
Fire
Fire
Boot: On Your Marks, Get Set...
Label: B Street
Date: May 19 1978
Location: Paramount Theatre, Red Bank, NJ
Time: 2:29
Boot: Go!
Label: B Street
Date: May 23 1978
Location: Shea Theatre, Buffalo, NY
Time: 2:55
Boot: Looking For That Million Dollar Sound
Label: Unknown
Date: May 31 1978
Location: Music Hall, Boston, MA
Time: 3:31
Boot: Kansas City Carboy
Label: Bruce Tree
Date: June 16 1978
Location: Memorial Hall, Kansas City, KA
Time: 3:18
Boot: Raising Cain:
Live From Portland
Label: E Street
Records
Date: June 24 1978
Location: Paramount
Theatre, Portland, OR
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 2:47
Label: No Label
Date: July 5 1978
Time: 2:46
Boot: Roxy Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July 7 1978
Time: 3:14
Boot: Summertime Bruce - Live At The Agora
Date: August 9 1978
Time: 4:46
Label: No Label
City, NY
Time: 4:02
Boot: Killers In The Sun
Label: Winged Wheel
Location: Civic Centre, Saginaw, MI
Time: 3:20
Label: No Label
Time: 2:49
Boot: Someday We'll
Look Back On This
Label: Bruce Tree
Date: September 17
1978
Location: Palladium,
New York City, NY
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 3:14
Boot: Piece De Resistance
Time: 3:14
Boot: 2nd Night At The Capitol Theatre
Label: Winged Wheel
Time: 3:02
Boot: 85-75 The
Outtakes
Label: Catch 22
Records
Date: September 21
1978
Location: Capitol
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 3:04
Time: 3:08
Boot: The Unplanned Gig
Label: Flashback World Productions
Time: 3:04
Boot: Fox Theatre Presents The Boss
Label: Papillon
Location: The Fox Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia
Time: 2:56
Boot: Opera Out On The Turnpike
Label: No Label
Location: St Louis, MI
Time: 3:13
Boot: Winterland
Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: December 15
1978
Location: Winterland,
San Francisco, CA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 3:06
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 2:58
Label: No Label
Time: 2:55
Label: Moonlight
Time: 2:59
Location: Clair Brothers, Lititz, PA
Time: 2:42
Boot: Warming Up
The River Tour
Label: Unbelievable
Music
Location: Clair
Brothers, Lititz, PA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 3:41
Boot: At The Opera House
Label: Doberman
Location: Kiel Opera House, St Louis, MI
Time: 3:59
Boot: The Mountain
Label: Bruce Tree Service
Location: Coliseum, Portland, OR
Time: 5:21
Boot: Heart and Soul
Location: Activity Centre, Tempe, AZ
Time: 5:10
Boot: Open All Night
Label: Loose Ends
City, NY
Time: 3:06
Boot: Wreck On The Highway
Label: Piggham
Location: Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL
Time: 3:36
Boot: Darkness Over Philadelphia
Label: Loose Ends
Time: 4:06
Boot: A Hard Night
To Play
Label: Loose Ends
Date: December 9
1980
Location: The
Spectrum,
Philadelphia, PA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 4:52
Boot: An Evening At MSG
Label: Piggham
Locaton: Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
Time: 5:10
Boot: Opening Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
Time: 4:32
Boot: Coliseum Night
Date: December 29
1980
Location: Nassau
Coliseum, Uniondale,
N.Y.
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 4:14
Boot: Nassau Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 4:33
Boot: Double Shot In South Bend
Label: No Label
Time: 4:19
Date: April 26 1981
Time: 4:42
Date: April 29 1981
Location: Ahoy Sportspalais, Rotterdam,
Holland
Time: 4:13
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: May 2 1981
Time: 3:44
Boot: Follow That Dream
Label: Golden Stars
Date: May 7 1981
Location: Johanneshov Isstadion, Stockholm,
Sweden
Time: 3:54
Boot: Brighton Second Night
Label: No Label
Date: May 27 1981
Location: Conference Centre, Brighton, U.K.
Time: 3:37
Date: June 5 1981
Time: 3:31 and 3:23
Boot: For Those Who Were There That Night
Label: Doberman
Date: June 8 1981
Location: NEC Arena, Birmingham, U.K.
Time: 4:39
Boot: Street Fighting
Man
Label: Real Thing
Date: June 29 1984
Location: Civic
Centre, St Paul, MN
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 2:55
Boot: Alpine Valley Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July 13 1984
Location: Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WS
Time: 3:58
Boot: You Better Not Touch
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Shoreline Ampitheatre, Mountain
View, CA
Time: 5:58
Available:
Frankie
Comments:
A much less common and less popular version than its Born In The U.S.A. era counterpart, this track
shares more similarities musically than it does lyrically to its younger brother, there is a lot of bluffed
lyrics. The highlight is a strong sax solo from Clarence at the conclusion. A good strong track.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Come dead on the run, out on Chelsea Row
Descending the stairs, Frankie my one
Check your self out in the mirror
Babe, come on, let's go
We'll move round this dirty town
'Till the night is all done
Tricks are all over, with plenty of time
The kicks are all coming, straight down the line
??? Frankie, she's not that kind
Frankie you say ???
In the darkness the'll be hidden worlds that shine
Hmmmmm
Walk with me tonight little angel
???
Talk to me tonight little angel
You make all my dream worlds come true
To the shadows where lovers go
Whisper your secrets soft and low
To the shadows where lovers go
Whisper your secrets
Hmmmm
Into the shadows where lovers go
Whisper your secrets so soft and low
Walk with me tonight
Nah nah nah nah nah
Nah nah nah nah nah
Time: 4:44
Date: June 1977
Time: 4:48
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Date: June 1977 August 1978
Location: Atlantic
New York
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 4:51
Available:
Get That Feeling
Comments:
An upbeat, sharp little song that does'nt fit in with the Darkness theme, but would have made a great
B-side or at least a rare live gem, like Rendezvous. Short, sharp and catchy, maybe it should have
figured somewhere in The River. The second version shows Bruce's songmaking process, as he yells
out key changes in the middle of the track.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Yeah girl
Now won't you come on out tonight
Little girl, where the stars will shine real bright
Well I gotta get that feeling
Yeah I wanna get that feeling
Wooohhh, back again
Yeah, back again tonight
Tonight
There's something in the air
Tonight
Ain't got money but I don't care
I gotta get that feeling
I wanna get that feeling
And before the night is through
You're gonna get that feeling too
Hold me in your arms and baby take everything
Let the light shine, and if we dare to
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Da da da da, da da da
Da da da da, da da da
Tonight
Well there's something in the air
And tonight, yeah, we ain't got money but I don't care
We gotta get that feeling
Yeah, we gotta get that feeling
Woooahh back again
Wooohhh say say say say do do do do do do
do do do do do do
do do do do do do
do do do do do do
yeah yeah yeah yeah
do do do do do do
do do do do do do
do do do do do do
yeah yeah yeah yeah
do do do do do do
Time: 3:11
Collection
Time: 3:13
Date: August 1977
Time: 3:11
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:03
Version 2
Three, Four
Hey girl, well won't you come out tonight
No fear in this world, and baby just come dry your eyes
Because we gotta get that feeling
You wanna get that feeling
Oh back again, yeah back again
And its alright, don't you worry about your world
And not tonight, don't you worry it's alright
The stars shining bright
And I'll leave it in your eyes
How did we ever, yes we'll be forever
And it'll be alright
Now there's a moon
And there's a dream way up above
And it starts soon
Well come on and come on and show your love
And we gotta get that feeling, gotta get that feeling
We gotta get that feeling
Whoa back again, we gotta get it back again
Yes we gotta get that feeling, gotta get that feeling
Gotta get that feeling, ??? gotta get that feeling
Gotta get that feeling, gotta get that feeling
Love me tonight, forever again tonight
Whoa and let these arms defend your eyes
And we'll kiss forever and forever, and you will hold me tight
G
???
F
???
C
???
A
???
B
???
Ohhhhh
And come on and dry you eyes we'll be there
And you will leave me and suprise
We gotta get that feeling, we gotta get that feeling
Yes back again, whoa back this time
Gotta get that feeling, gotta get that feeling
Time: 3:25
Available:
Give The Girl A Kiss
Comments:
Appearing officially for the first time on Tracks, there is much doubt to this song being from the
Darkness era, it has all the qualities of a Born To Run track. This was played live for the first time
ever at the recent Christmas shows Bruce and the E-Street band did in Asbury Park for a benefit.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I ain't lookin' for just excitement
Baby that's just a fact
If you want to get to her heart
You better let her know just where you're at
It ain't written in the sky above
No fortune-teller told me this
You gotta tell her that you love her
Tell her that you need her
And give the girl a great big kiss
Give the girl a great big kiss
Now if you're such a fool you think
It don't matter, baby, what you say
Maybe you better tell her how you're feelin'
It ain't gonna happen any other way
Now baby all I wanna do
Is darlin' make sweet love to you
Now I don't know what the meanin' is
Why you wanna hide the things you feel and say
But baby it's just a natural fact
Love was never meant to be that way
Now baby all I wanna do
Is darlin' make sweet love to you
Give the girl a great big, great big
Available:
Boot: Tearing The Walls Of Jersey Down
Label: Dandelion
Date: March 19 1999
Time: 7:49
Hearts Of Stone
Comments:
Unlike the abridged version that appears on Tracks, this version has an extra, rather unwieldy verse
tacked on the end. Eventually this song was give to Southside Johnny, whose version is usually agreed
to be superior by many fans of both artists. A rather heartless, but realistic tale of love gone sour.
Lyrics:
Version 1
You stare in the mirror at the lines in your face
And you try to see, girl
The way things were when we were at your place
In the days it was just you and me, girl
And you cry because things ain't like before
Well don't you know they can't be that way anymore
But don't worry baby
But I can't talk now, I'm not alone
So put your ear close to the phone
Cause this is the last dance
This is the last chance for hearts of stone
If there was something, baby, that I could do
Something that would last, honey, I would
But we all know, girl, especially you do
How you can't return to your past, no
So girl close your eyes and I'll be there
Hold me once more and we can go anywhere
Ah, we could babe
I can't talk now, I'm not alone
Just put your ear close to the phone
This is the last dance
The last chance for hearts of stone
Wooohhaaa Big Man
I can't talk now, I'm not alone
So put your ear close to the phone
Baby this is the last chance
The last dance for hearts of stone
Whoa yes it is babe
You stare in your mirror at the lines in your face
And now you try once again to see
The way it was, the way it was when it was you and me
And you cry because things get so strange so fast
And you cry because times change and you lived in the past
Well I know babe
If there was something I could do, well baby I promise I would
But this is the last dance, the last chance for hearts of stone
This the last dance, the last chance for hearts of stone
Hmmmmmmm....
Time: 5:38
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Time: 5:43
Available:
It's Alright
Comments:
See Crazy Rocker
I Wanna Be With You
Comments:
Arguably not as good as the River versions, this early take on I Wanna Be With You shows how little
the song evolved over the years as Bruce toyed with releasing it. As always its great to hear Bruce
shout "Bosstime" as he launches into a guitar solo. However this version is just lacking that something
extra.
Lyrics:
Version 1
So let the frozen sands crumble, crumble and fall
Yeah that's all right, I don't mind at all
Well let it all tumble right into the sea
Yeah that's all right, that's fine with me
Since you came down the line
I don't sleep at night
I got one thing on my mind
And so every day, every night
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
That's what I wanna do
Cause you're so out of sight
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
Bosstime
Well I lost my job at the Texaco station
Instead of pumpin' gas I dreamed of you
I got thrown out of my house
I got such a bad reputation
Cause all I wanna do is be seen with you
They gave me my pay and said walk
I don't care what they say
Go ahead and let 'em all talk
Until the world falls apart
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
Until they rip out my heart
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
Bedtime, hold tight, love me just a little bit
All night, a little bit more
Tonight, tonight ...
Give me just a piece of it
Oh I don't know, I don't know
I don't understand it, you ain't pretty at all
But I come when you whisper
I run when you call
And baby I can't stand it
And baby that's all
Ridin' by your side in my car
Oh, oh I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
Darlin' don't you know
I wanna be with you
Because I love you so
Time: 3:05
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:08
Available:
Independence Day
Comments:
Of all the songs concerned with Bruce's relationship with his father, this is probably the most moving.
Considered for Darkness..., however Bruce thought it would be best used as the next chapter in the
story, so it found a home on The River, as did some other Darkness outtakes. This did'nt stop it
becoming a infrequent occurence on shows during the Darkness... tour though. Bruce's solo piano
version on Roxy Night is a highlight.
Lyrics:
Version 1
One two three four
Well Papa go to bed now it's getting late
No talking's gonna change anything now
I'll be leaving in the morning from St. Mary's Gate
We wouldn't change this thing even if we could somehow
`Cause the darkness of this house has got the best of us
There's a darkness in this town that's got us too
But you can't touch me now, they can't touch me now
They ain't gonna do to me what I watched them do to you
So just say goodbye it's Independence Day
All boys must run away come Independence Day
All men make their way on Independence Day
Well Papa I don't know what it always was with us
We chose the words and yeah we drew the lines
This house could never hold the two of us
I guess that we were just too much of the same kind
So say goodbye it's Independence Day
All boys must run away come Independence Day
So say farewell it's Independence Day
All men must make their way come Independence Day
Now all the rooms are all empty down at ??? joint
And the highway she's deserted clear down to Breaker's Point
There's a lot
Leaving their friends their homes
At night they walk that dusty highway all alone
So Papa go to bed now it's getting late
Nothing we can say is gonna do anything now
You can't touch me now, no you can't touch me me now
We would'nt change this thing even if we could
All men must run away come Independence Day
Time: 6:24
Chains
Time: 6:26
Available:
Janey Needs A Shooter
Comments:
An excellent song that was re-recorded a few times for different albums, similar to how Frankie
evolved between 1976 and 1984. Would later appear as Jeannie Needs A Shooter, with completely
different lyrics, covered by Warren Zevon. This last evolution of the track is not as good as earlier,
piano based efforts.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well Janey's got a doctor who tears apart her insides
He investigates her and he silently bates her sighs
He probes with his fingers but he knows her heart only through his
stethoscope
Hands are cold and his body's so old
Janey turns him down like dope
Janey needs a shooter Jack
A shooter like me on her side
A shooter man who knows her style
They way that I know her style
Well Janey's got a priest from his marble pulpit he smiles
He provides concillation and confessions at any time
Through the pages of his bible he holds from what Janey he hides
But he's frozen in the clear on the outside
The way that I know her style
Well Janey's got a cop who lives round the block
And checks on her every night
From at through jail outside her house his siren roars when he knows that I'm inside
Well Janey's small and sometimes he scares her
So I held her real close she flowed like a ghost
And I told her bye, so long, I can't play that dope
Well Janey needs a shooter Jack
A shooter man on her side
Janey needs a shooter man
A man who knows her style
The way I know her style
The way I know her style
You need a man who knows your style
The way that I know your style
Time: 6:43
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Time: 6:58
Available:
La La La
Comments:
See The Ballad
Lets Go Tonight
Comments:
The music of Factory with some lyrics from Bye Bye Johnny. A very morose, depressing track that
seems to be an attempt to do something with a good tune until something better comes along lyrically,
which it did with Factory. For completists only, there is little to recommend this track for.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Hey little girly with the red dress on
There's a party tonight down in ???
Yeah and I'm goin if you need a ride
Come on, come on, let's go tonight
Well baby the dreamers ??? liars
They ride down the streets with death in their eyes
And the new world's defeat, baby, it eats your eyes
Come on, come on, lets got tonight
I said come on, come on, lets go tonight
Well a man ???
And he lost his only wife
He walks down the streets babe, with death in his eyes
Well everybody wants heaven, but nobody wants to die
Come on, come on, lets go tonight
Baby, come on, come on, lets got tonight
I said come on, come on, lets go tonight
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Time: 2:10
Available:
No Answer
Comments:
See The Ballad
One Way Street
Comments:
A complete outtake that was thematically in tune with Darkness, perhaps left of the album due to its
length. Nonetheless its a fine song, a poignant view of the moment of realisation when a relationship
is over and its too protagonists must come to the reality that the relationship is heading down a One
Way Street.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Here we go
If the sun should fall from the sky, tomorrow
If the rain brings a tear to your eye I would share your sorrow
But you must go if you can't take the heat
Our love was fine, our love was sweet
But we were walking on the wild side, running down a one way street
When at night, the moon shines, rolling in your eyes
Sometimes, yeah sometimes, I can't forget your lies
But oh the changes come today
And for your wrongs well you must pay
And we're walking on the wild side running down a one way street
It's a dead end baby
Big man do your thing
If and oh, my darling I, I must confess
That this can't be love though I must be a man possessed
When I look in your eyes so bright
Your walking and your dress fits you just right
But babe we're walking down a dead end, running down a one way street
Well if a man could change the things he feels inside
If for once I could turn and maybe swallow some of my pride
But for the wrongs oh yes we must pay
So its bye bye baby today
And we'll go walking down the wild side running down a one way street
Phantom do your thing
Oh yes, oh yes
Yeah when I think of all the girls that I have missed
Well I know I would give them up for just one kiss
It's mmmm we, we are the same kind
And to leave you baby I'd have to go blind
And we're walking on the wild side, running down a one way street
Oh yes we are
We'll keep on walking on that bad side, running down that one way street
Oh yes we will
We'll keep on walking down that bad side, running down that one way street
Time: 5:50
Boot: The Lost Masters Essential Collection Vol.
2
Date: June 1977
Time: 5:51
Date: June 1977
Time: 5:50
Available:
Outside Looking In
Comments:
Brilliant lyrical double meaning in this song, "My lifes the same story / Beginning to end". Very
simple but so effective, a narrative and a cry for help in one. One of Bruce's greatest strengths is he
keeps things relatively simple, thus letting the emotions spill through. A great track with a extremely
good bass line that shines through in the last third of the track. You have to love that line "I was born
in the driving seat"
Lyrics:
Version 1
It's over now, the thing we had
I ain't sorry, babe, I just feel mad
You walk real pretty and you talk real fine
Night after night you wrote the lines
My life's the same story
Again and again
I'm on the outside looking in
On the outside looking in
Hey, make-believe ain't real
I don't doubt the way I feel
You walk real pretty and you talk real sweet
Well babe I was born in the driving seat
My life's the same story
Again and again
Yes I'm on the outside looking in
It's over now, the thing we had
I ain't sorry babe, I just feel mad
You walk real pretty and you talk real fine
Night after night you wrote the lines
My lifes the same story
Beginning to end
Beginning to end
Yes I'm on the outside looking in
Yes I am
Yes I guess I am
Yes I guess I am
Baby I'm on the outside looking in
Time: 2:27
Collection
Time: 2:27
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Time: 2:35
Available:
Paradise By The C
Comments:
An instrumental that often opened the second half of the show during the Darkness tour. This track
features Clarence in a big way. Some good work from Danny on the organ is another highlight. A
great version exists on Roxy Night, with the "Bootleggers, roll your tapes" intro not edited out like the
Live 75-85 version.
Lyrics:
Instrumental
Boot: On Your Marks, Get Set...
Label: B Street
Date: May 19 1978
Location: Paramount Theatre, Red Bank, NJ
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:21
Boot: Go!
Label: B Street
Date: May 23 1978
Location: Shea
Theatre, Buffalo, NY
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:30
Label: Unknown
Date: May 31 1978
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:34
Boot: Kansas City Carboy
Label: Bruce Tree
Date: June 16 1978
Location: Memorial Hall, Kansas City, KA
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 4:00
Boot: Raising Cain:
Live From Portland
Label: E Street
Records
Date: June 24 1978
Location: Paramount
Theatre, Portland, OR
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 4:37
Label: No Label
Date: July 5 1978
Notes: Instumental
Time: 4:47
Boot: Roxy Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July 7 1978
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 4:17
Boot: Oh Boy
Date: August 4 1978
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 5:40
Date: August 9 1978
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:25
Boot: Summertime
Bruce - Live At The
Agora
Label: E-Street
Records
Date: August 9 1978
Location: The Agora
Club, Cleveland, OH
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 4:15
Label: No Label
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 5:13
Boot: Edge Of Darkness
Label: No Label
City, NY
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 5:12
Boot: Killers In The Sun
Label: Winged Wheel
Location: Civic Centre, Saginaw, MI
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 5:24
Label: No Label
Notes: Instumental
Time: 3:39
Boot: Lost In The
Darkness Of Love
Label: Gamble
Records
Date: June 29 1988
Location: Feyenoord
Stadium, Rotterdam,
Holland
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:38
Boot: Summernight Part 2
Label: Piggham
Date: July 3 1988
Location: Stockholm Stadium, Sweden
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:54
Label: Winged Wheel
Date: July 14 1988
Switzerland
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:42
Label: None
Date: July 19 1988
Location: Weissensee Cycling Track, East Berlin, East Germany
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:37
Boot: Wonderful Love In Copenhagen
Label: None
Date: July 25 1988
Location: Idraetsparken, Copenhagen, Denmark
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:33
Available:
Preachers Daughter
Comments:
Similar to Mona, parts of this track would turn up in the Mona / She's The One medley while on the
Darkness... tour. This track would later evolve into Betty Jean, a Born In The U.S.A. era outtake.
Thanks to Ron Palermo for the update.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I got a date with the preacher's daughter
She give me life she bring me water
Every Sunday I watch her work
Pretty little self in a pretty little church
Daddy gives her a nod she takes collection
Daddy gives her a nod she kneels by her side
Well I'd sell my soul for just one touch
The good Lord would too if he loved her half as much
Well I got a date with the preacher's daughter
Her daddy say that the boy's no good
Just want to race some coons out through the back woods
Well baby better believe what your daddy say
Just wanna ramrod baby my life away
It's a long walk to heaven and a road filled with sin
And they better open up the freeway to let me in
'Cause I got a date with the preacher's daughter
Hmmmmmm
Well now I don't care what the preacher say
Haaaaayyyyy
Well now I don't care what the preacher say
Haaaayyyy
I don't care what the preacher like
Haaaayyyy
I don't care what the preacher think
Haaayyyy
Leads me to water but won't let me drink
He leads me to water but won't let me drink
Big Man
And now out on this little road on Saturday night
Two boys fighting in a halo of light
Car door flung open, radio loud
And everybody shouting and running around
Two guys bloody over what I don't know
And all little girls shouting "Go Billy go"
"Go Billy go"
Well just as I got the preacher's daughter ready for a light
And missed a VH fire and something ain't right
And like a she-devil howlin' from the gates of hell
Goddam here come the preacher in his Coupe De Ville
Burnin' up the backroad kicking in the dirt
And oh baby preacher thinks he is in church
Well now your lips they shine in the willow mist
And I swear I'd take you down the aisle for just one kiss
And it's haaaaaayyyooo
Hmmmmmm.....
Time: 5:19
Location: The Record Plant, New York City
N.Y.
Time: 5:21
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Time: 5:23
Available:
Betty Jean
Comments:
Lyrically this is very similar to Preachers Daughter, a Darkness outtake that was occasionally played
between Mona and She's The One during shows. Musically, it is quite similar to a number of other
demos recorded using a drum machine and a synthesiser, like Little Girl and Sugarland.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Black Maryland road on a dark mountain night
Two cars pulled in up ahead on the right
Going up the highway, going to see my Betty Jean
She got eyes like a dead rabbit staring dead in my beams
Well over in the woods in a halo of light
Two red headed boys in a bare knuckle fight
Stretched out on the hood of a GTO
She's smilin' and shouting "Go, Bobby go"
Betty Jean, Betty Jean
Honey you're cute but you sure are mean
Oh Betty Jean
Well she jumped in my car we started driving around
She turned that radio dial to that headbanging sound
Going up the highway she was giving me the itches
Put her hand on my leg I drove us into a drainage ditch
Oh Betty Jean
Mmmmm, bop
Mmmmm, bop
Mmmmm, bop
Mmmmm, bop
Next thing I knew I was running through the crowd
I swore my love forever, she was laughing out loud
We were married in the spring out on 531
Had 15 kids and I hate every single one
Oh Betty Jean
Oh Betty Jean
Oh Betty Jean
Date: August 1982-April 1983
Location: Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA
Time: 2:21
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 16: Unreleased
Masters
Date: August 1982 - April 1983
Time: 2:22
Available:
Prove It All Night
Comments:
Live this song was dynamite, with a long instrumental opening that dramatically built up to the start of
the song. Version 1 of this track contains the lyrics to Something In The Night. A very different
interpretation of this song, its quite disconcerting to be expecting "I've been working real hard..." and
then hear "Well I'm driving down Kingsley..."
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well I'm driving down Kingsley, figuring I'll get a drink
And the radio way up loud so I don't have to think
I swing open the door and you hop in by my side
I take her to the floor looking for a moment that seems right
And something keeps pushing me inside
Pushing to prove it all night, prove it all night
There's nothing else that we can do
'Cept prove it all night, prove it all night
Girl I'll prove it all night for you
Well baby wants a Cadillac, and wants a dress of blue
And honey if I can I'd get these things for you
Girl I got a hunger, I hunger I can't resist
There's so much that I want, right now I want one kiss
To seal our fate tonight
A kiss to prove it all night, prove it all night
Prove it all night babe and call the bluff
Prove it all night, prove it all night
Girl I prove it all night for your love
So we found the things we love crushed and dying in the dirt
Tried to pick up the pieces and get away without getting hurt
Well if dreams came true, ahhhh, baby would'nt that be nice
But this ain't no dream we're living through tonight
You want it, you take it, you better be ready to pay the price
To prove it all night, to prove it all night
There's nothing else we can do
'Cept prove it all night, prove it all night
And girl I'll prove it all night for you
I'll prove it all night, I'll prove it all night
Mmmmmmm
Date: August 1977
Location: Atlantic Studios or The Record Plant, New York City, NY
Time: 3:30
Chains
Date: August 1977
New York City, NY
Time: 3:32
Version 2 and 3
I've been working real hard, trying to get my hands clean
We'll drive that dusty road from Monroe to Angeline
To buy you a gold ring and pretty dress of blue
Baby just one kiss will get these things for you
A kiss to seal our fate tonight
A kiss to prove it all night
Prove it all night
Girl there's nothing else that we can do
So prove it all night, prove it all night
Everybody's got a hunger, a hunger they can't resist
There's so much that you want, you deserve much more than this
But if dreams came true, oh, wouldn't that be nice
But this ain't no dream we're living through tonight
Girl, you want it, you take it, you pay the price
Prove it all night, prove it all night girl
And call the bluff
Prove it all night, prove it all night
And girl, I prove it all night for your love
Baby, tie your hair back in a long white bow
Meet me in the fields behind the dynamo
You hear their voices telling you not to go
They made their choices and they'll never know
What it means to steal, to cheat, to lie
What it's like to live and die
To prove it all night, prove it all night
Girl there's nothing else that we can do
So prove it all night, prove it all night
I'll prove it all night, I'll prove it all night, I'll prove it all night
I'll prove it all night, I'll prove it all night, I'll prove it all night
Whooooaaaaa
Label: Skydisc
Notes: Different mixes of the same track, lyrics match Version 2
Time: Version 1 4:08, Version 2 4:04
Available:
Racing In The Street
Comments:
A few minor lyrical changes but for all intents and purposes, almost identical to the album. Quite a
few different takes exist, but none really deviate from the official release. A fan favourite, and took
the position on the album originally slated for The Promise.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I got a 32 Ford, she's a 318
Fuelie heads and a Hurst on the floor
She'll be sitting tonight down in the parking lot
Down at the Seven-Eleven store
Me and my partner Sonny built her straight out of scratch
And he rides with me from town to town
We only run for the money ain't no strings attached
We shut èm up and we shut èm down
Tonight tonight the strip's just right
I wanna blow èm all out of their seats
So come on out around the world
We're goin' racin' in the street
Well we take all the action we can meet
And we cover all the northeast states
When the strip shuts down we run èm in the street
From the back roads to the turnpike gates
Now some guys they do it for the money
Other guys do it cause they don't know what else they can do
And me I sit with nothing left at home
I got tired of waking up in a world that somebody else owns
And so tonight tonight the strip's just right
I wanna blow èm off in my first heat
Summer's here and the time is right
For goin' racin' in the street
Well I met her on the strip three years ago
She was in a Camaro with this dude from L.A.
And I blew that Camaro off my back
And I stole that little girl away
But now there wrinkles round my baby's eyes
And she cries herself to sleep at night
When I come home the house is dark
She whispers "hey baby did you make it all right?"
Tonight tonight the strips just right
I wanna blow'em all out of their seats
And so come out now everyone
And we'll go racing in the street
Yes come on out now little one and we'll go dying in the street
Yes come on out now everyone and we'll go dying in the street
Look at me it's true
Baby what else can we do
Racing in the street
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1 (slow version). Cuts off at start of third
verse
Time: 3:38
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Time: 5:50
Version 2
Got a 32 Ford, she's a 318
She's waiting tonight down in the parking lot
Outside the Seven-Eleven store
We only run for the money got no strings attached
We shut èm up and we shut èm down
Come on out around the world
We take all the action we can meet
And we cover all the northeast states
From the back roads to the turnpike gates
Some guys they do it for the money
Other guys do it cause they don't know what else they can do
Well and they just hang around in an empty home
Waking up in a world that somebody else owns
Well summer's here and the time is right
For racin' in the street
I met her on the strip three years ago
In a Camaro with this dude from L.A.
I blew that Camaro off my back and I stole that little girl away
But now there's wrinkles around my baby's eyes
The truth it hurts, we turn out the lights
Just to make it all right
She sits on the porch of her daddy's house
But honey your pretty dress is torn
She stares off alone into the night
With the eyes of one who hates for just being born
For all the blown-off strangers and hot rod angels
Stumbling through this promised land
Tonight my baby and me we're gonna ride to the sea
And wash these sins off our hands
Tonight tonight the strips just right
I wanna blow them off in my first heat
Well come on out the time is right
Time: 6:26
2
Date: August 1977
Time: 6:14
Date: August 1977
Time: 6:15
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Time: 6:30
Version 3
I got a sixty-nine Chevy with a 396
We shut èm up and then we shut èm down
And we cover all the northeast state
From the fire roads to the interstate
Some guys they just give up living
And start dying little by little piece by piece
Some guys come home from work and wash up
Then go racin' in the street
Calling out around the world
We're going racin' in the street
I blew that Camaro off my back and drove that little girl away
But now there's wrinkles around my baby's eyes
She sighs "Baby did you make it all right"
But all her pretty dreams are torn
For all the shut-down strangers and hot rod angels
Rumbling through this promised land
Tonight tonight the highway's bright
Out of our way mister you best keep
`Cause summer's here and the time is right
Label: Skydisc
Time: 6:54
Version 4
I got a sixty-nine Chevy with a 396
We shut èm up and then we shut èm down
And we cover all the northeast state
From the fire roads to the interstate
Some guys they do it for the money
Because they dont know what else they can do
They get tired of living with nothing left at home
Waking up in a world that somebody else owns
I wanna fools and the wild one's me
We're calling out around the world
We're going racin' in the street
I blew that Camaro off my back and drove that little girl away
But now there's wrinkles 'round my baby's eyes
She sighs "Baby did you make it all right"
But all her pretty dreams are torn
For all the shut-down strangers and hot rod angels
Rumbling through this promised land
Tonight tonight the highway's bright
Out of our way mister you best keep
`Cause summer's here and the time is right
Date: August 1977
Time: 6:55
Available:
Ramrod
Comments:
An early version of the track that would later appear on The River. Ramrod was played late in the
Darkness... tour, but not to the extent of other forerunners to The River were, such as The Ties That
Bind and Sherry Darling.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Now hey, little dolly with your blue jeans on
Oh we can make it baby all night long
Let your hair down mama and pick up this beat
Oh now meet me tonight baby down on the street
??? Mama ??? stop
Well hey little darling let her bop bop bop
??? engine with a four on the floor
It's a Pontiac engine in a '32 Ford
Late at night when I'm dead on the line
??? hear her whine
???
???
Here we go
I said come on, come on, come on little baby
Come on, come on let's shake it tonight
Come on, come, come on little sugar
Dance with your Mama and her sweet little baby tonight
Alright, Bosstime
Well now come on little darling won't you say you will
Meet me tonight up on top of the hill
???
???
???
???
All right
All right
All right
All right
It's all right
All right
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Time: 4:10
Available:
Rendezvous
Comments:
Sadly not judged good enough for Tracks, this studio cut nonetheless remains a stirring version of a
track that became popular in live shows even before Darkness... was released. Has been played
sparingly on the recent tour. Was covered by the Greg Kihn Band.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I had a dream our love would last forever
I had a dream tonight my dream comes true
She'll be there tonight
If I'm ??? ??? feel right
Ooohhh, I want to rendezvous
Haven't I told you girl
How much I like you
I got a feeling that you like me too
And if you'll hold me tight
We'll be riders girl, on the night
Ooohh, I want a rendezvous
We deserve so much more than this girl
'Cause I'm riding on the power
And living on the promise
In your last kiss
Because I had a dream
Our love would last forever
I had a dream
Tonight my dream comes true
Ooohh, ooohh, ooohh, rendezvous, I want to rendezvous
I want to rendezvous, I want to rendez, I want to rendez, I want to rendezvous
Time: 2:49
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Time: 2:54
Version 2
And if you hold me tight
We'll be riders girl on the night
How much I like you
I got a feeling that we'll be forever
Because I know that
We should be together
I had a dream
Boot: Third Rendezvous In Redbank
Label: B Street
Date: August 3 1976
Location: Monmouth Arts Centre, Redbank, NJ
Time: 3:09
Boot: Palace Theatre
Label: Joker Records
Location: Palace Theatre, Waterbury, CT
Time: 3:05
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Location: Springfield,
MA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 3:45
Boot: Boss Keeps Rockin' Vol. 2
Label: Imtrat Records
Date: October 10 1976?
Location: Hall Auditorium, Miami Uni., Oxford, OH
Time: 3:15
Boot: Live At Rutgers University 1976
Label: None
NJ
Time: 3:07
Version 3
Meet me at midnight (and if you hold me tight)
We'll be riders girl on the night
How much I like you
We deserve so much more than this girl
'Cause I'm riding on the power
And living on the promise
In your last kiss
I had a dream
Boot: It's Only Rock & Roll
Label: No Label
Time: 3:06
Boot: Spirit Of 76
Label: Unknown
Time: 3:29
Boot: Twistin' The Night Away
Label: Red Rose
Location: The Palladium Theatre, New York City, NY
Time: 3:48
Boot: We Gotta Get Out Of This Place
Label: Great Dane
Location: The Palladium Theatre, New York
City, NY
Time: 3:23
Time: 3:14
Boot: And The Rain Came Tumblin' Down
Label: No Label
Location: Civic Centre, St Paul, MN
Time: 3:25
Boot: Action In The
Streets
Label: Unbelievable
Music
Date: February 22
1977
Location: Milwaukee
Arena, Milwaukee,
WI
Time: 3:24
Label: None
Time: 3:29
Date: March 4 1977
Location: Jacksonville Auditorium, Jacksonville,
FL
Time: 3:24
Date: March 4 1977
Location: Jacksonville Auditorium, Jacksonville FL
Time: 3:33
Boot: Everythings Alright
Label: Real Thing
Date: March 5 1977
Location: Jai-Alai Fronton, Orlando, FL
Time: 4:44
Boot: Paramount
Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: December 19
1978
Location: Paramount
Theatre, Portland OR
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 3
Time: 3:24
Label: No Label
Time: 3:11
Label: Moonlight
Time: 3:06
Boot: A Hard Night
To Play
Label: No Label
Date: December 9
1980
Location: The
Spectrum,
Philadelphia, PA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 3
Time: 3:16
Boot: Nassau Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 3:25
Boot: Barcelona Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 11 1999
Location: Palau Saint Jordi, Barcelona, Spain
Time: 3:17
Barcelona Night
Boot: Milano Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 20 1999
Location: Filaforum, Milan, Italy
Time: 4:12
Milano Night
Boot: 1999
Date: April 24 1999
Location: Stadhalle, Vienna, Austria
Time: 4:13
Boot: Earls Court
Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: May 21 1999
Location: Earls Court, Earls Court Night
London, England
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 3
Time: 3:34
Boot: Born To Serve
Label: Diamond Cat
Date: May 30 1999
Location: Wuhlheide, Berlin, Germany
Time: 3:56
Boot: Arnhem Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 19 1999
Location: Gelredome, Arnhem, Holland
Time: 3:44
Born To Serve
Arnhem Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: ???
Location: ???
Time: 3:50
Boot: Last Show Of The Century
Label: Scorpion
Time: 3:34
Frisco Second Night
Last Show Of The
Century
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: March 31 2000
Location: Pepsi
Arena, Denver, CO
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 3
Time: 3:20
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: April 18 2000
Location: Compaq Arena, Houston, TX
Time: 3:18
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: May 22 2000
Location: Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, CA
Time: 3:56
April 18 2000
Label: None
Date: June 17 2000
Time: 3:37
Available:
Sad Eyes
Comments:
See Drive All Night
Sherry Darling
Comments:
Bruce's tribute to "Frat Rock", this version has an almost Hawaiian flavour to it. Similar to the version
that would later appear on The River, this has a slightly looser, more relaxed feel to it, see Bruce's
encouragement of all the backround singing "One more time, singing fine".
Lyrics:
Version 1
Hey hey hey, what you say, Sherry Darlin'
Your mamma's yappin' in the back seat
Tell her to push over and move them big feet
Every Monday morning I gotta drag her down to the agency
Well tell her I ain't fighting I give up
Tell her she wins if she'll just shut up
But it's the last time that she's ridin' with me
And you can tell her there's a hot sun beatin' on the blacktop
She keeps talkin' she'll be walkin' that last block
Tell her she can take a subway back to the ghetto tonight
Well I got some beer and the highway's free
And I got you, and baby you've got me
Hey, hey, hey whataya say Sherry Darlin'
Alright, Big Man on the air
One more time, singing fine
Well now there's girls melting on the beach
Whoa and they're so bad they're way out of reach
They ain't looking for a working boy like me
Tonight we'll run before the tide
With our arms open wide
And they all come running, let'em, down to the sea
So let there be sunlight, let there be rain
Let the brokenhearted love again
Na na na na, na na na na na
We'll let the keeper of the Sacred Heart
And all you operators back in the Park
Say hey, hey, hey whataya say Sherry Darlin'
It's Boss time
Well let there be sunlight, let there be rain
Na na na na, na na na na na alright
Well let Jenny, well she keeps my Heart
Alright Big Man, on the air
Whoa whoa whoa
Once more, once more
Big Man
Time: 5:05
Label: Skydisc
Time: 5:10
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Time: 5:07
Version 2
One, two, three, four,
Big Man, your the man
Whoa whoa whoa
Whoa!
Sing!
Hey hey hey, what you say, Sherry Darlin'
Bosstime
Mamma's yappin' in the back seat
Every Monday morning I gotta drag her to the agency
Well tell her I ain't fighting tell her I give up
Tell her she wins but they she'll just shut up
It's the last time that she's gonna be ridin' with me
Everybody
Well and tell her there's a hot sun beatin' on the blacktop
She keeps walkin', walkin' that last block
Take a subway back to the ghetto tonight
Getting better
Big Man
Alright
Well there's kids waiting on the beach
They look fine but they're out of reach
Na na na na na like me
Well let us run before the tide
With our hearts open wide
And let them all come running, baby, this is, let there be sunlight
So let there be sunlight, let there be rain
Let's show all the kids it will be alright this time
For all the girls down the Sacred Heart
It's Boss time
Big Man
Whoa whoa whoa whoa
Whoa thats alright
Alright Big Man
Hey hey hey, whataya say, Sherry Darlin'
Time: 4:03
Chains
York
Time: 4:06
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Time: 4:04
Available:
Someday Tonight
Comments:
Instrumental
Available:
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 4:39
Label: Unknown
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 4:40
Something In The Night
Comments:
Inferior to the album version, these outtakes lack the emotion and sorrow present on the album cut.
Max's drums dont have quite the same effect, seeming a little bland and flat. A good choice by Bruce
to leave this version off and go with the released version (for a change). Something In The Night was
played live before its release on Darkness..., with different lyrics
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well I'm riding down Kingsley
Figuring I'll get a drink
I turn the radio way up loud
So I don't have to think
Then I ease down on the gas
Looking for a moment when the world seems right
And then I go tearing into the heart
Of something in the night
And I picked this chick up hitchhiking, she hung her head out the window and she screamed
Said she was looking for someplace to go, to die or be redeemed
You can ride this road to dawn, without another human being in sight
Cause baby everybody's gone looking for something in the night
Sometimes you gotta stop riding, sometimes I want to stop my fooling around
Somehow I got stuff running around my head, I can't live with or without
She wants me to push this Charger until the whole world disappears out of sight
And me and her can surrender to the justice of something in the night
Because nothing is ever forgotten, nothing is forgiven
You just walk out on the street, trying to take all the heat that they are given
And man it's just winners and losers, mumbling about some vague wrong or right
And kids like us, rumbling girl, over something in the night
Now all them people out on the island, they lock their doors and take their children by the hand
Put on your black dress baby, because tonight the devil will walk these streets like a man
And I'm gonna bring along my switchblade, in case that fool wants to fight
He can meet us running out on the highway, chasing something in the night
Whoaaaaaa something in the night
Whoaaaaaa there's something in the night
Boot: Palace Theatre
Label: Joker Records
Location: Palace Theatre, Waterbury, CT
Time: 5:02
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Location: Springfield, MA
Time: 4:24
Boot: Boss Keeps
Rockin' Vol. 2
Label: Imtrat Records
Location: Hall
Auditorium, Miami
Uni., Oxford, OH
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 12:13
Boot: Live At Rutgers University 1976
Label: None
Time: 4:36
Version 2
Together, me and her, we could surrender to the justice of something in the night
And I know that nothing is forgotten or forgiven, when its your second time around
And me I got stuff running around my head, I can't live with or without
And all the big boys, the big boys and the players, they stand outside and mumble
About something, something wrong and right
While kids like us rumble baby over something in the night
Now all them folks out on the island, they better lock their doors, take their children by the hand
Because tonight the devil will walk these streets like a man
Better bring along a switchblade, in case that old fool wants to fight
You can tell him I'll be waiting for him in my room with all the lights out, crazy with that something
in the night
Whoaaaaaa theres something in the night
Whoaaaaaa there's something in the night
Label: No Label
Notes: Lyrics match Version 2. With trumpet.
