Video Spotlight - Springsteen on VH1 Storytellers

Today, we spotlight Bruce's appearance on VH1 Storytellers, from approximately 2005.  In this performance, he plays solo acoustic versions of "Devils & Dust" and "The Rising", following them up with an intriguing breakdown of his song-writing process.

For "Devils & Dust", Bruce does a thorough job going through all the themes that make the song so powerful, such as the choices people make, the need for fast decisions, and the confusion and tension you feel when your personal life is infected with politics.  While I appreciated the lyrical analysis, I would have loved to hear more about the musical choices made in the song (which is briefly touched upon, saying that the chords are a sound of resistance).  I believe he may have played the song slightly different than he did on the album, so I would have been curious to hear him talk about why he made certain choices for the album version and certain choices for the live performance.  In the end, Bruce confirms what I've always suspected with him, that he writes with his heart and emotion first, and then lets his brain figure it out later.

The acoustic version of "The Rising" is a real treat (especially after renewing my love with the song yet again).   Bruce provides some interesting tidbits about the song, such as how it was originally written as a bookend for "Into The Fire" and the meaning of the "Lie lie, lie lie lie lie lie lies" throughout the song.

So, if you can, carve out 25 minutes from your schedule to sit back, relax, and watch this.  It will be a wonderful way to start your weekend.

Springsteen Lyrics of the Week - Meeting Across The River

"Well Cherry says she's gonna walk
'Cause she found out I took her radio and hocked it
But Eddie, man, she don't understand
That two grand's practically sitting here in my pocket"

- Meeting Across The River, Born To Run 

We’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again now:  Bruce Springsteen is the greatest storyteller in Rock N’ Roll.  “Meeting Across The River” is one of his best story-songs, and it’s fitting that it goes on the album that tells the best story, Born To Run. All the preceding songs on Born to Run seem to take place in New Jersey but this song bridges (pun-intended) the album to New York City, the setting for the finale of “Jungleland” which closes out the album.

“Meeting Across The River” is about a wannabe criminal who doesn’t seem to be able to get it right.  The details of the song are unclear, but the message is not: If he screws up, he’ll be killed.  The unnamed protagonist seems not to be the most skilled criminal, but in his mind he’s Don Corleone.  When he asks his friend Eddie for help with his latest situation, he gives him the promise of the big payoff but then shows his naivety  with the above-quoted lyric.  If the payoff is so great, then the task can’t be that easy.

Bruce rarely plays this one live, but when he does, no one gets up to get a beer or go to the bathroom.  All eyes are on Bruce Springsteen and he never fails to deliver.  The lack of instruments in this song, including percussion, really set the scene of desperation and self delusion.  The piano really picks up at the end of this song, again playing along with the emotions of the protagonist, but then slows down and fade out.  The trumpet, and somber piano coda to the song seems to imply that Eddie and the protagonist weren’t successful.  Oh well, they weren’t successful but Bruce definitely was when he wrote this classic.

Chris "Mad Dog" Russo Lights Up E Street Radio

Storytelling.  It is the essence of Springsteen's appeal.  His songs create vivid characters in dire circumstances and emotional states.  The hallmark of his live performances are his personal stories, which range from absurd, humorous tales to genuinely poignant moments between his parents and himself.  His stories span generations and have earned him a legion of fans across the globe.

But then, there are other stories.  There are stories so mundane and perplexing that you have no idea why the person is talking to you.  However, it is the enigmatic nature of these tales that draws you in, as you are wondering if the storyteller has a point, or is just a rambling lunatic.  These are the stories Chris "Mad Dog" Russo provided when he hosted E Street Radio earlier this month.

Have you often found yourself wondering how Spencer Tracy relates to "Does This Bus Stop At 82nd Street"?  Or perhaps you'd be interested to know how a story about the Phillies winning the pennant is an introduction to the song "Wreck On The Highway".  Russo's introductions take many twists and turns, and create many laughs and groans along the way.  I would highly recommend taking nine minutes to listen to the video above, and enjoy hearing how he makes connections from the ordinary things in his life to his favorite Springsteen songs.