Bruce Springsteen’s 1975 record, “Born to Run,” will be that one treasure in my heart, along with Pink Floyd’s 1973 record, “Dark Side of the Moon.” IT’S TRUE! Both of these records broadened my musical horizons. It was the start of God knows what’s gonna build up, but at the same time, realizing how this world is full of different music that we don’t even know exists to this day. All because of that one former friend of mine came over to my place after school specifically with those two CD’s, and played them on repeat. But, “Born to Run,” has that special place in my heart. Whenever I relisten to this record I get a-bit emotional, because all the memories just keep coming back. From greatness, laughing, and concocting some sort of stupidity with friends, all the way to getting my heart broken for the first time. It’s sort of like your kodak film projector, going from one slide to another, releasing one memory at a time. Or let me be corny here, sort of like being stuck at the “Memory Motel.” Thank you Rolling Stones! From high school to college, and university, this album accompanied me so far for most of my journey.
The record kicks off “Thunder Road.” I remember hearing this for the first time, and just being struck for how great it was. It starts off with a smooth melody, almost as if it’s recounting a memory, but then kicks off into this great jam. And, Springsteen’s lyrics grasp into my soul, feeding it with emotion. Just see for yourselves!
“Except roll down the window
And let the wind blow back your hair
Well, the night’s busting open
These two lanes will take us anywhere
We got one last chance to make it real
To trade in these wings on some wheels
Climb in back, heaven’s waiting down on the tracks.”
God knows how many times that this song accompanied me when I was always either on the run from heading from one class to another, or even thinking about that one girl who I was madly in love with at the time. But now we have to get serious here.“Born to Run,” the title song of the record remains dear to me. As much as I’ve listened to it, I’ll NEVER get fed up with it. It’s filled with nothing, but great energy. And again, you can feel Springsteen pouring out his emotions at you while interpreting this kick ass song!
“In the day we sweat it out on the streets
Of a runaway American dream
At night we ride through the mansions of glory
In suicide machines
Sprung from cages on Highway 9
Chrome wheeled, fuel injected, and steppin’ out over the line
Oh, baby this town rips the bones from your back It’s a death trap, it’s a suicide rap
We gotta get out while we’re young ‘
Cause tramps like us, baby, we were born to run
Yes, girl, we were.”
A great record can’t never close off flat, I mean sure it’s possible, but in this case, HELL NO! It needs to close off with a great bang. Enter, “Jungleland,” into the picture. This is such a great musical piece, but divided into segments that perfectly intertwine with one another. And it takes me back to when I’ve gotten my heart broken for the first time. Man, did I have this song on repeat! But, Clarence Clemmons saxophone solo is THE BOMB. He steals the song, because his solo is the greatest part of the song. Just hearing this part elevates this song to an unimaginable level, and lets you reflect on what happened within the past, well that’s me. And it warms my heart because not only does it have such perfect timing, and sound, but fits beautifully within the song, PERIOD.