Time: 2:44 (Incomplete)
Version 3
Turn the radio way up loud
And I take her to the floor
And I go tearing into the guts
I pick this chick up hitch-hiking
She just hung her head out the window and she screamed
Said she was looking for someplace to go
To die or be redeemed
So I said baby,
Darling, everybody's gone looking, for something in the night
She said that she was born with nothing, said she would be better off that way
Soon as she got something, they sent somebody to come and try to take it away
She wants me to push my old car, just together me and her
We could make it clean, we could make it fast, we could make it out of sight
Together, we could surrender to the justice of something in the night
And I know that nothing is forgotten or forgiven, you only got one time around
Got stuff running around my head, I can't live with or without
Inside all the big boys and the players, they sit around the table and mumble
While outside kids like us, rumble over something in the night
Tonight me and that little girl, we're gonna love each other until we got nothing left to show
We gonna drive my old car as hard and fast as she will go
For all the ones caught laughin' in our face of the devil
For waitin' when the moment is right
Somewhere we'll surrender to the beauty of something in the night
Whoooaaa theres something in the night
Whoooaaa theres something in the night
Boot: Spirit Of 76
Label: Unknown
Time: 6:03
Version 4
And I go tearing into the guts
I pick this chick up hitch-hiking
She just hung her head out the window and she screamed
Said she was looking for someplace to go
To die or be redeemed
So I said baby,
Darling, everybody's gone looking, for something in the night
She said that she was born with nothing, said she would be better off that way
Soon as she got something, they sent somebody to come and try to take it away
She wants me to push my old car, just together me and her
We could make it clean, we could make it fast, we could make it out of sight
Together, we could surrender to the justice of something in the night
And I know that nothing is forgotten or forgiven, you only got one time around
Got stuff running around my head, I can't live with or without
Inside all the big boys and the players, they sit around the table and mumble
While outside kids like us, rumble over something in the night
When we found the things we loved, and they were lost, crushed and dying in the dirt
Me and her, we tried to pick up some of the pieces and get away without getting hurt
But we should have known, cause they caught us at the state line
Burned our cars, in one last firefight
And they sent us running blind in the swamps, chasin' something in the night
Boot: Twistin' The Night Away
Label: Red Rose
Location: The Palladium Theatre, New York City, NY
Time: 6:04
Boot: Hidden Worlds That Shine
Label: E Street
Location: The Palladium, New York City, NY
Time: 5:39
Boot: We Gotta Get
Out Of This Place
Label: Great Dane
Date: November 4
1976
Location: Palladium
Theatre, New York
City, NY
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 4
Time: 5:11
Version 5
Whoaaa Whooaaaaa
Yeah yeah yeah
Whoooooaaaa
I'm riding down Kingsley
I take her to the floor
And I tear into the guts
Well God's angels can tear this town down
And blow it all into the sea
Well I don't give a damn, yeah thats alright with me
But the streets are living souls but theres nothing but heroes inside
Just mutations that gone wrong
Something in the night
Nothing is forgotten or forgiven
When it's your last time around
I got stuff running 'round my head
That I just can't live down
Well we found the things we loved
They were crushed and dying in the dirt
We thought we could pick up the pieces
And get away without getting hurt
But they caught us at the state line
And burned our cars in one last fire fight
And sent us running burned and blind
Chasing something in the night
Whooooaaaaa
Whooooaaaaa
Hey!
Time: 5:51
Boot: Action In The Streets
Label: Unbelievable Music
Time: 5:57
Version 6
Whoaaa Whooaaaaa
Yeah yeah yeah
Whoooooaaaa
I'm riding down Kingsley
I take her to the floor
You're born with nothing
And better off that way
Soon as you've got something they send
Someone to come and take it away
You can ride this road 'till dawn
Without another human being in sight
Yeahhh everybody's gone yeahhh
Chasing in the night
Well nothing is forgotten or forgiven
I got stuff running around 'round my head
When we found the things we loved
Were crushed and dying in the dirt
We tried to pick up the pieces
And burned our cars in one last fight
And left us running burned and blind
Whooooaaaaa
Whooooaaaaa
Hey!
Date: June 1 1977
Time: 4:50
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Date: June 1 1977
Time: 4:38
Version 7
One two three four
Mmmmmmmmm
Whoaaa Whooaaaaa
Whoooooaaaa
Well I turn the radio way up loud
So I don't have to think at all
Mmmmmmmm
Well you're born with nothing
Someone to try and take it away
Yeah just kid's wasted on
Mmmmmmmmm
Huh
Whooooaaaaa
Whooooaaaaa
Whooooaaaaa
Yeahhhhhhhh
Whoooaaaaa
Hey!
Time: 5:06
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Time: 5:10
Version 8
One two three four
Mmmmmmmmm
Whoaaa Whooaaaaa
Whoooooaaaa
Well I turn the radio way up loud
So I don't have to think at all
Mmmmmmmm
Well you're born with nothing
Someone to try and take it away
Yeah just kid's wasted on
Mmmmmmmmm
Huh
Whooooaaaaa
Whooooaaaaa
Whooooaaaaa
Yeahhhhhhhh
Whoooaaaaa
Hey!
Label: Skydisc
Time: 5:14
Available:
Spanish Eyes
Comments:
An almost finished piece, showcasing some great work from Danny on the organ. Bruce is passionate
throughout, even when making up lyrics halfway through the song. Another great Clarence solo
discarded from Darkness... (if memory serves me correctly, he only gets two solos on the album).
Lyrics:
Version 1
One two three four
Hey little girl
Is your daddy home?
Did he go away and leave you all alone?
Well baby I've been watching you for a long, long time
And I think that we could have us some fun
If you would ???
??? and don't look surprised
You took me with your Spanish eyes
Well Saturday night special baby
And is he good to you?
And does he have money?
Honey like I do?
Can he do the things that I do for you?
???
Like all the bad girls on the line
???
I fell for you Spanish eyes
??? and deep emotion
??? devotion
Well love ???
Well come on home
I wanna stretch out baby
And call you daddy home
Well I'm running tonight, be on my way home
And I got something special baby, just there for you
Come close, and I'll dry your eyes
And together we'll forget all our lies
???
Come here and let me kiss your Spanish eyes
Let me kiss your spanish eyes
Let me kiss your spanish eyes
Come here darling
Time: 3:51
Chains
York
Time: 3:51
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:49
Version 2
One two three four
Little Christine
We're takin' one more run
Secret heart, when the time has begun
Come to part
And hey, you're the one
And now we know
My heart is sold
And though we tried
You took me with your Spanish eyes
Whoaaaa
Hey badlands
Realise
That someone else is yearning
Special Sunday night
And baby there's time
Time enough to cry
With all our sad stories
And all the bad that we've done
And all the times
We've rode on for glory
And tried it all
And you took me with you Spanish eyes
Try it going into B
And if love ???
Your heart ???
??? light
And we get there in sad emotion
And our ???
And come ???
And ???
And we left all with sad devotion
Into A
And emotion
B
???
Stretch out baby
And call your daddy home
'Cause I'm runnin' tonight
Could'nt be all alone
Yes I know how something died
But baby it was just for kicks
It was just for fun
Even with all the bad that we done
They can't say we didn't try
And I fell for your Spanish eyes
Big Man
Saturday night special
Waitin' in the sheets
Oh come on
Talk to me, my sweet
And I'll try to make it complete this time
Come close and let me dry your eyes
Let me try to turn the lies
Let me ???
And let me kiss your Spanish eyes
Let me kiss your Spanish eyes
Come here, baby
Time: 6:22
Label: Skydisc
Time: 6:25
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Time: 6:17
Available:
Streets Of Fire
Comments:
Almost identical to the album version, except for a different guitar solo halfway through. Otherwise,
apart from a few minor lyrical changes, there is little to separate this and the official release.
Unfortunately this was not played all that regularly while on the Darkness tour. A very underrated
song.
Lyrics:
Version 1
When the night's quiet and you don't care anymore
And your eyes are tired and there's someone at your door
And you realise you gotta let go
And there's four tyres calling in the morning and weak lies
But baby I ain't no liar we got
Streets of fire, streets of fire, streets of fire, streets of fire
Now I'm wandering, a loser down the track
And I'm a liar, but babe I can't go back
'Cause in the darkness I hear somebody call my name
And when you realise how they tricked you this time
And it's all lies but I'm strung out on the wire
In these streets of fire, streets of fire, streets of fire
I live now, only with strangers
I talk to, only strangers
Cause we know you, yeah me and you girl we know, what's it all about now baby
And don't look in my face, don't
I'm coming home to this place, cause I'm stranded on the wire in these
Streets of fire, streets of fire, streets of fire
Time: 3:52
Label: Skydisc
Time: 4:04
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:55
Chains
York
Time: 3:42
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:52
Version 2
When the night's quiet and you don't care anymore
And your eyes are tired and there's someone at your door
And you realise you gotta let go
And there's four tyres calling in the morning and weak lies
But baby I ain't no liar we got
Streets of fire, streets of fire, streets of fire, streets of fire
Now I'm wandering, a loser down the track
And I'm a liar, but babe I can't go back
'Cause in the darkness I hear somebody call my name
And when you realise how they tricked you this time
And it's all lies but I'm strung out on the wire
In these streets of fire, streets of fire, streets of fire
I live now, only with strangers
I talk to, only strangers
Cause we know you, yeah me and you girl we know, what's it all about now baby
And don't look in my face, don't
I'm coming home to this place, cause I'm stranded on the wire in these
Date: August 1977
Time: 3:51
Available:
Talk To Me
Comments:
Covered by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Dukes. No known version exists that have Bruce
singing, only an instrumental. However, for your reading pleasure, the lyrics are provided below in
full technicolour, if you want to sing along karaoke style to the tune.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well every night I see a light up in your window
But every night you won't answer the door
But although you won't ever let me in
From the street I can see your silhouette sittin' close to him
What must I do
What does it take
To get you to
Talk to me
Until the night is over
Talk to me
Well until the night is over, yeah yeah yeah
I got a full week's pay
And baby I've been working hard each day
I'm not asking for the world you see
I'm just asking girl
Talk to me
Well late at night I hear the music you're playing soft and low
Yes and late at night I see the two of you swayin' so close
I don't understand darling what was my sin
Why am I down here below while you're up there with him
What did I do
What did I say
What must I pay
To get you to
Talk to me
Talk to me
Well until the night is over, yeah yeah yeah
I got a full week's pay
And baby I've been working hard each day
I'm down on my bended knees
I'm just asking darling please won't you
Talk to me
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I don't understand darling what was my sin
Why am I down here below while you're up there with him
What did I do
What did I say
Why must I pay
To get you to
Talk to me
Well until the night is over, yeah, yeah, yeah
I got a full weeks pay
And baby I've been working hard every day
I'm down on my bended knees
I'm just asking darling please won't you
Talk to me
Available:
Date: August 1977
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 4:04
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Date: August 1977
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 4:07
Date: August 1977
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:59
The Iceman
Comments:
Identical to the Tracks version except some backing vocals are included and the sound is not as
"clean", the sound engineers did a remarkable job cleaning this song up for Tracks. Great bass line.
Contains some lyrics that later appear in Badlands. Remarkably, Bruce completely forgot this song
existed until he started listening to material to compile Tracks.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Sleepy town ain't got the guts to budge
Baby this emptiness has already been judged
You're a strange part of me you're a preacher's girl
And I don't want no piece of this mechanical world
Got my arms open wide and my blood is running hot
We'll take the midnight road right to the devil's door
And even the white angels of Eden with their flaming swords
Won't be able to stop us from hitting town in this dirty old Ford
Well it don't take no nerve when you got nothing to guard
I got tombstones in my eyes and I'm running real hard
My baby was a lover and the world just blew her away
Once they tried to steal my heart, beat it right out of my head
But baby they didn't know that I was born dead
I am the Iceman, fighting for the right to live
I say better than the glory roads of heaven
Better off riding hell-bound in the dirt
Better than bright lines of the freeway
Better than the shadows of your daddy's church
Better than the waiting
Baby better off is the search
Time: 3:15
Boot: The Iceman
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:20
Available:
The Loser
Comments:
See The Promise
The Promise
Comments:
Perhaps the most famous Bruce outtake of all time, and deservedly so, this was slated to appear on
Darkness until Racing In The Street got the nod ahead of it. Or maybe it was left off because this song
cuts a little too close to the bone. Although Bruce has said he does'nt write about lawsuits, he never
said he did'nt write about the emotions derived from a painful legal wrangle, after all, his music was
on the line. A quite brilliant track, much better than the transparent version to appear on 18 Tracks 21
years too late.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Thanks to Blue Tele for the lyrics to this one
Johnny works in a factory
Oh and Billy works downtown
Terry works in a rock and roll band
Searching for that million dollar sound
And me, I don't do nothing much
I spend a lot of time alone
Some nights I go to the movies
And some nights I stay home
I followed that dream
Just like those guys do
Way up on the screen
Drove a cut down Challenger on Saturday night
Through the dead ends and all the bad scenes
But when the promise was broken
I cashed in a few of those dreams
Whoaaaa
Well now, I built that Challenger by myself
But I needed money, and so I sold it
I lived a secret I should've kept to myself
But I got drunk one night and I told it
And once I had a girl who loved me so
I guess I'd loved her too if I had the sense
But somehow, I can never let myself go
My love is no good in the end
'Cause it's a loser
I'm gonna sit by this window 'til things work out all right
'Cause it's a loser
There's something burning down on the highway tonight
Well now I won big once and I hit the coast
But I paid a big cost
Inside, I felt like I was carrying the broken spirits
Of all the other ones who'd lost
When the promise was broken, I went on living
But man, it takes something from down in your soul
When the truth is spoken
And it don't make no difference
Something in your heart turns cold
Because I followed that dream
Through the dusty towns and all the two-bit bars
And when the promise was broken
I was drunk and far away from home
Sleeping with a stranger
In the back seat of a borrowed car
For it's a loser
Here's one for the lost lovers and all the fixed games
It's a loser
Here's one for the tires rushing by in the rain
It's a loser
And the way me and Billy, we'd always say
It's a loser
We was going to take it all and throw it all away
Boot: Third Rendezvous In Redbank
Label: B Street
Date: August 3 1976
Location: Monmouth Arts Centre, Redbank, NJ
Time: 5:04
Version 2
Johnny works in a factory, Billy works downtown
Terry works in a rock & roll band
Looking for that million dollar sound
Me I don't do nothing much
Some nights I go to the drive-in
You see I followed that dream
Just like those guys do way up on the screen
Drove a built up Challenger
Down Route 9
I cashed in a few of my dreams
Well see I built that Challenger by myself
But I needed money and so I sold it
And I lived a secret I should've kept to myself
All my life I fought that fight
The one that no man can ever win
And every day it just gets harder
To live the dream I'm believing in
Thunder Road....
I stay up every morning until it turns light
Thunder Road....
There's something dying out on the highway tonight
Oh but somehow I paid the big cost
Inside I felt like I was carrying
The broken spirits of all the other ones who'd lost
When the promise is broken you go on living
But man it takes something from down in your soul
Like when the truth is spoken, and it don't make no difference
Something in your heart grows cold
Cause I followed that dream, me and some guys
Through the dead ends and all the two-bit bars
The night the promise was broken
I was drunk and far away from home
Sleeping in the back seat of a borrowed car
Thunder Road....
Thunder Road....
Thunder Road....
I remember when me and Ruth, we'd always say
Thunder Road....
We were gonna take it all, and throw it all away
Label: No Label
Time: 6:23
Boot: Spirit Of 76
Label: Unknown
Time: 5:52
Boot: Twistin' The
Night Away
Label: Red Rose
Location: The
Palladium Theatre,
New York City, NY
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 5:36
Label: E Street
Location: The Palladium, New York City, NY
Time: 5:33
Label: None
Time: 6:08
Label: No Label
Date: March 22 1977
Time: 6:54
Version 3
Johnny works in a factory and Billy works downtown
Me I don't do nothing
Well I followed that dream
Drove that Challenger
Down Route 9
When the promise was broken
I cashed in a few of my old dreams
Well now I built that Challenger by myself
But I got drunk one night and I guess I just told it
All my life I fought this fight
The one that no man can never win
Thunder Road....
Thunder Road....
There's something burning down the highway tonight
But man it steals something from down in your soul
Well I followed that dream, to the mid-west flat tracks
To the dead ends and the two-bit bars
I was far away from home
Thunder Road....
Thunder Road....
Thunder Road....
I remember when we, we'd always say
Thunder Road....
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Time: 5:40
Version 4
Me sometimes I don't do nothing
Cause I spend a lot of time alone
I followed that dream
Drove a chopped up Challenger
Down Route 9
I cashed in a few of my dreams
All my life I fought the fight
The one that no man can never win
Thunder Road....
Thunder Road....
There's something dying out on the highway tonight
I felt like I was carrying
But man it steals something from down in your soul
Well I followed that dream, to the south-west flats
In the dead ends and the two-bit bars
Thunder Road....
Thunder Road....
Thunder Road....
I remember when me and Terry, we'd always say
Thunder Road....
Time: 5:23
Time: 5:28
Collection
Time: 5:30
Date: August 1977
Time: 5:26
Date: August 1977
Time: 5:28
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Date: June 1977 April 1978
Location: Atlantic
New York
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 4
Time: 5:28
Version 5
Terry works in a rock and roll band looking for that million-dollar sound
And I got a little job down in Darlington but some nights I don't go
Some nights I go to the drive-in, whoa some nights I stay home
I followed that dream just like those guys do way up on the screen
And I drove a Challenger down route 9
Through the dead-ends and all the bad scenes
And when the promise was broken I cashed in a few of my dreams
And I lived a secret I should have kept to myself
The fight that no man can ever win
And everyday it just gets harder to live
This dream I'm believing in
Thunder Road
Oh baby you were so right
Thunder Road
There's something dying down on the highway tonight
I won big once and I hit the coast
But it steals something from down in your soul
I followed that dream, to the south-west tracks
The dead ends, the two-bit bars
Thunder Road....
For the lost lovers and all the fixed games
Thunder Road....
For the tires rushing by in the rain
Thunder Road....
I remember when me and Billy, we'd always say
Thunder Road....
Time: 7:14
N.Y.
Time: 7:14
Label: Dandelion
Date: March 19 1999
Time: 4:47
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: March 19 1999
Time: 5:09
Boot: Los Angeles
Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Los Angeles Night
Location: Staples
Centre, Los Angeles,
CA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 5
Time: 4:45
Label: None
Date: July 1 2000
Time: 5:36
Version 6
Terry works in a rock and roll band looking for that million-dollar sound
And I got a little job down in Darlington but some nights I don't go
Some nights I go to the drive-in, whoa some nights I stay home
I followed that dream just like those guys do way up on the screen
And I drove a Challenger down route 9
Through the dead-ends and all the bad scenes
And when the promise was broken I cashed in a few of my dreams
And I lived a secret I should have kept to myself
The fight that no man can ever win
And everyday it just gets harder to live
This dream I'm believing in
Thunder Road
Oh baby you were so right
Thunder Road
There's something dying down on the highway tonight
Well now my daddy taught me how to walk quiet
And how to make my peace with the past
And I learned real good to tighten up inside
And I don't say nothing unless I'm asked
But it steals something from down in your soul
I followed that dream, to the south-west tracks
The dead ends, the two-bit bars
Thunder Road....
And when it washes away with the rain
Thunder Road....
You learn to walk among the remains
Thunder Road....
I remember when me and Billy, we'd always say
Thunder Road....
Throw it all away
Boot: Go!
Label: B Street
Date: May 23 1978
Location: Shea Theatre, Buffalo, NY
Time: 6:35
Label: Unknown
Date: May 31 1978
Time: 6:41
Boot: Kansas City
Carboy
Label: Bruce Tree
Date: June 16 1978
Location: Memorial
Hall, Kansas City, KA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 6
Time: 7:22
Date: June 24 1978
Location: Paramount Theatre, Portland, OR
Time: 7:39
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 25 1978
Location: Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA
Time: 6:56
Label: Templar
Records
Date: July 1 1978
Location: Berkeley
Community Centre,
Berkeley, CA
Notes:Lyrics match
Version 6
Time: 6:31
Label: No Label
Date: July 5 1978
Time: 6:33
Available:
The Promised Land
Comments:
Identical to the album version, except for a missing guitar solo half-way through. A fantastic live
song, there are remarkably few outtakes circulating of this track for some reason. Also lends itself
well to an acoustic setting, as was discovered on the Tom Joad tour, as it was often a show closer.
Lyrics:
Version 1
On a rattlesnake speedway in the Utah desert
I pick up my money and head back into town
Driving cross the Waynesboro county line
I got the radio on and I'm just killing time
Working all day in my daddy's garage
Driving all night chasing some mirage
Pretty soon little girl I'm gonna take charge
The dogs on Main Street howl `cause they understand
If I could take one moment into my hands
Mister I ain't a boy no I'm a man
And I believe in a promised land
I've done my best to live the right way
I get up every morning and go to work each day
But your eyes go blind and your blood runs cold
Sometimes I feel so weak I just want to explode
Explode and tear this whole town apart
Take a knife and cut this pain from my heart
Find somebody itching for something to start
Mmmmmmmmm
There's a dark cloud rising from the desert floor
I packed my bags and I'm heading straight into the storm
Gonna be a twister to blow everything down
That ain't got the faith to stand its ground
Blow away the dreams that tear you apart
Blow away the dreams that break your heart
Blow away the lies that leave you nothing but lost and brokenhearted
Label: Skydisc
Time: 4:23
Available:
The Way
Comments:
A haunting song, in some ways similar to I'm On Fire. Punctuated by a fantastic solo from Clarence,
this song is another demonstration of how a man can draw faith through his love from a woman, a
recurrent theme through Springsteen's music
Lyrics:
Version 1
The way your heart beats when I hold you tight
The way you sigh when we kiss goodnight
The way the wind blows through the trees
Well hey, thats the way you belong to me
The way you warm me baby when I'm cold
The way you make me want you body and soul
The way the rivers run to the sea
The way you soothe me when I'm in pain
The way you make the blood rush in my veins
The way the winds rush through the trees
When I lose faith you take my hand
The way you make me feel like I'm a man
The way the sun belongs to the sea
The way you make me feel like I belong
And if I could girl though I know it'd be wrong
I'd lock you deep inside
'Till the last rains fall
And hide you from the emptiness of it all
Sometimes at night I lie awake
I pull you close and feel each breath you take
The way the rivers belong to the seas
Mmmmmmm
Time: 4:01
Location: The Record Plant, New York City
N.Y.
Time: 3:59
Time: 4:01
Boot: The Way
Label: Scorpio
Time: 3:57
Available:
Whats The Matter Little Darling
Comments:
A track much more suited to Born To Run, it has a bar band feel to it, much like Sherry Darling.
Would have rocked live during the Born To Run tour. This cut is only let down by some unintelligible
lyrics midway through the song.
Lyrics:
Version 1
You dont like the way, like the way I walk
You dont like, like the way I talk
You dont like, the things I do at night
You complain, say that I'm not right
You complain, about the way I dress
You complain, say my hair's a mess
Criticise, all the things I do
No alibi's satisfy
Whoaa
Whats the matter little darling
???
Whoaa
You criticise about the way I drive
No alibi's cause baby they're all jive
???
???
???
???
???
???
Whoaa
Hey hey little darling
???
Is never good enough for you
Whoaa
Hey hey little darling
???
???
You complain about the way I drive
You criticise the way I love you at night
All you do ???
I dont know why ???
You dont like, like the way I dress
You dont like, the way my hair's a mess
You dont like ???
All I want ???
Whoa
Hey little darling
No matter what I do, it's not good enough for you
No matter what I do, it's not good enough for you
No matter what I do it ain't enough for you
Date: November 1977 - April 1978
Time: 4:09
Date: November 1977 - April 1978
N.Y.
Time: 4:09
Boot: The Definitive River Outtakes Vol. 2
Date: May 19 1978
Location: Asbury Park, NJ
Time: 3:55
Available:
World Of Dreams
Comments:
See The Fast Song
You're Gonna Cry
Comments:
The River
All I Need
Baby Come Back
Baby Dont Go
Be True
Blackwood
Break My Heart
Bring On The Night
Cadillac Ranch
Chain Lightning
Chevrolet Deluxe
Cindy
Crush On You
Dollhouse
Don't Do It To Me
Down In White Town
Drive All Night
Every Day And Every
Night
Everybody Wants To
Be My Baby
Everybodys Looking
For Someone
Everyone Loves You
"we went down to the river...."
Fade Away
Fade To Black
Find It Where You
Can
From Small Things
(Big Things One Day
Come)
Held Up Without A
Gun
Here She Comes
Hungry Heart
I Dont Know
I Dont Wanna Be
I Wanna Be With
You
I Wanna Marry You
I Wanna Start A
Brand New Life
I'm A Rocker
I'm Gonna Be There
Tonight
I'm Gonna Treat You
Right
In The City Tonight
Independence Day
Jackson Cage
Jeannie Needs A
Shooter
Living On The Edge
Of The World
Looking For Love
Looking Out For
Number 1
Loose Ends
Love And Kisses
Love Is A Gun
Love's Gonna Be
Tonight
Love Will Get You
Down
Man Who Got Away
Mary Lou
Mr Outside
Night Fire
Oh Angelyne
Out In The Street
Out On The Run
Party Lights
Point Blank
Ramrod
Restless Nights
Rich Punk
Ricki Wants A Man
Of Her Own
Roulette
Sherry Darling
Shes A Rocker
Slow Fade
Son You May Kiss
The Bride
Stockton Boys
Stockton Girls
Stolen Car
Take' Em As They
Come
The Price You Pay
The River
The Ties Than Bind
The Time Inbetween
Tonight
Two Hearts
Under The Gun
Untitled
Walking On The
Avenue
Where The Bands
Are
White Lies
White Town
Wild Kisses
Wreck On The
Highway
You Can Look (But
You Better Not
Touch)
You Gotta Be Kind
You Gotta Fight
All I Need
Comments:
Not really a River outtake, this song was played briefly in a soundcheck at the Meadowlands before a
show on The River tour. It has some bluffed lyrics and shouted out key changes common to a sound
check tune.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Na na na na na
I don't need birthday presents
Ask me
All I ???
All I could stand
???
Like it meant something baby
Hold on child, because I'm coming
Now baby, you're all I need now
Baby, you're all I want
Baby, you're all I need now
My babe, you're all I want
Lets try ???
Na na na na, na na na
Na na na na, na na na
C
???
Date: July 8th 1981
Location: Brendan Byrne Arena, The Meadowlands, N.J.
Time: 2:13
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 5: Heaven's Dawn
Date: July 8th 1981
Location: Brendan Byrne Arena, The Meadowlands, N.J.
Time: 2:59
Version 2
You're all I need now my baby
You're all I need to be happy
Some men ain't satisfied by the pleasure love brings no no
And some men ain't happy with just simple things now
They need more, more love is about oh yeah
Any more ... we took a vow
Cause baby you're all I need now my darling
You're all I need in this world
You're all I need now my baby yeah, yeah, oh yeah
Some men need money
Just to get...survive
Some men need lots of ??? just to survive, oh yeah
But ??? baby thats not me ???
Baby you're all I need now my baby
You're all I need
You're all I need now my baby
You're my reason to believe
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 7: Stockton Boy
Date: ?
Location: Holdmel, NJ
Time: 2:47
Available:
Baby Come Back
Comments:
A typical short River outtake with some difficult to interpret lyrics.
Lyrics:
Version 1
??? you're gone all night
Goin' back and I don't know now
Baby ???
???
Everyone's just walking around
And I know I should'nt care
Baby ???
It's all just running around in my head
Come back, come back, baby come back
Back back baby come back
Come back, baby come back
Come back come back now baby come back
Come back come back baby come back
Back baby, baby come back
Come back, come back baby come back
Back oh baby come back
And I watched you walk away
Baby I stood so proud
Like a fool ???
I should have cried aloud
Should have never let you go
Should have known ???
I'm going back and I know what
I know baby what I'm gonna do
Well come back. come back, baby come back
Come back, come back baby come back
Come back back baby come back
Back back baby come back
Well come back, back, baby come back
Back baby baby come back
Back baby back come back Back back baby come back
Date: Early 1979
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Time: 2:03
Boot: Lost Masters Vol. 9: Love Is A Gun
Date: Early 1979
Time: 2:04
Available:
Baby Don't Go
Comments:
A track very much dominated by the chorus Baby Don't Go.
Lyrics:
Version 1
???
I can't keep from loving
But my baby is ???
Baby I know
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Baby if you go to be
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Now maybe I'm not the kind of man who you want
Maybe I can't deliver to you all the things you so desire
Keep ???
Unless there's something that I don't know
That I can know
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Baby I got a feeling inside don't go
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
???
Baby don't go
Baby I got a feeling deep inside don't go
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
No no
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Don't go
I got a feeling runnning deep inside don't go
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
I got a feeling runnning deep inside don't go
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Boot: Lost Masters Vol. 8: Under The Gun
Date: March-April 1979
Location: Holmdel, NJ
Time: 2:31
Version 2
Baby I'm not the kind of man ???
Baby I'm not the kind of man who cares about the way that you talk
But if I was baby I'd tell you so
And then you would surely know
That I love you without ???
Baby don't go
No no no no no no
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
???
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Baby don't go
Don't go
Don't go
Don't go
Don't go
Time: 1:12
Available:
Be True
Comments:
A B-side to Fade Away, this song has a brief resurgence during the Tunnel Of Love tour, when a live
version appeared on the EP Chimes Of Freedom. A great little number, with a searing Sax solo from
Clarence near the end. Mary Lou and White Lines are very similar tracks, especially the former, as
can be seen on Tracks.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Your scrapbook's filled with pictures of all your leading men
Well baby don't put my picture in there with them
Don't make us some little girls dream that can't ever come true
That only serves to hurt and make you cry like you do
Well baby don't do it to me and I won't do it to you
You've seen all the romantic movies you dream and take the boys home
But when the action fades your left all alone
You deserve better than this little girl can't you see you do
Do you need somebody to prove it to you?
Well baby you prove it to me and I'll prove it to you
Now every night you go out looking for true loves satisfaction
But in the morning you end up settling for just lights, camera, action
And another cameo role with some bit player your befriending
Your gonna go broken hearted looking for that happy ending
Well girl your gonna end up just another lonely ticket sold
Crying alone in the theatre as the credits roll
You say I'll be like those other guys
Who filled your head with pretty lies
And dreams that can never come true
Well baby you be true to me
And I'll be true to you
Date: April 1979 to August 1980
Location: The Power Station, New York City, NY
Time: 3:56
Version 2
Boot: The Ties That Bind
Label: Unknown
Date: April - September 1979
Time: 3:54
Version 3 and 4
Version 5
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 6: Travel In Fear
Date: 1979-1980
Time: 3:42
Available:
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Capitol Centre, Landover, MI
Time: 4:46
Boot: C'Mon Mr Trouble
Label: No Label
Location: Capital Centre, Landover, MD
Notes: Soundcheck
Boot: First Date
Label: No Label
Date: February 25
1988
Location: The
Centrum, Worcester,
MA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 4:25
Boot: Tunnel Of Lust
Label: Swingin' Pig
Location: Worcester Centrum, Worcester, MA
Time: 4:51
Boot: Bloomington Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 4:50
Boot: Cleveland Tunnel
Label: Fakida Records
Date: March 14 1988
Location: Richfield Coliseum, Cleveland, OH
Time: 4:50
Label: No Label
Date: April 4 1988
Time: 4:53
Boot: Monday Night's
Date Night
Label: None
Date: April 25 1988
Location: Sports
Arena, Los Angeles,
CA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 4:54
Boot: Ready For A Ride
Label: Bruce Tree
Date: May 2nd 1988
Location: Shoreline Ampitheatre, Mountain View, CA
Time: 4:41
Boot: Roses And Broken Hearts
Label: Doberman
Date: May 3rd 1988
Location: Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain
View, CA
Time: 4:51
Boot: This Is Not A Dark Ride?
Label: Doberman
Date: May 22 1988
Time: 4:57
Date: June 15 1988
Time: 5:01
Boot: The Promise
Delivered
Label: None
Date: June 12 2000
Location: Madison
Square Garden, New
York City, NY
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 4:37
Blackwood
Comments:
See Everybodys Looking For Somebody
Everybody's Looking For Somebody
Comments:
Also known as Blackwood. A ver short and spartan solo acoustic demo.
Lyrics:
Version 1
They caught Bobby by Lakefoot Road
Standing there saying how the story gets told
???
???
???
???
???
Oh yeah
??? nobody gets hurt
Blackwood
Everybody's looking for somebody
Everybody's looking
Everybody's looking
Everybody's looking for somebody
Oh yeah
Date: 1979
Time: 0:45
Available:
Break My Heart
Comments:
See also Tonight
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 14: Out On The
Run
Date: 1979
Location: Telegraph Hill Studio, Holmdel, NJ
Notes: Lyrics unintelligible
Available:
Tonight
Comments:
Much more reminiscent of the Darkness era than The River period. The lyrics are very hard to
decipher, but Bruce makes it clear that he want's to be his sweethearts man tonight, tonight, tonight.
Lyrics:
Version 1
???
Why can't we try to see our different ways
I want you back girl ???
???
But now I want ???
Tonight
I want to be ???
Tonight
I want to be ???
Tonight
I want to be ???
Tonight, whoa tonight
??? I want to find ???
???
???
???
??? tonight
???
Tonight
???
Tonight
I'm gonna ???
Tonight, tonight oh baby tonight
Whoa tonight
??? I had a dream ???
??? I'd live without you
???
???
We'll find it tonight
??? kiss your lips tonight
??? fingertips tonight
??? be your man tonight
tonight, tonight, tonight
Whoa tonight
Date: October 1978
Location: New Jersey Studio
Time: 2:57
Label: Yellow Dog
Date: October 1978
Blauvelt, N.Y.
Version 2 to 6
Everyday ??? I wanna be around you
Gotta gotta gotta gotta be, I wanna be around you
What I want ??? baby ???
But god, I just can't stop and let you go
And I can't leave you
Tonight!
All I wanna do is kiss you lips
Tonight!
All I ??? .fingertips
Tonight!
????
Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
Woah, tonight
????
Come on come on come on come back, baby
And I've got ???
Well I ???
Well I ???
And I ???
And I ???
Tonight!
Tonight!
All I wanna do is kiss your lips
Tonight!
Tonight!
Woah tonight
????
????
????
Wild kisses ???
???
I wanna ???
Wild kisses ???
Wild kisses ??
Tonight!
Tonight!
Tonight!
Tonight tonight tonight tonight
Label: Yellow Dog
Date: October 1978
Time: Version 1: 3:47, Version 2: 1:23, Version 4: 2:54, Version 5: 3:30,
Version 6: 3:48
Available:
Bring On The Night
Comments:
A minor classic, released officially for the first time on Tracks. Absolutely brilliant line "I look for
connection in some new eyes, but for protection they're tranquilised". Great solo once again from the
Big Man. Not widely circulated, this track was virtually unknown until Tracks.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I lie in bed but baby I can't sleep
No matter how hard I try
There's something bad, baby, wrong with me
Whenever I close my eyes
The dreams of Mary keep me awake
With every little curve in place
When I walk home in the daybreak I pray come back home, baby, won't you give me
Darlin' bring on the night, oh yeah darlin', bring on the night
I walk the street, I'm lookin' for romance
I end up stumblin' in some stupid half-trance
As I watch the lovers mix with circumstance
We watch the disco dancers dance
Is it as simple as it seems
I don't know what I'm doin' here, is it as simple as it seems
Is it as simple as I fear, well if I'm right . . .
Version 2
Oh darling bring on the night
Oh sweet darling, bring on the night
Well if I'm right
Boot: Lost Masters Vol. 11
Date: May 14 1979
Notes: Lyrics largely indecipherable
Time: 1:49
Version 3
I walk down the street checkin' for romance
Stumblin' in some stupid half trance
Walkin' down town ???
Disco dancers ah ah ah ah
Bring on the night, oh darlin', bring on the night
Oh baby, bring on the night
Baby I ???
??? living on the edge
???
???
???
Baby ???
Little girl ???
Little girl ???
Bring on the night, oh won't somebody bring on the night
Bring on the night
Na na na na na
Na na na na na
Na na na na na
Na na na na na
Well if I'm right
Baby you been telling me lies
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 12: Buddy Holly Revisited
Date: 1979
Time: 2:40
Version 4
Sometimes I lay in bed and I can't sleep
I know something's wrong with me babe
???
I can feel something wrong inside
Baby just refuse, refuse to sit by
I wish someone would come and turn out the light
??? baby please ???
Bring on the night
Bring on the night
Bring on the night
Bring on the night
Bring on the night
To make everything allright
You can either ???
???
???
???
???
I can get you by ??? dream girl
Dream girl
???
??? girl
???
Bring on the night
Bring on the night
If it's alright
Bring on the night
Bring on the night baby
???
Little girl ???
???
???
???
I wanna ???
???
Dont want to be ???
???
Bring on the night
Bring on the night
Bring on the night
Date: Early 1979
Time: 3:23
Version 5
??? and I can't
I lay in bed and I can't sleep
There's something bad, baby wrong with me girl
??? girl
I can feel a fire inside me
???
In the day ??? day girl
??? pull down the shade girl
??? someone can turn out the light
Coming home baby, bring home your love
Better bring on the night
Bring on the night
Bring on the night
Bring on the night
Everyday I see...angry faces
Waiting on the street, looking my way
Oh they ??? places
???
I ???
???
And Mister ???
Baby bring on the night
Bring on the night
Oh bring on the night
Baby bring on the night
???
???
???
???
Everyday I wait to see some sun
But sometimes I feel it will never come
Theres a ??? seem confused
Is a dream a lie if it don't come true girl
But if thats true then just pull down the shade girl
If thats true, turn out the lights right now
???
Oh baby bring on the night
Bring on the night
Bring on the night
Just bring on the night
Bring on the night
Bring on the night
Bring on the night
Date: Early 1979
Time: 4:13
Version 6
Everyday the newspapers say the same thing
Turn on the TV all I get is confused
??? murder in the first degree
I'm getting fed up with all this delusion
Little killer baby talk to you each day
Little killers, watch them play
Little killers let big killers get their way
Oh darling bring on the night
Baby bring on the night, it's alright
Yes bring on the night, little baby
Bring on the night
And I can't make it out with this ???
I don't know what I'm doing here
Oh baby is it a sinful as I fear
If I'm right, cause I feel
If I'm right
Bring on the night
Bring on the night, block out the daylight
Date: Early 1979
Time: 1:23
Available:
Cadillac Ranch
Comments:
A typical Bruce car song, the car as the working mans means of status escape, where a factory worker
can drive the same vehicle as a movie star. But he also acknowledges that its an ageing symbol, a
dinosaur living in the wrong time. Despite its gas guzzling, its a dinosaur worth hanging on to, even
after death.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well there she sits buddy just a-gleaming in the sun
There to greet a working man when his day is done
I'm gonna pack my pa and I'm gonna pack my aunt
I'm gonna take them down to the Cadillac Ranch
Eldorado fins, baby, whitewalls and skirts
Rides just like a little bit of heaven here on earth
Well buddy when I die throw my body in the back
And drive me to the junkyard in my Cadillac
Cadillac, Cadillac
Long and dark shiny and black
Open up your engines let èm roar
Tearing up the highway like a big old dinosaur
James Dean in that Mercury `49
Junior Johnson runnin' through the woods of Caroline
Even Burt Reynolds in that black Trans Am
All gonna meet down at the Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac, Cadillac
Open up your engines let èm roar
Tearing up the highway like a big old dinosaur
Hey little girlie in the blue jeans so tight
Drivin' alone through the Wisconsin night
You're my last love baby you're my last chance
Don't let èm take me to the Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac, Cadillac
They came to my house today
Came and took my baby away
Time: 3:03
Available:
Chain Lightning
Comments:
Typical River era song, the band version is a real good rocker, unfortunately with some
incomprehensible lyrics, apart from the chorus.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Baby I ain't into style, baby I ain't into fashion
I just got a passion for chain lightning
Theres a rumble in the park, there's a thunder in the dark
A night so quiet stretched chain lightning
Beneath a street light there was fighting in the night
Baby sitting here cause chain lightning
Hustle.....chain lightning
Lovers walking through the mist, Romeo steals a kiss
Thats when it hits chain lightning
You never hear a sound, there's a fire on the ground
You ??? coming down, spitting on the town
Baby its romance, its the latest dance
Everybody's doing chain lightning
They do it on the Strand in a dark car
They do it in a dark car in a dark land
They do it in a car down on the strand
Time: 1:08
Version 2
Well I ain't into style, baby I ain't into fashion
In the night strikes that chain lightning
Well beneath a street light two boys boppin' in the night
Baby sitting here cause chain lightning
Lovers walking through the mist, Romeo steals a kiss
Thats when it hits chain lightning
You never hear a sound, you never here a sound there's a fire on the ground
You can't coming down, spitting, can't come down chain lightning
Baby its romance, its the latest dance
You get it in your pants, baby ???
You never hear a sound, there's a fire on the ground
Chain lightning
Time: 1:31
Version 3
You hear a sound, ??? coming down
??? chain lightning
Well I ain't into style, baby I ain't into fashion
A night so quiet chain lightning
Walking through the mist Romeo steals a kiss
Dancing ???
Chain lightning
Time: 0:32
Version 4
I've been ???
Chain lightning
??? thunder in the dark, on a night so quiet
Chain lightning
When you can't hear a sound, thunder coming down ???
??? find it on the ground ???
Chain lightning
Well dance to the rhythm ???
Chain lightning
???
Chain lightning
???
???
Chain lightning
???
Chain lightning
Chain lightning
???
Chain lightning
???
Chain lightning
???
Chain lightning
???
???
