EDITOR'S NOTE: in 2018, Rolling Stone named their top 100 Bruce Springsteen songs. This one came in at number 34. As usual, RS had no idea what they were missing -- none.
Springsteen may not have been "rock and roll future"
Contrary to what Bono wrote, rock n roll is three chords and only some truth. With its emphasis on youth and beauty, rock shrinks from truths like those told in “Willie Roy (The Crippled Boy)”. Fixated on rebellion for its own sake, rock would never make room for stories like “The Fields Have Turned Brown” or “I’ve Just Seen the Rock Of Ages”.
For all that, bluegrass, too, shrinks from certain truths – like the ones told in this song.
Some people will listen to these lyrics and immediately fix on something or someone to blame – just like the father (said to be Springsteen’s own) in this song.
That such blame-placing is ultimately futile seems to be Springsteen’s message. Though we all have inherited baggage, we can choose whether to carry it or ask for help. Whether to watch someone carry a crippling load or offer help.
Cain had a choice. Adam did, too. “Adam Raised A Cain”.
No comments:
Post a Comment