September 23, 1949– Bruce Springsteen composed the Academy Award winning song Streets Of Philadelphia written for the film Philadelphia (1993) with Tom Hanks starring, one of the first mainstream films dealing with HIV/AIDS. The song was a hit in the USA & around the globe. It won Grammy Awards for Song Of The Year, Best Rock Song, Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance, & Best Song Written For A Motion Picture.
“The bonus I got out of writing Streets Of Philadelphia was that all of a sudden I could go out & meet some gay man somewhere & he wouldn’t be afraid to talk to me & say: ‘Hey, that song really meant something to me.’ My image had always been very heterosexual, very straight. So it was a nice experience for me, a chance to clarify my own feelings about gay & lesbian civil rights.”
Would you be surprised to discover that I am a fan of The Boss? I love straight ahead Rock & Roll, & I identify as working-class. Springsteen’s output does not occupy the largest section of my music collection, but he is there. I think highly of the sound & the message from The E Street Band. I admire the lonely spare sound of Nebraska (1982). I was Born In The USA (1984). I have had some Human Touch (1992) in the Tunnel Of Love (1987) in Lucky Town (1992).
Springsteen’s songs & his message are particularly relevant at this time of turmoil in our country, when the divisions among us resonate more deeply than the values we share. Politicians are exploiting our fears for their own ends. Those who suffer are met with mockery from the sort of people whose recklessness capsized the economy. Springsteen, a multi-millionaire, still speaks for us.
His songs are often celebrating the nobility in the struggles of average American life. he has more than 150 million records worldwide, making him one of our pretty planet’s bestselling artists of all time. His award shelf is home to 20 Grammy Awards, 2 Golden Globes & that Oscar. Springsteen has been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall Of Fame & the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
Springsteen has been a Gay Rights activist for decades. He spoken out as a strong supporter of Marriage Equality.
“I’ve long believed in & have always spoken out for the rights of same sex couples. The Marriage Equality issue should be recognized for what it truly is, a civil rights issue that must be approved to assure that every citizen is treated equally under the law.'”
He lent his considerable support to an ad campaign for gay marriage called “The Four 2012“.
“I urge those who support equal treatment for our gay & lesbian brothers & sisters to let their voices be heard now.”
This is my favorite Springsteen song. I find it very moving. I also think that at 66 years old, Springsteen is smokin’ hot. Sorry to bring it down to that level, but his sex appeal speaks to me as much as his songs.
His newest album, High Hopes (2014) is particularly good, but if you think you want to give him a listen, I would go with a 2 volume Greatest Hits so you have a taste of moments from his 40+ years career.
We said we’d walk together baby come what may
That come the twilight should we lose our way
If as we’re walking a hand should slip free
I’ll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for meWe swore we’d travel darlin’ side by side
We’d help each other stay in stride
But each lover’s steps fall so differently
But I’ll wait for you
And if I should fall behind
Wait for meNow everyone dreams of a love lasting and true
But you and I know what this world can do
So let’s make our steps clear that the other may see
And I’ll wait for you
If I should fall behind
Wait for meNow there’s a beautiful river in the valley ahead
There ‘neath the oak’s bough soon we will be wed
Should we lose each other in the shadow of the evening trees
I’ll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me
Darlin’ I’ll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me
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