Chain lightning
Date: March 30 1979
Time: 2:33
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 4: Big Expendables
Date: March 30 1979
Time: 2:34
Available:
Chevrolet Deluxe
Comments:
A quiet song, this was a hint of what was to come on the Nebraska album. It is a great example of the
American dream, you can get what you want, but you pay back much much more than its worth. And
when things appear to be going well, they can quickly turn sour and everything can be lost.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I had a wife and kid, and I tried to settle down
I just wanted to live an honest life on the edge of an honest town
But in the end they left me danglin' danglin' in the night
And I went crazy tryin', tryin' to walk that thin line
Oh Chevrolet Deluxe, I bought you with all your accessories
Oh Chevrolet Deluxe, I bought you with all your accessories
But Mister, I can't keep my payments up
I lie awake at night and I wonder if I'm tough enough
To win back the hand of Chevrolet Deluxe
Date: 1979
Time: 1:20
Version 2
They shut the power off down at the mill, the count the third time
And these days when you ride down Main Street
It's just whitewashed windows and vacancy signs
Did you ever think in the end your kids you would never believe
That if you would'nt leave this old town, that it would leave me
My brothers down in Fort Bragg, been there for half a year
Man he just got into into much trouble around here
???
??? walk that line
Chevrolet Deluxe, I bought her with all the accessories
But Mister, I can't keep those payments up
Chevrolet Deluxe, I lost my heart, I lost my guts...
Date: 1979
Time: 1:56
Version 3
I saw her when I was 17 down at Hansen's Chevrolet
I made up my mind to get her any how, any way
I spent that summer I worked till I had enough
I layed it down and I bought that Chevrolet Deluxe
Yeah we rode her into the summer and ???
We rode her when they shut the power off at the mill
We drove her down to ??? the unemployment line
Around the streets ???
Date: 1979
Time: 1:39
Version 4
I saw her when I was 17 down at Hansen's Chevrolet
I made up my mind to get her any how, any way
So that whole summer I worked until I had enough
And I put my money down, Chevrolet Deluxe
We drove her into the summer when there was nothing else to do
We rode her when the men came and shut that power down
We drove her down to Bond Street to the unemployment line
We rode her on Main Street ??? and vacancy signs
Oh Chevrolet Deluxe, I bought her with all the accessories
Chevrolet Deluxe, I lost my heart, she too my guts
Date: 1979
Time: 1:51
Version 5
It don't matter what you want, it dont matter what you say
Are you tough enough not to play the way they play
To play the way they play
??? and if you're tough enough
And if you're tough enough to play
Chevrolet Deluxe, I lost my heart, I lost my guts
Date: 1979
Time: 1:13
Version 6
She was sittin' down at Highway Chevrolet out on Route 3
She was looking like she was waitin' just for me
I worked all summer long and I saved my money up
And I went down and I put that money down
In the fall, Billy quit school and ???
I drove him down, rode together down to Fort Bragg
In the years that he was gone ???
??? in the refinery ??? got along
???
Another year end gone, and Billy he came home
??? to do
???
??? settle down
But it was like all of a sudden there was a curse
Things got bad and then they got worse
Hmmm....went the power there down the mill
Hmmm...the thrill when they shut the power down at the mill
We rode ???
But I can't keep those payments up
Chevrolet Deluxe
???
??? you were so clear to see
Now when I wake up in the morning I don't know what's happening to me
Mister I can't keep those payments up
Chevrolet Deluxe you let me down took the heart right out of me
Date: 1979
Time: 5:07
Version 7 and 8
Available:
Cindy
Comments:
A finished song that never made The River, Cindy is a little tune about blind devotion in the face of
constant rejection. Bruce conveys the feelings of a man tired of constant put-downs, but always ready
to throw himself down in the name of love. This appeared on the album that never was, The Ties That
Bind, and it was an absolute travesty that this did not appear on Tracks.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I pick you up with flowers
When you get off from work
It's like you don't even care
It's like I'm some kind of jerk
I take you out on a date
And then you won't even kiss me
Boy when I ain't around
I'll bet you don't even miss me
I don't know why
I love you like I do
I try and try
You treat me like a fool
It makes me want to cry
It makes me feel so blue
But I just do, baby, I just do
I call you up
Just to pass the time
Soon as you hear my voice
You disconnect the line
And when I call you back
You mother says you ain't home
Cindy I know thats you on the other end of this phone
Oh in this world
There ain't another like you
My little candy girl
So hard hearted and cruel
I think that's what
Keeps me coming back
I'm a fool for you Cindy and I like it like that
I came to get you last night
Cindy, at a quarter to six
You daddy came to the door
He said Cindy got sick
She got sent home from work
With a note from the nurse
And my very own presence
Would make your condition worse
But it ain't your health
'Cause well you sure look fine
Little girl it's something else
That's on my mind
What have you got
Well you can give it to me
Cause if it's good enough for you
It's good enough for me
I don't know why
I love you like I do
You make me cry
And feel like such a fool
I guess I like it
When you hurt me this way
You dish it out and I just put it away
Date: July 20 1979
Location: The Power Station, New York City N.Y.
Time: 2:24
Date: July 20 1979
Location: The Power Station, New York City,
NY
Time: 2:27
Date: July 20 1979
Time: 2:27
Label: Unknown
Date: July 20 1979
NY
Time: 2:27
Version 2
Date: July 20 1979
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1. Slower paced version
Time: 2:32
Version 3
Date: July 20 1979
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1. Back up vocals from Clarence
Time: 2:30
Available:
Crush On You
Comments:
If Bruce had his time again, he may have left this one off The River in favour of Be True or I Wanna
Be With You. Not exactly a favourite of many people, its lyrics almost make you want to cringe at
times. Oh well there are worse songs around.
Lyrics:
Version 1
My feets were flyin' down the street one Saturday night
When a Hong Kong special pulled up at the light
What was inside, man, was just c'est magnifique
I wanted to hold onto that bumper and let her drag me down the street
Ooh, ooh, I gotta crush on you
Ooh, ooh, I gotta crush on you tonight
Sometimes I spot a little stranger
Standing 'cross the room
My brain takes a vacation just to give my heart more room
For one kiss, little girl I'd give you all I could give
Cause you're a walking, talking reason to live
Well now she might be the talk of high society
She's probably got a lousy personality
She might be a heiress to Rockefeller
She might be a waitress or a bank teller
She makes the Venus de Milo look like she's got no style
She make Sheena of the Jungle look meek and mild
I need a quick shot, Doc, knock me off my feet
Cause I'll be minding my own business walking down the street, watchout
Time: 3:26
Version 2
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, with sax solo
Time: 3:21
Available:
Doll House
Comments:
No real complete version of this song circulated until Tracks was released, only a few acoustic demos
which pale in comparison to the full band version. This was played once or twice on the just
completed World Tour.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Ever since you were a little
Ever since you were a little girl
You set the rules in your little make believe world
Daddy bring you all pretty toys
And you grew up and then you had the boys
Cause we had a love baby that was so true
And your toys came between me and you
I'm doing things baby that I would never do
I'm just a doll in your dollhouse too
And were living in a dollhouse
Yeah were living in a dollhouse
And were living in a dollhouse
You think were safe and sound
But our dollhouse girl is fallin' down
In your mind its all so easily arranged
There's no room to face the changing times
Everythings so perfectly in place
I see the worry on your pretty face
We've been playing since you were a child
The colour of the curtains baby ruin they style
Now your plan is gone and running wild
And before your eyes your shrinking down to size
Shrinking down to size
And you're living in a doll house
Can't you see your'e living in a dollhouse
Yeah you're living in a doll house
You think you're safe and sound
But girl you're dollhouse is tumbling down
You got your dolls with your pretty lace and frills
You just cant hold your little red pills
You need to keep your fears safe and sound
I'd like to burn your dollhouse down
You just end up exactly like you want to
You make them do exactly want you want them to do
Since you were a girl did you
Baby its ???
Baby it's time to give it up
Date: June 1979
Time: 2:20
Version 2
In your mind its all so easily arranged
There's no room baby to face the changing times
Playing since you were a child
The colour of the curtains baby ruin they style
Now your plan is gone and running wild
And before your eyes your shrinking down to size
Everything so perfectly in place
But I can see the worry on that pretty face
Oh we're living in a
On that pretty face
Oh you're living in a doll house
Yeah you're living in a doll house
Oh you're living in a doll house
You may feel safe and sound
But your dollhouse is tumbling down
Date: June 1979
Time: 0:54
Version 3
Ever since you were a little girl
You set the rules in your little world
But girls grow up and throw their toys away
You're a big girl now but you still wanna play
You dress them up the way you want to
You make them do just what you want them to
Once I thought we had a love that was true
But I'm just another doll in your dollhouse to you
We're living in a dollhouse
Girl we're living in a dollhouse
But your dollhouse, girl, is falling down
It's all been neatly arranged in your mind
Every detail fits your own design
Every room is perfectly in place
But I can see the sadness, baby, on your face
You had a plan and darling like a child
You thought it's down to fashion, down to style
But your little dreamhouse is runnin' wild
Before your very eyes we're shrinking down to size
Girl we're living in a dollhouse
But your dollhouse, girl, is falling down
Everything's as you dreamed it would be
But there's something wrong that you can't see
Room by room you keep looking for some little flaw
A crack somewhere in your dollhouse wall
Something, girl, that will explain away
The hurt you feel, darling, when we play
Your little dolls they got grip on you
Until you're just another doll in your dollhouse too
Girl, we're living in a dollhouse
Oh we're living in a dollhouse
We may feel safe and sound
But our dollhouse, girl, is falling down
Oh we're living in a dollhouse
Girl, we're living in a dollhouse
Yeah we're living in a dollhouse
Boot: 1999
Date: April 24 1999
Time: 4:04
Boot: Born To Serve
Label: Diamond Cat
Date: April 24 1999
Time: 4:17
Boot: Olympic
Stadion 2nd Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 24 1999
Location: Stadhalle,
Vienna, Austria
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 3
Time: 4:37
Born To Serve
Label: RMAS
Date: April 24 1999
Time: 4:05
Available:
Don't Do It To Me
Comments:
See White Lies
White Lies
Comments:
Also known as Don't Do It To Me, Mary Lou and Be True, Bruce stuck with the movie imagery,
possibly as this was the time he became interested (through Jon Landau) in movies such as The
Grapes of Wrath and Badlands. No matter what the inspiration, a good song in any of its guises.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Your scrapbooks filled with pictures
Of all your leading men
Oh baby don't put my picture
In there with them
Oh don't make us some little girl's dream
That can not ever really ever come true
Baby don't do it to me
I won't do it to you
You see all the romantic movies
You dream and take the boy's home
But when the action fades girl
You're left there all alone
???
???
???
?? to see the late late show
???
??? do it
??? to him to her
??? make you cry like you do girl
Now every night you go out looking
For true love's satisfaction
But in the morning you always end up with
Settling for just lights, camera, action
In another cameo role
With some bit player you're befriending
You're gonna go broken hearted
Looking for that happy ending
Well girl you're gonna you're gonna end up
Just another lonely ticket sold
Crying alone in the theatre
At the end of the show
Don't make us some little girl's dream
That can not ever really ever come true
Baby don't do it to me
Yeah I won't do it to you
Date: April 1979 - August 1980
Time: 2:54
Available:
Down In White Town
Comments:
See White Town
White Town
Comments:
Has a very reggae feel to it. Contains some lyrics that would appear on Jackson Cage and Mr.
Outside. Its almost surreal to hear Bruce sing in a reggae manner, although he did a few club shows in
New Jersey with a reggae band, which did rastafarian versions of Born In The U.S.A. among others.
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
It's midnight down in sector two
Little girl walkin' dressed in innocence and cool
Only fourteen and dressed up for the score
Hold that breath now boy, these White town folks
She dances, baby, to the beat
Of breaking glass and running feet
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Oh, she comes home from work and grabs something to eat
Turns the corner and walks down her street
In a row of houses, chic, shiny, dirty and grey
Disappears like the scenery in another man's play
And at night she dances, oh, to the beat
Oh the trooper stickin' dresses for the number on the sheet
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Yeah, Mr Outside, you're walkin' so free
If you turn your eyes so you don't see
You act like you're hand turns the key
And you become the hand that turns the key
And no matter how I try I cannot understand
The way that they will turn a man
Into a stranger in his own land
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Date: 1979
Time: 3:12
Date: January 1980
Version 3
Now it's midnight in sector two
Theres a little girl walkin' dressed in Kensington blue
Shes fourteen now and dressed for the score
Born and bred here on the White town wall
Every night she dances oh to the beat
Of breaking glass and running feet
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Date: January 1980
Time: 1:31
Version 4
Give me your money and your power
They won't help you baby come the hour
When your kingdom falls to your feet
And your left like any other thief out on the street
Oh and tonight she dances oh to the beat
Oh whose checking for the number on the sheet
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Down in White Town
Yeah down in White Town
Yeah down in White Town
Date: January 1980
Time: 0:53
Version 5
It's midnight in sector two
Little girl walking dressed in Kensington blue
Oh fourteen now and dressed for the score
Yeah born and bred for the White Town Ball
Now uptown they ???
Oh down down they fight the clock off their backs
???
Date: January 1980
Time: 0:45
Available:
Drive All Night
Comments:
Written for Darkness..., however the length of this track is much more suited to a double album such
as The River. Parts of this song feature in the "Sad Eyes" monologue attached to Backstreets.A very
mournful sound is offset by great emotion in Bruce's voice.
Lyrics:
Version 1
When I lost you honey
And I wish God would send me a word
Like prisoners all our lives
And all I wanna do is hold you tight
I swear I'll drive all night just to buy you some shoes
And I just wanna sleep tonight again in your arms
Tonight there's fallen angels and they're waiting for us down in the street
Let them go, let them go, let them go
Do their dances of the dead
Let'em go right ahead
You just dry your eyes girl And c'mon c'mon c'mon let's go to bed, baby, baby, baby
I swear I'll drive all night just to buy you some shoes
And I just wanna sleep tonight again in your arms
Cause you've got, you've got, you've got
You've got my love, you've got my love
Through the wind, through the rain, the snow, the wind, the rain
Oh girl you've got my love, you've got, you've got, you've got my love
Heart and soul
Heart and soul
Heart and soul
Heart and soul
Available:
Date: January 1980
Notes: Harmonies
Time: 0:26
Every Day And Every Night
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Every day and every night
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
Every day and every
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
Time: 4:04
Available:
Everybody Wants My Baby
Comments:
Bruce's take on the jealous lover, this track proves that you never can completely trust the person you
should trust the most. All the time a little voice in the back of your mind keeps you on edge. I love the
"I'd bottle it and sell it" line.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Everybody, everybody starts talking
When at night my baby goes walking
Everywhere I go I gotta keep my eyes on her
Better look away or buddy you're a gonna
Everybody wants my baby
Now it ain't that she's the finest little girl around
Theres a lot of other pretty girls here in town
Theres just something about her I can't tell it
But if I knew what it was I'd bottle it and sell it
Just one thing ....her old man tells everybody...talk
Just one glance and everybody rip their hearts out
Sure what I got keeps everybody look sharp
Fighting in the alley or rumble out in the dark
Now what I wanna do
???
I gotta stay awake and watch now when she's sleeping
I don't know I gotta chance it
???
I'd give her all my money I'd give her my best shirt
"Thank you honey" and she'd pull right off and she'd flirt
I'd don't know what I'm gonna do
I gotta make her ??? keep from thinking of you
And I don't know what I'm gonna do
Date: January 1980
Time: 2:50
Available:
Everyone Loves You
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Available:
Date: Early 1979
Time: 1:17
Fade Away
Comments:
Released as a single, but was never in the same league as Hungry Heart. Despite this, it remains a
quality song, the tale of two people slowly drifiting apart until the break finally comes. But there is
still something there to hang on to, either out of hope or desperation. "I don't wanna be just another
useless memory holding you tight", another great line from The Boss.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well now you say you've found another man who does things to you babe I
can't
And that no matter what I do it's all over now between me and you girl
But I can't believe what you say
No I can't believe what you say
Cause baby
I don't wanna fade away
Oh I don't wanna fade away
Tell me what can I do what can I say
Cause darlin' I don't wanna fade away
Well now you say that you've made up your mind
It's been such a long, long time since it's been good with us
And that somewhere back along the line
You lost your love and I lost your trust
Now rooms that once were so bright
Are filled with the coming night, oh darlin'
You say it's not easy for you
And that you've been so lonely
While other girls go out doing what they want to do
You say that you miss the nights when we'd go out dancing
The days when you and I walked as two
Well girl I miss them too
Oh I swear that I do
Oh girl
Now baby I don't wanna be just another useless memory holding you tight
Or just some other ghost out on the street to whom you stop and politely speak
When you pass on by vanishing into the night
Left to vanish into the night
No baby
Oh girl I don't wanna fade away
No darling I don't wanna fade away
Dont make me darling
I don't want to fade away
I dont want to fade away
I don't want to fade away
Time: 5:03
Available:
Fade To Black
Comments:
A haunting little song, reminiscent of Be True with its use of cinema imagery. Quite depressing
actually, but typical of The River period.
Lyrics:
Version 1
You can say that I
That I let you down
You can say that I baby
Give you up right now
But when I'm with you girl
Baby there's no doubt how I feel
And the doubts just fade to black
Fade to black
Monday Matinee
Baby in a one ?? town
You were two seats away
And I moved two seats down
And the lights go out
???
I walk you home
As the credits roll
Fade to black
Fade to black
Baby you see that I
You can name the things that I done
But I know baby now
I ain't the only one
Fade to black
There's only misery
Date: July 8 1981
Time: 4:14
Date: July 8 1981
Version 2
Date: July 8 1981
Notes: Harmonies
Time: 0:51 (harmonies)
Available:
Find It Where You Can
Comments:
Another track about dispelling the myth of true love, in this effort Bruce urges people to find love
where they can. A little depressing perhaps but realistic. A lot of unintelligible lyrics makes further
analysis of this track difficult.
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
???
???
You know the answer, cause you got to understand
You can't pick and choose love, got to find it where you can
Find it where you can, little girl find it where you can
Well you can't make it true girl, you find it where you can
??? get want you want
???
???
??? find it where you can
Find it where you can, yeah you find it where you can
Find it where you can, girl you've got to find it where can
Date: 1979
Time: 4:09
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 14: Out On The Run
Date: 1979
Version 3
I didn't ask for this conversation
And maybe you don't think I'm nice
Baby it's just the situation
???
You may think I'm ???
I'm just another desperate man
In this world you don't pick and choose girl
You just find it where you can
You find it where you can
Little girl you find it where you can
Now baby you're a ???
??? keep it quiet
You want to keep it down girl
Keep it mighty nice
If you want to even ???
Then you try to understand
This world you don't pick and choose girl
Well you just find it where you can
Yes you find it where you can
Date: Early 1979
Time: 2:52
Available:
From Small Things Big Things Come
Comments:
A fully realised outtake that was later covered by Dave Edmunds. Bruce could have kept this one for
himself, it would have slotted into The River nicely, however maybe the final verse is a little
outlandish for Bruce's taste.
Lyrics:
Version 1
At sixteen she quit high school
To make a fortune in the promised land
She got a job behind the counter
In an all-night hamburger stand
She wrote faithfully home to Mama
Now Mama, don't you worry none
From small things mama, big things one day come
It was late one Friday
He pulled in out of the dark
He was tall and handsome
First she took his order, then she took his heart
They bought a house up on the hillside
Where little feet soon would run
From small things, Mama, big things one day come
Oh, but love is bleeding
It's sad but true
When your heart is beating
You don't want to hear the news
She packed her bags
And with a Wyoming County Interstate map
She rode down to Tampa
In an Eldorado Grand
She wrote back, Dear Mama
Life is just heaven in the sun
Well, she shot him dead on a sunny Florida road
When they caught her all she said
Was she could'nt stand the way he drove
Back home lonesome Johnny waits for his baby's parole
He waits high on the hillside
Where the Wyoming rivers roll
And his seed have almost grown now
To a daughter and a handsome son
Yeah from small things, Mama, big things one day come
Time: 2:49
Location: The Power Station, New York City
N.Y.
Time: 2:40
Location: Big Mans West, Red Bank, NJ
Time: 3:30
Boot: Rocks The Playpen
Label: Moonlight
Location: The Playpen Club, NJ
Notes: Lyrics match
Time: 5:12
Available:
Held Up Without A Gun
Comments:
The B-side to Hungry Heart, one of Springsteen's shortest tracks, but very energetic. Only played live
once. Maybe it was played more often, but it's so quick you blink and you miss it ;-) Alternate outtake
versions are quite similar to the released track.
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
Hungry boy comes in off the street
Hungry boy comes in off the street
Ain't got nothing, nothing to eat
A man says "better sign her son"
Look out!
Held up without a gun
I was out driving, I was taking it slow
Looked at my tank it looked low
Pulled into an Texaco out on One oh One
Look out!
It's a sin, it's a crime
Man it happens all the time
Better keep looking out for number one
Date: 1979
Version 3 through 10
I was out driving, just taking it slow
Look at my tank it was reading low
Pulled in an Exxon station out on Highway One
Look out!
Some damn fool with a guitar walks in off the street
Ain't got nowhere to go, ain't got nothing to eat
Man with a cigar says "sign here son"
Now it's a sin and it oughta be a crime
You know it happens buddy all of the time
Try to make a living try to have a little fun
Time: 1:16
Notes: Lyrics largely indecipherable, but most closely match Version 2
Version 7: 1:44, Version 8: 1:16, Version 9: 2:03, Version 10: 1:17
Date: 1979
Time: 1:25
Available:
Here She Comes
Comments:
This was played early on the River tour to introduce the haunting ballad I Wanna Marry You.
Lyrics:
Well sometimes at night
When I lie in bed
I still see her face
Running around my head
Well sometimes at night
When I lie in bed
I still see her face
Running around my head
Here she comes walking down the street
Here she comes walking down the street
Shes looking so fine, she's looking so sweet
She's looking so fine, she's looking so sweet
Some day I'm gonna make her mine, I know I will
Some day I'm gonna make her mine, I know I will
Some day shes gonna stop instead of walking by
Shes gonna stop now instead of walking by
She's gonna stop instead of walking on by
She's gonna stop
Oh my little girl, little girl, little girl, little girl
Little girl, little girl, little girl, little girl
Boot: At The Opera House
Label: Doberman
Location: Kiel Opera House, St Louis, MI
Notes: Lyrics match, segues into I Wanna Marry You
Time: 8:18
Notes: Lyrics match
Time: 4:36
Date: June 5 1981
Notes: Lyrics vary, segues into I Wanna Marry
You
Time: 8:06
Label: Doberman
Date: June 8 1981
Notes: Lyrics vary, segues into I Wanna Marry You
Time: 9:35
Available:
I Wanna Marry You
Comments:
On the Tom Joad tour, Bruce commented that this was his first real song to deal with relationships and
the responsibilities that go hand in hand with them. A touching ballad, that is an honest mix of realism
and hope. Many alternate versions exist, with few differences to distinguish between them.
Lyrics:
Version 1
My little girl
I see you walking, baby, down the street
Pushing that baby carriage at your feet
I see that lonely ribbon in your hair
Tell me I am the man for whom you put it there
You never smile girl, you never speak
You just walk on by, darlin' week after week
Raising two kids alone in this mixed up world
Must be a lonely life for a working girl
Little girl, I wanna marry you
Oh yeah, little girl, I wanna marry you
Yes I do
Little girl, I want to marry you
Now honey, I don't wanna clip your wings
But a time comes two people should think of these things
Having a home and a family
Facing up to their responsibilities
They say in the end true love prevails
But in the end true love can't be no fairytale
To say I'll make your dreams come true would be wrong
But maybe, darlin', I could help them along
Yes I do
My daddy said right before he died
That true, true love was just a lie
He went to his grave with a broken heart
An unfulfilled life, girl, makes a man hard
Oh, darlin'
There's something happy and there's something sad
'Bout wanting somebody, oh so bad
I wear my love darling without shame
I'd be proud if you would wear my name
Oh my girl
Oh my girl
My little girl
Yeah ohh my girl
My little girl
Oh yeah
Time: 3:38
Version 2
Yes I do
But in the end true love can't be some fairytale
Yes I do
Oh, darlin'
Oh
Ohh my girl
Oh my little girl
My little girl
Oh yeah
Ohhhhh
Time: 3:43
Version 3
Yes I do
But in the end true love can't be some fairytale
Yes I do
Oh, darlin'
Oh
Ohh my girl
Oh my little girl
My little girl
Oh yeah
Ohhhhh
Time: 3:39
Version 4
Oh yeah, little girl, I want to marry you
Yes I do
But a time comes when a man thinks of these things
Facing up to his responsibilities
Oh yeah, little girl, I want to marry you
Yes I do
An unfulfilled life girl, can make a man hard
Oh, darlin'
I wear my love for you without shame
Date: July 20 1979
Time: 3:36
Date: July 20 1979
Time: 3:34
Version 5
Yes I do
Yes I do
Girl, an unfulfilled life makes a man hard
Oh, darlin'
Date: July 20 1979
Time: 3:34
Version 6 and 7
I see you walking down the street
Yes I do
Yes I do
My daddy said, girl, before he died
Oh, darlin'
Date: July 20 1979
Version 8
Yes I do
Yes I do
Baby, an unfulfilled life makes a man hard
Oh, darlin'
Date: July 20 1979
Time: 3:42
Version 9
Yes I do
Yes I do
Oh, darlin'
Label: Unknown
Time: 3:30
NY
Time: 3:28
Available:
Hungry Heart
Comments:
Bruce's first real hit single, this song still gets quite a lot of airplay 20 years later. Was re-released as a
single in 1995 using a new vocal but with the 1980 backing track, and promoted with a new video
filmed in Germany. Despite its pop nature, closer examination of its lyrics (as is the case with Born In
The U.S.A) reveals a dark undercurrent bubbling beneath the surface.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Got a wife and kids in Baltimore Jack
I went out for a ride and I never went back
Like a river that don't know where it's flowing
I took a wrong turn and I just kept going
Everybody's got a hungry heart
Lay down your money and you play your part
I met her in a Kingstown bar
We fell in love I knew it had to end
We took what we had and we ripped it apart
Now here I am down in Kingstown again
Everybody wants a place to rest
Everybody wants to have a home
Don't make no difference what nobody says
Ain't nobody like to be alone
Label: Unknown
Time: 3:28
Version 2
Got a wife and kids in Baltimore Jack
I went out for a ride and I never went back
Like a river that don't know where it's flowing
I took a wrong turn and I just kept going
I met her in a Kingstown bar
We fell in love I knew it had to end
We took what we had and we ripped it apart
Now here I am down in Kingstown again
Everybody needs a place to rest
Everybody wants to have a home
Don't make no difference what nobody says
Ain't nobody like to be alone
Notes: Lyrics match Version 2. Extended outro
Time: 3:55
Version 3
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 3:00
Version 4, 5 and 6
Date: June 21 1979
Time: 3:33
Date: June 21 1979
NY
Time: Version 1: 3:34, Version 2: 3:36, Version
3: 3:32 (Different mix of album track)
Available:
I Don't Know
Comments:
Don't ask me about this track, because I don't know.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I remember ever since I
???
???
???
Baby I don't know
I don't know
???
I don't know
I don't know
Baby I don't know
???
I don't know
I don't remember baby
Oh I'm sorry but
Even if ???
???
I'll keep wishing, I'll keep hoping
I'll keep searchin'
???
Baby I don't know
I don't know
???
I don't know
I don't know
Date: 1979
Time: 1:40
Available:
I Don't Wanna Be
Comments:
This track features probably the worst backup singing of all time, from Clarence. But at least you can
make out what he is saying, most of the lyrics are impossible to understand. Despite this, the band is
in fine form.
Lyrics:
Version 1
???
???
???
???
???
I dont wanna be
???
I dont wanna be
???
I dont wanna be
I dont wanna be
???
???
???
???
???
I dont wanna be
???
I dont wanna be
???
I dont wanna be
I dont wanna be
I dont wanna be
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
I dont wanna be
???
I dont wanna be
???
I dont wanna be
I dont wanna be
I dont wanna be
I dont wanna be
I dont wanna be
I dont wanna be
I dont wanna be
I dont wanna be
Time: 3:38
Time: 3:38
Available:
I Wanna Be With You
Comments:
Originated from the Darkness sessions and finally found its way onto Tracks. In fact, this was one of
the rare promo singles released for the box set. A good choice too, as this version is far superior to the
earlier Darkness effort. The opening four lines are very similar to the alternate version of Something
In The Night that was played live before Darkness was released.
Lyrics:
Version 1
So let the frozen cities crumble, crumble and fall
That's all right, I don't mind at all
Let it all tumble right into the sea
Well thats just fine, that's alright with me
I can't sleep at night
Thats every day, every night
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
'Cause you're just so out of sight
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
Now I lost my job at the Texaco station
'Cause instead of pumpin' gas I dreamed of you
'Cause all I wanna do is be seen with you
Every day every night
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
Alright now
Let's go
Hold tight, love me just a little bit
Alright, a little bit more
Give me just a little kiss
I just...
I don't understand it
You're not pretty at all
But I run when you whisper
I come when you call
I can hit it, put my fist through the wall
But it wasn't hurt I was looking for
Oh, no I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
Thats what I wanna do
I wanna be with you
Thats want I wanna do
Oh oh, I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
Darling don't be blue
I wanna be with you
Date: June 21 1979
Time: 3:19
Date: June 21 1979
Time: 3:18
Version 2
Let the frozen cities crumble, crumble and fall
That's all right, I don't mind at all
Let it all tumble right into the sea
Well thats ok, that's just fine with me
I can't sleep at night
Every day, every night
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
Now I lost my job at the Texaco station
'Cause instead of pumpin' gas I dreamed of you
'Cause all I wanna do is be seen with you
Till the world falls apart
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
Until they rip out my heart
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
Hold tight, love me just a little bit
Alright, a little bit more
Give me just a little kiss
I just...
I don't understand it
You're not pretty at all
But I come when you whisper
I run when you call
I see you on the street, I fall on my face
I drop to my knees, I plead my case
Oh, no I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
Thats what I wanna do
I wanna be with you
Thats want I wanna do
I wanna be with you
Darling don't be blue
I wanna be with you
Boot: Milano Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 20 1999
Time: 5:00
Boot: Earls Court Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: May 21 1999
Location: Earls Court, London, England
Time: 4:35
Milano Night
Earls Court Night
Boot: Gent Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: May 27 1999
Location: Flanders Expo Hall, Ghent, Belgium
Time: 4:55
Boot: Born To Serve
Label: Diamond Cat
Date: May 30 1999
Time: 4:59
Boot: Bercy Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 3 1999
Location: Bercy
Sportspalais, Paris,
France
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 4:43
Gent Night
Born To Serve
Bercy Night
Boot: Arnhem Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 20 1999
Time: 4:47
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 24 1999
Location: Olympic Stadion, Stockholm, Sweden
Time: 5:06
Arnhem Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: ???
Location: ???
Time: 5:36
Available:
Frisco Second Night
I Wanna Start A New Life
Comments:
A fragment of a song that was never fully realised. This solo acoustic demo is quite similar to those of
the time. Perhaps this was the time Bruce started to become interested in The Grapes of Wrath, as the
first stanza could describe the plight of Tom Joad and his family.
Lyrics:
Version 1
We left our home in the hillside
We left our family and our friends
We came down here to California
To start all over again
We left ???
???
???
???
I wanna start a new life
I wanna start a new life
I wanna be easy and free
Forget about the man I used to be
Date: 1979
Time: 1:28
Available:
I'm A Rocker
Comments:
Similar in some ways to Crush On You, this song ties fantasy in with desire for a woman. This track is
also reminiscent of Real Man, which appears 12 years later on Human Touch. This is another song
Bruce may have left off The River if given a second chance, but its hard to deny Bruce the chorus.
The outtakes (see She's A Rocker) also feature some of the best count-in's of all time.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I got a 007 watch and it's a one and only
It's got a I Spy beeper that tells me when you're lonely
I got a Batmobile so I can reach ya' in a fast shake
When your world's in crisis of an impendin' heartbreak
Now don't you call James Bond or Secret Agent Man
Cause they can't do it, like I can
I'm a rocker, baby, I'm a rocker - every day
I'm a rocker, baby, I'm a rocker
If you're hanging from a cliff or you're tied to the tracks, girl
Columbo split and you can't find Kojak
True love is broken and your tears are fallin' faster
You're sufferin' from a pain in your heart or some other natural disaster
Now I don't care what kind of shape you're in
If they put up a roadblock, I'll parachute in
I'm a rocker, baby, I'm a rocker - I'm in love
I'm a rocker, baby, I'm a rocker - every day
I'm a rocker, baby, I'm a rocker - with you
So you fell for some jerk who was tall, dark and handsome
Then he kidnapped your heart and now he's holdin' it for ransom
Well, like a mission impossible I'm gonna go and get it back
You know I would'a taken better care of it, baby, than that
Sometimes I get so hot girl, well, I can't talk
But when I'm with you I cool off , and I walk
I'm a rocker, baby, I'm a rocker, and I talk
I'm a rocker, baby, I'm a rocker, every day
I'm a rocker, baby, I'm a rocker, every day
Available:
She's A Rocker
Comments:
A brilliant count-in is the highlight of these outtakes, which does'nt really say much for the track
overall. A good solid rocker, however it pales in comparison to the other gems that were served up
during this time. Still it was judged good enough to find its way on to the album in its final form, I'm
A Rocker.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I got a 007 watch, it's a one and only
I got a Batmobile so I can reach ya' in a fast shake
???
Left the keys to my heart ??? hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
If you're hanging from a cliff or you're tied to the tracks, girl
If Columbo split and you can't find Kojak
Now I don't care what kind of mess you're in
Well hey hey
Well hey hey
Oh hey hey
Well don't you call Dick Tracey I'm gonna go, go and get it back
You know I would'a taken better care of it than that
But when I'm with you I cool off
Well hey hey
Well hey hey
Well hey hey
Just a rockin' with you
Date: 1979-1980
Time: 3:22
Date: 1979-1980
NY
Time: 3:40
Version 2
I got a 007 watch, she's a one and only
I got a Batmobile, I can reach ya' in a fast shake
Why don't you call James Bond, secret agent man?
??? I'm a rocker
I'm a rocker
If you're hanging from a cliff or you're tied to the railway tracks
If Columbo split and you can't find Kojak
Now I don't care what kind of mess you're in
I'm a rocker
Well hey hey
I'm a rocker
Well don't you call Dick Tracey I'm gonna go, go and get it back
You know I would'a taken better care of it than that
But when I'm with you I cool off
Everyday
Well hey hey
Well hey hey
Date: 1979-1980
Time: 3:29
Available:
I'm Gonna Be There Tonight
Comments:
Unintelligible lyrics, on music identical to that of Out In The Street.
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
Forget your dreaming darling
???
Working that hard line
???
???
I could give you anything
???
???
???
???
???
???
I'm gonna be there tonight
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
Date: 1979
Location: New Jersey
Available:
I'm Gonna Treat You Right
Comments:
See Wild Kisses
Wild Kisses
Comments:
Also known as I'm Gonna Treat You Right, this track was recorded during a break in the Darkness
tour schedule. However this track, along with Tonight, were not rehearsed again or considered for the
album.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well Mister, you see that girl walking down the street
That little girl, she used to turn' em on
Wild kisses and a heart that's oh-so-sweet
In the middle of the night
And now, wild kisses seem to settle down
Afraid to get my feet back on the ground
Well baby ???
I'm gonna meet her tonight
And now my wild world's tumblin' and dancin'
I'm looking for true romancin'
???
Listen to me baby
I wanna celebrate my dream, girl
I don't want no lonely dream, babe
I wanna give everything to my little baby tonight
I gotta get my feet back on the track
What she gives me, my god, she break my back
???
Wild kisses in the morning
Gives me a reason to go on
Wild kisses ???
???
And now ??? like dancin'
??? true romancin'
Why won't you ??? heart ??? to try
Listen to me, baby
I want to ??? girl
I want to ???
I want to ???
I don't want ???
???
Listen to my heart girl
I know ???
???
Mister, see that girl walkin' down the street
Well that girl, she used to drive me wild
Wild kisses ???
I'm gonna meet her tonight
Wild kisses and ???
???
???
???
???
???
La la la la
La la la la
La la la la
La la la la
La la la la
La la la la
Date: October 1978
Location: New Jersey Studio
Time: 3:54
Label: Yellow Dog
Date: October 1978
Blauvelt, N.Y.
Time: 4:16
Available:
In The City Tonight
Comments:
Versions 1 and 2 are identical to Night Fire, with unintelligible lyrics. The tracks contained on Lost
Masters 14 are a completely different song.
Lyrics:
Version 1
??? running with the right crowd
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
??? too tight
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
Date: 1979
Time: 5:04
Version 2
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
Lets try it once more
???
???
Date: 1979
Time: 2:02
Date: March 25 1979
Version 8: 8:41, Version 9: 3:49, Version 10: 3:21
Available:
Independence Day
Comments:
Like several other songs, this was considered for Darkness... but saved for The River to tell the next
chapter in the story. Probably Bruce's best song that involves his relationship with his father, however
many people can relate to the message that it brings. Was played live on the Darkness tour.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Nothing we can say is gonna change anything now
I'll be leaving in the morning from St. Mary's Gate
We wouldn't change this thing even if we could somehow
Cause the darkness of this house has got the best of us
There's a darkness in this town that's got us too
But they can't touch me now and you can't touch me now
They ain't gonna do to me what I watched them do to you
It's Independence Day all down the line
Just say goodbye it's Independence Day
It's Independence Day this time
Now I don't know what it always was with us
We chose the words and yeah we drew the lines
There was just no way this house could hold the two of us
I guess that we were just too much of the same kind
Well say goodbye it's Independence Day
All boys must run away
Now the rooms are all empty down at Frankie's joint
And the highway she's deserted clear down to Breaker's Point
There's a lot of people leaving town now
Leaving their friends their homes
At night they walk that dark and dusty highway all alone
Nothing we can say can change anything now
Because there's just different people coming down here now
And they see things in different ways
And soon everything we've known will just be swept away
Papa now I know the things you wanted that you could not say
But won't you just say goodbye it's Independence Day
I swear I never meant to take those things away
Time: 5:41
Available:
Jackson Cage
Comments:
One of the many underrated songs off The River, this is one of the darker tracks off the album. The
eternal struggle of keeping true to yourself when pressured from all sides keeps you tied down in the
Jackson Cage, a familiar theme running through Bruce's music. This was only sparingly played on the
River tour, and never after.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Down in the Jackson Cage
You take the chances that you gotta take
You drive hard and you stay awake
Keep what you get...take what you can get and keep what you hold
And you used to be important... ??? You sit crying, ready on stage
You learn to cool your temper and collect your wage
To use it well down in Jackson cage
Men down in Jackson Cage
Down in Jackson Cage
Date: 1979
Time: 1:25
Date: 1979
Version 2 and 3
Notes: Lyrics almost unintelligible
Time: 2:58
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol 15: Slow Fade
Version 4
Just crossed swords on the killing floor
To settle back is to settle without knowing
The hard edge that you're settling for
And it's always just one more day
And it's always be that way
Once you've been back they may say
You're down in Jackson Cage
Driving home you grabs something to eat
Turns a corner and drives down your street
Into a row of houses she fades away
Like the scenery in another man's play
And girl once you start
???
You've been judged and handed life
Oh baby, down in the Jackson Cage
Down in the Jackson cage
Date: 1981-1982
Notes: Lyrics match Version 4. Restless Nights with Jackson Cage lyrics
Time: 1:49
Available:
Jeannie Needs A Shooter
Comments:
A song that had evolved from before Greetings when it was a solo piano number, to a full band rocker
during the Darkness days, and finally to this version. Warren Zevon would later adapt the tune into a
quite different song, with a stronger narrative but with the loss of the great imagery that only Bruce
can inject into a song.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Notes: Harmonies and guitar
Time:1:37
Version 2
Well Jeannie's got a doctor who tears apart her insides
He investigates her and bates her tender sighs
He probes with his fingers but he knows her heart only through his stethoscope
And his hands are so old
Jeannie turns him down like dope
Jeannie's got a priest from his pulpit he smiles
He provides concillation day or night
Between the pages of his bible he holds from what Janey he hides
But he's caught on the outside
Jeannie needs a shooterman
Jeannie needs a shooter Dan
Well Jeannie's got a doctor who tears apart her insides
Time: 2:37
Time: 2:37
Available:
Living On The Edge Of The World
Comments:
Almost unrecognisable in its final format of Open All Night on Nebraska, some lyrics from this track
also ended up in State Trooper. A rocker with an infectious beat very similar to I Fought The Law.
This track demanded to be played on the recent World Tour, but unfortunately the opportunity was
lost
Lyrics:
Version 1, 2 and 3
Early North Jersey industrial skyline
I'm an all-set cobra jet creepin' through the night time
Gotta find a gas station, gotta find a pay phone
This turnpike sure is spooky at night when you're all alone
I'm living on the edge of the world
Tryin' to get my girl on the line
Livin' on the edge of the world
But I think it's just a waste of my time
Some jerk keeps breaking my connection, girl
'Cause I'm living on the edge of the world
Living on the edge of the world
Radio, radio, hear my tale of heartbreak
New Jersey in the morning like a lunar landscape
Got a counter girl at the Exit 24 HoJo
Down past the refinery towers where the great black river flows
Tryin' to get back to you, girl
Tryin' to get a message through
I gotta make a connection, girl
Because I'm living on the edge of the world
Radio's jammed with gospel stations
Lost souls callin' long distance salvation
Hey mister deejay gotta hear my last prayer
It's a hey ho rock and roll, deliver me from nowhere
Tryin' to get back to you, girl
Tryin' to get a message through
I gotta make some connection, girl
Because I'm living on the edge of the world
Now my boss don't dig me 'cause he put me on the night shift
It takes me two hours to get back to where my baby lives
In the wee wee hours my mind gets hazy
Relay towers, won't you lead me to my baby
'Neath the overpass the trooper hits his party lights switch
Good night, good luck, one, two powershift
Available:
Notes: Lyrics unintelligible, could match the above lyrics
Time: 4:21
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 12: Buddy Holly
Revisited
Notes: Lyrics unintelligible, could match the
above lyrics
3: 4:20
Available:
Looking For Love
Comments:
See Out On The Run
Out On The Run
Comments:
Like so many other River outtakes, this is dominated by a poor vocal mix.
Lyrics:
Version 1
???
You keep ???
You try hard to stay away
???
???
???
???
Looking for love
???
???
???
All I want is to ???
???
???
???
???
Looking for love
Looking for love
Looking for love
Looking for love
???
???
Love ???
???
???
???
I want to ???
???
