“Lost In The Flood” is a song stripped to the basics. The Vietnam War was still fresh in people's minds in 1973 and Springsteen was responding to this seminal event in the lives of young Americans. It conveys strong emotions revolving around veterans, youth and resistance. It is a great, if sometimes forgotten, song in his catalogue. “It’s Hard To Be A Saint In The City” deals with growing up and explores working class motifs. As such it would again point to the future as it dealt with themes to which he would constantly return.
“Mary Queen Of Arkansas” and “The Angel” are both slower, sensitive tunes. Springsteen would return to this type of acoustic form many times during his career. “Growin’ Up” is a return to an up-tempo beat and the difficulties associated with early maturation. Springsteen was not very far removed from being a teenager and the song may be a personal glimpse into a period of his life.
Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. was an auspicious debut from a man who would become one of the dominant and creative forces in American music. The fact that he was still going through some growing pains should not cover up the reality that there is brilliance here.
Article comments
1 - Sam
I think Bruce is horrible for support Osama Joe Biden
2 - Glen Boyd
I think you've got Osama confused with Obama there Sam...
-Glen
3 - Mat Brewster
On a bumper sticker I saw today:
"The only difference between osama and obama is bs."
Had there been a brick around, I would have thrown it through the window.
4 - Mat Brewster
I forgot to add: Awesome series David. So glad to see you're doing Bruce.
5 - Pico
I can't wait to see the ignorant comments expressing misguided rage over "41 Shots."
On second thought...yes, I can wait for that.
Anyway, nice start, David, look forward to your insightful takes on the classics like Born To Run and Nebraska.
6 - JANK
Sorry to say but since Bruce has become so political, my interest in him has waned greatly.