Ok, I would like your SERIOUS take on this song

[Rockindeano]

As you all know, I am a huge Bruce guy. The new single came out, and already, there is tons of confusion as to what the song is trying to say. It's called We take Care of our Own, and many newspapers across the country have 100% different takes on it. Is it brilliant sarcasm? Is it a turn of the back to Obama? Is it a 99% thing? Please listen, and give your serious take. I still can't quite put my finger on it, although the lyrics are angry, they are pure genius. Especially looking forward to TNC, Ewhmatt, Don, PCDave and FF's thoughts, as this is definitely political.

Thank you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... 3Bz0d2xm7U

[Don]

At first blush, it seems to be a lamentation towards the apathy of the typical American citizen.

[S2M]

First of all, weak effort from the Boss. I could have written that song in 3 minutes.

I agree with Don....it's basically saying that when a domestic disaster hits, folks get all worried how they will be perceived in the eyes of the country/world, and decide to lend a hand. But on a day to day basis....people usually suck.

[Archetype]

First of all, weak effort from the Boss. I could have written that song in 3 minutes.

Then why didn't you?

[S2M]

First of all, weak effort from the Boss. I could have written that song in 3 minutes.

Then why didn't you?

I dig the music...I guess the theme of the song is an interesting one. I just think lyrically, and syllabically - it leaves A LOT to be desired.

[AlteredDNA]

I see it more as an indictment of government not "taking care of" things, therefore it's up to the individuals to do so. I had read that most of the lyrics were written well before any of the Occupy movements, so I doubt it has to do with that.

One interesting note is that the "work setting you free" bit is similar to signs that the Germans posted in the concentration camps. I'm not saying Bruce is recalling that, and I personally feel that working at something you enjoy, earning a living, being productive is definitely a key to being "free", but for some reason that phrase jumped out at me.

[Rockindeano]

I just think lyrically, and syllabically - it leaves A LOT to be desired.

Please tell me you are joking, or basically, just being your typical asshole self? The lyrics are being beaten to death by folks with much differing opinions on what exactly he is saying here. There is even much arguing about the misspelling of "Calvary-cavalry, and how that pertains to the theme...these are lyrics other only aspire and hope to create.

I see the New Orleans mention=Bush and the Chicago drop = Obama...I think personally, he is regretting endorsing the President. I still don't know exactly. It's like Born in the USA came out, Reagan jumped all over it, but it was an anti American song, and Reagan was redfaced as a result.

[brywool]

Not a Springsteen fan whatsoever.

But I like this song more than any of his other tunes at first listen.

The song seems to say to me:

I've been knockin' on the door that holds the throne
I've been lookin' for the map that leads me home
I've been stumblin' on good hearts turned to stone
The road of good intentions has gone dry as bone


The guy in the song wants to help everyone, nobody will help him do this.


From Chicago to New Orleans
From the muscle to the bone
From the shotgun shack to the Superdome
We yelled "help" but the cavalry stayed home
There ain't no-one hearing the bugle blown

Peeps needed help in these situations. Our govt. was asleep and in New Orlean's case, didn't show up for days.

Where the eyes, the eyes with the will to see
Where's the hearts, that run over with mercy
Where's the love that has not forsaken me
Where's the work that set my hands, my soul free
Where's the spirit that'll reign, reign over me
Where's the promise, from sea to shining sea
Where's the promise, from sea to shining sea

We close our eyes to everything around us and just care about ourselves. Where's the community spirit and the whole love everybody, help your neighbor vibe?

It comes across as a whole as- Those in power, those in control are so worried about their own asses that they're not doing what they should for those that put them there. Country's falling apart while the rich are getting richer and the government is more worried about their own jobs, etc. They're taking care of themselves and the rest of us can go to hell.

That's my take. Could be wrong.
I guess you could take it as a swipe at Obama and moreso at Bush, but mainly at "the system".
The "We" seems to be governmental folk.