Looking for love
Looking for love
Looking for love
Looking for love
Date: 1979
Time: 2:46
Version 2, 3, 4
Date: 1979
Time: 3:08
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 14: Out On The
Run
Date: 1979
Time: Version 2: 3:26, Version 3: 3.23, Version
4: 3:08
Version 5
Date: Early 1979
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 1:03
Available:
Looking Out For No. 1
Comments:
Also know as Mr Outside, this is one of the reggae tinged outtakes from The River era. Not a bad little
number, perhaps a look at the selfishness of some people in a country which was on the verge of a
terrible recession at the time. Yet maybe it is that selfishness that keeps someone from finding true
happiness.
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
They call him Mr Outside
Cause he don't care
Mr Outside
He's just havin' fun
Mr Outside
He's just looking out for No. 1
Well Mr Outside
All your money and your power
Won't help you come the dark hour
Well kingdoms crumble
Unto your feet
You're left another thief out on the street
Mr Outside
Yeah he dont care
Mr Outside
He's just having his fun
Mr Outside
Oh looking out for No. 1
Yeah
Dark glasses and money for hire
He got ??? and high tension wire ???
He got long dark, dark caddillac
He got pretty little little girl in black
Mr Outside
Oh yeah he don't care
Mr Outside
He's just having fun
Mr Outside
Just looking out for No. 1
Oh little baby got no diamond ring
You cry cause you ain't got no pretty things
Them pretty things baby just look dumb
You gotta take'em when they come
Mr Outside
Oh lord he don't care
Mr Outside
Oh he has his fun
Mr Outside
Mr Outside
Oh yeah he don't care
Mr Outside
He's just having his fun
Mr Outside
Date: 1979
Available:
Loose Ends
Comments:
A real lost gem until it was rediscovered on Tracks, this song has been popular with fans on the rare
occasions it was played live on the recently concluded World tour. A great relationship breakup song
(if there is such a thing) with a stirring sax solo from Clarence to top things off.
Lyrics:
Version 1
We met on open streets
When we had no place darling to go
I remember how my heart beat
When you said "I love you so"
Then little by little
We choked out all the life that our love could hold
Oh no
It was like we held a noose
And baby without check
We pulled til it grew tighter around our necks
Each one waiting for the other
Darling to say when
Well baby you can leave me tonight on the loose ends
We didn't count tomorrows
We took what we could and baby we ran
There was no time for sorrow
Every place that we went I held your hand
And when the night closed in
I was sure your kisses told me all I had to know
But oh no
We pulled 'til it grew tighter around our necks
Darling to say when
Oh baby you can leave me tonight on the loose ends
Now our love has fallen around us
Like we said it never could
We saw it happen to all the others
But to us it never would
Well how could something so bad, baby
Come from something that was so good
I don't know
But it was like we held a noose
Darling to say when
Oh baby you can leave me tonight on the loose end
On a loose end
On a loose end
On a loose end
On a loose end
On a loose end
On a loose end
Time: 4:13
Boot: The Promise
Label: Scorpio
Time: 4:10
Version 2
We met out on open streets
When we had no place to go
I remember how my heart beat
When you said "I love you so"
Then little by little
We choked out all the life that our love could hold
No, no
Darling to say when
Now baby you can leave me tonight on the loose ends
We didn't count tomorrows
We took what we could and baby we ran
There was no time for sorrow
Every place we went I held your hand
And when the night closed in
I was sure your kisses told me all I had to know
But oh no
Darling to say when
Oh baby you can leave me tonight on the loose ends
Our love has fallen around us
We saw it happen to all the others
But to us it never would
Well how could something so bad, darling
Come from something that was so good
I don't know
But it was like we held a noose
Darling to say when
Oh baby you can leave me tonight on the loose end
On a loose end
On a loose end
On a loose end
On a loose end
On a loose end
On a loose end
Time: 4:10
Version 3
Label: Unknown
Time: 4:07
Available:
Boot: Born To Serve
Label: Diamond Cat
Date: June 3 1999
Location: Bercy Sportspalais, Paris, France
Time: 4:44
Boot: Bercy Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 3 1999
Time: 4:33
Label: RMAS
Date: June 3 1999
Location: Bercy
France
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Born To Serve
Bercy Night
Time: 4:31
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: June 11 1999
Location: Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Genova, Italy
Time: 4:46
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 24 1999
Time: 4:44
Boot: Boston Tea
Party
Label: Piggham
Location: Fleet
Centre, Boston, MA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 4:10
Label: No Label
Date: June 27 2000
Time: 4:37
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Location: Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Time: 4:19
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: May 29 2003
Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Time: 4:58
Love And Kisses
Comments:
A short acoustic demo.
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
If I wanted to, I'd be with you
If I could I'd find my darling
If I needed ??? doubt you
Hugs and kisses I darling pleasure
Love you baby but please don't ever come
Baby don't ever ??? you
If I had ???
Love and kisses ???
If theres something even better
??? too
Well If I'd wanted I'd be without her
Love and kisses ???
???
Love and kisses, I'd be without her
Love and kisses ???
??? you
???
If I ??? baby
But ??? now it's gone
But I can't be without you darling
???
Love ??? better
But I ???
If there was something, I would have found her
Found it ???
???
???
???
Time: Version 1: 3:09, Version 2: 0:30 (harmonies)
Version 3
Date: Early 1979
Time: 2:22
Available:
Love Is A Gun
Comments:
A short acoustic demo with mostly bluffed lyrics.
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
Sometimes I ???
???
I sit and feel so ???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
You sit and ???
You sit and ??? there
??? where
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
Baby love is a gun
Baby love is a gun
Baby under the gun
Sometimes at night I
I sit and watch ??? programs all day
???
I feel my whole life just slipping away
I want to ???
I can't keep ???
???
???
???
Baby love is a gun
Oh won't you ???
???
Date: Early 1979
Notes: Mostly bluffed lyrics
Time: Version 1: 1:29 (harmonies), Version 2: 4:25
Available:
Love's Gonna Be Tonight
Comments:
Another short acoustic demo
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
You got me and I'm waiting for you, here to
I know what, I'm gonna adore you
Anytime, oh yeah, ???
A little at a time
???
???
???
???
There was ???
I'd be ??? right at your side
???
???
I've seen all that I wanted
And I know just what you can do, do
???
???
Love is gonna be here tonight
And I'm ???
???
Love is gonna
Love is gonna ???
Love is gonna die
I seen what you gonna do
I know all that you want to know
You know ???
???
???
???
???
???
Date: Early 1980
Available:
Love Will Get You Down
Comments:
Another song dealing with a common theme of the pre-River demos, that of the downside to love.
Another great line, "Pretty soon you'll find a smile turns into a frown". The message being always
keep an eye on love, don't let it become blind.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Hey ???
???
Found someone and you think you ???
Love ???
And if you want somebody ???
Pretty soon
Pretty soon you better watch out
Love turns ???
Young man, love will get you down
Got something and you ???
But you don't want it easy
So you keep it ???
Find something ???
Pretty soon
Pretty soon you find out
Pretty soon
Pretty soon, you'll find out a smile turns to a frown
You better watch ???
Love will get you down
???
My ??? but you can't keep up
???
Keep it ???
??? baby on my time
???
A smile ???
???
???
A smile will turn into a frown
Better watch it young
Better watch it young
Better watch it young girl
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
I woke up ???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
You better watch it young girl
???
???
???
???
???
Date: Early 1979
Time: 5:02
Version 2
I walk the street
I walk the street with my heart, heart ???
Cut me open ???
All I wanted ???
Cut the lights ???
One kiss my heart ???
One kiss my heart skips a beat
I ???
???
Oh ???
Date: Early 1979
Time: 0:48
Version 3
Better watch out young man
???
All right, if you want to ???
Tonight ???
???
???
???
All right, ???
Tonight ???
???
Tonight ???
Alright ???
???
Date: Early 1979
Time: 1:13
Version 4
Date: Early 1979
Notes: Harmonies
Time: 1:21
Available:
Man Who Got Away
Comments:
Indecipherable lyrics ruin what sounds like a very interesting tale about a man escapes from his life.
Unfortunately we don't know why he does it, and if he goes back, or if some other fate befalls him.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I work down in the highway
??? county ???
???
???
I left my family and my friends
??? highway
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
??? I went away
The man who got away
??? round moon
??? circle in the sky
I put on my jacket
And back into town I ride
???
Looking for faces that I don't know
And all the things that tear us apart
Will never again bring us from each others heart
Each others heart
???
???
But I'm the man who got away
Date: 1979
Time: 2:56
Version 2
Notes: Harmonies
Time: 1:16
Version 3
Last night I went to ???
??? found my seat
???
???
And we talked about ???
???
???
We still chase the man who got away
Every night for weeks and weeks now
I keep ??? now
??? see now
???
I had visions of ???
???
??? night and day
Just waiting for the man who gets away
???
???
???
Too many ???
???
???
???
High speed chase ???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
??? at the man who got away
Date: March 30 1979
Time: 4:19
Available:
Mary Lou
Comments:
Often seen as the poor cousin to Be True. This track was widely considered as the worst song off
Tracks when it was released. Perhaps a little unfairly, as its presence may have been to demonstrate
the evolutionary nature of Bruce's song writing, by giving fans a chance to compare two similar
works. See also White Lies.
Lyrics:
Version 1
She's a secretary, down at the ??? shop
And she gets so afraid her love don't ???
Oh yeah, she's a ??? happiness
And she knows, she knows ???
???get wise to you
Mary Lou, I'm not like those other guys
Oh Mary Lou, I won't fill you head with all those lies
Mary Lou, and dreams that.. I will be true
To Mary Lou, ??? what I want to do
Oh Mary Lou ??? I promise I will be true
To Mary Lou ???
Oh Mary Lou
Time: 1:20
Version 2
Baby you got your wedding dress all picked out
You working in a ??? and your love don't ???
Baby ain't it easy ???
Baby ???
Mary Lou, I won't be liek those other guys
No Mary Lou, who fill your head with pretty lies
Oh Mary Lou, that never never never will come true
Oh Mary Lou ???
You saw it in the movies
It happens they say
Your sure your love would turn out that way
And then the final credits faded away
??? what can you do?
Mary Lou, I won't be like those other guys
Mary Lou, that fill your head with those pretty lies
Oh Mary Lou, that never never never will come true
Oh Mary Lou, ??? make you blue
Oh Mary Lou, it cannot be no fantasy
Oh Mary Lou
Time: 2:16
Version 3
Your book is filled with snapshots of your leading men
Well don't put my picture baby in there with them
Cause darling thats something
Baby I can't be some... your dream comes true
Baby I just ain't no dream that comes true
Oh baby that will never never do
Mary Lou
Your book is filled with pictures of all your leading men
Well girl don't put my picture in there with them
Cause I can't play some dream you had that comes true
Darling ??? will never never do
Your wedding dress all picked out
And once again your love just won't ??? out
You seen it in the movies girl you know how it goes
As the credits roll away you're left all alone
As the action fades
You seen it in the movies girl...nights filled with love
In the movies girl, it's in your blood, your bones
Bu somehowt when the action fades you're left all alone
Baby thats something ???
Oh Mary Lou, I'm not like all the other guys
Oh Mary Lou, I won't fill your head with pretty lies
Oh Mary Lou, that will never never never will come true
Oh Mary Lou
Time: 2:46
Version 4
Don't make me some little girl's dream that can never come true
Oh baby, don't do it to me I won't do it to you
Mary Lou, I'm not like all those other guys
Mary Lou, I won't fill your pretty head with their pretty lies
Mary Lou, and dreams that never, never, never ever will come true
Mary Lou, I don't deserve to hurt and make you cry like you do
You seen all the romantic movies
You dream to take the boys home
But when the action fades you're left all alone
You deserve more than this, oh your love that can grow
And I ain't playing outtakes, girl, from some late-late show no no
Mary Lou, you're not like all those others girls
Mary Lou, so afraid to shake up that pretty little world
Every night you go out lookin' for true love's satisfaction
But you'll end up setting for just lights, camera, action
In another cameo role with some bit-player you befriended
You're gonna go broken-hearted lookin' for that happy ending
Mary Lou, I know all those movies too
Mary Lou, no one wants the dreams, baby, more than I do
But Mary Lou, you're gonna end up baby just another ticket sold
Mary Lou, cryin' alone in the theatre as the credits roll
Lets go!
Time: 3:17
Version 5
Mary Lou, I'm not like all those other guys
Mary Lou, I won't fill your pretty little head with their pretty lies
You deserve more than this, oh your love that can grow
And I ain't playing outtakes, girl, from some late-late show
Mary Lou, you're not like all those others girls
Mary Lou, so afraid to shake up that pretty little world
But you'll end up settling for just lights, camera, action
Mary Lou, I know all those movies too
Mary Lou, no one wants the dreams, baby, more than I do
But Mary Lou, you're gonna end up baby just another ticket sold
Mary Lou, cryin' alone in the theatre as the credits roll
Date: 1979
Time: 4:14
Date: May 14 1979
Notes: Lyrics largely indecipherable. Six different takes
Version 10: 3:17, Version 11: 4:30
Version 12
Mary Lou, I'm not like all the other guys
Mary Lou, I won't fill your pretty little head with their pretty lies
You deserve more than this
But in the final scene you settle for lights, camera, action
Mary Lou
Mary Lou
Mary Lou, you're gonna end up baby just another ticket sold
Mary Lou, cryin' in the theatre as the credits roll
Time: 3:09
Available:
Mr Outside
Comments:
See Looking Out For No. 1
Night Fire
Comments:
Absolutely unintelligible lyrics spoil this fine rocker.
Lyrics:
Version 1, 2 and 3
??? running with the right crowd
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
Moving to the beat, to the beat, to the big beat
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
Date: 1979
Time: Version 1: 4:45, Version 2: 0:30, Version 3 (sax parts with bluffed
lyrics): 1:36
Version 4
Date: March 30 1979
Time: 5:08
Date: March 30 1979
Time: 5:06
Available:
Oh Angelyne
Comments:
An early acoustic demo of The River, with much of the story in place, the major change being in the
name of the unlucky girl who becomes trapped into a life which she doesnt really want, but a life that
is inevitable for most girls in the same position as herself. Bruce modeled this tale on the plight of his
sister and his brother-in-law.
Lyrics:
Version 1
But still when you're young
They bring you up to do, what your daddy done
I worked construction with Jenkin's company
Lately there hasn't been much work on account of the economy
Man don't need no buildings, don't need men to build a home
A man don't need me so goodbye
Oh Angelyne, I run to you, I run to you
Oh Angelyne ??? you walk the line
I met Mary at General High School
I pick her up in my Ford 13
We drive away from the valley
Down to where the fields where green
And I got Mary pregnant, man that was all she wrote
Got me a Union card and a wedding coat
???
No walk down the aisle, no wedding dress
Oh Angelyne, ???
Oh Angelyne, ??? walk the line
Date: 1979
Time: 1:42
Date: 1979
Time: 1:35
Version 2
Angelyne, I'm coming to you, I'm running to you tonight
Angelyne, you run the wire or you walk the line
Date:1979
Time: 0:49
Version 3
I act like I don't remember
And Mary acts like she don't care
Running wild in her brother's car
Her body tanned and wet down at the reserviour
The plans we made baby they're off the ???
We painted ourselves a dream we could'nt live up to
Baby those dreams they ??? curse
Is a dream a lie that don't come true or is it something worse?
Is it something true that don't ever come
Does it make you feel old inside baby when your young
??? lie awake, feel every breath that you take
Angelyne, I'm coming to you, I'm running to you
Angelyne, you run the wire girl you walk the line
I'm running to you, I'm running to you
Angelyne
Date:1979
Time: 3:00
Version 4
I come from down in the valley
Where Mister straight from ???
They bring you up to do
What your daddy done
I work for ??? compnay
But there ain't work account of the economy
??? don't need men to put up
???
Oh Angelyne
Angelyne
You run the wire you walk the line
Oh Angelyne
I'm coming to you, I'm running to you
Angelyne
Angelyne
Angelyne
You run the wire or you walk the line
Oh Angelyne
Angelyne
Oh Angelyne
Angelyne
Angelyne
Angelyne
I feel each breath she takes
Oh Angelyne
Date:1979
Time: 2:20
Available:
Out In The Street
Comments:
Max said he was ashamed of his fills in this song and his poor playing almost lead to his sacking from
the band. But despite numerous listens, I can't pick that much fault with his playing. It is not his best
but it is by no means bad enough to lead to anything as drastic as the drum lessons he apparently took
in 1980.
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
Put on your best dress baby
And darlin', fix your hair up right
Cause there's a party, honey
Way down beneath the neon lights
All day you've been working that hard line
Now tonight you're gonna have a good time
I work five days a week girl
Loading crates down on the dock
I take my hard earned money
And meet my girl down on the block
And Monday when the foreman calls time
I've already got Friday on my mind
When that whistle blows
Girl, I'm down the street
I'm home, I'm out of my work clothes
When I'm out in the street
I walk the way I wanna walk
I talk the way I wanna talk
When I'm out in the street, girl
Well, I never feel alone
When I'm out in the street, girl
In the crowd I feel at home
The black and whites they cruise by
And they watch us from the corner of their eye
But there ain't no doubt girl, down here
We ain't gonna take what they're handing out
Baby, out in the street I don't feel sad or blue
Baby, out in the street I'll be waiting for you
When the whistle blows
Girl, I'm down the street
I'm home, I'm out of my work clothes
Pretty girls, they're all passing by
From the corner, we give them the eye
Baby, out in the street I just feel all right
Meet me out in the street, little girl, tonight
Meet me out in the street
Whoa oh oh oh
Darling out in the street
Darling out in the street
Available:
Party Lights
Comments:
Similar in some ways to the narrative of The River, a girl who is trapped into something from a young
age, and is forced to give up the good times, the party lights.On this track, it sounds more like an
unhappy marriage, rather than a pregnancy, was the cause behind this (although the pregnancy did
lead to an unhappy marriage eventually in The River).
Lyrics:
Version 1
Sitting all alone tonight
Tell me darling do you miss the party lights?
Oh do you miss it every night?
Do you miss the party lights?
Oh ???
You got married and
Baby married and you
Married but you were just fifteen
You ???
???
You got dirty and you ???
Baby ??? right
???
So will you tell me
When you're sitting up at night
Tell me whoa
Now baby
Do you miss the party lights
Oh yeah, do you ???
You say you watch them shine from you window at night
Down in town
Baby do you miss the party lights
Oh darling do you miss the party lights?
Oh as you watch them shine from you window at night down in town
??? tonight
??? tired ???
You were ???
And they don't know???
You got a man and he treats you mighty right
??? as he breathes in the night
But baby do you miss the party lights?
Watch them
Date: 1979
Time: 3:37
Available:
Point Blank
Comments:
A highlight of the Darkness tour when performed live with a more stark beauty, the album version had
a lot to live up to and in the eyes of many, failed. However, comparisons aside, this remains a
compelling, driving song that is a brilliant opener to the second half of the album.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Do you say your prayers little darlin
Do you go to bed at night
Pray that tommorow, everything will be alright
But tommorow's fall in number in number one by one
You wake up and you're dying
You don't even know what from
Well baby, point blank, you've been shot in the back
Point blank you been fooled this time little girl that's a fact
Little darling, point blank, point blank
Baby if this world was mine
To do with what I want to do
I'd wrap it up in pretty bows
And I'd give it all to you
You were raised and so you ran
And those pretty things baby she has to earn
And wanting all those pretty things you cant ever have
Point blank, right between the eyes
Point blank, with the pretty lies that they sell
??? darling
Point blank, point blank, point blank
???
I swear thats what I'd do
???
I swear thats what I'd do
???
And trying to stay alive
???
And no one survives, and no one survives
I dreamed I saw you standing on the porch
The house were you grew up
Your face was in the shadows but I knew that it was you
Baby you were so ??? so tired and so young
You were staring out on the highway like you were waiting for someone
???
???
And I'll never forget the way you looked when I walked away
You just stood there waiting, waiting to get blown away
Oh baby, Point blank between the eyes
Point blank with the pretty lies that they sell
You fell darling
Point blank, in their sights
??? and baby the lights go out, out darling
Time: 5:16
Version 2
Point blank you been fooled little girl that's a fact
You fell darling, point blank, point blank
To do with what I wanted to do
And give it all to you
If I could take all your sorrow
???
I swear little girl that what I'd do
Cause thats all your're gonna get
Cause baby
Point blank right between the eyes
Point blank between the lies they sell
You fell darling
Last night I ???? on the porch were you grew
Baby you looked so pale, so tired baby, so young
You were just staring out on the highway like you were waiting for someone
Baby ???
You stood there in the screendoor, with your daddy's gun in your hand
And I'll never forget the way you looked ???
Just staring like you were waiting, waiting to gte blown away
Oh baby
Point blank you've been shot in the back
Point blank you've been fooled and girl thats a fact
???
Point blank you're in their sights
Point blank one false move and the lights go out
You ??? darling
Time: 5:19
Version 3
Little darling, point blank, point blank
To do with what I want to do
And I'd give it all to you
You were raised and so you ran
And those pretty things baby wants baby has to earn
???
And now little girl all you're gonna get is
Point blank right between the lies they sell
You fell darling
Well I vowed to take you sorrow
I swear that's what I'll do
And now come tomorrow
I swear thats what I'll do
???
Just trying to stay alive
Just running from ???
Where no one survives, from no one survives
I dreamed I saw you standing on the porch were you grew
Like you were waiting for someone
You didn't say a word, I could tell that you didn't understand
You just stood there in the screendoor, with your daddy's gun in your hand
??? baby walked away
Just staring like you were waiting, waiting to get blown away
Oh baby
Point blank you've been fooled and girl thats a fact
You fell darling
Point blank you're in their sights
Point blank one false move and the lights go out
No doubt darling
Time: 5:49
Version 4
You've been shot baby, point blank, point blank
If I could take you sorrow
You know thats what I would do
And baby tomorrow
And give it all away
Baby don't you worry thats exactly what I'd do
Wrap the world in a pretty bow
And give it all to you
And baby
Point blank, right between the eyes
Point blank, right between the pretty lies they sell
We fell darling, point blank, point blank, point blank
??? the night turns into to day
All your hopes and promises, they fade away
??? just trying to stay alive
But no one survives, no one survives
??? you go looking for another fix
But girl the old distractions they just dont give the kicks they used to
You get dressed up, you go out looking for someone
??? you dont know where you've gone
???
???
???
???
Cause darling
Point blank between the lies that they sell
You fell baby
Point blank right in the act
One false move and baby the lights go out, no doubt darling
Time: 5:38
Version 5
Date: June 1979
Notes: Harmonies
Time: 0:58
Available:
Ramrod
Comments:
Max Weinberg's favourite song, this has been the show closer for The E-Street Band on the recent
world tour. An excellent rocker that helps balance out the "darker" songs on the second half of the
album, yet it is often considered one of Bruce's saddest songs.
Lyrics:
Version 1, 2 and 3
Hey, little dolly with the blue jeans on
I wanna ramrod with you honey, till the break of dawn
Let your hair down sugar and pick up this beat
Come on and meet me tonight down on Bluebird Street
I've been working all week, I'm up to my neck in hock
Come out little girl and let my ramrod rock
She's a hot stepping hemi with a four on the floor
She's a roadrunner engine in a '32 Ford
I swear I think of your pretty face when I let her unwind
Well look over yonder see them city lights
Come on out little girl and go ramroddin' tonight
Come on, come on, come on little baby
Dance with your daddy and we'll go ramroddin' tonight
Hey, little dolly won't you say you will
Well just a few miles cross the county line
There's a cute little chapel nestled down in the pines
Say you'll be mine little girl I'll put my foot to the floor
Give me the word now sugar, we'll go ramroddin' forever more
All right
Yeah
Lets go
Time: 3:51
NY
Time: Version 2: 3:45 Version 3 (tail): 0:37
Version 4, 5 and 6
I wanna ramrod with you honey, till half past dawn
Come Saturday night I let my ramrod rock
She's a hot stepping hemi with a four on the floor
She's a roadrunner engine in a '32 Ford
Come on out little darling and go ramroddin' tonight
Alright, Bosstime
All right
All right
All right
Yeah
Yeah
Alllllllllllll power shift
Lets go
Date: July 20 1979
Version 5 (More vocal from Little Steve): 4:28
Version 6 (Tail of the track with sax): 3:01
Version 7
I wanna ramrod with you honey, till half past dawn
Come Saturday night I let my ramrod rock
Well she's a hot stepping hemi with a four on the floor
She's a fuel injected Chevy in a 44
Well come on little darling and go ramroddin' tonight
Alright, Bosstime
All right
All right
All right
Yeah
Yeah
Lets go
Date: July 20 1979
Time: 4:31
Available:
Restless Nights
Comments:
The opening song to Disc 2 of Tracks, and a brilliant introduction it is. This track would have fitted in
nicely on Tunnel Of Love, as it contains themes of doubt, restelessness and unrealised dreams,
cornerstones of the 1987 album. However it was a song out of time. Covered by The Rocking Chairs.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Mystery riding left us once
In another world my little one
Where strange trees and dark rivers run
And I told a dream to you
Now outside the streets are gray
And the childhood games we played
Have faded away
But my baby, she has restless nights
She has restless nights
My baby, she has restless nights
On late night movie screens
Young lovers look so assured
Lost in wide awake dreams
That they cant afford
Once I held you in my arms
On a bed of storms
Now we have grown, baby
Mystery riding left us once
In a different world, my little one
And I told a dream to you
Now outside the streets are grey
But here inside my heart
It all falls apart
Time: 4:01
Version 2 through 8
Wished we ran and lived as one
In another world my little one
I told a dream to you
Now outside the streets of pain
And the childhood games we play
Have faded away
But my baby, she has restless night
She has restless night
On late night movie screens
Young lovers look so sure
Lost in wide awake dreams
That they can't afford
Once I held you in my arms
On a bed of stone
Now we have grown (but darling)
Wished we ran and lived as one
A different world my little one
I told a dream to you
Now outside the streets of pain
But here inside my heart
It all falls apart
Notes: Lyrics almost unintelligible, most closely match Version 2
Notes: Lyrics almost unintelligible, most closely match Version 2
Time: 3:52
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 13: Restless Days
Notes: Lyrics almost unintelligible, most closely
match Version 2
11: 3:35, Version 12: 8:11, Version 13: 4:28,
Version 14: 3:52
Available:
Rich Punk
Comments:
See Under The Gun
Under The Gun
Comments:
Contains a line that would appear in Wreck On The Highway. Thematically similar to Jackson Cage,
it is the tale of how the pressures of modern living can suck away the goodness in the world, and the
love between a man and a woman.
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
I worked construction baby like my father did
??? everybody is going to ???
??? I seen none
??? I seen none
??? living when your under the gun
One night ??? some nights Billy I just lie awake
I pull her a little closer feel every breath she takes, takes
I want to go downtown and get me a gun
You take what you get when your living Billy under the gun
Under the gun
You take what you get when your living Billy under the gun
Your living Billy under the gun
You take what your given when your living Billy under the gun
I lie awake
I pull her a little closer and I feel every breath she takes
??? I lie awake
I pull my baby closer and feel every breath she takes
Billy under the gun
You take what your given when your living
Version 3
Sometimes I see her at the end of the programming day
And in the dark I feel something sucking my whole life away
??? Mister, Mister I won't run
And you take what your given when your living Billy under the gun
Sometimes at night Billy I just lie awake
I pull Mary close, I feel every breath she takes
I want to go out and just get me a gun
But you take what your given when your living Billy under the gun
Time: 1:01
Version 4
Sometimes I see her at the end of the programming day
And I feel something sucking my life away
I want to go downtown Billy and just buy me a gun
???
I see her on the street and I don't give a damn
I tell you what you need ???
I see her on the street and the people give a helping hand
But the real truth is that I don't give a damn
???
Give a ??? now babe
You take what your given and Billy you don't run, you don't run
???
??? I ain't that kind of man
You give me a livin' and Mister I won't run
Won't run, Mister I won't run
???
I ain't that kind of man
I ain't that kind of man
Won't run
???
Just give me a livin' and Mister I won't run
Give me a livin' and Mister I won't run
And Mister I won't run
Mister I won't run
Won't run
Mister I won't run
Mister I won't run
Mister I won't run
Won't run
Won't run
Time: 4:18
Version 5
I come home and sit alone at the end of the day
I sit alone in the kitchen and I feel my life slippin' away
I feel like it's over and, I feel like it's over Billy before it ever begun
But it's hard to be forgiven when your living Billy under the gun
Time: 0:45
Date: March 30 1979
Version 10: 2:10
Date: Early 1979
Notes: Harmonies
Time: 0:56
Available:
Rickie Wants A Man Of Her Own
Comments:
Finally saw the light of day on Tracks. Another outtake that must have been pushing for consideration
on the album, despite its whimsical nature. A tight effort by the band, however this track is nothing
extraordinary.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well look out Mama your little girl she has changed
She cut her baby curls
And she's got her act rearranged
Look out Daddy what she needs now she can't find at home
Oh Rickie wants a man of her
She wants a man of her
Rickie wants a man of her own
Mama says her little girl won't talk to her anymore
She just goes in her room, turns on the radio and shuts the door
She's got her own bathroom, TV, stereo, extension phone
Oh but Mama, Rickie wants a man of her
Well daddy says when he drops her off Friday night at the gym
She slides way down in the front seat
So the kids wont see her with him
She don't do no work
She won't tell nobody when she's coming home
And she makes poor Daddy wait down on the corner
At midnight all alone
Well Daddy's pullin' out his hair, he says that girl ain't got no direction
She don't care to bring her boyfriends home to pass Daddy's inspection
Now we're left peeking through the curtains
Everytime we hear a born blow
Well I guess Rickie wants a man of her own
Mama says "Son, talk to her, she'll listen to you"
Yeah she listens real nice and she does what she wants to do
Well Daddy says "She wears her jeans so tight
Well, you change 'em or you're staying home"
Ah but Daddy, Rickie wants a man of her
She's almost grown
Time: 2:57
Version 2
Well look out Mama your little girl she has changed
She cut her baby curls
And she's got her act rearranged
Look out Daddy what she needs now she can't find at home
Mama says her little girl won't talk to her anymore
She just goes in her room, turns on the radio and shuts the door
She's got her own bathroom, TV, stereo, extension phone
Oh but Mama, Rickie wants a man of her
Well daddy says when he drops her off Friday night at the gym
She slides way down in the front seat
So the kids won't see her with him
She don't do no work
She won't tell nobody when she's coming home
And she makes poor Daddy wait down on the corner
At midnight all alone
She used to like me take her to a ballgame or a movie show
She used to make Daddy take his little girl where she wanted to go
Now we're left peeking through the curtains
Everytime we hear a born blow
Well I guess Rickie wants a man of her own
Mama says "Son, talk to her, she'll listen to you"
Yeah she listens real nice and she does what she wants to do
Well Daddy says "She wears her jeans so tight
Well, change 'em or you're staying home"
Ah but Daddy, Rickie wants a man of her
She's almost grown
Date: July 20 1979
Time: 2:59
Date: July 20 1979
NY
Time: 3:00
Available:
Roulette
Comments:
Bruce's paranoid Three-Mile Island rant, this was the first song recorded for The River, but didnt
make the album, only to turn up on a B-side later. This song saw some mileage on the Tunnel Of Love
Express tour, along with Be True. Great drumming from Max is the highlight throughout.
Lyrics:
Version 1
We left the toys out in the yard
I took my wife and kids, and I left my home unguarded
We packed what we could into the car
No one here knows how it started
Suddenly everything was just so out of control
Now I need want answers, mister, I need to know
I hear all the talk but I don't know what you're sayin'
But I think I got a good idea of the game that you're playin'
Roulette, that's the name now
Roulette, that's the game now
Roulette, I don't believe what they're sayin'
Roulette, and everybody's playin'
I grew up here on this street where nothin' moves, just a strange breeze
A town full of worthless memories
This shadow in my backyard
I've got a house full of things that I can't touch
Well all those things they won't do me much good now
I was a fireman out at Riker's, I did my job
Mister, I've been cheated, I feel like I've been robbed
I'm the big expendable, my life's just canceled, null and void
But what are you gonna do about your new boy
Roulette, you're playin' with my life
Roulette, with my kids and my wife
Roulette, every day the stakes get bigger
Roulette, a different finger on the trigger
Down by the river that talks the night speaks in searchlights
And shortwave radio squawk, and the police patrol the streets
But I've left behind the man I used to be
Everything he believed and all that belonged to me
I tried to find my way out to somewhere where I thought 'd be safe
But they stopped me at the roadblock, they blocked off the interstate
They put me in a detention but I broke loose and then I ran
They said they just wanted to ask me a few questions but I think they had other plans
I don't know who to trust and I don't know what I can believe
T They say they wanna help me with the stuff, they keep on sayin
I think those guys just wanna keep on playin'
Roulette, with my life
Roulette, my kids and my wife
Roulette, bullet's in the chamber
Roulette, who's the unlucky stranger
Roulette, surprise, you're dead
Roulette, the gun's to your head
Roulette, the bullet's spinning in the chamber
Roulette, pull the trigger, feel the click
No further danger
Time: 3:40
Version 2
I took my wife and kids, I left my home
I packed what we could into the car
Suddenly everything seems so out of control
Mister I want some answers, I need to know
Roulette, bullets in the chamber
Through the whisperin' trees
There's a town full of worthless memories
Mister, I've been cheated, I've been robbed
Roulette, put a spinner in the chamber
Roulette, who's finger is on the trigger?
Time: 2:31
Version 3
Now I need want answers, mister, I need to know
A town full of worthless memories
This shadow in my backyard
And shortwave radio squawk, and the police patrol the streets
Everything he believed and all that belonged to me
I tried to find my way out to somewhere where I thought 'd be safe
But they stopped me at the roadblock, they blocked off the interstate
They put me in a detention but I broke loose and then I ran
They said they just wanted to ask me a few questions but I think they had other plans
I don't know who to trust and I don't know what I can believe
T They say they wanna help me with the stuff, they keep on sayin
Roulette, bullet's in the chamber
No further danger
Time: 3:54
Version 4
I took my wife and kids, I left my home unguarded
I packed my things into the car
No one here knows how this thing got started
Now I need some answers, mister, I I need to know
Everyone's gone now, everyone but me
And this shadow in my backyard
Mister, I've been cheated, Mister I feel like I've been robbed
But what are you gonna do about my little boy
And shortwave radio squawk, I see the uniforms comb the streets
And all that belonged to me
I tried to take my family out to safety and security
But they stopped me at the roadblock, said they wanted to talk to me
They put me in a hospital but I escaped and then I ran
They said they wanted to help me but I think they had other plans
I left behind my family and I don't know what I can believe
All those guys, they keep on sayin
I know those guys wanna keep on playin'
Roulette, the bullet's in the chamber
No further danger
Date: April 3 1979
Location: The Power Station, New York City, N.Y.
Time: 3:41
Date: April 3 1989
NY
Time: 3:44
Version 5
I took my wife and kids and left my home unguarded
We packed what we could into a car
Suddenly everything was so out of control
Everything was so out of control
Roulette
Thats the game
Roulette
Thats the name now
I was a fireman I did my job
Mister I've been cheated, I've been robbed
Roulette
Thats the game
Roulette
Thats the name now
I used to be
And everything that belonged to me
And maybe
Date: 1979
Time: 1:28
Version 6
Suddenly everything was so out of control
I need some answers, I need to know
But I got a good idea of the game that you're playin'
Roulette, that's the name
Roulette, that's the game
Roulette, bullets spinnin' in the chamber
I grew up here on this street where nothin' moves, just a strange breeze now
A town filled with worthless memories
There's a shadow in my backyard
I'm the big expendable, my life's canceled, null and void
And shortwave radio squawk, the police patrol the streets
Everything he believes and all that belonged to me
I tried to find my way out to somewhere where I thought I'd be safe
But they stopped me at the roadblock they put up on the interstate
They put me in a detention, I broke loose and then I ran
They said they wanted to help but I think they had other plans
I don't know who to trust and I don't know who I can believe
They say they wanna help me with the stuff, they keep on sayin
Roulette, bullet's spinnin' in the chamber
No further danger
No further danger
No further danger
Boot: First Date
Label: No Label
Location: The Centrum, Worcester, MA
Time: 4:12
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 4:24
Label: Swingin' Pig
Date: February 28
1988
Location: Worcester
Centrum, Worcester,
MA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 6
Time: 4:24
Boot: Cleveland Tunnel
Date: March 14 1988
Location: Richfield Coliseum, Cleveland, OH
Time: 4:17
Label: No Label
Date: April 4 1988
Time: 4:13
Boot: Monday Night's
Date Night
Label: None
Date: April 25 1988
Location: Sports
Arena, Los Angeles,
CA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 6
Time: 4:09
Label: Bruce Tree
Date: May 2 1988
Time: 4:24
Label: Doberman
Date: May 3 1988
View, CA
Time: 4:13
Boot: Summernight
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July 3 1988
Location: Olympic Stadium, Stockholm, Sweden
Time: 4:29
Label: Winged Wheel
Date: July 14 1988
Switzerland
Time: 4:09
Available:
Sherry Darling
Comments:
Bruces tribute to Frat Rock, this song was originally recorded for Darkness... before being put on hold
due to thematic constraints. Resurrected successfully for this album (it was also played live on the
Darkness tour) it is still to this day a great party song, just listen to the fun Bruce and the band had
recording it.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Your mamma's yappin' in the back seat
Every Monday morning I gotta drive her down to the unemployment
agency
Well this morning I aint fighting tell her I give up
Tell her she wins if she'll just shut up
But it's the last time that she's gonna be ridin' with me
You can tell her there's a hot sun beatin' on the blacktop
She can take a subway back to the ghetto tonight
Now there's girls melting on the beach
And they're so fine but so out of reach
Cause I'm stuck in traffic down here on 53rd street
Now Sherry my love for you is real
But I didn't count on this package deal
And baby this car just ain't big enough for her and me
So you can tell her there's a hot sun beatin' on the blacktop
She can take a subway back to the ghetto tonight
Well let there be sunlight, let there be rain
Sherry we can run with our arms open before the tide
To all the girls down at Sacred Heart
Hey, hey, hey, whataya say Sherry Darlin'
Oh come on
Say, hey, hey, hey whataya say Sherry Darlin'
Time: 4:15
Available:
Slow Fade
Comments:
Very, very similar to Fade Away, the second single from The River. A very underrated song that was
sparingly played on the tour itself. A man is faced with the harsh realisation that his relationship is
over, and he promises he will change in order to get it back, no matter how unrealistic that seems. He
never recognised the yawning gap that was coming between his girl and himself. Is it too late to
change things? This type of song is what makes The River as a whole a monumental piece of work.
Lyrics:
Version 1 through 6
Time: 3:18
3: 3:31, Version 4: 6:22, Version 5: 2:56,
Version 6: 3:17
Version 7
You say you've found another man who does things to you that I can't
And that no matter what I do it's all over between me and you
I don't believe what you say
But love can I change it one day?
And baby
No I don't wanna fade away
???
Cause baby I don't wanna fade away
Well now you say that you've made up your mind
It's been such a long, long time since it's been good with us
And that somewhere back along the line
You lost your love and I lost your trust
Now I don't wanna ask
I don't believe what you're saying
Oh no I don't wanna fade away
You say it's not easy for you
And that you've been so lonely
While other girls go out doing what they want to do
You say that you miss the nights when we'd go out dancing
It was the days when you and I walked as two
You say that I never loved you
Well girl you know thats not true
Now baby I don't wanna be just another useless memory holding you tight
Or just some other ghost out on the street to whom you stop and politely speak
Thats right
And if you vanish into the night
Left to vanish into the night
No darling
If there is anything I will pay
Date: 1979
Time: 2:46
Available:
Son, You May Kiss The Bride
Comments:
See Stolen Car
Stolen Car
Comments:
Also known as Son You May Kiss The Bride. One of the most haunting cuts off The River, a very soft
song, characterised by Roy's piano. Quite a few different versions exist, most famously the version
that exists on Tracks and was to be on the album that never was, The Ties That Bind
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well I found me a little girl and I settled down
In a pretty little house in a pretty little town
We got married and promised never to part
Then I fell a victim to a hungry heart
And I feel like I'm driving a stolen car
On a pitchblack night and I'm doing my best
To make it through, and I feel like I'm driving a stolen car
Sitting down at the First street lights
I want to get caught but I never do
At first I thought it was just restlessness
The kind you figured would fade as time goes by
And love grows deep
But in the end it was something more I guess
That made my baby weak
And I feel like I'm driving a stolen car
Running on borrowed time
I'm doing my best to make it through
I keep telling myself everything's gonna work out fine
I don't know why they never do
She asked if I remembered the letters I wrote
When our love was young and and we were bold
Well last night I read those letters
And they made me feel 100 years old
There's a river that runs by that little town
Down into the sea
It was there in the shade I laid my body down
As she flowed by so effortlessly
Theres be a party out on County Line
And there'll be dancing down at Seven Trees
And from these banks I can see those party lights shine
Maybe she's there, maybe she's waiting for me
Last night I dreamed I made the call
I promised to come home forever more
Once again we stood on the wedding steps at Victory Hall
And walked arm in arm through the chapel door
I remember how good I felt inside
When the preacher said "Son, you may kiss the bride"
But as I leaned over to touch those pretty lips
I felt it all slip away through my fingertips
And I'm driving a stolen car
Running on borrowed time
And I don't even know why
Just driving a stolen car through the pitchblack night
No one sees me as I ride by
Nobody even sees me as I ride by
Date: June 21 1979
Time: 4:39
Date: June 21 1979
NY
Time: 4:40
Version 2
Then Iittle by little we drifted from each others hearts
Now I'm driving a stolen car
To make it through
Well I'm just sitting down here at the Stanton Lake
That would fade as time went by
And our love grew deep
That tore us apart and made us weak
Waiting on that little red light
I keep telling myself everything's gonna be alright
But I ride by night and I travel in fear
And in this darkness I might just disappear
She said last night she read those letters
And they made her feel 100 years old
Down into the sea
As she flowed on so effortlessly
Now theres a party tonight out on County Line
From these banks I can see those party lights shine
Maybe she's there, maybe she's looking for me
I swore to return and stay forever more
I can remember how good I felt inside
But as I leaned over to touch her pretty lips
Through a pitch black night
I keep telling myself everythings gonna be alright
No matter what I do or where I drive
Nobody sees me as I ride by
Date: July 26 1979
Time: 4:29
Label: Unknown
Date: July 26 1979
NY
Time: 4:32
Version 3
Then Iittle by little we drifted from each others hearts
Now I'm driving a stolen car
To make it through
Well I'm just sitting down here at the Stanton Lake
That would fade as time went by
And our love grew deep
Waiting on that little red light
I keep telling myself everything's gonna be alright
And they made her feel 100 years old
Down into the sea
As she flowed on so effortlessly
Now theres a party tonight out on County Line
From these banks I can see those party lights shine
Maybe she's there, maybe she's looking for me
I can remember how good I felt inside
But as I leaned over to touch her pretty lips
Through a pitch black night
I keep telling myself everythings gonna be alright
No matter what I do or where I drive
Date: 1979-1980
Time: 4:13
Version 4, 5 and 6
In a pretty little house on the edge of town
And little by little we drifted from each others hearts
That would fade as time went by and our love grew deep
I'm driving a stolen car on a pitchblack night
And I'm doing my best to make it through
We got married and swore we'd never to part
And little by little we drifted from each others hearts
At first I thought it's just restlessness
And I'm driving a stolen car on a pitchblack night
I'm just sitting down here near Stanton Lake
You asked me if I remembered the letters I wrote
When our love was young and we were bold
And they made her feel a hundred years old
I ride by night and I travel in fear
And I tell myself it's gonna be alright
Whoaa
Time: Verison 4: 4:43, Version 5: 3:43, Version 6: 10:28
Version 7
And little by little we drifted from each other's hearts
Now at first I thought it was just restlessness
I'm just sitting down here at the Stanton Lake
You asked me if I remembered the letters I wrote
When our love was young and and bold
And I tell myself it's gonna be alright
And I drive by night and I travel in fear
And in this darkness I disappear
And theres a river that runs by that little town
It runs down into the sea
It's there in the shade I lay my body
As she flows on so effortlessly
Theres a bar at night, theres a bar down on County line
Where the girls down there dance ???
