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Born in the U.S.A. Lyrics – Bruce Springsteen

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Born in the U.S.A. Lyrics, Meaning Explained by Bruce Springsteen from Born in the U.S.A. (1984) album. The music is produced by Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, and Little Steven, while written by Bruce Springsteen. The music track was released on June 4, 1984.

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Born in the U.S.A. Lyrics

[Verse 1: Bruce Springsteen]
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
'Til you spend half your life just covering up, now

[Chorus: Bruce Springsteen]
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. now

[Verse 2: Bruce Springsteen]
Got in a little hometown jam
So they put a rifle in my hand
Sent me off to a foreign land
To go and kill the yellow man

[Chorus: Bruce Springsteen]
Born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.

[Verse 3: Bruce Springsteen]
Come back home to the refinery
Hiring man says, “Son, if it was up to me”
Went down to see my V.A. man
He said, “Son, don't you understand”

[Verse 4: Bruce Springsteen]
I had a brother at Khe Sanh
Fighting off them Viet Cong
They're still there, he's all gone
He had a woman he loved in Saigon
I got a picture of him in her arms now

[Verse 5: Bruce Springsteen]
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

[Chorus: Bruce Springsteen]
Born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A. now
Born in the U.S.A.
I'm a long gone Daddy in the U.S.A. now
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. now


Facts & Meaning Explained

[Verse 1]
The first verse introduces the protagonist, who was born in a "dead man's town," suggesting a place with little opportunity or hope. The line "The first kick I took was when I hit the ground" signifies the harshness of life from the very beginning. The following line, "You end up like a dog that's been beat too much," implies the hardship and mistreatment endured by the protagonist. They spend a significant portion of their life "covering up," potentially referring to concealing their pain or struggles.

[Chorus]
The chorus repeats the phrase "Born in the U.S.A." multiple times, which can be seen as both a statement of birthplace and a commentary on the protagonist's experiences as an American. The repetition emphasizes the central theme of American identity and the complexities associated with it.

[Verse 2]
The second verse touches upon the protagonist's involvement in a "hometown jam," likely referring to getting into trouble with the law. As a result, they are sent to a foreign land to fight in a war, represented by the line "So they put a rifle in my hand, sent me off to a foreign land, to go and kill the yellow man." This line reflects the Vietnam War era and the controversial role of American soldiers in the conflict.

[Chorus]
The chorus is repeated again, reinforcing the protagonist's birthplace and the underlying struggles they face as an American.

[Verse 3]
In the third verse, the protagonist returns home from the war to work at a refinery. They encounter a hiring man who implies that job opportunities are limited, as indicated by the line, "Son, if it was up to me." The protagonist then visits their Veterans Affairs (V.A.) representative, who tries to explain something to them, possibly about the difficulties faced by veterans readjusting to civilian life.

[Verse 4]
This verse reveals that the protagonist had a brother who fought at Khe Sanh, a notable battle during the Vietnam War. The brother fought against the Viet Cong (Vietnamese Communists) and ultimately did not survive. The line "He had a woman he loved in Saigon, I got a picture of him in her arms now" suggests the emotional toll of war and the lasting impact it has on loved ones.

[Verse 5]
The fifth verse portrays the protagonist's current circumstances. They find themselves in the shadow of a penitentiary and near the gas fires of a refinery. The line "I'm ten years burning down the road" implies a sense of being trapped or stuck in a difficult situation. The protagonist expresses a feeling of being lost and having nowhere to go, possibly indicating a lack of opportunities or options.

[Chorus]
The chorus is repeated once more, emphasizing the protagonist's birthplace and their struggle to find their place in American society.

In summary, "Born in the U.S.A." explores the experiences of a working-class American, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals born into difficult circumstances. It critiques the impact of war, the struggles of veterans, and the disillusionment of the American Dream. While the song's title and chorus may initially appear patriotic, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced and critical perspective on the complexities of American life.

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Born in the U.S.A. Tracklist

FAQs & Knowledge

Who is the singer of "Born in the U.S.A." song?

"Born in the U.S.A." song is sung by Bruce Springsteen.

Who is the lyrics writer of "Born in the U.S.A." song?

"Born in the U.S.A." song lyrics written by Bruce Springsteen.

Who is the music producer of "Born in the U.S.A." song?

"Born in the U.S.A." song music composed & produced by Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin & Little Steven.

When was "Born in the U.S.A." song released?

"Born in the U.S.A." song was released on June 4, 1984.