That’s quite a statement to make! But in the case of this song I think it’s true.
‘Born in the USA’ is the third single from the album of the same name, released by Bruce Springsteen in 1984. The song has been ranked as one of the greatest songs of all times on countless occasions and is a firm fan favourite.
It has also been used by many politicians in America for their political messages. Due to this anthemic chorus! I find this part quite ironic though.
Listening to the verses of this song closely, it’s a critique of America, and a very strong one. It is written from the perspective of a Veteran of the Vietnam War, and is all about the trials and tribulations they faced when they got home. Which completely juxtaposed how they were seen as heroes due to the patriotic glorification of the American forces.
It critiques how America treated and continues to treat their own, highlighting working class struggles.
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 coverin’ up
Talks about the harsh nature of going to war and losing friends.
‘I had a brother at Khe Sanh
Fighting off the 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’
Struggling to find a job,
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”
The verses of the song are a truly dark affair.
Which makes the fact that politicians just see it as anthemic call to arms about how great America is even more mental to me! From Reagan to Trump, all of them have completely missed the point, it's not highlighting how brilliant America is. It's highlighting the sometimes truly awful bits of American society.
The naivety of politicians not understanding the chorus is ironic, still makes me laugh. Listen to the verses!
One thing I will not dispute though is that it’s a great song, a great piece of music written by a brilliant musician. Bruce Springsteen did write an anthem, and it’s not his fault that it has sometimes been hijacked by the wrong people.
Those who know what the song is about, will appreciate it more and can see why it’s consistently ranked as one of the best songs of all time.
Thank you for reading x