From these banks I can see these party light shines
I wonder if she's there waiting for me
To come home and to return forever
We stood on the wedding steps at Victory Hall
And marched arm in arm through the chapel door
I remember how I .....
Marched arm in arm through the chapel door
I remember how I felt inside
When the preacher said ???
??? kissed her pretty lips
Somehow it slipped away, slipped away
???
???
???
Time: 8:03
Version 8
I found me a little girl and I settled down
We got married and swore we'd never part
And I'm doing my best yeah
I'm just sitting down here at Stanton Lake
She asked me if I remembered the letters I wrote
When our love was young and bold
And I, I say it's gonna be alright
And in this darkness I will disappear
And theres a river runs by that little town
Down into the sea
It's there at nights I lay my body down
Now theres a party here tonight down on County line
There'll be dancing down on Seven Trees
From these banks I can see them party light shines
Is she there waiting for me
When the preacher said "son you may kiss the bride"
But as I leaned to touch her pretty lips
I felt it all slip away, it all slip away
Baby I, I say it's gonna be alright
And I ride by night ???
???
Time: 7:49
Version 9 and 10
I found me a little girl and I settled down
We were married and we swore we'd never part
In the end it was something more I guess
I'm driving a stolen car through the pitchblack night
And I'm waiting to get caught and never do
???
And I'm driving a stolen car through a pitchblack night
And in this darkness I just disappear
Theres a river runs by this little town
Down into the sea
It's there in the shade I lay my body down
To return and then stay forever more
???
???
???
I tell myself everythings all right
???
Version 11
I met a little girl and we settled down
We got married and swore we'd never to part
I'm driving a stolen car ???
And I'm ???
She said last night she read, she read those letters
And I'm driving a stolen car ???
And I drive by night and I ride in fear
And in this darkness I disappear
Theres a river that runs by that little town
Down into the sea
It's there in the shade I lay my body down
As she flows on effortlessly
I swore to return and stay with her forever
Once again we stood on those wedding steps at Victory Hall
Now I remember how good I felt inside
When the father said "son you may kiss the bride"
But I ???
Through the darkness ???
And I'm driving a stolen car ???
???
???
???
Time: 7:59
Version 12
I met a little girl and I settled down
In a little house out on the edge of town
We got married, and swore never to part
Then we drifted from each other's heart
???
???
???
???
Tonight I'm running in a stolen car
Driving a stolen car
Driving a stolen car
In the end it was something else I guess
That tore us apart and made us weep
???
???
In the darkness I might disappear
Tonight I'm driving in a stolen car
Driving in a stolen car
???
I promised to come home forever more
???
Through the chapel door
The preacher said "you may kiss the bride"
??? when I tried
No one sees me when I drive by
Date: 1981-1982
Notes: Lyrics match Version 12. Restless Nights with Stolen Car lyrics
Time: 3:27
Available:
Date: Early 1980
Notes: Harmonies
Time: 0:58
Stockton Boys
Comments:
Quite similar to it's companion piece, Stockton Girls. In some ways it is also comparable to Working
On The Highway, boys finishing a tough day or week at work and looking for love, or something
more physical. A short acoustic demo like many others that preceded the bands work on the album.
Lyrics:
Version 1
You can see it in their eyes, you can see it on their shirts
Come down here looking to get hurt
???
???
And from the streets, from every passing car
From some dark corner of ??? bar
But in the end ???
???
Oh Stockton boys
Acting tough, making noise
They say they're coming down here to collect
The Stockton boys, acting tough making noise
Man they just want to get wrecked
They wear it in their eyes, they wear it on their shirts
They come down here looking to get hurt
Trying to collect from every ???
???
From the dark corner of Johnnie's bar
From the open window of some passing car
From some ???
I watch from the town
Oh Stockton boys
They say they're coming down here to collect
The Stockton boys, acting tough making noise
Man they just looking to get wrecked
Oh yeah, they're too young to figure it all out
Or just too dumb to pack it up and get out
???
With a wife and a kid
???
Stuck with a girl that they don't want
Making payments baby they can't own
Oh Stockton boys
Coming down here looking to collect
Oh Stockton boys, acting tough making noise
Man you get in the way you gonna get wrecked
By Stockton Boys
Date: January 1980
Time: 2:48
Version 2
They're coming down for the blood and spit every Friday night when the 5:30 hit
They come looking to collect and get wrecked
They come down here every on the phone and they leave their little girls at home
They turn and they check
Coming down from the factory
Coming in with me
Oh Stockton Boys acting tough making noise
Coming down, baby, from the mill
Come looking for a kiss
Yeah Stockton boys, sha na na, sha na na
Sha la la la la la
Stockton boys sha na na na
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Date: January 1980
Notes: Lyrics match version 2
Time: 1:26
Date: January 1980
Time: 1:24
Version 3
Oh Stockton Boys, too young to figure it out
Just too dumb to pack it up and get out
Stockton Boys
Get out of Stockton boys
Get out of Stockton boys
Yeah get out of Stockton boys
Date: January 1980
Time: 0:27
Version 4
Oh Jenny's still got money in her car
And Eddie stills begging fights in Queenstown bars
Is life never end
Will they never learn?
Stockton boys
Acting tough making noise
Friday riding down from the factory
Oh Stockton boys
Don't forget easily
Stockton boys
Friday nights riding down from the factorys
Stockton boys
Date: January 1980
Time: 0:50
Available:
Stockton Girls
Comments:
Like Stockton Boys, this is the story of working class girls looking for some fun in the face of a harsh
reality, either having a family to care for or the drudgery of a boring job to return to every morning.
And maybe their strength in dealing with the situation is why "I love those Stockton girls"
Lyrics:
Version 1
Soon as Friday night comes around, 8 o'clock they roll into town
Looking for a few good thrills with a paycheque to kill
Her hands hurt ???
Baby wants to go out, baby wants to dance
Baby wants to find a little romance
To take her away
Oh Stockton girls, they got no diamonds or pearls
Running down from the factories
Oh Stockton girls, diamonds and pearls
I love those Stockton girls
Suzie worked down at the ???
She got a kid and an old man
That she takes care of ???
They come down when the day is done
And baby wants to rock, baby wants to roll
Baby wants to find ???
Stockton girls, ain't got no diamonds or pearls
They come running down from the mill
Oh Stockton girls
Stockton girls, they got no diamonds or pearls
They come running down from the factory
I love those Stockton girls
Date: January 1980
Time: 1:45
Date: January 1980
Time: 1:45
Available:
Take' Em As They Come
Comments:
Absolutely brilliant River outtake, finally released officially on Tracks. Got some play on the recent
World Tour to great effect, check out Crystal Cat's L.A. Night in which it opened the show in
stunning fashion. How this got left off the album is an absolute mystery, thank god for Tracks.
Lyrics:
Version 1
One Two Three Four
One Two Three Four
Last night I dreamed we was runnin' through the avalanche
Tears streaming your pretty face all burned red
With your daddy's gun in my trembling hands
Down the highway another stranger comes
You gotta take'em baby when they come
Little girl put on your red dress
'Cause we're goin' out on the town tonight
Better bring along a switchblade
Cause be sure some fools gonna want to fight
You gotta take' em baby as they come
You gotta take' em
Take' em as they come girl
Take' em baby as they come
God save the rider in the black night
Save the man who taught that it was right
To do what they have done girl
To become what we have become
You gotta take' em baby when they come
Little girl gone are the birthdays
Faded away into the clear blue night
And all the promises we made
Lie shattered and broken in the morning light
You gotta take' em
I know your heart is breaking
I can feel it too girl
Though my finger on the trigger is shakin'
Theres just one thing to do girl
Theres winners and losers
All look the same from the other side
If we could choose we could
We could try could'nt we honey
To take'em as they come
Time: 4:24
Version 2 and 3
Date: Early 1979
Location: Los Angeles, CA and Holmdel, NJ
Version 4
One Two Three Four
Last night I dreamed we was runnin' through the outlands
Tears streaming your pretty face all burned red
With your daddy's gun in my trembling hands
Down the highway another stranger comes
You gotta take'em baby when they come
Little girl put on your best dress
'Cause we're goin' out on the town tonight
Better bring along a switchblade
Be sure some fools gonna want to fight
You gotta take' em baby as they come
You gotta take' em
God save the rider in the black night
Save the man who taught that it was right
To do what they have done girl
To become what we have become
Little girl gone are the birthdays
Faded away into the clear blue light
And all the promises we made
Lie shattered and broken in the morning light
You gotta take' em
I know your heart is breaking
I can feel it too girl
Got my finger on the trigger is shakin'
Here I swear to you girl
If I could take all your sorrow
So that you'd never cry, girl or be blue
Come tomorrow
Thats what I do for you little one
I swear I'll take'em as they come
Location: The Power Station, New York, N.Y.
Time: 4:29
Available:
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 15 1999
Location: Stadion Bieberer Berg, Offenbach, Germany
Time: 5:31
Boot: Los Angeles Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Staples Centre, Los Angeles, CA
Time: 4:48
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: May 22 2000
Time: 5:12
Boot: The Promise
Delivered
Label: None
Date: June 20 2000
Location: Madison
Square Garden, New
York City, NY
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 4
Time: 5:06
Los Angeles Night
The Price You Pay
Comments:
A sprawling song that is more a journey than music. What is the price we pay? Who are the people
with their hands held high? Who crossed the desert sands to the promised land? A song that asks more
questions than it answers. The alternate verse featured on the studio outtakes was incorporated into the
song late in 1980 during The River tour.
Lyrics:
Version 1
You make up your mind, you choose the chance you take
To ride to where the highway ends and the desert breaks
Out on to an open road you ride until the day
You learn to sleep at night with the price you pay
Now with their hands held high
They reached out for the open skies
And in one last breath
They built the roads they'd ride to their death
Driving on through the night, unable to break away
From the everlasting pull of the price you pay
Oh, the price you pay, oh, the price you pay
Now you can't walk away from the price you pay
Some say forget the past, and some say don't look back
But for every breath you take, you leave a track
And it just don't seem fair, but for every smile that breaks
A tear must fall somewhere, oh the price you pay
You just can't walk away from the price you pay
Little girl down on the strand
With that pretty little baby in your hands
Do you remember the story of the promised land?
How we crossed the desert sands
And could not enter the chosen land
On the banks of the river he stayed
To face the price you pay
So let the games start, you better run you little wild heart
You can run through all the nights and all the days
But just across the county line
A stranger passing through put up a sign
That counts the men fallen away
To the price you pay, and girl before the end of the day
I'm gonna tear it down and throw it away
No no no no no ah
No no no no no ah
No no no no no ah
No no no no no ah
Date: June 21 1979
Time: 5:36
Date: June 21 1979
NY
Time: 5:36
Version 2
You make up your mind, you choose the chance you take
To ride to where the highway ends and the desert breaks
Out on to an open road you ride until the day
You learn to sleep at night with the price you pay
Now with their hands held high
They reached out for the open skies
And in one last breath
They built the roads they'd ride to their death
Driving on through the night, unable to break away
From the restless pull of the price you pay
Some say forget the past, and some say don't look back
But for every breath you take, you leave a track
And though it just don't seem fair, but for every smile that breaks
A tear must fall somewhere, oh the price you pay
Little girl down on the strand
With that pretty little baby in your hands
Do you remember the story of the promised land?
How we crossed the desert sands
And could not enter the chosen land
On the banks of the river we stayed
To face the price you pay
So let the games start, you better run your little wild heart
You can run through all the nights and all the days
But just across the county line
A stranger passing through put up a sign
That counts the men fallen away
To the price you pay, and girl before the end of the day
I'm gonna tear it down and throw it away
Time: 5:48
Label: Unknown
NY
Time: 5:50
Available:
Time: 6:11
Boot: Nassau Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Nassau Coliseum, N.Y.
Time: 5:23
The River
Comments:
Virtually the story of Bruce's sister and brother-in-law, however it was a familiar tale to many people:
Love gone wrong due to the pressures of the cruel world that surrounds us. I'll leave the arguments
over the metaphorical meaning of the river, such as Catholic baptisms and washing off sins, to other
people.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I come from down in the valley where mister when you're young
They bring you up to do like your daddy done
Me and Mary we met in high school when she was just seventeen
We'd drive out of this valley down to where the fields were green
We'd go down to the river
And into the river we'd dive
Oh down to the river we'd ride
Then I got Mary pregnant and man that was all she wrote
And for my nineteenth birthday I got a union card and a wedding coat
We went down to the courthouse and the judge put it all to rest
No wedding day smiles, no walk down the aisle
No flowers, no wedding dress
That night we went down to the river
And into the river we'd dive
On down to the river we did ride
I got a job working construction for the Johnstown Company
But lately there ain't been much work on account of the economy
Now all them things that seemed so important
Well mister they vanished right into the air
Now I just act like I don't remember, Mary acts like she don't care
But I remember us riding in my brother's car
Her body tanned and wet down at the reservoir
At night on them banks I'd lie awake
And pull her close just to feel each breath she'd take
Now them memories come back to haunt me, they haunt me like a curse
Is a dream a lie if it don't come true
Or is it something worse that sends me
Down to the river though I know the river is dry
Down to the river tonight
Down to the river, my baby and I
Oh down to the river we ride
Label: Unknown
Time: 4:54
Available:
The Ties That Bind
Comments:
A stirring introduction to the double album set. Max's drums features prominently throughout this
track. Imagine sitting down with this album for the first time and this being the first track you hear.
Imagine breathing a sigh of relief as you realise that this is not quite the bitter pill that is Darkness...
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
You been hurt and you're all cried out you say
You walk down the street pushin' people outta your way
You packed your bags and all alone you wanna ride
You don't want nothin', don't need no one by your side
You're walkin' tough baby, but you're walkin' blind
To the ties that bind
The ties that bind
No man can't break the ties that bind
Cheap romance, you say its just just just a crush
You don't want nothin' that anybody can touch
You're so afraid of being somebody's fool
Not walkin' tough baby, not walkin' cool
You walk cool, but darlin', can you walk the line
And face the ties that bind
The ties that bind
Whoa whoa I
I'd rather feel the hurt inside, yes I would darlin'
Than know the emptiness your heart must hide
Yes I would darlin', yes I would darlin'
Yes I would baby
You sit and wonder just who's gonna stop the rain
Who'll ease the sadness, who's gonna quiet the pain
It's a long dark highway and a thin white line
Connecting baby, your heart to mine
You're runnin' now but darlin' we will stand in time
To face the ties that bind
The ties that bind
You can't forsake the ties that bind
Label: Unknown
Time: 3:36
NY
Time: 3:35
Date:1979-1980
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1 (Different mix)
Version 3
Date: 1979
Time: 4:22
Version 4
Just another lonely ???
???
??? alone you ride
The ties that bind
No man can break the ties that bind
Outside, inside, anyway your heart goes
There's one thing little girl that I wanna know
Everybody gonna know who stopped the rain
Who will end the sadness, who will end the pain
Just why, why you walk the line
The ties that bind
Now you can't break the ties that bind
Whao whoa the ties that bind
Whoa I would rather ???, yes I would baby
Oh ???
Oh ???
Oh I know it baby
Oh the ties that bind
The ties that bind
You can't forsake the ties that bind
No man can shake the ties that bind
Date: October 1978
Location: Various
Time: 3:43
Label: Yellow Dog
Date: October 1978
Blauvelt, N.Y.
Time: 4:03
Version 5
You been hurt, your all cried out you say
Your just pushing everybody out of your way
You pack your bags and all alone you ride
No man can forsake the ties that bind
Outside, inside, anyway you wanna go
There's one thing little darling that I know
People wondering just who's gonna stop the rain
Who ends the sadness, who's gonna quiet the pain
You walk the walk, but will you stand and walk the line
The ties that bind
???
???
???
I wanna ??? you baby
Oh the ties that bind
The ties that bind
No man can forsake the ties that bind
You just can't shake the ties that bind
Label: Yellow Dog
Date: October 1978
Time: 4:25
Available:
The Time Inbetween
Comments:
An incredibly short snippet of a song featuring two lines. Enough said.
Lyrics:
Version 1
It's the time inbetween
Its the time inbetween
Date: 1979
Time: 0:18
Available:
Two Hearts
Comments:
A real crowd favourite, this song has been played at every show performed on the recent World
Reunion tour. Bruce and Steve sharing a mic singing this classic is an absolute piece of rock and roll
magic. Works fantastically with the full backing of the band or acoustically.
Lyrics:
Versions 1 through 8
I went out walking the other day
Seen a little girl crying along the way
???
???
Whoa whoa whoa
Two hearts are better than one
Two hearts girl get the job done
Once I spent my time playing tough guy scenes
But I was living in a world of childish dreams
Someday these dreams someday must end
To become a man and dream again
Whoa whoa whoa
One two three four
That's if you think your heart is stone
And that you're rough enough to whip this world alone
???
???
???
And I believe
Time: 3:28
Notes: Lyrics mostly indecipherable, but most
closely match Version 1
3: 2:40, Version 4: 2:45, Version 5: 1:12,
Version 9
Spotted her pretty face here in the middle of a crowded department store
I fight over to the perfume department and out the swinging doors
And out on the street I let her walk on by, the girls they look so good
??? babe you look...girl you look so lonely ???
Don't you know that two hearts are better than one
Oh baby two hearts are better than one
And I got some true love to get the job done
Now darling two hearts are better than one
Oh yeah, yeah two hearts are better than one
Oh baby two hearts say you're the lonely one
And I got two arms to get the job done
Now darling two hearts are better than one
Oh yeah, two hearts are better than one
Date: January 1980
Time: 1:12
Available:
Untitled
Comments:
A lot of tracks, especially from the early River demos, have no title. See alsoIn The City Tonight
Lyrics:
Available:
Date: Early 1979
Location: Los Angeles, CA and Holmdel, NJ
Version 5: 1:58
Walking On The Avenue
Comments:
A very confused song, the last verse seems to be almost autobiographical in nature.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Walking down the avenue
Of a dark ???
Listen now, I am blue
Deep in there I hope it's true
Love will just have to be
Your the only one for me
Love will call in time ???
Creeping down the the avenue
Baby if you know its right
Maybe that I'm alright
Come on now won't you
Baby don't cut me loose
And my girl now if I could
Baby I would do what I could do
I'd call you back and make it right
Call it down and ???
Baby if there was another man
If there was a sweeter man
Baby you know that I would do
Anything that I could do
And I want another one
Baby goin on and on
If you want to go along
Baby don't come alone
Come alone
Walking on the avenue
Baby when I'm all ???
Girls come to my hotel room
Well they just want to sit and talk
Baby it's a ???
Boys they all love my walk
Baby when I'm walking down
Come out tonight
Baby go do what you can do
Cause I now it's mean and true
Baby I'm in love with you
When I'm walking on the avenue
Date: Early 1979
Time: 3:43
Date: Early 1979
Time: 3:45
Version 2
???
Looking for a local bar
I meet people ??? I wonder just who you are
When I'm on a ??? street
I'm looking for a friendly face
Baby it ???
Until you turn me out again
I remember back when I
???
Baby I can do that too
Baby ???
When I'm walking down the avenue
Baby walking on the avenue
I wanna ???
Smile ???
Baby I ???
???
You keep it all ???
You do the things girl that you can do
???
Break my heart ???
Girl I'm walking on the avenue
And I'm walking on the avenue
And I was walking down the avenue
When I was walking on the avenue
Date: Early 1979
Time: 3:12
Available:
Where The Bands Are
Comments:
A brilliant rocker, god only knows how it was left off The River. It could have been a single for that
album, such is the strength of this track. Played to great effect on the past World Tour, including
Bruce declaring "I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be where the fans are" in Minnesota on The Last
Show Of The Century.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I hear the guitars ringin' out
Ringin' out down Union Street
I hear the lead singer shoutin' out, girl
I wanna be a slave to the beat
Yeah, tonight I wanna break my chains
Somebody break my heart
Somebody shake my brains
Downtown there's something that I wanna hear
There's a sound, little girl, keeps ringing in my ear
I wanna be where the bands are
Where the bands are
Where the bands are
I get off from work and I grab something to eat
I turn the corner and I drive down your street
Little gray houses darling looks like nowhere
But hey I know you're hiding in there
Come on out for just a little while
You know that heart of stone, girl, it just ain't your style
Tonight I wanna feel the beat of the crowd
And when I tell you that I love you
I wanna have to shout it out loud
Shout it out loud
Where the bands are
Where the bands are
I hear the guitars ringin' out again
Ringin' on down Union Street
I hear the lead singer shoutin' out and girl
I wanna be a slave to the beat
And I want something that'll break my chains
Something to break my heart
Something to shake my brains
There's a rocker's special on tonight
So meet me on down
'Neath the neon lights
Where the bands are
Where the bands are
Where the bands are
Where the bands are
Time: 3:39
Boot: Milano Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 19 1999
Time: 4:06
Milano Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: May 18 1999
Time: 4:05
Boot: Gent Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: May 27 1999
Time: 4:38
Earls Court Night
Gent Night
Boot: Born To Serve
Label: Diamond Cat
Date: May 30 1999
Location: Wuhlheide,
Born To Serve
Berlin, Germany
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 4:39
Label: RMAS
Date: June 17 1999
Location: Weserstadion, Bremen, Germany
Time: 4:14
Boot: Arnhem Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 19 1999
Time: 4:44
Arnhem Night
Boot: Olympic Stadion 1st Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 23 1999
Time: 4:01
Date: June 26 1999
Copenhagen Rain
Time: 4:03
Boot: Oslo Finale
Label: Piggham
Date: June 27 1999
Location: Valle Hovin
Stadium, Oslo,
Norway
Notes: Lyrics Match
Version 1
Time: 4:02
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Time: 4:07
Label: Scorpion
Location: Target Centre, Minneapolis, MN
Time: 4:09
October 25 1999
Last Show Of The
Century
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: March 4 2000
Location: Orlando Arena, Orlando, FL
Time: 5:00
Available:
Wreck On The Highway
Comments:
A mournful, sombre way to end this double LP classic. Another of many underrated songs on the
album, however I don't recommend listening to this track on the car stereo. An examination of death,
and what happens to us when we die, how does it affect the world in which we lived?
Lyrics:
Version 1
Last night I was out driving
Coming home at the end of the working day
I was riding alone through the drizzling rain
On a deserted stretch of a county twolane
When I came upon a wreck on the highway
There was blood and glass all over
And there was nobody there but me
As the rain tumbled down hard and cold
I seen a young man lying by the side of the road
He cried Mister, won't you help me please
An ambulance finally came and took him to Riverside
I watched as they drove him away
And I thought of a girlfriend or a young wife
And a state trooper knocking in the middle of the night
To say your baby died in a wreck on the highway
Sometimes I sit up in the darkness
And I watch my baby as she sleeps
Then I climb in bed and I hold her tight
I just lay there awake in the middle of the night
Thinking 'bout the wreck on the highway
Time: 3:34
Time: 3:34
Available:
You Can Look (But You Better Not Touch)
Comments:
One of Bruce's shorter tracks, this song was slated to appear on the aborted album The Ties That Bind
in a radically different, rockabilly arrangement. The River version is a more straightforward rocker, a
safer but maybe more sterile choice. There are plenty of alternate versions to help you make up your
mind.
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
Yesterday I went shopping buddy down to the mall
Looking for something pretty I could hang on my wall
I knocked over a lamp before it hit the floor I caught it
A salesman turned around said "Boy you it you bought it"
You can look but you better not touch boy
You can look but you better not touch
You keep messing around and you'll end up in dutch boy
You can look but you better not no you better not no you better not touch
I came home from work and I switched on channel 5
There was a pretty little girly lookin' straight into my eyes
Well I watched as she wiggled back and forth across the screen
She didn't get me excited she just made me feel mean
You keep messing around and you'll end up in dutch boy
Anyway you can taste it
Only a man can't taste it
He'll be given a time
Keep a man on the short line
Keep a working man on a short line
I called up Dirty Annie on the telephone
I took her out to the drive-in just to get the girl alone
I found a lover's rendezvous the music low set to park
I heard a tappin' on the window and a voice in the dark
Hey you, out of the car
Keep messing around and you'll end up in dutch boy
Date: June 1979
Version 3
Looking for something pretty I could hang up on my wall
A salesman came around said "Boy you break it you bought it"
You keep messing around you gonna end up in dutch
You can look, you can look oh but you better not touch
There was a pretty little girly lookin' straight into my eye
I watched her as she wiggled back and forth across the screen
Look out
Well I called up Dirty Annie on the telephone
I took her out to the drive-in just to get the girl alone
I found a lover's rendezvous the music low set to park
I heard a tappin' on the window and a voice said in the dark
Hey you, out of the car
Label: Unknown
Notes: Lyrics match Version 3. Rockabilly version
Time: 2:11
NY
Time: 2:09
Version 4
Looking for something pretty I could hang on my wall
A salesman came around said "Boy you break it you bought it"
Cause you can look, you can look but you better not touch
You can look, you can look oh but you better not touch boy
She didn't get me excited, she just made me feel mean
You can look, you can look oh but you better not touch no no
I watched as she wiggled back and forth across the screen
You can look, you can look oh but you better not touch boy
You can look, you can look oh but you better not touch no no
Alright
Time: 2:46
Time: 2:46
Version 5
Now I came home from work and I switched on channel 5
There was a pretty little girly lookin' into the eye
She did not get me excited, she just made me feel mean
You can look, you can look but you better not touch
Alright
It's been the same...story
The old man came...man is left with what he can see
??? don't care much
??? boy you can look
I called up Dirty Annie on the telephone
I take her out to the drive-in just to get the her alone
??? set to park
I hear a tappin' on the window and a voice says in the dark
Hey you boy, get out of the car
No, no no no no
Time: 2:43
Available:
You Gotta Be Kind
Comments:
Another reggae like track, this also features some lyrics from Stockton Boys. Yet more Catholic detail
in this track, the story of the good Samaritan who stopped to help the man lying beside the road when
other, supposedly "better" people left him for dead.
Lyrics:
Version 1
If you see a man lying by the roadside
Would you stop and give him a helping hand
Or would you drive home leavin' him to cry cry
???
You gotta be a kind to your brother
You gotta be kind, baby, understand
You gotta be
You gotta be kind
You gotta be kind
Now some boys, they come out of Stockton
And they are acting mighty rough and tough
They hurt decent others
And they dont ???
You gotta be kind, oh now baby
You gotta be good
You gotta be
You gotta be kind
You gotta be kind
You gotta be kind
You gotta be kind
You gotta be kind
Date: January 1980
Time: 2:01
Date: January 1980
Time: 1:59
Available:
You Gotta Fight (For What You Want)
Comments:
A short acoustic solo demo, in which Bruce reminds us, like in so many other tracks, we have to fight
for what you want and what you believe in, no one is just going to give it to you, and heroes are
simple people who refuse to surrender to the easy, cheap ways of living.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Little girl in these changing times
You got to move on or be left behind
Every day is a battle within
And the state of the future looks so dim
???
And if you get it right
???
Well you just got to fight for what you want
You got to fight for what you want
For what you want
???
Every guy leaves you so confused
??? which way to turn
??? burn
Oh yeah ???
All night ???
??? with that stone
Remember that
For what you want
Baby you
Got to fight for what you want
Date: 1979
Time: 2:11
Available:
Nebraska
Atlantic City
Born In The U.S.A.
Bye Bye Johnny
Child Bride
Club Soul City
Danger Zone
Daniel In The Lions
Den
Deputy
Downbound Train
Fade To Black
Fist Full Of Dollars
Follow That Dream
Highway Patrolman
Johnny 99
Let The Girl Go
Home
Losin' Kind
Love Is A Dangerous
Thing
Mansion On The Hill
My Fathers House
My Heart Is An Open
Book
"Hey-ho, Rock & Roll, Deliver Me
From Nowhere..."
My Love
Nebraska
On The Prowl
Open All Night
Open All Night / This
Hard Land
Party Lights
Pink Cadillac
Reason To Believe
Red River Rock
Riding Horse
Robert Ford
Starkweather
State Trooper
Summer Night
The Answer
The Big Payback
The Man Who Got
Away
Used Cars
Vietnam
Atlantic City
Comments:
The first Springsteen song to feature a video clip, a rather bleak black and white picture montage of
decay and glam that characterises the city. Bruce does not appear in the clip, but this does not detract
from its effectiveness. One of the more upbeat songs on the album, although this is only apparent after
a few listens. The man may be down on his luck, but he is willing to take some control of his life.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well, they blew up the chicken man in Philly last night
Now, they blew up his house, too
Down on the boardwalk they're gettin' ready for a fight
Gonna see what them racket boys can do
Now, there's trouble bustin' in from outta state
And the D.A. can't get no relief
Gonna be a rumble out on the promenade
And the gamblin' commission's hangin' on by the skin of it's teeth
Well now, everything dies, baby, that's a fact
But maybe everything that dies someday comes back
Put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty
And meet me tonight in Atlantic City
Well, I got a job and tried to put my money away
But I got debts that no honest man can pay
So I drew what I had from the Central Trust
And I bought us two tickets on that Coast City bus
Now, baby, everything dies, honey, that's a fact
Put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty
Now our luck may have died and our love may be cold
But with you forever I'll stay
We're goin' out where the sand's turnin' to gold
Put on your stockin's baby, `cause the night's getting cold
And maybe everything dies, baby, that's a fact
Now, I been lookin' for a job, but it's hard to find
Down here it's just winners and losers and don't
Get caught on the wrong side of that line
Well, I'm tired of comin' out on this losin' end
So, honey, last night I met this guy and I'm gonna do a little favor for him
Well, I guess everything dies, baby, that's a fact
Fix your hair up nice, make yourself up pretty
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol.1: Alone In Colt's Neck
Date: December 1981-January 1982
Location: Colts Neck, N.J.
Time: 4:02
Version 2
I got a good job and I tried to put my money away
But I got debts that no honest man can pay
So I drew what I had from the Central Trust
And I bought us two tickets on that Coast City bus
And I sold off my pick up truck
Now baby we're running out of time and dead out of luck
Now, everything dies, honey, that's a fact
Put your hair up honey
Now, everything dies, baby, that's a fact
Put your hair up tonight, fix your hair up pretty
And meet me
Put your hair up tonight, put your hair up pretty
Put your hair up tonight, someday comes back
Now, everything dies, honey, that's a fact
Boot: Fistfull Of Dollars
Date: Late 1981
Time: 1:41
Available:
Born In The U.S.A.
Comments:
Vastly different to the fist-pumping anthem that opened many a show on the Born In The U.S.A. tour,
however only different in that this stripped down version is more effective in conveying its message,
that of a disillusioned Vietnam Vet returning to a homeland that has abandoned him. Many different
versions yet all eerily similar. So groundbreaking was the stripped down Born In The U.S.A that it
features on Tracks, and on the Ghost of Tom Joad tour.
Lyrics
Version 1
Born down in a dead man's town
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground
You end up like a dog that's been beat too much
Till you spend half your life just covering up
Born in the U.S.A., born in the U.S.A.
I got in a little hometown jam
So they put a rifle in my hand
Son you ever heard of Vietnam
Go and kill the yellow man
Come back home to the refinery
Hiring man said "Son if it was up to me"
I go down to see the V.A. man
He said "Son, don't you understand"
Born in the U.S.A, born in the U.S.A.
I had a brother at Khe Sahn
Fighting off the Viet Cong
They're still there, he's all gone
He had a little girl in Saigon
I got a picture of him in her arms
Down in the shadow of the penitentiary
Out by the gas fires of the refinery
I'm ten years down the road
Nowhere to run, nowhere to go
I'm a long gone Daddy in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A., I'm a cool rocking Daddy in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
.
Location: Colts Neck, NJ
Time: 3:04
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol.1: Alone In Colt's
Neck
Time: 3:04
Version 2
I was born down in the shadow of the Glendale Refinery
The air so dirty you can hardly breathe
The dirt gets so deep it covers your skin
You can scrub all day and scrub all night
But it aint coming out again
Now you come down from Glendale
Man you dont care
When you come in from Glendale
They just count you out
I'm warning you Mister
You better not get in a jam
Cause the only choice they give you
Is the barracks...barracks or the jailhouse
???
I just turned 18
I got in a roadhouse jam
They gave me the choice of the jailhouse
Or my country I did stand
The runway rushed up at me
I felt the wheels touch down
The heat hit me in the face
And then I smelt Vietnam
Date: Late 1981
Time: 2:23
Version 3
So the law a rifle in my hand
Sent me off to kill the yellow man
I was born, born baby in the U.S.A., I'm living the American way
Born baby in the U.S.A., I believe in the American way
So they wanted to put a rifle in my hand
Sent me off to kill the yellow man
But I stuck with a rock and roll band
And I'm born in the U.S.A, born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A. I'm a long gone daddy in the U.S.A.
Buddy he came back from Vietnam
He said nobody remembers who I am
People sure forget real fast man
I don't give a damn
Sent ??? to the front line
They take a direct line patrol to Saigon
Born in the U.S.A.
You better know whats goin' on
I had a buddy who was at Khe Sahn
They're still there, but he's all gone
Sent me a picture of him in her arms
Said he was gonna bring her back
But I wonder where she's gone
I wonder where she's gone
Just got back from Vietnam
Nobody remembers who I am
People sure forget real fast
I don't give a damn
Born in the U.S.A. I'm believe in the American Way
I was over at the siege of Khe Sahn
They're still there, I'm all gone
I had a little girl in Saigon
I got a picture of me in her arms
Now baby that all gone, gone
U.S.A.
And I'm born, born in the U.S.A, born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
I was big and dirty when I was hiting the sand
Came back to see the V.A. man
He had some papers there in his hands
Said I died in Vietnam
Soon we were lying to the front lines
Back home on the unemployment row
Detroit straight to Saigon
Man this world sure is cold
I wonder what the Cambodians thought
When the bombs came... started falling like rain
???
I don't care what they said
They ain't doin' the white man that way
Date: Late 1981
Time: 5:21
Version 4
Nixons on the lam... A bunch of tapes and Nixons on the lam
After, after, dropping bombs, bombs ...on the yellow man
I don't care about the shit they say
What they done to the white man anyway
They belong in prison with their dirty skin They shoud have cut off his balls and left him twisting in
the wind
Born in the U.S.A., born baby in the U.S.A.
I know this song ain't great, a shame its about 10 years too late
I had a buddy who was at Khe Sahn
They're still there, but he's all gone
Born in the U.S.A., I'm a cool rocking daddy in the U.S.A.
Born down in a dead mans town
Where they kick you when you hit the ground
What you got boy it ain't enough
You spend half your time just coverin up
I was born in the U.S.A., I was born in the U.S.A.
Got myself in a hometown jam
Son go and kill they yellow man
Sent me off to Vietnam
I'm a long gone daddy in the U.S.A., I was born in the U.S.A.
Sent me off to Khe Sahn
Fightin off the Viet Cong
They're still there, I'm all gone
??? American Flag
??? will come home
??? front house
But it's forever gone
Date: Late 1981
Time: 3:09
Version 5
Buddy the first kick I took was when I hit the ground
Sent me off to Vietnam
To go and kill the yellow man
I had a buddy at Khe Sahn
I tried to get my job back at the factory
Man said 'Son if it was up to me"
Went to see my V.A. man
Said "Son, don't you understand"
Date: Late 1981
Time: 2:52
Version 6
In the shadow of the Glendale Refinery
Where the air's so dirty man, you can't breathe
The dirts so thick it gets under your skin
Well we ain't ever comin' out again
i'm a long gone daddy in the U.S.A., born in the U.S.A.
Well I got myself in a hometown jam
They said "Son you ever heard of Vietnam?"
Go and kill the yellow man
There's a line of trees... over behind that line of trees
Over behind that line of trees there is a river without a name
Where deep in the dark forest
Something is waiting in the jungle rain
Go crawling in there on you're knees son
Go crawling quiet boy as you can
Lieutanant sir if you please
I want to see my baby again
I went see the V.A. man
10 years down the road
No where to run and no where to go
He was fighting off the Viet Cong
Born in the U.S.A., I'm a long gone daddy in the U.S.A.,
Son beyond that line of trees
Something is waiting in the jungle rain
Deep in the dark forest there is a river without a name
Go crawling in there on you're knees
Go crawling quiet boy as you can
Date: Late 1981
Time: 4:01
Available:
Bye Bye Johnny
Comments:
This track, like so many other Nebraska era demos, would later be crafted into a B-side for the Born
In The U.S.A album. A lonely tribute to the death of Elvis, a reflection on the injustice of how one so
talented could end up "with trouble in his veins", slumped dead in a bathroom, an inglorious end to
one who influenced the work of Bruce so much.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Hey little girl with the red dress on
Theres a party tonight down in Memphis town
I'm going down there if you need a ride
How many men have found their dreams denied
They walk down the street with death in their eyes
And now the man on the radio said Elvis Presley died
Well now some came to witness and some came to weep
They stood together as they waited outside the gates in the heat
Brought together, forever in the promise of an endless sleep
Come on, come on, lets go
Hey little girl with the red dress on
I wanna dance, I wanna dance, I wanna dance
Date: April 1981
Time: 2:36
Available:
Child Bride
Comments:
The forerunner to Workin' On The Highway, and in many ways a superior telling of the story of a man
who desires something that he should leave alone, but cannot. Even when the consequences are so
great, the lure of the innocent is entrancing, like the stare of a cobra. A great track that deserved at
least a place on Tracks. Maybe it would have seen the light of day if there had been a Nebraska tour?
Lyrics:
Version 1
Friday night's pay night
Guys fresh out of work
Talking 'bout the weekend
Trying to scrub off the dirt
Some heading on to their families
Some wearing trouble on their shirts
Some driving down to Storeville
Just looking to get hurt
I work for the County
Out on 95
Just holding that red flag
Watching the traffic pass me by
All day I keep a picture
Of my baby in my head
At night I dream I'm with her
Laying in my bunkhouse bed
Seen her at the canteen
Down at the Legion hall
She came in with her brothers
Standing back up against the wall
Me and her we go walking
Down by the Linden tracks
Well one day I looked straight at her
And she looked straight back
Grey clouds stretch across
The white moon
Sitting in the backyard in my old car
We hum out of tune
Well I saved my money
And I put it all away
I went to seer her daddy
We didn't have much to say
Said "now son
Can't you see she's just a little girl
Who don't know nothing
'Bout the meanness in this world"
Took off down into Florida
Yeah we got along alright
One day her brothers came and got her
They took me in the black and white
Prosecutor kept his promise
That he made on that day
Well she was sad and the judge was mad
They put me straight away
They said she was too young
She was no younger than a dame
But she put her arms around me
When the night closed in
Well sometimes I dream of gettin outta here
Headin' down towards them old tracks
I swore I'd come and get her
But I know I ain't never goin' back
There's nights I can't sleep
No matter how hard I try
So from my window I watch the moonlight
Fall on the far hillside
I imagine I put on my jacket
Go down this little roadside bar
Pick a stranger and spin around the dance floor
To a mexican guitar
Time: 5:26
Neck
Time: 5:27
Date: December 1981 - January 1982
Time: 5:27
Available:
Club Soul City
Comments:
The full version was given to Gary U.S. Bonds, all that exists of Bruce doing the track in the studio is
a short excerpt of him singing the chorus, but which sound more like harmonies.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Club soul, club soul city
Club soul city
Club soul city, oh oh oh
Club soul, club soul city
Club soul
Date: Late 1981
Time: 3:57
Version 2
Pack up your bags
Don't look back
There's a little place
Out 'cross the railroad tracks
If you're broken hearted
And you don't know what to do
But they got a place down there thats just for you
Club Soul, Club Soul City, yeah yeah yeah
Club Soul, Club Soul City, oh yeah
There's a waitress at the back bar
Goes with the guy that runs the place
She's got hair like a weeping willow
And tears running down her face
She's seen a lot of guys like you coming around
Looking for something that they've lost
Or trying to lose something that they've found
Down at
So if your down on your spirit
And there ain't no one who cares
If you're lost and lonely down there
You can't miss it, it's just up the highway
On the front door there's a sign that says
Restricted to the losing kind
Available:
Danger Zone
Comments:
Also known as Let The Girl Go Home, this short track is spoiled by some indecipherable lyrics.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Baby you ???
Yeah when the rain come down ???
Baby you can't ???
And I know whats on your mind
Even if she's the first to turn and ???
Man you're messin' in a danger zone
Let the girl go home, let the girl go home
She ???
Let the girl go home, the girl go home
???
Let her go back home this time
Girl go home
I wanna live, I wanna live, I wanna live tonight
???
Date: April 1981
Time: 1:29
Available:
Daniel In The Lions Den
Comments:
Like Club Soul City, this track is just a fragment of the chorus, but would later become a fully fledged
track during the Born in The U.S.A. sessions. It was performed live once on the recent World Tour.
