"Born in the USA"
This week I selected the above song by Bruce Springsteen. Pretty sure most people have heard this song before. I enjoyed the upbeat tempo of the song and music from the band throughout the song. Those stayed mostly constant throughout the whole song. I think the most defining thing here is the voice of Springsteen and of course the lyrics.
Springsteen kind of has a rasp to his voice but it is strong enough to rise above the loud rock music behind him. It's a unique voice, and interesting to listen to. Just seems very real and full of feeling while he is singing.
The song repeats the chorus many times, "Born in the USA". Over and over again, but it somehow never gets old. The lyrics are also concerning the Vietnam war. Even from the start of the song this is clear, when Springsteen sings, "they put a rifle in my hands, sent me off to a foreign land, to go and kill the yellow man". I have always thought this line was pretty racist, but I guess those were the times back then. He also mentions the death of a close one who also went off to war. The song itself is meant to address the negative impact of the war on Americans, including after the veterans return home. I find it interesting how he uses such an upbeat song and patriotic message to get this somewhat political point across. I am sure a similar sentiment was felt by many during those war-years.
It would be enlightening to note if this song spurred any movements, anti-war rallies, or anything of that sort. I have not looked far enough for that, but if anyone has any information that would be cool to hear about. There's no doubt Springsteen is talented, and this is one of his more famous songs. I like pretty much anything Springsteen sings, and this one is no different. Good song.
This week I selected the above song by Bruce Springsteen. Pretty sure most people have heard this song before. I enjoyed the upbeat tempo of the song and music from the band throughout the song. Those stayed mostly constant throughout the whole song. I think the most defining thing here is the voice of Springsteen and of course the lyrics.
Springsteen kind of has a rasp to his voice but it is strong enough to rise above the loud rock music behind him. It's a unique voice, and interesting to listen to. Just seems very real and full of feeling while he is singing.
The song repeats the chorus many times, "Born in the USA". Over and over again, but it somehow never gets old. The lyrics are also concerning the Vietnam war. Even from the start of the song this is clear, when Springsteen sings, "they put a rifle in my hands, sent me off to a foreign land, to go and kill the yellow man". I have always thought this line was pretty racist, but I guess those were the times back then. He also mentions the death of a close one who also went off to war. The song itself is meant to address the negative impact of the war on Americans, including after the veterans return home. I find it interesting how he uses such an upbeat song and patriotic message to get this somewhat political point across. I am sure a similar sentiment was felt by many during those war-years.
It would be enlightening to note if this song spurred any movements, anti-war rallies, or anything of that sort. I have not looked far enough for that, but if anyone has any information that would be cool to hear about. There's no doubt Springsteen is talented, and this is one of his more famous songs. I like pretty much anything Springsteen sings, and this one is no different. Good song.
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