Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA is a cornerstone of American rock music. Released in 1984, it resonated with fans for its powerful anthems and working-class themes, selling over 30 million copies worldwide.
But beyond the heartland rock singalongs and the title track’s patriotic spirit, there’s more to this album than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into Born in the USA, exploring ten fascinating facts that you might not have known.
From the recording process to the hidden meanings behind some of its most popular songs, we’ll separate the fact from fiction and shed some light on this enduring classic.
The Iconic Title Track Was First Recorded as an Acoustic Song
Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” wasn’t always the bombastic rock anthem we know today. A stripped-down version of the title track was recorded alongside the darker material that became 1982’s Nebraska album.
This acoustic rendition remained unreleased for over a decade, finally surfacing in 1998 on Tracks, a box set collecting Springsteen’s rarities and outtakes.
“Born in the USA” is a Misunderstood Anthem
“Born in the USA” might be a rock anthem, but its lyrics paint a different story. The song reflects the struggles of a Vietnam veteran facing a difficult readjustment to civilian life. Despite this message, many, including politicians, misinterpreted it as a patriotic celebration.
In fact, both Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale, competing in the 1984 presidential race, referenced Bruce Springsteen in their speeches, suggesting the song aligned with their campaigns. However, Springsteen’s team made it clear that “Born in the USA” wasn’t a political endorsement.
Bruce Sung “No Surrender” in a Political Rally in 2004
Bruce Springsteen generally steered clear of political endorsements in the 1980s. However, a track from Born in the USA found surprising political relevance two decades later. “No Surrender” became the campaign song for John Kerry’s 2004 presidential run.
Interestingly, Springsteen even joined Kerry at a rally in Ohio to perform the song, marking a rare instance of him merging his music with politics.
Bruce Nearly Gave Away “Cover Me” to Donna Summers
Bruce Springsteen’s “Cover Me” wasn’t always destined for Born in the U.S.A. Originally, the song was written with disco queen Donna Summer in mind. However, Springsteen’s manager, Jon Landau, saw the potential for a powerful rock anthem and convinced Bruce to keep it for himself.
This turned out to be a brilliant move, as “Cover Me” not only made the album but also became a single, soaring to number seven on the Billboard charts. Landau’s belief in the song’s strength ultimately helped shape a part of the legacy of Born in the USA.
Famed Rock Photographer Annie Leibovitz shot the Now-Iconic Cover
The instantly recognizable Born in the U.S.A. album cover, featuring Bruce Springsteen’s backside against an American flag, was captured by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz. However, the image sparked some controversy.
Fans misinterpreted the pose, with some believing Springsteen was actually urinating on the flag. In a 1984 interview with Rolling Stone, Springsteen firmly denied this interpretation, emphasizing a different message behind the powerful imagery.
Born in the U.S.A. Almost Missed Its Signature Dance Anthem
Late in the recording process, Jon Landau pushed for a strong lead single. According to reports, a frustrated Springsteen retorted, “If you want another one, you write it!” Fueled by this creative pressure, Springsteen penned “Dancing in the Dark” in a single night.
This last-minute addition became a defining moment for the album. The song skyrocketed to number two on the Billboard charts and remains Springsteen’s biggest commercial success to this day.
The Legendary Music Video for “Dancing in the Dark” Was Directed by Brian De Palma
The iconic music video for “Dancing in the Dark” boasts a surprising directorial connection. While most remember a young Courteney Cox’s enthusiastic (and perhaps slightly awkward) dancing, the man behind the camera was none other than Brian De Palma.
This came just a year after De Palma’s critically acclaimed gangster film “Scarface” hit theaters, helping its star Al Pacino achieve a career highlight. The director showcased his versatility in directing both gritty dramas and energetic music videos.
The “Glory Days” Music Video Featured Real-life Bartenders From a Hoboken Tavern
The “Glory Days” music video brought the song’s blue-collar spirit to life with a touch of authenticity. Filmed in Hoboken, New Jersey, the video featured the real-life bartenders from Maxwell’s Tavern, a legendary local hangout where Bruce Springsteen himself spent time.
Released in 1985, “Glory Days” became a smash hit, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying the album’s place in music history. It was one of a record-tying seven Top 10 singles to be spawned from “Born in the U.S.A.,” a testament to the album’s enduring popularity.
Bruce Wrote Over 70 Songs for the Album
Bruce Springsteen wasn’t shy about putting in the work for Born in the U.S.A. The recording sessions were prolific, with a staggering 70 songs being laid down. One such track, “Pink Cadillac”, didn’t make the final album cut but found a second life elsewhere.
Released as a B-side for the “Dancing in the Dark” single, the song eventually caught the eye of another artist. Four years later, Natalie Cole covered “Pink Cadillac”, transforming it into a Top 10 hit, proving that even Springsteen’s outtakes could hold hidden gems.
Bruce Used His Old House for the Sleeve of “My Hometown”
The artwork for the single “My Hometown” offered a glimpse into Bruce Springsteen’s past. The photo featured The Boss himself standing outside the backyard of his childhood home at 39 ½ Institute St. in Freehold, New Jersey.
This simple image resonated deeply with fans, capturing the essence of the song’s themes of nostalgia and small-town life. Even today, the house remains a pilgrimage site for dedicated Springsteen fans seeking a connection to the artist’s roots.