Very much a pop song that suited the early to mid 80's, but unlike most of Bruce's material, sounds
quite dated today.
Lyrics:
Version 1
???
??? Daniel in the lion's den
??? Daniel in the lion's den
Daniel in the lions den
???
Daniel in the lions, Daniel in the lions, Daniel in the lion's den
Daniel in the lions den
Date: April 1981
Time: 0:52
Available:
Deputy
Comments:
See Highway Patrolman
Highway Patrolman
Comments:
A brilliant tale of the haze that clouds the decisions of desperate people, who make choices that are
the same time both right and wrong. The value of family is also espoused in this track, as sometimes
family are all you have in a cruel world, even when the family are just no good.
Lyrics:
Version 1
My name is Joe Roberts I work for the state
I'm a sergeant out of Perrineville barracks number 8
I always done an honest job as honest as I could
I got a brother named Frankie and Frankie ain't no good
Now ever since we was young kids it's been the same come down
I get a call on the shortwave Frankie's in trouble downtown
Well if it was any other man, I'd put him straight away
But when it's your brother sometimes you look the other way
Yeah me and Frankie laughin' and drinkin'
Nothin' feels better than blood on blood
Takin' turns dancin' with Maria as the band
Played "Night of the Johnstown Flood"
I catch him when he's strayin' like any brother would
Man turns his back on his family well he just ain't no good
Well Frankie went in the army back in 1965
I got a farm deferment, settled down, took Maria for my wife
But them wheat prices kept on droppin' till it was like we were gettin robbed
Frankie came home in `68, and me, I took this job
Yeah we're laughin' and drinkin'
I catch him when he's strayin' teach him how to walk that line
Man turns his back on his family he ain't no friend of mine
Well the night was like any other, I got a call `bout quarter to nine
There was trouble in a roadhouse out on the Michigan line
There was a kid lyin' on the floor lookin' bad bleedin' hard from his head
There was a girl cry'n' at a table and it was Frank, they said
Well I went out and I jumped in my car and I hit the lights
Well I musta done one hundred and ten through Michigan county that night
It was out at the crossroads, down `round Willow Bank
Seen a Buick with Ohio plates, behind the wheel was Frank
Well I chased him through them county roads
Till a sign said "Canadian border five miles from here"
I pulled over the side of the highway and watched his tail-lights disappear
Me and Frankie laughin' and drinkin'
I catch when he strayin', like any brother would
Man turns his back on his family, he just ain't no good
Time: 4:00
Available:
Downbound Train
Comments:
Lyrically identical to the version that would appear on the Born In The U.S.A. album, however the
acoustic nature of this version gives an extra edge to the most depressing of songs on an otherwise
fairly upbeat album, for Bruce's standards. However this earlier version seems that lack the passion
and emotion of the released track.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I had a job, I had a girl
I had something going mister in this world
I got laid off down at the auto yard
Our love went bad, times got hard
Now I work down at the carwash
Where all it ever does is rain
Sometimes you feel like you're a rider on a downbound train
She just said "Joe I gotta go
We had it once we ain't got it any more"
She packed her bags left me behind
She bought a ticket on the Central Line
Nights as I sleep, I still hear that whistle whining
I feel her soft kiss in the misty morning rain
Sometimes don't you feel like you're a rider on a downbound train
Last night I heard her voice
You were crying, crying, you were so alone
You said your love had never died
And you were waiting for me at home
Put on my jacket, I ran through the woods
I ran till I thought my chest would explode
There in the clearing, beyond the highway
In the moonlight, our wedding house shone
I rushed through the yard, I burst through the front door
And then up the stairs I climbed
The room was dark, our bed was empty
Then I heard that long whistle whine
And I dropped to my knees, hung my head and cried
Now I swing a sledge hammer on a railroad gang
Knocking down them cross ties, working in the rain
Sometimes don't it feel like you're a rider on a downbound train
Time: 2:26
Version 2
I heard the whistle...I heard that whistle whine
I hung my head and cried
Sometimes don't it feel like you're a rider, baby, on a downbound train
Date: Late 1981
Time: 1:12
Available:
Fade To Black
Comments:
This track was derived from The River sessions, and this later version shows a lot of work had been
done on the song between the albums. Speaking of The River, this song also shares some movie
references, like that of The River B-side, Be True. Maybe lyrically this was a little clumsy.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Sunday Matinee
Baby in a one dog town
I moved two seats down
Wipe the tears from your eyes
The first kiss I stole
I walk you home, the credits roll
Fade to black, fade to black
I hear my voice on the telephone
But I'm just running the same old business
I feel like I'm off somewhere so alone
Just watching us both run in the distance
Watching us both slowly go bad
I come home, clothes all over the place
You're crying in the corner, makeup running down your flace
You ??? the fight starts
I end up cursin'
Baby is this the scene which we've been rehearsing
Is this the one or have I lost track
Waiting for us to fade to black
A face written with shame
Eyes filled with hurt
I scream out you name
You rip my shirt
In a small bungalow, a late afternoon
The sunlight falls, like a bright veil
A camera pans, an empty room
The picture dissolves, slowly pulls back
Sunday Matinee
Baby in a one dog town
I moved two seats down
Wipe the tears from your eyes
The first kiss I stole
I walk you home, the credits roll
I hear my voice on the telephone
But I'm just running the same old business
I feel like I'm off somewhere so alone
Just watching us both run in the distance
Watching us both slowly go bad
I come home, clothes all over the place
You're crying in the corner, makeup running down your flace
You ??? the fight starts
I end up cursin'
Baby is this the scene which we've been rehearsing
Is this the one or have I lost track
Waiting for us to fade to black
A face written with shame
Eyes filled with hurt
I scream out you name
You rip my shirt
In a small bungalow, a late afternoon
The sunlight falls, like a bright veil
A camera pans, an empty room
The picture dissolves, slowly pulls back
Date: 1981
Time: 5:57
Available:
Fist Full Of Dollars
Comments:
The forerunner to Atlantic City. The second version suffers from some unclear vocals, a feature of
many Nebraska demos. Very interesting to listen to, as it gives a good example of how Bruce
develops a track from demo through to the final version.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well they blew up the chicken man in Philly last night
Now that town is in for a fight
Frighten'd of the dice they roll
Where the highway ends and the sands turn to gold
Where the turnpike ends and turns to gold
Me and my baby
Well I drew my money from the Central Trust
And I hopped with my guitar on a greyhound bus
Heading down south money...guitar in my hand
On a one way ticket to the promised land
Out where ???
Down where the ??? turn to rust
And a weekend... a weeks pay baby
And the weeks pay in a minute just turns to dust
Me again baby I wouldn't leave
Again 'till I believe
Some gonna stand man and some gonna fall
Some ain't gonna get to play the game at all
Where they give you the worst and they take the best
For a fist full of dollars and a little bit less
Well a book ???
And I took my guitar baby and put her in hock
Baby what's a poor boy gonna do?
A fist full of dollars and a little bit less
Date: April 1981
Time: 3:50
Version 2
Well they shot the chicken man in Philadelphia last night
Now that whole town is in for a hell of a fight
???
??? casinos
???
Its all for a fistfull of dollars and a little bit less
Now they opened up the cost
Where the rich get richer and the poor and the rest get lost
???
And they upped the ante
???
For a fistfull of dollars and a little bit less
???
???
???
For a fistfull of dollars and a little bit less
A fistfull of dollars
Date: April 1981
Time: 2:29
Available:
Follow That Dream
Comments:
First performed while on The River tour. See the Born In The U.S.A era version of Follow That
Dream for a more complete studio outtake.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Available:
Follow That Dream
Comments:
Debuted on The River tour and played occasionally up to and including the Human Touch tour, the
Born In The U.S.A era outtakes (version 3 onwards) feature different lyrics and a different
arrangement. A very uplifting and emotional song that could'nt find it's way onto an album, although
it was slated to be on Born In The U.S.A. in its formative days.
Lyrics:
Version
If your heart is restless and you can't go on
When you're tired and weary, but you can't go on
Well if a distant dream is a'calling you
Then there's just one thing that you can do
Yeah you gotta follow that dream wherever that dream may lead you
You gotta follow that dream wherever that dream may lead
Now baby I walk in dreams
And I talk, baby in dreams
I need someone with a love I can trust
And together we'll search for the things that come to us
Baby in dreams
Baby in dreams
Now every man has the right to live
A right to a chance to give what he has to give
The right to fight for the things he believes
For the things that come to him in dreams
Baby in dreams
I walk in dreams
I talk in dreams
I live in dreams
Date: April 28 1981
Location: Ahoy Sportspalais, Rotterdam, Holland
Time: 3:42
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: May 2 1981
Time: 3:45
Boot: Follow That
Dream
Label: Golden Stars
Date: May 7 1981
Location:
Johanneshov
Isstadion, Stockholm,
Sweden
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 3:27
Version 2
If your heart is restless, now move along
And if you're tired and weary, and you can't go on
Well if a distant dream is calling you
Then there's just one thing that you can do
Yeah you gotta follow that dream wherever that dream may lead you
You gotta follow that dream to find the love you need
Now baby I walk in dreams
And I talk in dreams
I need someone with a love I can trust
And together we'll search for the things that come to us
In dreams
Baby in dreams
Yeah I'm gonna follow that dream wherever that dream may lead me
I'm gonna follow that dream to find the love I need
A right to a chance to give what he has to give
Baby in dreams
I walk in dreams
I talk in dreams
I live in dreams
Date: April 26 1981
Notes: Lyrics match Version 2. Fades in.
Time: 2:36
Date: June 5 1981
Time: 4:14
Boot: For Those Who
Were There That
Night
Label: Doberman
Date: June 8 1981
Location: NEC Arena,
Birmingham, U.K.
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 5:08
Date: July 8 1981
Time: 5:24
Boot: I Don't Wanna Go Home
Date: July 8 1981
Location: Brendan Byrne Arena, East
Rutherford, NJ
Time: 5:41
Boot: No Title
Boot: No Label
Location: Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinatti, OH
Time: 3:43
Version 3 and 4
If your heart is restless from waiting so long
If you're tired and weary, and you can't go on
If a distant dream is calling you
There's just one thing you can do
Follow that dream wherever it may lead
Come on, follow that dream to find the love you need
Come on follow that dream
Now I've been searching for a heart that's free
Searching for someone to search with me
I need a love, a love I can trust
Together we'll search for the things that come to us
In dreams, wherever they may lead
Come on follow that dream, to find the love you need
The right to a chance to give what he has to give
Hey follow that dream wherever it may lead
Come on follow that dream to find the love you need
Come on follow that dream wherever it may lead
Come on now follow that dream to find the love you need
Yeah follow that dream
Yeah come on follow that dream
To find the love you need
Boot: Murder Incorporated: The Lost Masterpiece
Label: Flamingo Records
Location: The Hit Factory and The Power Station, New York City, NY
Time: 3:39
1
Time: 4:02
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 17: Unreleased Masters
Version 5 and 6
Date: January-May 1983
Version 7
If your heart is restless from waiting so long
If you're tired and weary, and you can't go on
If a distant dream is calling you
There's just one thing you can do
Follow that dream wherever it may lead
Come on, follow that dream to find the love you need
Now I've been searching for a heart that's free
Searching for someone to search with me
I need a love, a love I can trust
Together we'll search for the things that come to us
In dreams, wherever they may lead
Come on follow that dream, to find the love you need
Now every one has the right to live
The right to a chance to give what they have to give
The right to fight for the things they believe
For the things that come to them in dreams
Hey follow that dream wherever it may lead
Come on follow that dream to find the love you need
Come on follow that dream wherever it may lead
Come on now follow that dream to find the love you need
Yeah follow that dream
Yeah come on follow that dream
To find the love you need
Boot: Wembley Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July 13 1992
Location: Wembley Stadium, London, England
Time: 4:30
Boot: New York City Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 26 1993
City, NY
Time: 6:23
Available:
Boot: Street Fighting Boss
Label: No Label:
Location: Tacomadome, Tacoma, WA
Time: 4:03
Boot: Oakland Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Time: 3:56
Boot: Independence
Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July 7 1985
Location: Roundhay
Park, Leeds, England
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 3
Time: 4:28
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: July 7 1985
Location: Roundhay Park, Leeds, England
Time: 7:18
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Shoreline Ampitheatre, Mountain
View, CA
Time: 5:17
Label: Winged Wheel
Date: July 14 1988
Location: Fussballstadion St. Jakob, Basel, Switzerland
Time: 3:58
Label: None
Date: July 14 1988
Switzerland
Time: 4:14
Johnny 99
Comments:
Covered by Johnny Cash. This song is probably the best example of the negative impact that society
was having on the disadvantaged people in America. A man doing the right thing is put under so
much pressure he does the wrong thing while trying to help his family. And for this he is punished
beyond measure.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well they closed down the auto plant in Mahwah late that month
Ralph went out lookin' for a job but he couldn't find none
He came home too drunk from mixin' Tanqueray and wine
He got a gun, shot a night clerk now they call him Johnny 99
Down in the part of town where when you hit a red light you don't stop
Johnny's wavin' his gun around and threatenin' to blow his top
When an off-duty cop snuck up on him from behind
Out in front of the Club Tip Top they slapped the cuffs on Johnny 99
Well the city supplied a public defender but the judge was Mean John Brown
He came into the courtroom and stared young Johnny down
Well the evidence is clear gonna let the sentence son fit the crime
Prison for 98 and a year and we'll call it even Johnny 99
A fist fight broke out in the courtroom they had to drag Johnny's girl away
His mama stood up and shouted "Judge don't take my boy this way"
Well son you got a statement you'd like to make
Before the bailiff comes to forever take you away
Now judge, judge I got debts no honest man could pay
The bank was holdin' my mortgage and they were takin' my house away
Now I ain't sayin' that makes me an innocent man
But it was more `n all this that put that gun in my hand
Well your honour I do believe I'd be better off dead
And if you can take a man's life for the thoughts that's in his head
Then won't you sit back in that chair and think it over just one more time
And let èm shave off my hair and put me on that execution line
Time: 3:32
Version 2
Well they closed down the auto plant in Mahwah late last month
It was down in the part of town where women in a car won't stop
He was stumbling down the street ??? threatenin' to blow his top
They found him standing at the bar, drunk ??? and crying
They slapped the handcuffs there on Johnny 99
City supplied a public defender but the judge was Mean John Brown
He came into the courtroom and stared poor Johnny down
"Well the evidence is clear gonna let the sentence buddy fit the crime
Prison for 98 and a year and we'll call it even Johnny 99"
Well Johnny, Johnny, we're ready to put you away
Is there anything son that you want to say?
From here on after we can only hear you buddy when you shout
You're going deep down deep in some hole and you ain't ever gonna come back out
Now your honour I got bills I just could not pay
The bank was gonna come and take my house away
Now Judge I ain't sayin' that makes me an innocent man
But it was more `n all this that put that gun in my hand
Now your honour I do believe I'd be better off dead
You best sit back in that chair and think it over just one more time
Let the executioner do his job on Johnny 99
Its only $200 that was all I was asking for
Judge, just $200 and I would have been on my way out the door
He reached beneath the counter and I saw something shiny in his hand
He started... he spewed blood like a fountain and I dropped my gun and run
Now your honour I do believe I'd be better off dead
Now I ain't sayin' Sir
Date: Late 1981
Time: 3:57
Version 3
They closed down the auto plant in Mahwah late last month
Down in the part of town where at a red light mister you don't stop
He was wavin' his gun around, screamin' he was gonna blow his top
When an off-duty cop snuck up on Johnny from behind
Out in front of the Club Tip Top...Tip Top Club they slapped the cuffs on Johnny 99
The city supplied a public defender but the judge was Mean John Brown
He walked into the courtroom and stared poor Johnny down
Well the evidence is clear gonna let the sentence son fit the crime
Gonna be dead in the chair we'll call it even Johnny 99
A fight broke out in the courtroom they had to drag Johnny's dad away
His mama stood up and shouted "Judge don't take my boy this way"
"Well I'm sorry Ma'am but the law must be satisfied
At your son's muderin' hands, an honest man died"
"Is there anything son you want to say
Before the bailiff comes and takes you away"
Judge I worked the ??? Line since I was 18
The bank held my mortgage and they were coming down hard on me
Now I ain't sayin that makes me an innocent man
There was more than this that put that gun in my hand
Well your honour I do believe I'd be better off dead
And if you can take a man's life for the thoughts that's running in his head
I want to thank you judge for making me, makeing me a dead man
I shot that corn boy, I shot him judge and then I ran
Date: Late 1981
Time: 3:31
Available:
Let The Girl Go Home
Comments:
See Danger Zone
Losin' Kind
Comments:
This track is quite similar narratively to Highway 29, on The Ghost of Tom Joad album. A man meets
a woman, pulls a holdup, kills a man then crashes the car, yet all the time he knows he is paving his
own path to self-destruction. When the moment of realisation comes, it is far too late to save him.
Lyrics:
Version 1
My name is Frank Davis, drive a Dixie 109
I was out on Highway 17, just south of the Camden Line
It was down there in the heart of Wilsonville where I met my fate
She was standing outside the bar room said she was waiting for a date
But I knew that was just a line
And I knew I was messin' with a losin' kind
Well I knew what we were both doin' and I knew that you can't win
But when the light turned green, I reached across the seat, popped the lock and she slid in
She said she liked Mexican music, she knew a place if I had the time
Well we had a few drinks and we danced a while
I pulled her close, she didn't mind
And what I knew kinda slipped my mind
And I could'nt resist her messin' with the losin' kind
Well we drove around in my Buick, getting drunk and having fun
Well we ended up at this Best Western out on Highway 101
It was around 3 A.M. we went out to this empty little roadside bar
It was there the cash register was open
It was there I hit that guy too hard
But I knew when I hit him for the second time
That one attracts the other when you're the losin' kind
Well I grabbed her hand to get out of there
And I felt like I was gonna be sick
And half an hour later the sleet started coming down and that highway got pretty slick
I seen some lights in my rearview mirror, I guess I panicked and have her a gun
Well then I wrapped us around a telephone pole south on Highway 101
Well she just stumbled out on to the banks
And sat down in a pout
Well I kicked out the driver side window but buddy when I got out
Well all I had to greet me was a Highway Patrolman's .45
He looked at the wreck and then he said "Son you're lucky to be alive"
Well sir I'll think that one over if you don't mind
Now Luck ain't much good to you when it's the losin' kind
Time: 4:51
Time: 4:51
Available:
Love Is A Dangerous Thing
Comments:
Quite an odd song from Bruce that seems to advocate stalking (much as The Police do in "I'll Be
Watching You"). The last verse would later reappear in Pink Cadillac. Also, it is hard to forget the
chilling imagery of "slowly twisting in the wind" which conjures up images of a hangmans noose
straining against the limb of a tree.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Followed you home baby late last night
Seen you walking in the dark
Sat outside baby, outside your house
Sat outside in my car
Baby, lookin' through the window
Baby don't go away
Don't trust strangers
I told you don't talk to strangers
Baby don't talk to strangers
Love is a dangerous thing
You see me looking and the lights go out
You see me looking and out go the lights
Feel you baby ???
??? squeezin' you tight
???
Baby don't trust strangers
Yeah ??? alone
??? telephone
???
??? taking the blame
Yeah they come a knockin' in the middle of the night
???
You better watch out baby ???
Or you'll be slowly twisting in the wind
Don't talk to strangers
I told you don't talk to strangers
Baby don't talk to strangers
Baby love is a dangerous thing
I said love is a dangerous thing
Eve tempted Adam with an apple
You know the story in the end
Yeah Delilah took on Samson
Delilah she took on Samson
And left him slowly twisting in the wind
Dont trust strangers
Eve tempted Adam with an apple
You know how that story ends
Samson....Delilah tempted Samson
She left him slowly twisting in the wind
Date: Late 1981
Time: 3:26
Available:
Mansion On The Hill
Comments:
One of the many songs that mentions a relationship between father and son, this mournful song is
indicitive of the mood of the album. This was a very down period in Bruce's live, when he reflected
back on the many troubles in his family's life, and this was expressed through his songs, such as this
one.
Lyrics:
Version 1
There's a place out on the edge of town, sir
Risin' above the factories and the fields
Now, ever since I was a child, I can remember
That mansion on the hill
In the day you can see the children playing
On the road that leads to those gates of hardened steel
Steel gates that completely surround, sir
The mansion on the hill
At night my daddy'd take me and we'd ride
Through the streets of a town so silent and still
Park on a back road along the highway side
Look up at that mansion on the hill
In the summer all the lights would shine
There'd be music playin', people laughin' all the time
Me and my sister, we'd hide out in the tall cornfields
Sit and listen to the mansion on the hill
Tonight down here in Linden Town
I watch the cars rushin' by, home from the mill
There's a beautiful full moon rising
Above the mansion on the hill
Time: 4:00
Available:
My Fathers House
Comments:
Another song dealing with relationships between father and son, like Mansion On The Hill and others.
This could almost be autobiographical, Bruce regressing to when he was a child, seeing the bad times,
and trying to make amends, yet discovering that it is all too late, so their sins lie unatoned. The copy
of the Nebraska LP released in Japan featured an alternate version of this track, with a synthesiser
coda that lengthened the song by half a minute.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Last night I dreamed that I was a child
Out where the pines grow wild and tall
I was trying to make it home through the forest
Before the darkness falls
I heard the wind rustling through the trees
And ghostly voices rose from the fields
I ran with my heart pounding down that broken path
With the devil snappin' at my heels
I broke through the trees, and there in the night
My father's house stood shining hard and bright
The branches and brambles tore my clothes and scratched my arms
But I ran till I fell, shaking in his arms
I awoke and I imagined the hard things that pulled us apart
Will never again, sir, tear us from each other's hearts
I got dressed, and to that house I did ride
From out on the road, I could see its windows shining in light
I walked up the steps and stood on the porch
A woman I didn't recognize came and spoke to me through a chained door
I told her my story, and who I'd come for
She said "I'm sorry, son, but no one by that name lives here anymore"
My father's house shines hard and bright
It stands like a beacon calling me in the night
Calling and calling, so cold and alone
Shining `cross this dark highway where our sins lie unatoned
Available:
My Heart Is An Open Book
Comments:
This song reminds me a lot of the Elvis Costello track, Everyday I Write The Book, right down to
describing the changing times in the lives of two lovers as chapters in a book. However, unlike many
books, this track really does go nowhere. Maybe with a little polish, who knows, after all it as only a
short demo.
Lyrics:
Version 1
You don't say what you need
You don't say what you want
You just stand in the corner
Baby so nonchalant
When you stay around, I try to keep my cool
But my heart is an open book for you
Well baby, chapter 1, when you read....chapter 1,
We're going out, we're having fun
You read on up to chapter 2
There's a story of my love for you
Well, I don't care what you say and do
You stay angry and I talk it through
Yeah it don't matter baby what I do
Cause my heart is an open book to you
You're readin' up baby, to chapter 3
It tells you how good our love could be
You're readin' on to chapter 4
Well I kiss you once and I want some more
You read on now to chapter 5
??? all right
Yeah it don't matter what I do because
My heart is an open book to you
Date: April 1981
Time: 1:30
Available:
My Love
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Available:
Nebraska
Comments:
Originally titled "Starkweather" after the murderer whose story is recounted in this track. This track
owes a lot to the movie "Badlands", the story of a man who goes on a killing spree simply because
there seems little else to do. However, this was no Bonny and Clyde romance, rather a harsh tale of
justice and retribution.
Lyrics:
Version 1, 2, and 3
I saw her standin' on her front lawn just twirlin' her baton
Me and her went for a ride sir and ten innocent people died
From the town of Lincoln, Nebraska with a sawed-off .410 on my lap
Through the badlands of Wyoming I killed everything in my path
I can't say that I'm sorry for the things that we done
At least for a little while sir me and her we had us some fun
Now the jury brought in a guilty verdict and the judge he sentenced me to death
Midnight in a prison storeroom with leather straps across my chest
Sheriff when the man pulls that switch sir and snaps my poor neck back
You make sure my pretty baby is sittin' right there on my lap
They declared me unfit to live said into that great void my soul'd be hurled
They wanted to know why I did what I did
Well sir I guess there's just a meanness in this world
Version 2 (intro): 1:16
Version 3 (intro 2 with harmonica): 1:12
Available:
On The Prowl
Comments:
Performed on stage with Cats On A Smooth Surface in a myriad of Jersey bars in mid 1982. Although
not strictly a Nebraska song, as this track lies right inbetween the River And Born in The U.S.A.
albums, it may as well be placed here.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well night after lonely night
My head don't touch the bed
I'm on a two-lane blacktop
Cruisin' in my rocket sled
I'm on the prowl
Yeah I'm on the prowl
I'm looking for a gal, gal, gal
Hey, hey, hey, I'm on the prowl
There's only one thing that I'm certain
Every mile, mile, mile
Keep a-searchin', searchin', searchin'
For a wild, wild, child
I'm on the prowl
I'm looking for a gal, gal, gal
They got a name for Dracula
And Frankenstein's son
They ain't got no name now
For this thing that I've become
I'm on the prowl
Well I'm looking for a gal, gal, gal
I keep lookin'
I keep searchin'
I keep searchin'
I keep searchin'
Only one thing that I'm certain
Every mile, mile, mile
I keep searchin', searchin', searchin', searchin', searchin'
Date: August 8 1982
Location: The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ
Time: 6:21
Available:
Open All Night
Comments:
Possibly the most upbeat track on the album, this track was played in clubs before the release of
Nebraska. However it has seen little play since, unlike a lot of songs off the album that becames a
regular part of both the Born In The U.S.A and the Ghost of Tom Joad tours.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well, I had the carburator, baby, cleaned and checked
With her line blown out she's hummin' like a turbojet
Propped her up in the backyard on concrete blocks
For a new clutch plate and a new set of shocks
Took her down to the carwash, check the plugs and point
Well, I'm goin' out tonight. I'm gonna rock that joint
Early north Jersey industrial skyline
I'm a all-set cobra jet creepin' through the nighttime
Gotta find a gas station, gotta find a pay phone
Gotta hit the gas, baby, I'm running late
This New Jersey in the mornin' like a lunar landscape
Now, the boss don't dig me, so he put me on the night shift
It takes me two hours to get back to where my baby lives
In the wee, wee hours your mind gets hazy
Radio relays towers, won't you lead me to my baby?
Underneath the overpass, trooper hits his party light switch
Good night, good luck, one, two power shift
I met Wanda when she was employed
Behind the counter at Route Sixty Bob's Big Boy Fried Chicken
On the front seat, she's sittin' in my lap
We're wipin' our fingers on a Texaco road map
I remember Wanda up on scrap metal hill
With them big brown eyes that make your heart stand still
Well, at five a.m., oil pressure's sinkin' fast
I make a pit stop, wipe the windshield, check the gas
Gotta call my baby on the telephone
Let her know that her daddy's comin' on home
Sit tight, little mama, I'm comin' `round
I got three more hours, but I'm coverin' ground
Your eyes get itchy in the wee, wee hours
Sun's just a red ball risin' over them refinery towers
Radio's jammed up with gospel stations
Lost souls callin' long distance salvation
Hey, mister deejay, won'tcha hear my last prayer?
Hey, ho, rock'n'roll, deliver me from nowhere
Time: 2:48
Available:
Open All Night / This Hard Land
Comments:
A very interesting track that starts off as Open All Night before it segues into This Hard Land halfway
through, a track that did not evolve until the Born in The U.S.A. sessions. However the short nature of
this track does'nt really allow further speculation on just how much of This Hard Land was developed
during the Nebraska era.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Early north Jersey, industrial skyline
Well I'm a all-set cobra-jet creepin' through the night time
I gotta find a gas station, I gotta find a pay phone
I got a counter girl at the exit 24 Ho-Jo
Down by the refinery towers
Where the great black river flows
I gotta find a gas station, I gotta find a pay phone
Mister, can ya' tell me what happened to the seeds
What happened to the seeds I've sown
Yeah, where they fall from my hand
And they fell on the ground of this hard land
I got a hidden baby on the line
Because I think I'm runnin' outta time
I gotta meet her on the line
Date: April 1981
Time: 1:22
Available:
Party Lights
Comments:
Lyrically, a little reminscent of Janey Dont You Lose Heart and Spare Parts. Yet another very short
snippet of a track that was never fully developed.
Lyrics:
Version 1
See you on the street looking so tired
Tell me whats go you so uninspired
??? am I right
??? you're missing the party lights
???
??? kicking your ass
??? am I right
??? you're missing the party lights
???
???
???
???
Tell me do you miss, do you miss, do you miss the party lights?
Do you miss, do you miss, do you miss the party lights?
Tell me do you miss, do you miss the party lights?
Date: April 1981
Time: 1:05
Available:
Pink Cadillac
Comments:
You must get a hold of this somehow. The acoustic Pink Cadillac, lyrically very close to the released
Born In The U.S.A. B-side, yet for all intents and purposes completely different. A must have for any
serious Bruce bootleg collector, this version throws a whole new light on Bruce's relationship with
cars.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Now you may think I'm foolish
For the foolish things I do
You may wonder how I can love you
When you got on my nerves like you do
Well baby you know you bug me
There ain't no secret about that
Well come on over and hug me
Baby I'll spill the facts
Honey it ain't your money
'Cause I got plenty of that
I love you for your pink cadillac
Crushed velvet seats
Low in the back
Oozing down the street
Waving to the girls
Feeling out of sight
Spending all my money on a Saturday night
Honey I just wonder what it feels like in the back
Of your pink cadillac
Well now way back in the bible
Temptations always comes along
Always somebody tempting you
Into doing something, doing something you know is wrong
Well they tempt you mister with silver
They tempt you with gold
They tempt you with the pleasure
That the flesh does hold
They say Eve tempted Adam with an apple
And the way the poor fool went for that
Can you imagine what would have happened
If she just stepped back and showed him
A pink cadillac
Sitting low in the back
Waving to the girls
Now honey I just wonder what you do there in the back
Pink cadillac
Now some folks say that its too big
And uses too much gas
Some say that its too old
And that it goes too fast
But honey my love is bigger than a Honda
Its bigger than some Subaru
And that car its got something
And ain't nothing else will do
Anyway we dont have to drive it
We can just park it out the back
And have a party in your pink cadillac
Pink cadillac, pink cadillac, pink cadillac
I ain't getting married in no church
Cause to me a church is nothing but a shack
I want it in your pink cadillac, pink cadillac, pink cadillac
Now I want my soul going to heaven
Baby thats a fact
But while I do my time here on earth
I want my body riding in the back
Baby of a pink cadillac, pink cadillac, pink cadillac
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1(acoustic)
Time: 5:25
Neck
Time: 5:24
Available:
Reason To Believe
Comments:
Often noted as an uplifting end to a dark album, there is a belief that there are more shadows to this
track than meets the eye. The ambiguous nature of the emotional tone of this song makes it more
stimulating and fresh with every listen, as your view can change depending on the current mood you
are in.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Seen a man standin' over a dead dog lyin' by the highway in a ditch
He's lookin' down kinda puzzled pokin' that dog with a stick
Got his car door flung open he's standin' out on Highway 31
Like if he stood there long enough that dog'd get up and run
Struck me kinda funny, seemed kinda funny sir to me
Still at the end of every hard earned day people find some reason to believe
Now Mary Lou loved Johnny with a love mean and true
She said "Baby I'll work for you every day and bring my money home to you"
One day he up and left her and ever since that
She waits down at the end of that dirt road for young Johnny to come back
Struck me kinda funny, funny yeah to me
How at the end of every hard earned day people find some reason to believe
Take a baby to the river Kyle William they called him
Wash the baby in the water take away little Kyle's sin
In a whitewash shotgun shack an old man passes away
Take his body to the graveyard and over him they pray
Lord won't you tell us tell us what does it mean
At the end of every hard earned day people find some reason to believe
Congregation gathers down by the riverside
Preacher stands with a Bible, groom stands waitin' for his bride
Congregation gone and the sun sets behind a weepin' willow tree
Groom stands alone and watches the river rush on so effortlessly
Wonderin' where can his baby be
Still at the end of every hard earned day people find some reason to believe
Time: 4:00
Available:
Red River Rock
Comments:
Instrumental.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Date: Late 1981
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 0:58
Available:
Riding Horse
Comments:
An odd song about a girl who is very tall, so tall that it gets her boyfriend into fights. Not only is she
tall but she had some equine traits. A strange song you really need to hear for yourself to form an
opinion on.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I got a girl so tall and fair
I need a stepladder to run my fingers through her hair
I'm gonna kill the next guy who asks "how's the weather up there?"
Early on a Saturday night
She takes me on her riding horse
I love the sound of her voice when she says I love you so
Take me on your riding horse
Come on baby lets giddy up go
Now Mister I ain't no hot runnin' clown
Ain't a man on the planet who could cover all that ground
Late at night she kisses me so sweet
I need a map to find my way from her neck to her feet
Baby take me on your riding horse
I love the sound of her voice when she says I love you so
Take me on your riding horse
Come on baby lets giddy up go
Take me for a pony ride
I love the way your voice says baby its right
Date: April 1981
Time: 1:35
Available:
Robert Ford And Jesse James
Comment:
Bruce harking back to an earlier age in which the imagery of the Wild West ruled supreme in his song
writing. However this extremely short track features none of the grandiose imagery that peppered his
earliest music.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Robert Ford and Jesse James were like brothers
Together they would loot the ??? trains
???
???
???
???
???
???
Date: April 1981
Time: 1:16
Available:
Starkweather
Comments:
See Nebraska
State Trooper
Comments:
One of the scarier songs Bruce has written. Not a track you want to be listening to on your car stereo
at 2 A.M. A great cover version of this song exists on the tribute album to Bruce "One Step Up".
Lyrics:
Version 1
New Jersey Turnpike
Ridin' on a wet night
`Neath the refin'ry's glow
Out where the great black rivers flow
License, registration
I ain't got none
But I got a clear conscience
'Bout the things that I done
Mister state trooper, please don't stop me
Please don't stop me, please don't stop me
Maybe you got a kid
Maybe you got a pretty wife
The only thing that I got's
Been both'rin' me my whole life
Please don't you stop me, please don't you stop me
In the wee, wee hours your mind get hazy
Radio relay towers lead me to my baby
The radio's jammed up with talk show stations
It's just talk, talk, talk, talk, till you lose your patience
Whoa, whoooooo wooo
Hey, somebody out there, listen to my last prayer
Hiho silver-o, deliver me from nowhere
Wooooooooooooo
Time: 3:07
Available:
Summer Night
Comments:
A very short acoustic demo with hard to understand vocals.
Lyrics:
Version 1
??? beneath all these promises... startin' to fight
???
It's summer
Summer
??? cotton dress
??? moonlight shines through
??? legs so long and white
I remember you ???
Summer
I can feel it
Summer night
Date: April 1981
Time: 1:15
Available:
The Answer
Comments:
See alsoLosin' Kind. This track is very very similar except for a few lyrical differences. Its also a lot
less complete and more fragmented than Losin' Kind.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I grabbed her hand to get out of there
I felt like I was gonna be sick
Half an hour later the snow started coming down, that highway got pretty
slick
I seen some lights in my rearview mirror, so I panicked and I gave her a
gun
I wrapped us around a telephone pole out on Highway 101
She just stumbled out on to the banks
And sat there in a pout
It took'em an hour and a chainsaw just to get me out
Then they threw me on a stretcher and we made that hospital run
All I remember is a trooper saying "what did you think you were doin' son?"
And the answer I could'nt find
So i just layed back and listened to the siren whine
We end up in this Best Western...we rode around in my Buick
Getting drunk and having fun
We ended up in this Best Western out on Highway 101
3 A.M. we went out to this little roadside bar
It was there the cash register was open
It was there I hit that guy too hard
But I knew when I hit him for the second time
One attracts the other when you're the losin kind
I grabbed her hand to get out of there
I felt kinda sick
Half an hour later the snow started coming down, that highway got pretty slick
I seen some lights in my rearview mirror, I panicked and I gave her a gun
I wrapped us around a telephone pole out on Highway 101
She stumbled out on to the banks
And sat there in a pout
Well I kicked out the driver side window but buddy when I got out
All I had to greet me was a State Troopers gun
He just looked straight at me and said "What do you think you're doin' son?"
Well the answer I could'nt find
She just started laughin', I hung my head and cried
Date: Late 1981
Time: 5:17
Available:
The Big Payback
Comments:
A fitting B-side, while not being of the quality to make the actual LP. It's most similar to Open All
Night from the album.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I bought a scooter and I rented a shack
Out in the sun, by the railroad shack
I got a job and I'm a-breakin' my back
Workin' and workin' for the big payback
I keep a puttin' and a puttin' out
I keep a sweatin' like a hog and all
I work so long that I'm a losin' track
I work so long that I'm a losin' track
Waitin', waitin' on the big payback
Well it's a wham, bam, thank you ma'am, god damn, ring out Sam
I took on that train rumblin' down this track
They got your neck in the noose, you're draggin long in back
Chasin' and chasin' the big payback
Oh what my foreman does well I don't know
He just throws a shovel and yells "Go, Bobby, go"
Oh well-a all day long he's just a busy wise crack
While I'm sweatin' and sweatin' the big payback
Well its a wham, bam, thank you ma'am, god damn, ring out Sam
I took on that train rumblin' down the track
They got your neck in the noose, your hands tied up in back
And you're a-workin' and workin' for the big payback
I quit that job, and Mister I ain't goin' back
Got me a knife and she's long and bad
I'll tell you how I make peace with that man
Down in the alley of the big payback
I go a wham, bam, thank you ma'am, god damn, c'mon man
You're a goin' to that train rumblin' down this track
I got your neck in a noose and I don't give a damn, Jack
I'm on that long lost highway of the big payback
Version 2
I bought a scooter and I rented a shack
Out in the sun, by the railroad track
I got a job and I'm a-breakin' my back
Workin' and workin' for the big payback
I keep a puttin' and a puttin' out
I keep a sweatin' like a' all get out
I work so long that I'm losin' track
Waitin', waitin' for the big payback
Well its a wham, bam, thank you ma'am, god damn, look out Sam
It's a gone-dead train rumblin' down this track
They got you neck in a noose, you're draggin' long in back
Chasin' and chasin' the big payback
Oh what my foreman does well I don't know
He just throws me a shovel and yells "Go, Bobby, Go"
Oh well-a all day long he's just a busy wise crack
While I'm sweatin' and sweatin' for the big payback
Well, its a wham, bam, thank you ma'am, god damn, look out Sam
Its a gone-dead train rumblin' down this track
They got you neck in the noose, you hands are tied up back
And you're a-workin' and workin' for the big payback
I quit that job, and Mister I ain't goin' back
Got me a knife and she's long and black
I'll tell you how I make the peace at night, Mack
Down in the alley of the big payback
I go a wham, bam, thank you ma'am, god damn, c'mon man
You're a gone-dead train rumblin' down this track
I got your neck in the noose and I don't give a damn, Jack
Time: 2:02
Available:
The Man Who Got Away
Comments:
Lyrics:
Version 1
Available:
Used Cars
Comments:
A more family orientated, rather that father driven song. This is almost purely autobiographical and
quite sad, that the only way out of poverty seems to the an elusive lottery win, rather than the hope
that a person can succeed in the world due to their own desire and hard work, a belief shattered by the
cruelness of this world.
Lyrics:
Version 1
My little sister's in the front seat with an ice cream cone
My ma's in the back seat sittin' all alone
My pa steers her slow out of the lot
For a test drive down Michigan Avenue
Now, my ma, she fingers her wedding band
And watches the salesman stare at my old man's hands
He's telling us all about the break he'd give us
If he could, but he just can't
Well if I could, I swear I know just what I'd do
Now, mister, the day the lottery I win
I ain't ever gonna ride in no used car again
Now, the neighbors come from near and far
As we pull up in our brand new used car
I wish he'd just hit the gas and let out a cry
Tell èm all they can kiss our asses goodbye
My dad, he sweats the same job from mornin' to morn
Me, I walk home on the same dirty streets where I was born
Up the block I can hear my little sister
In the front seat blowin' that horn
The sounds echoin' all down Michigan Avenue
Now, mister, the day my numbers comes in
Time: 3:01
Version 2
Momma's in the back seat sittin' all alone
My daddy steers her slow out of the lot
Momma fingers her wedding band
Watches as the salesman stare at my old man's hands
He's talking about the break he'd give us
If he could, but he just can't
Well if I could, I know just what I'd do
Out on Bond street they're drinking in the bar
As we drive home in our brand new used car
Mister, the day the lottery I win
6 A.M. I get woke up by the same old sound
My old man lying on his back on the cold cold ground
Pullin them jumper cables out of the trunk
Walking out down on Michigan Avenue
I dream the neighbors come from near and far
For a look and a lift in our new used car
We hit the gas and let out a cry
Watch him sweat the same job from mornin' to morn
I walk home on the same dirty streets where I was born
Up the block my little sister blowin' that horn
She's echoin' on down Michigan Avenue
Date: Late 1981
Time: 3:18
Version 3
My sister's in the front seat with an ice cream cone
My ma's in the back seat sittin' all alone
My dad steers her slow out of the lot
Now Momma fingers her wedding band
And she watches the eyes of the used car man
Starin' down at my old man's hands
Well if I could, I swear I know just what I'd do
Down on Bond Street they're drinking in the bars
As we drive home in brand new used car
I ain't never gonna ride in no used car again
My old man lying on his back on the cold cold ground
Pullin them jumper cables out of the trunk
Stands alone on Michigan Avenue waiting for a jump
Momma's in the back seat sittin' all alone
Daddy steers her slow out of the lot
Now Ma fingers her wedding band
Watches as the salesman stare at my old man's hands
He's talking about the break he'd give us
If he could, but he can't
Well if I could, I know just what I'd do
Down on Bond Street they're sittin', drinking in the bar
As we drive home in our brand new used car
My Dad lying on his back on the cold hard ground
Pullin' them jumper cables out of the trunk
Stands alone on the avenue waitin' for a jump
Old man hits the gas and lets out a cry
Watch him sweat the same job from mornin' to morn
Me, I walk home on the same dirty streets where I was born
In the backyard my little sister is leanin' that horn
Sounds echoin' on down Michigan Avenue
Date: Late 1981
Time: 5:29
Available:
Vietnam
Comments:
A cross between Born In The U.S.A. and Shut Out The Light. The tone is very similar to both these
tracks, that of a Vietnam vet who has survived a brutal, hostile world only to return home to a world
that has changed, a world that has rejected him, despite his best efforts to protect that very homeland.
Lyrics:
Version 1
The runway rushed up at me, I felt the wheels touch down
Stood out on the blacktop, and took a taxi into town
Got off down on Main Street, to see what I recognised
All I seen was strange faces, watchin' a stranger passin' by
Vietnam, Vietnam, I don't man
Back in Vietnam
Went for my job back at the factory...down at the factory
The only thing I heard from the man at the desk
Was "Son, understand if it was up to me"
Half the town is out of work
Ain't nothin' for you here
From the assembly line to the front line
But I guess you didn't hear
You died in Vietnam, you died in Vietnam
Now don't you understand, you died in Vietnam
Drive down my neighbourhood
See the flags out on the porch
So I went to see my old baby
Down at First and Grand
Her mama told me she ran off
With a singer in a rock and roll band
???
???
???
I can see me passin' by
Boy, don't you understand, you died in Vietnam
The runway rushed up at me, I felt the wheels hit down
I stood out on the blacktop, and took a taxi into town
Got off at Main Street, to see what I could see
All I seen was strangers watchin' a stranger pass by
And nobody was stranger than me
All I seen was strangers watchin' a stranger pass by
And that stranger than me
Vietnam, Vietnam, oh-no man
Vietnam
Went to see my baby down on First and Grand
To tell her I'd come home from away in Vietnam
Her mama came to the door and told me
Her mama told me she ran away
With a singer in a rock and roll band
She said "I'm sorry son, but we understand"
Date: Late 1981
Time: 5:15
Available:
Born In The U.S.A.
A Good Man Is Hard
To Find
A Gun In Every
Home
Baby I'm So Cold
Betty Jean
Bobby Jean
Born In The U.S.A.
Brothers Under The
Bridges
Bye Bye Johnny
Car Wash
Chasing A Chevrolet
County Fair
Cover Me
Cynthia
Dancing In The Dark
Darlington County
Delivery Man
Don't Back Down
Down Down Down
Downbound Train
Dream Song
"Glory days, they pass you by, glory
days...."
Drop On Down
Fade To Black
Follow That Dream
Frankie
Fugitives Dream
Glory Days
I Need You
I'm Goin' Down
I'm On Fire
James Lincoln Deer
Janey Don't You Lose
Heart
Jesse James
Johnny Bye Bye
Lions Den
Little Girl
Long Way Home
Man At The Top
Murder Incorporated
My Hometown
My Love Will Not
Let You Down
No Surrender
None But The Brave
One Love
Pink Cadillac
Protection
Richfield Whistle
Robert Ford
Rockaway The Days
Ruled By The Gun
Seeds
Seven Tears
Shut Out The Light
Stand On It
Sugarland
The Klansman
They Killed Him In
The Street
This Hard Land
True Love Is Hard To
Come By
TV Movie
Unsatisfied Heart
Untitled Riff
Wages Of Sin
Wheels Make The
World Go Round
Whispers And
Screams
Working On The
Highway
Your Hometown
Your Love
Your Love Is All
Around Me
A Good Man Is Hard To Find (Pittsburgh)
Comments:
A possible Electric Nebraska outtake? Not much was known about this track until its release on
Tracks. This song completes a Vietnam trilogy, along with Born In The U.S.A. and Shut Out The
Light, however A Good Man Is Hard To Find concentrates on the perspective of a woman who loses
her husband in a war nobody really understands.
Lyrics:
Version 1
It's cloudy out in Pittsburgh
It's rainin' in Saigon
Snow's fallin' all across the Michigan line
Well she sits by the light of her Christmas tree
With the radio softly on
Thinkin' how a good man is so hard to find
Well once she had a fella
Once she was somebody's girl
And she gave all she had that one last time
Now there's a little girl asleep in the back room
She's gonna have to tell about the meanness in this world
And how a good man is so hard to find
Well there's pictures on the table by her bed
Him in his dress greens and her in her wedding white
She remembers how the world was the day he left
And now how that world is dead
And a good man is so hard to find
She got no time now for Casanovas
Yeah those days are gone
She don't want that anymore, she's made up her mind
Just somebody to hold her
As the night gets on
When a good man is so hard to find
Well she shuts off the TV
And without a word
Into bed she climbs
Well she thinks how it was all so wasted
And how expendable their dreams all were
When a good man was so hard to find
Well it's cloudy out in Pittsburgh
Available:
Label: Unknown
Date: Unknown
Location: Studio
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, identical to Tracks
Time: 3:20
A Gun In Every Home
Comments:
Unreleased, possibly an alternative title for Ruled By The Gun?
Lyrics:
Version 1
Available:
Ruled By The Gun
Comments:
An early acoustic demo that presents a depressing picture of society, of a community trapped in their
own homes by the cruel world that exists outside. And no one can run or hide in a world ruled by the
gun.
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
Baby I tried to live my life the right way
Walk ??? down
Girl ???
??? And you're the only one
In a world ruled by the gun
Every where I look I see people crying
??? just end up dying
???
On the cathedral steps and the ???
In a world ruled by gun
Ruled by the gun
Baby ruled by the gun
Ruled by the gun
You can build your walls, build'em high baby
Brick by brick, one by one
Broke your fences in half
Till they reach the sun
In a city ruled by the gun
Ruled by the gun
Baby ruled by the gun
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol 10: Jesse James and The Wages Of Sin
Date: Early 1983
Time: Version 1: 2:23, Version 2 (harmonies):1:32
Version 3 and 4
Everywhere I go I see people crying
Every step I take I see young men dying
??? one by one
They lay dead on the cathedral steps in the sun
It's a world ruled by the gun
See ???
Even though ??? muscle for hire
You build a tower, build a wall, one by one
A wall so high as the sun
You say, you say ???
It's a world ruled by the gun
I swear I would find a place I could hide
I swore I'd find a place I could hide
I looked high and low but I could'nt find none
Everywhere I saw I could'nt find none
???
Ruled by the gun
By, by, by, by, by, by
Date: Early 1983
Time: Version 3: 5:12, Version 4 (harmonies): 0:38
Available:
Baby I'm So Cold (Turn The Lights Down
Low)
Comments:
An early acoustic demo, circa 1983. Contains lyrics and a very similar narrative to Loose Ends. One
of the most complete demos from the acoustic stage of this album, before the band began recording in
the studio, however, unlike Glory Days, this was never given the full bands backing.
Lyrics:
Version 1
We met on open streets when we had no place to go
I remember how my heart beat when you said "Bobby I love you so"
Then little by little baby, now I don't know
We lost the love, so long ago
Now I'm so cold, turn the lights down low
So cold, baby I'm so cold, turn the lights down low
So cold, baby I'm cold
We both made promises we could'nt keep
Now last night, I found you crying in your sleep
Baby we used to walk on nights just like this
And I would hold you in my arms, fill you with my kisses
Hold you in my arms, protect you with my kisses
Now I'm so cold, baby turn the lights down low
I'm so cold, baby I'm so cold, turn the lights down low
All our love has fallen around us
It happened to us, we said it never would
How could something so bad baby happen to something so good
I don't know, I don't know
We got no new dreams baby left to touch
We're lost like strangers who know too much
We fight each other, it was ???
I'm scared but I fear the cold coming in the night
Now I'm so cold, turn the lights down low
So cold, baby I'm so cold, turn the lights down low
Turn the lights down low, turn the lights down low
Turn the lights down low
Date: Early 1983
Time: 3:48
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol 10: Jesse James and
The Wages Of Sin
Date: Early 1983
Time: 3:46
Available:
Bobby Jean
Comments:
One of the great friendship songs. Played with the full band arrangement early in the Born In The
U.S.A. tour, before it reverted to a slow acoustic version, as highlighted on the Live 75 - 85 box set.
This song was also a regular event on both the Tom Joad and the recent World Reunion tours.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well I came by your house the other day
Your mother said you went away
She said there was nothing that I could have done There was nothing
nobody could say
Me and you we've known each other ever since we were sixteen
I wished I would have known I wished I could have called you
Just to say goodbye Bobby Jean
Now you hung with me when all the others turned away turned up their noise
We liked the same music we liked the same bands we liked the same clothes
We told each other that we were the wildest, the wildest things we'd ever seen
Now I wished you would have told me I wished I could have talked to you
Just to say goodbye Bobby Jean
Now we went walking in the rain talking about the pain from the world we hid
Now there ain't nobody nowhere no how gonna ever understand me the way you did
Maybe you'll be out there on that road somewhere
In some bus or train traveling along
In some motel room there'll be a radio playing
And you'll hear me sing this song
Well if you do you'll know I'm thinking of you and all the miles in between
And I'm just calling one last time not to change your mind
But just to say I miss you baby, good luck goodbye, Bobby Jean
Available:
Born In The U.S.A.
Comments:
The most misunderstood and misinterpreted song of the past century? Perhaps. It was this song that
led Ronald Reagan to embrace Bruce as a national idol during the mid 80's, a situation that deeply
angered Bruce. Despite the controversy, this was a staple opener during the 84 - 85 tour.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Born in the U.S.A., I was born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A., born in the U.S.A.
Got in a little hometown jam
So they put a rifle in my hands
Sent me off to a foreign land
To go and kill the yellow man
I was born in the U.S.A., born in the U.S.A.
Went down to see my V.A. man
I had a brother at Khe Sahn
He had a woman he loved in Saigon
I got a picture of him in her arms now
Down in the shadow of the penitentiary
Out by the gas fires of the refinery
I'm ten years burning down the road
Nowhere to run ain't got nowhere to go
Born in the U.S.A., I'm a long gone Daddy in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A., Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A., I'm a cool rocking Daddy in the U.S.A.
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, Full take with extra chorus
Time: 8:07
Boot: This Hard Land
Label: Unknown
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Location: The Hit Factory and The Power
Station, New York City, NY
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, Full take with
extra chorus
Time: 8:14
Version 2
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 19: Born in the U.S.A. Rare Masters
Time: 4:57
Available:
Brothers Under The Bridges
Comments:
Similar to No Surrender, this track is different to the song that shares the same name that was played
on the Ghost of Tom Joad tour, and appeared on Tracks disc 4. Another tale of boyhood adventures,
but lacking the darkness, despair and patriarchial undertones of a Mansion On The Hill, or My Fathers
Place.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Every spring when the weather gets warm
They come pourin' into town straight off of them farms
Driving 455s running hard and strong
They'd scratch built in them tool sheds all winter long
'Neath the trestles drinkin' the beer and the wine
Now some came to run, some just to pass the time
With the brothers under the bridges
Me and Tommy we was just fourteen, didn't have our licenses yet
Our walls were covered with pictures of cars we'd get
We'd listen and wait for that highway to rumble and quake
As they drove in through town when the weekend'd break
Bringin' girls with that distant look in their eyes
Now together 'neath the trestles they'd be laughing in the night
With the brothers under the bridges
Well me and my brother'd hitched a ride in Joey's pickup to the edge of town
And we watched from the tall grass as the challenges were made and the duels went down
We'd hitchhike back home, sneak in, get in bed before our mom'd come
And we'd lay there in the night talkin' about how we might someday be one
Yeah someday run with the brothers under the bridges
Well now I hear a cry in the distance and the sound of marching feet come and gone
Well I'm sittin down here by this highway figuring, figuring just where I belong
Tonight up here on Signal Hill
I watch a young man in a red shirt walking through a night so still
Put his jacket 'round his girl as the autumn wind sends a chill
Through the brothers under the bridges
Available:
Bye Bye Johnny
Comments:
Bruces lament for the death of Elvis. A solid B-side that originated from the Nebraska sessions. Quite
a few alternate versions exist, yet the official release is probably the best of them.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well she drew out all her money from the Southern Trust
And she put her little boy on a Greyhound Bus
Leaving Memphis with a guitar in his hand
On a one way ticket to the promised land
Well hey little girl with the red dress on
There's a party tonight down in Memphis town
I'll be going down there if you need a ride
Come on, come on, let's go tonight
How many have fallen with the dream denied
Now tell me baby are you lonesome tonight?
Theres a man on the radio says Elvis Presley died
Now down in Dixie tonight, the sky is hard and black
Comin' up over the ridge, one long white Cadillac
People standin' on the roadside waitin' in the heat
Bound together forever in the promise of an endless sleep
Well they found him slumped up against a drain
With a whole lot of nothing running through his veins
Well Bye Bye Johnny, Johnny Bye Bye
You didn't have to die, you didn't have to die
Date: June 5 1981
Time: 3:35
Label: Doberman
Date: June 8 1981
Time: 3:15
Boot: This Land Is
Your Land
Label: Piggham
Records
Date: July 3 1981
Location: Brendan
Byrne Arena, East
Rutherford, NJ
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 5:04
Date: July 8 1981
Time: 3:44
Boot: I Don't Wanna Go Home
Date: July 8 1981 and August 24 1981
Rutherford, NJ and Sports Arena, Los Angeles
CA
Time: 3:38 and 3:10
Boot: Spectrum Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: August 4 1981
Location: The Capitol Centre, Largo, MD
Time: 3:22
Boot: A Night For The Vietnam Veteran
Label: Winged Wheel
Location: L.A. Sports Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Time: 3:13
Boot: Written On The
Wall
Label: No Label
Location: L.A. Sports
Arena, Los Angeles,
CA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 3:35
Boot: No Title
Boot: No Label
Location: Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinatti, OH
Time: 3:26
Version 2
And put her little boy on a Greyhound bus
On a one-way ticket to the promised land
Hey little girl with a red dress on
The man on the radio says Elvis Presley's died
We drove down into Memphis, the sky was hard and black
Up over the ridge came a white Cadillac
They'd drawn out all his money and they laid him in the back
A woman cried from the roadside "oh he's gone, he's gone"
They found him slumped up against the drain
With a whole lot of trouble running through his veins
Bye-bye Johnny
Johnny bye-bye
You didn't have to die
Time: 1:50
Version 3
And put her little boy, yeah, on a Greyhound bus
Hey now little girl with a red dress on
There's a party tonight, yeah, down in Memphis town
As we drove down into Memphis, the sky turned hard and black
Up over the hill came a white Cadillac
They'd drawn out all of his money and they laid him in the back
A woman cried from the roadside "Johnny, Johhny, please come back"
Well they found him slumped up against the drain
With a whole lot of trouble, yeah, running through his veins
Bye-bye Johnny
Johnny bye-bye
Time: 2:59
Version 4
Time: 3:02
Version 5
And put her little boy on a Greyhound bus
Hey little girl with a red dress on
We drove down into Memphis, the sky was hard and black
Up over the hill came a white Cadillac
They drew out all his money and they laid him in the back
A woman cried from the roadside Johnny, Johhny, Johnny
They found him slumped up against the drain
With a whole lot of trouble running through his veins
Bye-bye Johnny
Johnny bye-bye
In the Nevada desert a young boy travels alone
Walking five thousand miles trying to get home
Stars rising in the black and endless sky
He stares up into the darkness, he looks down and walks on
Time: 3:44
Masters
Time: 3:46
Version 6 and 7
Available:
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Location: Memorial Coliseum, Tempe, AZ
Time: 2:05
Boot: Ames Night
Label: No Label
Location: Hilton Coliseum, Ames, IO
Time: 2:03
Boot: Sugarland
Location: Bob Devaney Sports Centre, Lincoln,
NE
Time: 3:03
Boot: Kansas City Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Kemper Arena, Kansas, MO
Time: 1:58
Boot: Perfect In 85
Location: Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte NC
Time: 2:08
Car Wash
Comments:
One of Bruce's stranger songs, written from a woman's perspective. Perhaps it was to be given to
another artist? This song was played once on the recently finished World Tour, and highlights Bruce's
obsession with all things cars (remember working at the car wash in Downbound Train?).
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well my name is Catherine LeFevre
I work at the Astrowash on Sunset and Vine
I drop my kids at school in the morning
And I pick them up at Mary's just 'fore suppertime
Well I work down at the car wash
For a dollar and a dime
And mister, I hate my boss
It's at the car wash I'm doing my time
Pick up my water bottle and my towel, sir
And I take 'em one by one
From Mercedes to VWs
I do 'em all and I don't favor none
Well someday I'll sing in a night club
I'll get a million-dollar break
A handsome man will come here with a contract in his hand
And say "Catherine, this has all been some mistake"
Boot: Born To Serve
Label: Diamond Cat
Date: June 13 1999
Location: Bruno-Plache Stadion, Leipzig, Germany
Time: 3:58
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 13 1999
Location: Bruno-Plache Stadion, Leipzig,
Germany
Time: 4:08
Available:
Born To Serve
Chasing A Chevrolet
Comments:
Uncirculated demo. Chevrolet Deluxe perhaps?
Lyrics:
Version 1
Available:
County Fair
Comments:
Along with My Love Will Not Let You Down, this is the greatest of the Born In The U.S.A. outtakes,
and is probably in my top 3 outtakes of all time. Ethereal is what this song is, how it was left off the
album I'll never know, as Labour Of Love says, "this IS America".
Lyrics:
Version 1
Every year when summer comes around
They stretch a banner across the Main Street of town
You can feel something happening in the air
Well from Carol's house up on Telegraph Hill
You can see the lights going up out in Soldier's Field
Getting ready for the County Fair
County Fair, County Fair
Everybody in town will be there
So come on, hey we're goin' down there
Well, little girl with your long blonde hair
Come win your daddy one of them stuffed bears
Baby down, at the County Fair
Now you'll be hanging tight when we hit the top
And that rollercoaster is ready to drop
And you bragged that you wasn't even scared
Well baby, you know I just love the sound
Of the pipe organ on the merry-go-round
So come on, we're goin', goin' down there
Well at the North end of the field well they set up a stand
And they got a little rock and roll band
And we go dancing, yeah out in the open air
Well it's James Young and the Immortal Ones
Just two guitars, baby, bass and drums
Just rockin' down at the County Fair
Well County Fair, County Fair
So come on, we're goin' down there
Now its getting late before we head back to town
We let the fortune wheel spin around
Oh crystal, tell me whats waiting out there
On the way out I steal a kiss in the dark
Hope I can remember where our cars parked
Baby down at the County Fair
Now off down the highway there's a last stream of cars
As we sit a while in my front yard
With the radio playing soft and low
I pull Carol close to my heart
I lean back and stare up at the stars
Oh I wish never have to let this moment go
Time: 5:16
Version 2
Every year when summer comes around
They stretch a banner across the Main Street of town
You can feel something happening in the air
Well from Carol's house up on Telegraph Hill
You can see the lights going up out in Soldier's Field
Getting ready for the County Fair
So come on, hey we're goin' down there
Now you'll be hanging tight when we hit the top
And that rollercoaster is ready to drop
And you bragged that you wasn't even scared
Well baby, you know I just love the sound
Of the pipe organ on the merry-go-round
So come on, we're goin', goin' down there
Well at the North end of the field well they set up a stand
And they got a little rock and roll band
And we go dancing, yeah out in the open air
Well it's James Young and the Immortal Ones
Just two guitars, baby, bass and drums
Just rockin' down at the County Fair
Well County Fair, County Fair
So come on, we're goin' down there
Now its getting late before we head back to town
We let the fortune wheel spin around
Oh crystal, tell me whats waiting out there
On the way out I steal a kiss in the dark
Hope I can remember where our cars parked
Baby down at the County Fair
Now off down the highway there's a last stream of cars
As we sit a while in my front yard
With the radio playing soft and low
I pull Carol close to my heart
I lean back and stare up at the stars
Oh I wish never have to let this moment go
Time: 4:55
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol. 19: Born in the
U.S.A. Rare Masters
NY
Time: 4:55
Available:
Cover Me
Comments:
One of the many successful singles of the album. In hindsight however, this is probably the weakest
cut off Born In The U.S.A. and has not really stood the test of time like Glory Days or I'm On Fire.
See also Drop On Down And Cover Me
Lyrics:
Version 1
The times are tough now, just getting tougher
This old world is rough, it's just getting rougher
Cover me, come on baby, cover me
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Promise me baby you won't let them find us
Hold me in your arms, let's let our love blind us
Cover me, shut the door and cover me
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Outside's the rain, the driving snow
I can hear the wild wind blowing
Turn out the light, bolt the door
I ain't going out there no more
This whole world is out there just trying to score
I've seen enough I don't want to see any more
Cover me, come on and cover me
I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Available:
Drop On Down And Cover Me
Comments:
The foreunner to Cover Me lyrically, however it sounds quite a bit like My Love Will Not Let You
Down. Actually, with a bit of polishing, this track could have exceeded the rather bland nature of
Cover Me, especially the abysmal dance remixes that were spawned from it.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Times are tough there baby there
It's getting tougher now
This world is rough honey
It's just getting rougher now
They're on top there baby
Just tryin' to score well
Seen enough honey, I don't wanna see no more
Drop on down and cover me
On down and cover me
Sometimes girl I just wanna
Leave it all behind us, yeah
Hold me in your arms tonight
Let's let our love blind us, yeah
Inside I feel the pain that
The hatred and the sorrow
I wanna shut the light, baby
C'mon and shut the door
On down and cover
I just wanna close my eyes
And let your love surround me
I wanna close my heart to
To this world around me
The anger and the heartlessness
All the good things guilty
Come closer baby
Now, closer still now
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 4:27
Available:
Cynthia
Comments:
An easily forgettable song, although very polished. This track opens the third disc of Tracks. The
bootleg versions of this song are very different, more of an acoustic, country ramble than the pop
experiment featured on Tracks. Yet another song featuring the name of a woman, just like Rickie,
Candy, Sandy ......
Lyrics:
Version 1
Cynthia, when you come walkin' by you are an inspirin' sight
Cynthia, you don't smile or say "hi" but baby that's alright
Cause I don't need to hold you or taste your kiss
I just like knowin' Cynthia that you exist
In a world like this
Cynthia when you pass it seems like this whole town drops
Cynthia, maybe it's just me being
A fool stuck here punching this clock
Well you give us a reason to stop just for a while
To stop, stand, baby and salute your style
Yeah Cynthia
Well now you ain't the finest thing I'll never have
And when you go the hurt you leave
Well baby it ain't so bad
Yeah there ain't a man in this whole town
Who'll say you ain't fine
D'you hear the guys talkin'
Tell me, baby do you mind
Well you make us happy honey when we feel sad
To see somethin' so good, in a world gone bad
There's still Cynthia
Cynthia, no one knows your number
No one knows where you live
Cynthia, I wonder do you understand
This strange thing you give
Yeah, well baby is it your style
The mystery in your smile
Or just how cool you walk in a world gone wild
Oh tell me if you will Cynthia
Well I gotta be pretty naive to believe in you
I know you ain't ever gonna be my dream come true
That's alright, I gotta others dreams
As good as you, Cynthia
Oh now baby, this ain't no come-on
Walk on, Cynthia walk on
Oh thats right, oh yeah
Mmmm you make me holler yeah, yeah alright
I said yeah yeah alright
She's a yeah yeah alright
Yeah yeah alright
Yeah, yeah alright
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 4:08
Version 2
Cynthia, when you come walkin' by you are an inspirin' sight
Yeah Cynthia, you never smile, you don't say "hi" but that's alright
I don't need to hold you or taste your kiss
I just like knowin' Cynthia, you exist
In a world like this there's still
Cynthia, Cynthia, Cynthia
Well Cynthia
When you pass it seems like this whole town well it just drops
Well Cynthia, maybe it's just me being
A fool stuck here on this block
Stuck here punchin' this clock, you give us a reason to stop
Yeah just for a while to stand and salute your style
You ain't the finest thing we'll never have
And the hurt you leave
Well it ain't so bad
Yeah there ain't a man alive in this whole town
Who'll say you ain't fine
D'you hear the guys talkin'
Tell me, do you mind
It makes me happy when I feel sad
To see sump'n'so good, in a world gone bad
There's still Cynthia
No one knows your number
No one knows baby where you live
Oh Cynthia, I wonder do you understand
This strange thing you give
Yeah, is it your style
The mystery in your smile
Or how cool you walk in a world gone wild
In a world gone wild there's still Cynthia, Cynthia, Cynthia
Well I gotta be pretty naive, baby to believe in you
I know you ain't ever gonna be my dream come true
That's alright, I gotta others dreams
As good as you, Cynthia, Cynthia
Oh now baby, this ain't no come-on
Walk on, Cynthia walk on
Time: 3:29
Masters
Time: 3:28
Available:
Dancing In The Dark
Comments:
The huge hit, but Bruce had taken pop as far as he wanted to go. Who could forget the opening chords
of the synthesiser, the corny filmclip featuring Bruce looking more like he was having a seizure than
dancing, and a nerdy looking Courtney Cox, before she discovered fame and fortune (although most
people would give that up for one dance with Bruce).
Lyrics:
Version 1
I get up in the evening, and I ain't got nothing to say
I come home in the moring, I go to bed feeling the same way
I ain't nothing but tired, man I'm just tired and bored with myself
Hey there baby, I could use just a little help
You can't start a fire, you can't start a fire without a spark
This gun's for hire even if we're just dancing in the dark
Message keeps getting clearer, radio's on and I'm moving round the place
I check myself out in the mirror I wanna change my clothes my hair my face
Man I ain't getting nowhere just sitting in a dump like this
There's something happening somewhere baby I just know that there is
You sit around getting older there's a joke here somewhere and it's on me
I'll shake this world off my shoulders come baby this laughs on me
Stay on the streets of this town and they'll be carving you up alright
They say you got to stay hungry hey baby I'm just about starving tonight
I'm dying for some action I'm sick of sitting 'round here trying to write this book
I need a love reaction come on now baby give me just one look
Available:
Darlington County
Comments:
A solid live rocker that has got some play on the recent World tour. Also the name of a football club
in England, but that is all Bruce and soccer have in common (except Bruce has played many a football
stadium in the old days).
Lyrics:
Version 1
Driving in to Darlington County
Me and Wayne on the Fourth of July
Driving in to Darlington County
Looking for some work on the county line
We drove down from New York City
Where the girls are pretty but they just want to know your name
Driving in to Darlington City
Got a union connection with an uncle of Wayne's
We drove eight hundred miles without seeing a cop
We got rock and roll music blasting off the T-top singing
Sha la la la la la la la la, Sha la la la la la la
Hey hey
Hey little girl standing on the corner
Today's your lucky day for sure all right
Me and my buddy we're from New York City
We got two hundred dollars we want to rock all night
Girl you're looking at two big spenders
Why the world don't know what me and Wayne might do
Our daddy's each own one of the World Trade Centers
For a kiss and a smile I'll give mine all to you
Come on baby take a seat on my fender
It's a long night and tell me what else were you gonna do
Just me and you we could
Little girl sitting in the window
Ain't seen my buddy in seven days
Well boys
County man tells me the same thing
He don't work and he don't get paid
Little girl you're so young and pretty
Oh walk with me and you can have your way
And we'll leave this Darlington City
For a ride down that Dixie Highway
Driving out of Darlington County
My eyes seen the glory of the coming of the Lord
Driving out of Darlington County
Seen Wayne handcuffed to the bumper of a state trooper's Ford
Big man
Come on
Woo
Date: May 1982
Time: 5:24
Label: Unknown
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 5:22
Available:
Delivery Man
Comments:
One of the more odd demos from the Born In The U.S.A. era. Once again, Bruce manages to combine
humour and tragedy, as you can easily imagine two country hicks running around a busy road trying
to catch escaping chickens as their truck lies upside down in a ditch, it's wheels still spinning.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I'm rumblin' outta town
'Cross the West side tracks
Drivin' my pa's flat bed
With a load of chickens in the back
I'm a little illegal
But I ain't on fire
I got them hens tied down
With rope and chicken wire
Up in the cab me and Wilson
We got a shot
Between the noise from the engine
And them chickens squawking all about
There's a low bridge comin' up on 105
And if we don't make it man
Them feathers gonna fly, yeah
I took a hard turn, just south of Kokomo
Our rope gave out, my load shifted
We was all over the road
Pen's bustin on the blacktop
Chickens scatterin' all about
Runnin' hellbent 'cross the highway
Gettin' turned inside out
By the local commuters, at 60 miles per hour
In five minutes it was all over, except for the flowers
That flatbed was sideways in a drainage ditch
There were'nt no way she was movin' without a crane and a hitch
When the highway patrol came in, and set up the road block
We as chasin' some survivors 'cross the parking lot
Well I stood up and checked the situation at hand
Lord don't let me spend my life as a delivery man
Time: 2:19
Masters
Time: 2:20
Version 2
I'm rumblin' outta town
'Cross the West side tracks
Drivin' my pa's flat bed
With a load of chickens in the back
I'm a little illegal
But I ain't on fire
I got them hens tied down
With rope and chicken wire
Up in the cab me and Wilson
We got a shot
Between the noise from the engine
And them chickens squawking all about
There's a low bridge comin' up on 105
And if we don't make it man
Them feathers gonna fly, yeah
Now Wilson ain't bad lookin', 'cept he's kinda shy
Told him I got a girl on the rails tonight
Well she goes by the name of Beverly Jean
She got eyes like a jack rabbit
Starin' dead in your high beams
On her bureau
The World Trade Centres glow
When she turns'em upside down
Well, they're covered in snow
All Wilson says is "I don't know"
"Wayne, I dont know"
I took a hard turn, just south of Kokomo
Our rope gave out, my load shifted
We was all over the road
Pen's bustin on the blacktop
Chickens scatterin' all about
Runnin' hellbent 'cross the highway
Gettin' turned inside out
By the local commuters, at 60 miles per hour
In five minutes it was all over, except for the flowers
That flatbed was sideways in a drainage ditch
There were'nt no way she was movin' without a crane and a hitch
When the highway patrol came in, and set up the road block
We as chasin' some survivors 'cross the parking lot
Well I stood up and checked the situation at hand
Lord don't let me spend my life as a delivery man
Time: 2:52
Available:
Don't Back Down (On Our Love)
Comments:
A good outtake, despite the use of a drum machine. Similar to I'm Going Down, and the music is
reminiscent of My Hometown. Many, many almost identical versions exist, with little to differentiate
between them. Perhaps this track would have made an ideal B-side?
Lyrics:
Version 1
When the night winds rustle the far away leaves
Rolling down the valley, through the cottonwood trees
And the white river is risen with last season's rains
I lie awake in the darkness and I call your name
Don't back down on our love
I lie awake and I know that sleep won't come soon
I watch the headlights crawl up and down the wall of my lonesome room
Last night I stood on Black Mountain and looked out to the sea
Where the waters of Mystery River go rushing endlessly
And the love we swore would last as long as those waters roared on
I awoke in the darkness, it was gone, gone, gone
Don't back down
Baby dont back down on our love
Don't back down
Don't back down
Time: 3:35
Version 2 through 8
Rolling down the Conna valley, through the cottonwood trees
And a white river rises with last season's rains
Don't back down
Baby, don't back down on our love
Don't back down
So I watch the headlights crawl up and down the wall of the lonesome room
Think of that club by the river, we danced on and on
Swore our love would last forever and you laughed on and on
Dont back down on our love
Don't back down
Yeah come on, I wanna weep but I'm broke inside and the tears won't run
I want to sleep but there ain't no dream and the sleep won't come
Last night I stood on Black Mountain and looked down to the sea
And the love we swore would last as long as the waters roared on
And when I woke in the darkness it was gone, gone, gone
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Masters
4: 3:07, Version 5 (acoustic): 2:35, Version 6
(incomplete): 0:46, Version 7 (acoustic): 2:29,
Version 8 (acoustic): 2:35
Version 9
Rolling down the Conna valley, through the cottonwood trees
And the river is risen with last season's rains
Don't back down
So I watch the headlights crawl up and down the wall of the lonesome room
I think of that club by the river, we danced on and on
Swore our love would last forever and you laughed on and on
Don't back down
Yeah come on, I wanna weep but I'm broke inside and the tears won't run
I want to sleep but there ain't no dream and the sleep won't come
Last night I stood on Black Mountain and looked out to the sea
Don't throw away the love we kept for so long, long, long
When we come back looking darling it'll be gone, gone, gone
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Time: 2:55
Version 10
Notes: Lyrics match Version 2 through 10
Time: 2:59
Version 11
If you're out on your own and you ain't got no home
And it feels like the whole worlds just gonna fall on you
You're just runnin' scared
Look around, there's nothin' there
And ya' ain't got the strength
And your friends all just stall on you
Well, over comes a cloud, and you're lost in the crowd
Once you thought you might make it
But babe, these days you doubt it
If you need a hand honey I understand
Just stand on up, yeah, stand up and shout it girl
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Now you see all the ones worn out and tired
Theres a ??? broken, down by the way side
With two hearts call out for hire
Filled with hurt, be it by their foolish pride
You hear the sound of a one passin' down
And you don't think that these days you can make it babe
Step on up, I'll give you a hand
If you got a problem, well, I figure we can shake it baby
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
Don't back down
If you're out on your own and you ain't got no home
And it feels like the whole worlds just gonna fall on you
You're just runnin' scared
Look around, there's nothin' there
And ya' ain't got the strength
And your friends all just stall on you
Well, over comes a cloud, and you're lost in the crowd
Once you thought you might make it
But babe, these days you doubt it
I understand if you need a helping hand
Baby dont be afrauid, just stand on up, yeah, stand up and shout it girl
Don't back down
(repeat 24 times)
Time: 3:13
Masters
Time: 3:16
Available:
Down Down Down
Comments:
See I'm Going Down
I'm Going Down
Comments:
Possibly the least successful single of the album. This track is also known as Down, Down Down.
One of the more forgettable tracks from Born In The U.S.A., the unreleased outtake with the extended
ending is a better take than what was released.
Lyrics:
Version 1
A one, two, a one, twp, three four
We sit in the car outside your house
I can feel the heat coming 'round
I go to put my arm around you
And you give me a look like I'm way out of bounds
Well you let out one of your bored sighs
Well lately when I look into your eyes
I'm goin down, down, down, down
We get dressed up and we go out, baby, for the night
We come home early burning, burning in some fire fight
I'm sick and tired of you setting me up yeah
Setting me up just to knock-a knock-a knock-a me down
Down, down, down, down
I pull you close now baby, but when we kiss I can feel a doubt
I remember back when we started
My kisses used to turn you inside out
I used to drive you to work in the morning
Friday night I'd drive you all around
You used to love to drive me wild yeah
But lately girl you get your kicks from just driving me down
Down, down, down, down
I'm goin down, hey like a big dog down
Yeah I'm goin' down, down, down
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 4:00
Label: Unknown
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 4:04
Version 2
Time: 4:57
Available:
Downbound Train
Comments:
The finished product from a Nebraska demo, this is perhaps the darkest song on the album, and
perhaps its no coincidence that it was one of the few tracks not to become a single. The last verse is
full of emotion, you can literally hear the pain of the man as he dropped to his knees and cried.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I had a job, I had a girl
I had something going mister in this world
I got laid off down at the auto yard
Our love went bad, times got hard
Now I work down at the carwash
Where all it ever does is rain
Don't you feel like you're a rider on a downbound train
She just said "Joe I gotta go
We had it once we ain't got it any more"
She packed her bags left me behind
She bought a ticket on the Central Line
Nights as I sleep, I hear that whistle whining
I feel her kiss in the misty rain
And I feel like I'm a rider on a downbound train
Last night I heard your voice
You were crying, crying, you were so alone
You said your love had never died
You were waiting for me at home
Put on my jacket, I ran through the woods
I ran till I thought my chest would explode
There in the clearing, beyond the highway
In the moonlight, our wedding house shone
I rushed through the yard, I burst through the front door
My head pounding hard, up the stairs I climbed
The room was dark, our bed was empty
Then I heard that long whistle whine
And I dropped to my knees, hung my head and cried
Now don't it feel like you're a rider on a downbound train
Label: Unknown
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 3:26
Version 2
Date: May 1982
Time: 3:18
Version 3
Date: Early 1983
Notes: Harmonies
Time: 0:37
Available:
Dream Song
Comments:
See Follow That Dream
Fade To Black
Comments:
Vastly different to The River outtake of the same name, this snippet just contains the title and little
more.
Lyrics:
Version 1
???
???
Fade to black, baby fade to black
Fade it black, baby fade to black
???
???
Date: Early 1983
Time: 0:48
Available:
Frankie
Comments:
An outtake many fans were desperate to hear, finally released officially on Tracks. This is the most
famous version (Frankie was first played on the Born To Run tour way back in 1976) and includes
some distortion halfway though as the result of a microphone being knocked over in the studio.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Dark weekends in the sun, out on Chelsea Row
Descending the stairs, Frankie my love
Check your make-up in the mirror
Come on, baby, let's go
We'll dance round this dirty town
Let all the finer things sleep alone tonight
Let all the minor kings lose their thrones tonight
Don't worry about me baby, I'll be alright
There's machines and there's fire
On the outside of town
Young boys for hire
Waiting to blow us all down
There are strange flashes in the sky up above
I'll spend the night at the movies
With my secret love
At dusk the stars all appear on the screen
Just like they do each night in my dreams
But tonight's no dream, Frankie
I can feel myself move
Living and dying
Like I was born to do
Walk softly tonight little angel
I wanna be alone with you
Talk softly to me tonight angel
Make all my dream-worlds come true
I remember standing in the freezing rain
Reading them "Want" ads out on Chelsea Row
Winging down the street in search of new games
Hustling through the night packs where the actors go
Frankie they are crazy, let's run and hide
In the darkness there'll be hidden worlds that shine
When all of the glory in this desperate land
Will rise like raindrops in the palm of our hands
Rise like the rain
Let your sadness rise
Into the shadows where the lovers go
Talk softly tonight angel
Into the shadows where the lovers go
Talk softly tonight angel
Label: E Street
Date: April 4 1976
Location: Michigan State Uni. Auditorium, East Lansing, MI
Time: 7:00
Boot: Live At The Allen Theatre, Cleveland,
Ohio, April 4, 1976
Label: Scorpio
Date: April 7 1976 (Date on package is wrong)
Location: The Allen Theatre, Cleveland, OH
Time: 6:44
Date: April 7 1976
Time: 6:50
Boot: Knock On Wood
Label: Raggamuffin Records
Date: April 7 1976
Time: 6:18
Boot: Leaving The Allen In Rubble
Label: Bruce Tree Service
Date: April 8 1976
Time: 8:02
Boot: Prove It All
Night
Label: Flashback
World Productions
Date: May 10 1976
Location: Mobile, Al
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 6:13
Version 2
Dark weekends in the sun, out on Chelsea Row
Descending the stairs, Frankie my love
Check your make-up in the mirror
Come on, baby, let's go
We'll dance round this dirty town
Let all the finer things sleep alone tonight
Let all the minor kings lose their thrones tonight
Don't worry about us baby, we'll be alright
Well everybody's dying
This town's closing down
Well I was sitting down at the courthouse
Waiting for them to take the flag down
I see strange flashes in the sky up above
Gonna spend the night at the drive-in
With the one that I love
At dusk the stars all appear on the screen
Yeah just like they do each night in my dreams
But tonight's no dream, Frankie
I can feel myself too
Well now and forever baby
My love is for you
Here we go, hit it
Walk softly tonight little stranger
In these shadows we're passing through
Talk softly tonight, little angel
You make all my dream-worlds come true
Well lately I've been standing out in the freezing rain
Reading them "Want" ads out on Chelsea Row
I'm winging down the street in search of new games
Hustling through these night lights down the road
Well Frankie I don't know what I'm gonna find
Maybe nothing at all, maybe a world I can call mine
Shining like these streetlights down here on the Strand
Bright as the rain in the palm of your hand
Walk softly tonight, little stranger
Talk softly to me, little angel
Talk softly to me
Talk softly to me
Talk softly to me
Talk softly to me
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 7:44
Label: Unknown
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 7:41
Version 3
Date: May 1982
Location: The Hit Factory, New York City, NY
Time: 7:39
U.S.A. Rare Masters
Date: May 1982
NY
Time: 7:39
Available:
Fugitives Dream
Comments:
Quite similar to Unsatisfied Heart. This song raises many questions, such as who was the man who
came to town and what secret did he hold? What was so bad that it caused a respected man to flee
from the family he loves? The opportunity for speculation keeps this track fresh.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Sir I am a pilgrim and a stranger in this land
Once I had a home here, my salvation was at hand
I lived in a fine home, I was respected and satisfied
I had two beautiful children and a kind and loving wife
Then one day a man came to town
A man with nothing and nowhere to go
He came to my door and mentioned
Something I'd done a long time ago
I allowed him into my home
On his vow that nothing would be said
One night I rose from a dreamless sleep
And I went to his bed
I watched as he lay sleeping, I reached out and touched his cheek
Felt a chill run through my bones and I fled into the street
I woke up in a motel room where ???
Like someone had thrust open a door
And closed it tight again
I tried to understand why I felt these things I felt
Why I walked these streets at night a stranger to myself
Last night the same dream keeps coming around
I'm standing high on the green hills
Looking across to the outskirts of town
The night air fills my lungs
Blowing and sweeps around me so strong
Stars rise in a black endless sky
Grow brighter and brighter then gone, gone, gone
Time: 4:05
Available:
Glory Days
Comments:
A fans favourite (embarrasing video clip and all). An acoustic solo version survives with quite
different lyrics, that borrow some lines from the River outtakes Stockton Boys / Girl. The full band
version with the extra verse about the father who is retrenched from his job is also a treat.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I had a friend was a big baseball player
Back in high school
He could throw that speedball by you
Make you look like a fool boy
Saw him the other night as this roadside bar
I was walking in, he was walking out
We went back inside, sat down, had a few drinks
But all he kept talking about was
Glory days, well they'll pass you by
Glory days, in the wink of a young girls eye
Glory days, glory days
Well theres a girl that lives up the block
Back in school she could turn all the boys heads
Sometimes on a Friday I'll stop by
And have a few drinks after she put her kids to bed
Her and her husband Bobby, well they split up
I guess its two years gone by now
We just sit around talking about the old times
She says when she feels like crying
She starts laughing thinking about
My old man worked 20 years on the line
And they let him go
Now everywhere he goes out looking for work
They just tell him that he's too old
I was 9 years old when he was working at the
Metuchen Ford plant assembly line
Now he just sits on a stool down at the Legion Hall
But I can tell whats on his mind
Glory days, yeah goin back
Glory days, oh he ain't never had
Now I think I'm going down to the well tonight
And I'm going to drink till I get my fill
And I hope when I get old I don't sit around thinking about it
But I probably will
Yeah, just sitting back trying to recapture
A little of the glory of, well the time slips away
And leaves you with nothing mister but
Boring stories of glory days
Time: 5:27
U.S.A. Rare Masters
NY
Time: 5:27
Version 2
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 5:25
Label: Unknown
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 5:32
Version 3
I knew a buddy in high school, good at playing baseball
He could throw that ball, speedball down the plate
Make you look just like a fool
I met him in a bar last night, in a bar with a raincoat on
He was just talking about them glory days
He said "now them glory days are gone"
Yeah you just don't count
When you're from Stockton ???
My dad worked ??? just turned 59
There in the cold.... there was a job down, they tell him he's too old
Back in '59 he worked production on the Ford plant assembly line
Pluggin in them... slappin' in them firewalls and windshields
Now they they dont give him piece of mind, Stockton
Yeah you just don't count
When you're from Stockton
Date: Early 1983
Time: 2:03
Date: Early 1983
Time: 2:03
Available:
I Need You
Comments:
One of the longer acoustic demos that preceeded the band working on the album, however this track
never made it that far. It's kind of reminiscent of Ain't Got You, the opening track off Tunnel Of
Love, as the man has got everything he wants except what he most desires: the woman he loves.
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
I don't need no fancy car to drive me around
I don't need no pretty face cause that just gets me down
I need you
I need you
I don't need you money, baby to spend
I don't need your friends, I don't need your ???
I need you
I need you
???
???
???
???
I don't need no money, I don't need you to drive me around
I don't need no pretty face cause that just gets me down
I need you
I need you
I need you
I need you
I need you
Date: Early 1983
Time: Version 1:59, Version 2 (harmonies) 0:51
Available:
I'm On Fire
Comments:
Another hit single off the album. The video clip wasnt too bad either (After Dancing In The Dark, any
film clip would look good) it featured Bruce as a good old blue collar mechanic, agonising over what
he should do about a rich little girl that lives on a big house up on the hill. Hmmmm, nothing like a
Bruce song at all?
Lyrics:
Version 1
Hey little girl is your daddy home
Did he go and leave you all alone
I've got a bad desire
Whooaaa I'm on fire
Tell me now baby is he good to you
Can he do to you the things that I do
I can take you higher
Whooaaa I'm on fire
Sometimes it's like someone took a knife baby
Edgy and dull and cut a six-inch valley
Through the middle of my soul
At night I wake up with the sheets soaking wet
And a freight train running through the middle of my head
Only you can cool my desire
Whooaaa I'm on fire
Whooaaa I'm on fire
Whooaaa I'm on fire
Whooaaa I'm on fire
Whooohoooohoo
Whooohooohooo
Label: Unknown
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 2:58
Available:
James Lincoln Dear
Comments:
Would eventually become Richfield Whistle, however this track has an extremely dark ending,
uncharacteristic of many of the men who turn to crime in his songs (except for Nebraska). Also
contains a line that would later end up on My Hometown "These jobs are goin' boys, and they ain't
coming back".
Lyrics:
Version 1
My name is James Francis Dear
I was born in Remington
Found my home in Richfield prison
Where once I paid for the wrongs I done
Once, I was free and on the streets of Indiana
And I was twenty-two
Just a kid, no better or worse than you
Me and Terry married in the spring
We moved in with her Ma and Pa
On our wedding night she sighed "Jimmy
We can have anything we want"
She got a job in Silverton
We worked hard and we scraped and saved
And we got by all right
On the money that we made
Terry had a brother
A brother, name of Sil
Made a livin' stealin' farm equipment
Down in Wiggonville
He'd sit at my kitchen table Friday nights
His roll of dough he'd flash
Say "Johnny, you need a little extra work
All you gotta do is ask"
"You got a wife and child to feed
With nobody lookin' out here for you
In this world a man takes what he can
Or he ain't nothin' but a fool"
Then came the shutdowns
And our whole world went black
Man said "These jobs are goin' boys
And they ain't comin' back"
Then I required a bigger job
Couldn't find none
Found myself sittin'
On the curb outside Sil's house
Trial, trial was short
An honest man had died
They put us on the prison trucks
And let us ride
Now I got nothin' to do
'Cept wait for these days to pass
I see my wife and child
Through double paned Richfield glass
Me and Sil, we robbed a Stop and Shop
On a cold and windy night
I had a pistol
And I shot a boy in flight
I held my pistol to his face
His eyes caught fire with fear
I said "Remember me before you die
My name is James Lincoln Dear"
Date: 1981-1982
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1.
Time: 4:17
Available:
Janey Don't You Lose Heart
Comments:
A brilliant B-side, unfortunately only ever played live a handful of times. The studio version features
some fantastic back up singing from Nils. Its a wonder he never achieved a great deal of success in his
solo career, as he has an absolutely fantastic voice, just listen to his solo on "If I Should Fall Behind"
from the recent World Tour. And I wont even begin telling you about the guitar work.
Lyrics:
Version 1
You got your book baby with all your fears
Let me honey and I'll catch your tears
I'll take your sorrow if you want me to
Come tomorrow
That's what I'll do
Listen to me
Janey don't you lose heart
Well you say you got no new dreams to touch
You feel like a stranger babe who knows too much
When you come home late and get undressed
You lie in bed and feel this emptiness
Well listen to me
'Till every river, baby it runs dry
Until the sun honey's, torn from the sky
'Till every feel you've felt burst free
Gone tumblin' down into the sea
Listen to me
Date: June 16 1983
Notes: Lyrics match Version 1, with synth coda at end
Time: 4:24
Available:
Boot: The Basie
Label: Bruce Tree
Date: March 23 1993
Location: Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ
Time: 5:20
Jesse James
Comments:
The story of the man who shot Jesse James. Maybe the longest of the acoustic, pre Born In The
U.S.A. demos, however it is spoiled by some unintelligible and bluffed vocals. Its a shame this track
was never fully developed as it had a strong narrative, but maybe it was more suited to Bruce's earlier
career.
Lyrics:
Version 1 and 2
Jesse James
It was a sunny afternoon down at the ??? shack
Robert... For the amnesty ??? Robert Ford shot Jesse in the back
He ran Bobby...he ran to Maria, but the freedom he gained from his sins
She said Bobby, oh Bobby what have you done
And she would not marry him
He swore he'd never hang his head in shame
And so he rode with his gun in his hand
Every where across the land people came
To meet the man who shot Jesse James
???
??? mountainside
???
???
He was killed ???
Who was just out to make himself a name
He ??? blood ???
And at night a dream ???
???
He spoke aloud ???
???
I'm sorry for what I've done
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
???
Date: Early 1983
Time: Version 1: 4:14, Version 2 (harmonies): 1:39
Available:
Johnny Bye Bye
Comments:
See Bye Bye Johnny
Lions Den
Comments:
A very pop-like song, getting into Dancing In The Dark territory. Originated from the Nebraska
outtake Daniel In The Lions Den. This was played once or twice on the recent World Tour to little
acclaim, as it is a fairly forgettable track, in the same vein as Cynthia or Delivery Man.
Lyrics:
Version 1
You broke my heart, tore it apart
Thought it was cute, thought it was smart
But now I'm back and I've got the strength of ten
So I got a message for you my friend
I'm Daniel waitin' in the lion's den
Daniel waitin' for that lion to come
Daniel waitin' in the lion's den
Dum dum dee dum dum dee dee dum dum
That old lion's mean and long in the tooth
And like you, baby, he's out on the loose
Messin' hearts up time and time again
I got a message for you my friend
At night I hear you out prowling around
Messing guys up, tearin 'em down
Now all that growling's gonna come to no end
'Cause I m just biding my time, my little friend
Boot: Bercy Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 3 1999
Time: 4:58
Boot: Born To Serve
Label: Diamond Cat
Date: June 3 1999
Time: 4:31
Boot: Olympic
Stadion 2nd Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 3 1999
Location: Bercy
France
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 4:38
Label: RMAS
Date: June 3 1999
Time: 4:24
Available:
Bercy Night
Born To Serve
Little Girl Like You
Comments:
A very short tune that only saw the light of day after the release of the Lost Masters collection.Would
have made an ideal B-side, however it only progressed to the solo demo with drum machine and
synthesiser stage. This song is probably the life story of most American males who end up settling
down after their wild younger days.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I want a little house on a little hill
I wanna settle down, yeah, I think I will
Settle down and find a little love that's true
Settle down with a girl like you
Seen a lot of girls
Had a lot of fun
Ran around a lot
Now my runnin's done
Honey, all I wanna...
Wanna be runnin' to
Is the arms of a girl like you
You start livin' life
Like ya just don't care
You done everything
You been everywhere
But what I done ain't nothin'
To what I wanna do
When I find a little girl like you
We'll get married in a church down a-Wynan Bay
Tell a lot of jokes
Have a lotta laughs
Do whatever it is that we wanna do
Long as I do it with a girl like you
Hey little stranger
Walkin' down the street
You're the only one
You make my life complete
I got a plan but
It's one made for two
So I need a little girl like you
Yeah, hey, I need a little girl like you
Oh honey need a little girl like you
Time: 1:24
Version 2
Time: 1:25
Masters
Time: 1:26
Available:
Long Way Home
Comments:
Instrumental
Boot: The Lost Masters Vol 10: Jesse James and
The Wages Of Sin
Date: Early 1983
Notes: Instrumental
Time: 1:17
Available:
Man At The Top
Comments:
Played live on the Born In The U.S.A. tour, however a studio version only surfaced with the release of
Tracks. Not a particularly notable song, except that it keeps reminding us of the pecking order of
society, the man at the top gets it all, and everybody wants to be that man at the top.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Here comes a lawyer, here comes a cop
Here comes a rich, here comes a car-hop
Goin' on forever, ain't ever gonna stop
Everybody wants to be the man at the top
Name your gun, son, and shoot your shot
Now rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief
Doctor, lawyer, indian chief
Don't ever start to ask them why
Name your gun, son, and shoot your shot
All right (All right), oh yeah (Oh yeah)
All right now (All right), oh yeah (Oh yeah)
Man at the top says it's lonely up there
If it is man, I don't care
From the big white house
To the parking lot
Everybody wants to be the man at thetop
Here comes a banker, here comes a businessman
Here comes a kid with a guitar in his hand
Dreamin' of his record in the number one spot
Name your gun son, and shoot your shot
Say yeah now (All right)
Say right now (Oh yeah)
Who's the man at the top?
All right now
Who's the man at the top?
Who's the man at the top now?
I just wanna know
Whoa whoa
Who's the man at the top now?
I just wanna know
Who's the man at the top now
I just wanna know
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July 12 1984
Time: 5:51
Boot: Nebraska Live
Date: July 12 1984
Location: Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East
Troy, WS
Time: 4:08
Available:
Murder Incorporated
Comments:
Included on Greatest Hits in recognition for a fan whose sole mission in life was to wave a sign with
the song's title at every show he attended. Ever since its official release in 1995 its been a widely
played track and a favourite of many fans who had never heard the bootlegged version.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Bobby's got a gun that he keeps beneath his pillow (oh yeah)
Out on the streets your chances are zero (oh yeah)
Take a look around you (come on down)
It ain't too complicated
You're messin' with Murder Incorporated
Now you check over your shoulder everywhere that you go (oh yeah)
Walkin' down the streets, there's eyes in every shadow (oh yeah)
You better take a look around you (come on down)
That equipment you got's so outdated
You can't compete with Murder Incorporated
Everywhere you look now there's Murder Incorporated
So you keep a little secret down deep inside your dresser drawer
From dealing with the heat you're feelin' down on the killin' floor
No matter where you step you feel you're never out of danger
So for comfort that you keep a gold-plated, snub-nosed 32.
I hear that you, you got a job downtown, man it leaves your head cold (oh yeah)
And everywhere you look life ain't got no soul (oh yeah)
That apartment you live in feels like it's just a place to hide
When your walkin' down the streets you won't meet no one eye to eye
Now the cops reported you as just another homicide
I could tell that you was just frustrated from livin' with Murder Incorporated
Everywhere you look now
Murder Incorporated
Down on your knees
Murder
Everywhere that you turn it's murder
Murder
Everywhere you look there's murder
Time: 4:01 and 4:05 (Bass mixed in higher)
U.S.A. Rare Masters
NY
Time: 4:05
Label: Unknown
Time: 4:14
Version 2
Bobby's got a gun that he keeps beneath his pillow (oh yeah)
Out on the streets your chances are zero (oh yeah)
Take a look around you (come on down)
It ain't too complicated
You're messin' with Murder Incorporated
I said Murder Incorporated
Now you check over your shoulder everywhere that you go (oh yeah)
Walkin down the streets, there's eyes in every shadow (oh yeah)
You better take a look around you (come on down)
That equipment you got's so outdated
You can't compete with Murder Incorporated
Everywhere you look now there's Murder Incorporated
So you keep a little secret down deep inside your dresser drawer
From dealing with the heat you're feelin' down on the killin' floor
No matter where you step you feel you're never out of danger
So for comfort you keep a gold-plated, snub-nosed .32
I hear that you, you got a job downtown, man it leaves your head cold (oh yeah)
And everywhere you look life ain't got no soul (oh yeah)
That apartment you live in feels like it's just a place to hide
When your walkin' down the streets you won't meet no one eye to eye
Now the cops reported you as just another homicide
I could tell that you was just frustrated from livin' with Murder Incorporated
Everywhere you look now
Murder Incorporated
Down on your knees
Murder
Everywhere that you turn it's murder
Murder
Everywhere you look there's murder.
Location: Tramps, New York City, NY.
Time: 6:37
Boot: Sony Studios
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 5 1995
Location: Sony Studios, New York City, NY
Boot: Orpheum
Label: Moonraker
Date: December 16
1995
Location: Orpheum
Theatre, Boston, MA
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 4:18
Boot: Hamburg Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Congress Centrum, Hamburg, Germany
Time: 4:02
Boot: Newcastle Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: March 2 1996
Location: City Hall, Newcastle, England
Time: 4:05
Boot: Shut The Fuck
Up Tour In
Copenhagen
Label: No Label
Date: March 16 1996
Location: FalkonerTeotret, Copenhagen,
Denmark
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 4:18
Boot: Berlin Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 19 1996
Location: International Congress Centrum, Berlin, Germany
Time: 3:50
Boot: Tom Joad Blues
Location: E.J. Thomas Hall, Uni. Of Akron,
Akron, OH
Time: 3:16
Boot: Tokyo Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: International Forum Hall, Tokyo, Japan
Time: 3:48
Boot: Sydney Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Capitol Theatre, Sydney, Australia
Time: 3:25
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: May 21 1997
Location: Firenze
Teatro Verdi
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 3:54
Label: Dandelion
Date: March 19 1999
Time: 5:35
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 11 1999
Location: Palau Saint Jordi, Barcelona, Spain
Time: 5:31
Barcelona Night
Boot: Milano Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 20 1999
Time: 5:46
Milano Night
Boot: 1999
Date: April 24 1999
Time: 5:33
Boot: Earls Court
Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: May 21 1999
Location: Earls Court, Earls Court Night
London, England
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 5:44
Boot: Gent Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: May 27 1999
Time: 5:25
Boot: Born To Serve
Label: Diamond Cat
Date: May 30 1999
Time: 5:48
Gent Night
Born To Serve
Boot: Bercy Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 3 1999
Time: 5:58
Bercy Night
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: June 11 1999
Location: Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Genova, Italy
Time: 5:50
Label: RMAS
Date: June 17 1999
Location:
Weserstadion,
Bremen, Germany
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 5:50
Boot: Arnhem Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 20 1999
Time: 5:58
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 23 1999
Time: 5:57
Arnhem Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 24 1999
Time: 5:51
Date: June 26 1999
Copenhagen Rain
Time: 5:40
Boot: Oslo Finale
Label: Piggham
Date: June 27 1999
Location: Valle Hovin
Stadium, Oslo,
Norway
Notes: Lyrics Match
Version 2
Time: 5:49
Boot: Boston Tea Party
Label: Piggham
Location: Fleet Centre, Boston, MA
Time: 5:47
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Time: 6:09
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Time: 6:05
Boot: Los Angeles Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Staples Centre, Los Angeles, CA
Time: 6:14
Los Angeles Night
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Location: Oakland
Arena, Oakland, CA October 25 1999
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 5:59
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 6:04
Boot: Frisco Third Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 5:52
Frisco Second Night
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Location: Gund Arena, Cleveland, OH
Time: 6:14
Label: Scorpion
Time: 6:16
Last Show Of The
Century
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: March 4 2000
Location: Orlando
Arena, Orlando, FL
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 6:12
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: March 31 2000
Location: Pepsi Arena, Denver, CO
Time: 6:00
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: April 18 2000
Location: Compaq Arena, Houston, TX
Time: 5:58
April 18 2000
Boot: Awesome In Anaheim
Label: No Label
Date: May 21 2000
Time: 6:04
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: May 22 2000
Time: 5:55
Boot: No Title
Label: None
Date: June 27 2000
Location: Madison
Square Garden, New
York City, NY
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 2
Time: 6:14
June 27 2000
Label: None
Date: July 1 2000
Time: 6:14
Boot: Just Around The Corner
Label: No Label
Notes: Lyrics match. Light of Day benefit
concert
Time: 6:21
Available:
My Hometown
Comments:
Bruce is proud of the bookends of this album, Born In The USA and this track, My Hometown. A
sociographic view of small town America between 1950 and 1985, in which the demands of wide
spread issues such as race and economy cut into the heart of the lives of people who would be happy
in a world with no change.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I was eight years old and running with a dime in my hand
Into the bus stop to pick up a paper for my old man
I'd sit on his lap in that big old Buick and I'd steer as we drove through
town
He'd tousle my hair and say son take a good look around
This is your hometown, this is your hometown
The world you may travel around, but this is your hometown
In `65 tension was running high at my high school
There was a lot of fights between the black and white
There was nothing you could do
Two cars at the light on a Saturday night in the back seat there was a gun
Words were passed in a shotgun blast
Troubled times had come to my hometown
To my hometown, to my hometown, to my hometown
Now Main Street's whitewashed windows and vacant stores
Seems like there ain't nobody wants to come down here no more
They're closing down the textile mill across the little Texas tracks
Foreman says these jobs are going boys and they ain't coming back to
To your hometown, to your hometown, to your hometown, to your hometown
Now there's a hill outside of town where me and my wife
Watch the stars rising brightly in the black endless sky
I'm thirty-five we got a boy of our own
Last night I drove through town
Sat him up behind the wheel and said son take a good look around
The world you may travel around but this is your hometown
Time: 3:38
Masters
Version 2, 3 and 4
He'd sit me on his lap in that big old Buick and I'd steer as we drove through town
The world you may travel around, but this is your hometown
To my hometown, to my hometown, to my hometown
They're closing down the textile mill across the little Texas tracks
To your hometown, to your hometown, to your hometown, to your hometown
Last night in bed me and Jane were talking about getting out
Maybe packing up our stuff here, maybe heading south
Thirty-five we got a boy of our own, last night we drove through town
I sat him up behind the wheel and said "son take a good look around"
Time: Version 2: 3:25, Version 3: 3:21 and Version 4: 3:33
Version 5
I'd sit on his lap in that big old Buick and I'd steer as we drove through town
To my hometown, to my hometown
To my hometown, to my hometown
They're closing down the textile mill across the railroad tracks
To your hometown, to your hometown
To your hometown, to your hometown
Last night me and Kate, we layed in bed, talking about getting out
Packing up our bags, maybe heading south
I'm thirty-five we got a boy of our own
Last night I sat him up behind the wheel and said son take a good look around
Time: 4:58
Available:
My Love Will Not Let You Down
Comments:
Along with County Fair, the best outtake from the album. A classic piece of rock and roll that could
have been the biggest hit off the album if it had been released. It was resurrected to play an integral
part of the recent World tour. Really, it should have been re-released as a single and got some radio
airplay.
Lyrics:
Version 1
At night I go to bed
But I just can't sleep
I got something runnin' around my head
Ooh that just won't keep
In the silence I hear my heart beatin'
Time slippin' away
I got a time bomb tickin' deep inside of me
Girl all I want to say
I keep searchin' for you darlin'
Searchin' everywhere I go
And when I find you there's gonna be just one thing that you gotta know
One thing you gotta know
My love, love, love, love, love, love, will not let you down
At night I walk the streets lookin' for romance
But I always end up stumblin' in a half trance
I search for a connection in some new eyes
That hardly protect you from too many dreams passed by
I see you standin' across the room watchin' me without a sound
I'm gonna push my way through that crowd
I'm gonna tear your holy walls down
Tear all your walls down
Well hold still now darlin'
Hold still for God's sake
Cause I got me a promise
I ain't afraid to make
I ain't afraid to make
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 4:29
Label: Unknown
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 4:29
Version 2
Time: 4:23
Time: 4:24
Available:
Boot: Big Big Night In Asbury Park
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: March 18 1999
Location: Convention Hall, Asbury Park NJ
Time: 6:54
Big Big Night In Asbury
Park
Label: Dandelion
Date: March 19 1999
Time: 6:11
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 11 1999
Location: Palau Saint
Barcelona Night
Jordi, Barcelona,
Spain
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 6:28
Boot: Born To Serve
Label: Diamond Cat
Date: April 15 1999
Location: Kolnarena, Cologne, Germany
Time: 5:35
Born To Serve
Boot: Milano Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 20 1999
Notes: Lyrics match Verison 1
Time: 7:18
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: May 18 1999
Time: 5:59
Milano Night
Earls Court Night
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: June 11 1999
Location: Stadio Luigi
Ferraris, Genova, Italy
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 6:34
Label: RMAS
Date: June 17 1999
Location: Weserstadion, Bremen, Germany
Time: 6:40
Boot: Arnhem Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 19 1999
Time: 5:25
Arnhem Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 23 1999
Time: 5:19
Boot: Oslo Finale
Label: Piggham
Date: June 27 1999
Notes: Lyrics Match Version 1
Time: 5:54
Boot: Los Angeles
Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: ???
Location: ???
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 5:11
Los Angeles Night
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Time: 5:17
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: ???
Location: ???
Time: 6:31
October 25 1999
Frisco Second Night
Label: Scorpion
Time: 5:26
Last Show Of The
Century
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: March 4 2000
Location: Orlando Arena, Orlando, FL
Time: 5:27
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: April 18 2000
Location: Compaq
Arena, Houston, TX
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 6:43
April 18 2000
Label: None
Date: July 1 2000
Time: 5:25
No Surrender
Comments:
Like Bobby Jean, a great friendship song, said to be based on Bruce's long relationship with Miami
Steve and him leaving the band in 1984. This track follows the common themes of the album, that of
the bright dreams of the young soured and disillusioned when faced with the harsh realities of life, yet
hope always flickers.
Lyrics:
Version 1
We busted out of class had to get away from those fools
We learned more from a three-minute record than we ever learned in school
Tonight I heart the neighborhood drummer sound
I can feel my heart begin to pound
You say you're tired and you just want to close your eyes and follow your
dreams down
We made a promise we swore we'd always remember
No retreat, believe me, no surrender
Like soldiers in the winter's night with a vow to defend
Now young faces grow sad and old and hearts of fire grow cold
We swore blood brothers against the wind
I'm ready to grow young again
And hear your sister's voice calling us home across the open yards
Believin' we could cut someplace of our own
With these drums and these guitars
Blood brothers in the stormy night with a vow to defend
Now on the street tonight the lights grow dim
The walls of my room are closing in
But it's good to see your smiling face and to hear your voice again
We could sleep in the twilight by the river side
With a wide open country in our hearts
And these romantic dreams in our heads
Blood brothers in the stormy night with a vow to defend
Available:
None But The Brave
Comments:
An extremely well constructed track, with great sax work by Clarence, that deserves an official
release. Maybe it was a little to long to be released as a B-side, however we can always hope for
Tracks 2. This song shares some lyrical similarities with Where The Bands Are.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Tonight down on Union Street
I'm thinkin' back, baby, to you and me
To the way you used to be
And your words come back to me
From passing cars
Their voices sing out
In empty bars where guitars ring out
We'd walk and talk about
We'd be the lucky ones to get out
You said none baby but the brave
No one baby but the brave
Oh strong enough to save something
From what they gave
None baby but the brave
Yeah yeah yeah
Now in dreams these nights I see you my friend
The way you were back then
Ah, on a night like this
I know that girl no longer exists
Except for a moment in some stranger's eyes
Or in the nameless girls
In cars rushin' girl
That's where I find you tonight
And in my heart it still survives
To none, baby but the brave
Oh strong enough to save
Something from the love they gave
Yeah none baby but the brave
Now tonight once more I search
Every face on that crowded floor
Looking for I don't know what for
Something that ain't there no more
There's a girl standin' by the band
She reminds me of you
And I asked her to dance
As the drummer counts his play
I take her hand and we move away
And tonight, now I'll see old friends
Caught in things they got no chance to win
Just gettin' beaten, and then playin' again
'Till their strength gives out
Or their hearts give in
Who's that man who thinks
He can decide whose dreams will live
And who'se shall be pushed aside
Did he ever walk down these streets at night
And looked into the eyes
Baby, of none, baby but the brave
No, none baby but the brave
No one baby, no one but the brave
Date: 1982 - April 1984
Time: 5:25
Available:
One Love
Comments:
A nice bass line is the best feature of this track.While complete and in excellent sound quality, it's
rather plain and it is no suprise it was never followed up by the band.
Lyrics:
Version 1
One girl, one love
One dream in our hearts
Two hearts as one
One hope, never to be torn apart
Yeah, come on baby, rock me the way I love
Shake me darlin' shake me, don't let me go
You're the one, yeah, you're the one for me
One dream, one dream
Is all, is all I need
One reason to believe
In you, I've found the thing I need
Shake me darlin' come on, don't let me go
Once I was alone
So alone, so all alone
Then you came along
With a love you said I could call home
Shake me darlin' come on, don't let me go
Come on baby, rock me all night long
I been searchin' for you so long
Time: 4:36
Masters
Time: 4:45
Available:
Pink Cadillac
Comments:
The most famous of Bruce's B-sides, this was played live quite a few times. One of his many songs to
feature a cadillac, this track was first developed during the Nebraska sessions, in which a complete,
ready to publish acoustic demo was produced in Bruce's home studio. Note the extensive Catholic
imagery, the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, temptation and sin.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well now you may think I'm foolish
For the foolish things I do
You may wonder how come I love you
When you got on my nerves like you do
Well baby you know you bug me
There ain't no secret about that
Well come on over here and hug me
Baby I'll spill the facts
Well honey it ain't your money
'Cause baby I got plenty of that
I love you for your pink cadillac
Riding in the back
Waving to the girls
Honey I just wonder what you do there in the back
Of your pink cadillac, pink cadillac
Well now way back in the bible
Temptations always come along
Theres always somebody tempting you
Into doing something you know is wrong
Well they tempt you sir with silver
And they tempt you sir with gold
And they tempt you with the pleasure
That the flesh doth surely hold
They say Eve tempted Adam with an apple
But man I ain't going for that
I know it was her
A pink cadillac
Riding in the back
Waving to the girls
Honey I just wonder what it feels like in the back
Pink cadillac
Now some folks say that its too big
And uses too much gas
Some folks say that its too old
And that it goes too fast
But my love is bigger than a Honda
Yeah Its bigger than a Subaru
And man theres only one thing
And only one car that will do
Anyway we don't have to drive it
Honey we can park it out the back
And have a party in your pink cadillac
Riding in the back
Waving to the girls
Honey I just wonder what you do there in the back
Pink cadillac
Pink cadillac
Pink cadillac
Pink cadillac
Pink cadillac
Pink cadillac
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July 12 1984
Time: 3:56
Boot: Last Great Show
Label: Silver Rarities
Location: Brendan Byrne Arena, Meadowlands,
NJ
Time: 3:59
Boot: Oakland Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Time: 4:20
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Location: Memorial Coliseum, Tempe, AZ
Time: 8:36
Boot: Ames Night
Label: No Label
Date: November 16
1984
Location: Hilton
Coliseum, Ames, IO
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 4:24
Boot: Sugarland
Location: Bob Devaney Sports Centre, Lincoln, NE
Time: 9:39
Boot: Kansas City Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Location: Kemper Arena, Kansas, MO
Time: 4:33
Boot: Perfect In 85
Label: E Street
Records
Location: Charlotte
Coliseum, Charlotte
NC
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 8:31
Boot: Lights Out First Night
Label: Private Masters
Date: April 10 1985
Location: Yoyogi Olympic Pool, Tokyo, Japan
Time: 7:13
Boot: Independence Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July 4 1985
Time: 9:49
Boot: A Night At Soldierfields
Label: PRS
Date: August 9 1985
Location: Soldierfields, Chicago, IL
Time: 9:53
Boot: The Glory Days Are Coming Back
Label: No Label
Time: 10:23
Available:
Protection
Comments:
A big hit for Donna Summer, who was almost given Cover Me, before Jon Landau decided it was too
good a track to give away. A full studio version of this exists and is proof this could have been just as
huge as Cover Me, although realistically it was a little too similar to release.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Night after night
I keep holding on
You say you love me
Then you leave me so lonely
Well I don't believe a single thing you're sayin'
I think it's all some evil game you're playin'
Still all day long all I do is think about you
You got me believin' that I can't live without you
Well if you want it, well here is my confession
Well I can't help it, you're my obsession
Protection, that's what I need
I want protection, baby, from your love
The phone rings in the middle of the night
But when I pick it up you won't answer
A knock on the door, I rush down the stairs
When I open up, there's no one there
Out in the darkness I feel your eyes on me
I lay in bed and feel your hands upon me
Well is it all just my imagination
You keep me in doubt, believin' I can't live without your
I stand alone, at my window
I see you leavin' in shadows down below
I feel your fingers on my face
I know I want to stay, I want to run away
Date: August 1 1983
Time: 3:29
Date: August 1 1983
Time: 3:35
Sampler
Label: Thrill Hill
Records
Date: August 1 1983
Location: The Hit
Factory, New York
City, NY
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 3:28
Version 2
???
One kiss can make up your mind
But all I want is one sweet kiss
I'm not asking for your devotion
??? like this
To go through this
Never thought I'd have to go through this inspection, inspection
You want protection, baby you know what you need
Protection baby ???
Protection, baby it's allright
Protection, baby you can't talk
Protection, baby from the start
Protection, baby from the start
Protection from a broken heart
And so you say ??? you don't ever want to need again
You don't want to be at somebody's mercy
??? you can see again
You ain't never gonna let it happen
Little girl I want one wee kiss
I'm not asking for all the emotion
??? like this
Inspection
You want protection from a broken heart
Protection from every part
Protection only you can get
Protection you ain't near it yet
Protection ???
Protection ???
Protection from a broken, from a broken, broken heart
???
???
???
Baby cause you want protection from a broken heart
Protection from every part
Protection all you can get
Protection you ain't give in yet
Protection gonna keep my part
Protection is gonna break my heart
Is gonna keep us apart
Protection let a good thing start
You want protection, protection from a broken heart
Protection before it starts, let a good thing start
Protection only you can get
Protection ???
Protection's gonna break my heart
Protection, protection from a broken heart
Time: 3:36
Version 3
All I'm asking for is one sweet kiss
I ain't asking for your devotion, your devotion
For is one sweet kiss
To go through this inspection
You want protection ???
Protection, baby you can start
Protection ??? all you get
Protection ???
Protection gonna tear you apart
Protection let a good thing start
Protection from a, protection gonna break your heart
Time: 0:52
Version 4
Protection from a hurting heart
But this protection is gonna tear you apart
Can't get protection, protection from a broken heart
Oh you say you'll never love again
Not after last time
???
All I want is one sweet kiss
??? this inspection
Baby you can't get it
Protection ???
Protection, it just won't quit it
Protection, gonna break you heart
Protection ??
Time: 1:39
Version 5
Not after love last time
Oh no you'll never live again
No one will ever leave you sad and crying
But all I want is one sweet kiss girl
I'm not praying for your devotion
It's a shame to waste a night like this on inspection, inspection
You want protection for a broken heart
Protection, let a good thing start
Protection, you say thats what you need
Protection, but baby can't you see
Protection, give you a hurting heart
Protection is tearing us apart
Well it won't happen to you anymore
You learned your lesson so hard and well
So tonight you gonna close the door
Your mind don't know but your heart can't tell
There's something warm but you just can't take it
Oh little girl you play your part so well
You try anything to stop us making connection, connection
You want protection for a broken heart
Protection, let a good thing start
Protection, thats what you need
Protection, but baby can't you see
Protection, give you a hurting heart
Protection is tearing us apart
Well little girl your the one who chooses
A heart of stone just ain't your style
I guess tonight I'm the one who loses
And so I walk that lonely mile
Some day soon your broken heart will mend girl
Some day soon and I'll wait till then
Your pretty eyes will again look in my direction, direction
I'll get protection sent from above
Protection, and everlasting love
Protection, you'll live in my arms
Protection, no one will do you harm
Protection, keep you warm at night
Protection gonna hold you tight
Protection, everyday and everynight
Protection, what you need
Protection, baby it's just your speed
Protection, you'll be safe in my arms
Protection, I'll give you all my charms
Protection, I'll keep you warm at night
Protection, I wanna hold you tight
Protection, everyday and every night
Everyday and every night
Everyday and every night
Time: 3:30
Available:
Richfield Whistle
Comments:
A track more suited to Nebraska than Born In The U.S.A, and there is some talk that this could have
been part of the legendary Electric Nebraska sessions. No matter what it's origins are, this remains a
classic. Very similar to James Lincoln Deer, however this track shows a man trying to stay out of
prison, not looking for a way back in.
Lyrics:
Version 1
My name is James Lucas
I was born in Remington
And paroled from Richfield Prison
In the winter of '81
I was free and on the streets of Indiana
I'd just turned 32
Same man with nowhere left to run
No different sir, than you
Me and Pat, we married in the Spring
Moved in with her Ma and Pa
On our wedding night she sighed "Jimmy
We can have anything we want"
It was for those things we wanted
We worked as hard as two people could
But somehow in the end, mister
This didn't do no good
The prison got me drivin' delivery
For Mr. Wills over in Ridgeside
Well, I started loadin' a little extra
And I'd sell it on the side
I didn't like what I was doin'
I didn't lose no sleep at night
Mr. Wills he was a rich man
He'd been a rich man all his life
I was on the loadin' dock one evening
When I heard the warehouse phone
The dispatcher said "Jim, they wanna see you
In the front office 'fore you go home"
All Mr. Wills said was "I don't understand
I could send you back to Richfield fast
If you needed some extra money Jim,
All you had to do was ask"
Well that night me and Pat, we had a fight
I was out drivin' 'round in the rain
With a fifth of gin and a half-tank of gas
And ten dollars to my name
I passed a deserted liquor store
Way out on Highway One
I turned and pulled into that parking lot
Got out but I let my motor run
Well I stood lookin' in the window
For a long, long while
When I walked in the man behind the register
He looked at me and smiled
"Thats some weather we're havin' out there
Can I help you find somethin', friend?"
I didn't answer, I just stood there
Then I turned and went away
I don't know how long I sat in my driveway
My shirt was covered in sweat
The house was dark when I went in
Pat was lyin' awake in bed
She hit the light, I was standin' in the doorway
She said "I was worried, where you been so long?"
I felt her arms around me
She said "Jimmy, I'm so glad you're home"
Richfield Prison stands on a high hill
Where the county line runs out
And there's a whistle that blows every time a man comes in
Or a man gets out
At night we lay wrapped in each others arms
Listenin' to the rain
I heard that Richfield whistle blowin'
Just blowin' in my dreams
Time: 6:34
Masters
Time: 6:33
Available:
Robert Ford
Comments:
Uncirculated demo, perhaps an alternative title for Jesse James?
Lyrics:
Version 1
Available:
Rockaway The Days
Comments:
An unknown outtake until it appeared on Tracks, this was recorded late in the Born In The U.S.A.
sessions. This song includes a whole variety of themes, including love, violence, death, forgiveness,
all themes integral to Bruce's work. But the sheer overload of undercurrents leaves this track a little
disjointed.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Billy got out of prison but he wasn't right
Some like to drink or gamble, Billy liked to fight
He tracked back to his home state of Maryland
Went to his mom's mobile home where she took him in, alright
Rockaway the days, rockaway the nights
Gimme something to last me, baby, till the morning light
I ain't lookin' for trouble, I ain't looking for a fight
Honey rockaway these days, rockaway these nights
Well at a picnic one Sunday Billy met Mary Dove
Mary looked at Billy, Billy fell in love
Billy swore to Mary he'd always love her so
They were married in the valley where the river flows, alright
At a roadside bar Billy argued with a young man
And he settled that argument with a razor in his hand
With blood on his shirt back to Mary he did run
She sighed "Billy, oh Billy, what have you done?"
He ran to his ma's trailer but the lights were dim
He pounded on the door, she wouldn't let him in
Up the road to a neighbor's house he drew near
They said "Billy go away, we don't want no trouble 'round here"
Billy stole a car and headed out on the road
Pocketful of pills and his brain on overload
Seen some lights in his rearview mirror, panicked and gave her the gun
Wrapped himself 'round a telephone pole way out on 101
Well Billy got cut out by the highway patrol
Just lay there with the cars passing on slow
Sheriff told Billy's ma that Billy died
She buried his body by the riverside, alright
Well rich man want the power and the seat on the top
Poor man want the money that the rich man got
Honey tonight I'm feeling so tired and unsure
Come on in Mary, shut the light, close the door
Available:
Seeds
Comments:
Although no studio version is known to exist, I have placed this track in the Born In The U.S.A. era
because it first emerged on the tour and was included on the 1975 - 1985 Live box set. It remained a
staple that was played on all subsequent tours except for the most recent World Reunion tour.
Lyrics:
Version 1
Well the great black river a man had found
So he put all his money in a hole in the ground
Sent a big steel arm drivin' down, down, down
Man, now I live on the streets of Houston town
Packed up my wife and kids when winter came along
And we headed down south with just spit and a song
But they say "Sorry, man it's gone, gone, gone"
Yeah it's all gone
Well there's men hunkered down by the railroad tracks
The Elkhorn Special blowin' my hair back
Tents pitched on the highway in the dirty moonlight
And I don't know where I'm gonna sleep tonight
Parked in a lumberyard freezin' our asses off
My kid's in the backseat, got a graveyard cough
I'm sleepin' up in the front with my wife
Billy club tappin' on the windshield in the middle of the night
It says "Move along man, move along"
Well big limousine all shiny and black
You don't look ahead, you don't look back
How many times can you get up after you been hit
I swear if I could spare the spit
I'd lay one on your shiny chrome
And send you off on your way back home
So if your gonna leave town where the north wind blows
To go on down where the sweet southern river flows
You better think twice on it Jack
You better off buyin' a shotgun dead off the rack
You ain't gonna find nothin' down here friend
Except seeds blowin' up the highway in the south wind
Move it on, move it on
Man it's gone, gone, it's all gone
Boot: Independence Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July 4 1985
Time: 6:04
Boot: A Night At Soldierfields
Label: PRS
Date: August 9 1985
Location: Soldierfields, Chicago, IL
Time: 5:54
Boot: Travellin' Band
In Dallas
Label: No Label
Date: September 14
1985
Location: Cotton
Bowl, Dallas, TX
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 10:48
Label: Crystal Cat
Time: 7:36
Boot: First Date
Label: No Label
Location: The Centrum, Worcester, MA
Time: 4:49
Label: Swingin' Pig
Time: 5:26
Boot: Cleveland
Tunnel
Date: March 14 1988
Location: Richfield
Coliseum, Cleveland,
OH
Notes: Lyrics match
Version 1
Time: 6:32
Label: No Label
Date: April 4 1988
Time: 6:00
Boot: Monday Night's Date Night
Label: None
Date: April 25 1988
Location: Sports Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Time: 5:54
Label: Bruce Tree
Date: May 2 1988
Time: 6:15
Label: Doberman
Date: May 3 1988
View, CA
Time: 5:48
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: May 10 1988
Location: The Met Centre Bloomington, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Time: 6:27
Boot: This Is Not A Dark Ride?
Label: Doberman
Date: May 22 1988
City, NY
Time: 6:23
Boot: No Title
Label: No Label
Date: June 11 1988
Time: 6:21
Date: June 15 1988
Time: 6:07
Boot: Lost In The Darkness Of Love
Date: June 28 1988
Location: Feyenoord Stadium, Rotterdam,
Holland
Time: 6:07
Boot: Summernight
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: July 3 1988 and July 7 1988
Location: Olympic Stadium, Stockholm, Sweden and Wembley Stadium,
London, England
Boot: Zurich 1993 Revisited
Label: Golden Stars
Date: April 8 1993
Location: Hallenstadion, Zurich, Austria
Time: 6:17
Boot: Sheffield Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 15 1993
Location: Indoor Arena, Sheffield, England
Time: 3:42
Boot: USA Blues
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 1 1993
Time: 3:55
Boot: Meadowlands Night
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: June 24 1993
Rutherford, NJ
Time: 3:58
Boot: Brixton Nights
Label: Crystal Cat
Date: April 24 1996
Location: Brixton Academy, London, England
Time: 7:00
Avaliable:
Seven Tears
Comments:
A short tune about a man with the tattoo of seven tears on his cheek, one for each of the happy years
he had with his wife and family. A nice little song that would never have been seriously considered
for release.
Lyrics:
Version 1
I had a wife, I had a child
I had a home up on the hill
Had a good life for seven years
Now all I've got is seven tears
Went down to see my gypsy man
He said "Now son, I understand"
When I said "I want one for every year"
He tattooed on my face these seven tears
Oh, seven tears, oh, seven tears
I want one for every happy year
My baby's gone, she's gone, gone, gone
And I'll cry forever, ever on
When I walk out in the lights of town
People see me comin' and they gather around
They wanna know how I ended up here
With this tattoo on my face of seven tear
Oh, seven tears, oh, seven tears
I want one for every happy year
My baby's gone, she's gone, gone, gone
And I'll cry forever, ever on
Time: 1:59
Masters
Time: 1:59
Available:
Shut Out The Light
Comments:
A companion piece to Born In The U.S.A., it was released as a B-side and makes up a trilogy with A
Good Man Is Hard To Find. One of the alternative versions has an extra verse thats very intriguing,
and suggests that the story of Johnson Lenier ends on a very unhappy note.
Lyrics:
Version 1
The runway rushed up at him as he felt the wheels touch down
He stood out on the blacktop and took a taxi into town
He got out down on Main Street and went into a local bar
He bought a drink and he found a

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