[slucero]

Bruce finally wrote an anti-establishment song...


not bad for a guy who's worth over $200M....

[No Surprize]

Not a Springsteen fan whatsoever.

But I like this song more than any of his other tunes at first listen.

The song seems to say to me:

I've been knockin' on the door that holds the throne
I've been lookin' for the map that leads me home
I've been stumblin' on good hearts turned to stone
The road of good intentions has gone dry as bone


The guy in the song wants to help everyone, nobody will help him do this.


My thought's exactly. I am a Springsteen fan also and looking forward to the release.

From Chicago to New Orleans
From the muscle to the bone
From the shotgun shack to the Superdome
We yelled "help" but the cavalry stayed home
There ain't no-one hearing the bugle blown

Peeps needed help in these situations. Our govt. was asleep and in New Orlean's case, didn't show up for days.

Where the eyes, the eyes with the will to see
Where's the hearts, that run over with mercy
Where's the love that has not forsaken me
Where's the work that set my hands, my soul free
Where's the spirit that'll reign, reign over me
Where's the promise, from sea to shining sea
Where's the promise, from sea to shining sea

We close our eyes to everything around us and just care about ourselves. Where's the community spirit and the whole love everybody, help your neighbor vibe?

It comes across as a whole as- Those in power, those in control are so worried about their own asses that they're not doing what they should for those that put them there. Country's falling apart while the rich are getting richer and the government is more worried about their own jobs, etc. They're taking care of themselves and the rest of us can go to hell.

That's my take. Could be wrong.
I guess you could take it as a swipe at Obama and moreso at Bush, but mainly at "the system".
The "We" seems to be governmental folk.

[TRAGChick]

As you all know, I am a huge Bruce guy. The new single came out, and already, there is tons of confusion as to what the song is trying to say. It's called We take Care of our Own, and many newspapers across the country have 100% different takes on it. Is it brilliant sarcasm? Is it a turn of the back to Obama? Is it a 99% thing? Please listen, and give your serious take. I still can't quite put my finger on it, although the lyrics are angry, they are pure genius. Especially looking forward to TNC, Ewhmatt, Don, PCDave and FF's thoughts, as this is definitely political.

Thank you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... 3Bz0d2xm7U

Hey, Deano -

My thoughts:

This song is based on a "tape loop" of repeated Chords....a la "Born In The USA".

Basically, to me it's a song about what America USED TO BE, and wondering where it went:

Mentioning "the Super Dome" (Hurricane Katrina):
From the Shotgun Shack
To the Super Dome
There ain't no help;
The Cavalry stayed home

So..."We Take Care Of Our Own..."

[Rip Rokken]

To me on a first listen, the meaning of the lyrics seemed pretty clear. I believe it's just a lamenting reminder in the face of growing apathy in America.

[AR]

Admit that Bruce stole a Kiss song and I will give you my opinion on this.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnKdeLCGKQI

[steveo777]

It unequivocally, irrevocably, sucks great big green donkey balls.


*somebody had to say it. I figured none of you pussies were going to so I had to take one for the team.

[conversationpc]

I don't care enough about new Springsteen music at this point to even listen, ESPECIALLY if it's politically-charged. I don't want to hear an ideological song from ANYONE on the right or left. Springsteen and Nugent both irritate me.

[AR]

Bruce is going to re-record Rock and Roll All Nite Next but it will be about all the poor people while he sits in his mansion as part of the 1%



He's one of the best live performers I have ever seen.

[Memorex]

I do think it is about all that hope fading. I have heard it from several celebrities, friends, etc. The theme seems to be either he (Obama) folded and didn't really try, or he really wants to try but no one will let him. But int he end, it was a huge letdown.

It's a strange thing. The country is so divided and a certain group thought they finally had the guy that was going to go in and turn America into what they wanted. But 50% of the country said not so fast. And the same feelings happen on the other side. You think if Romney or Gingrich win there will be some huge shift that will make all tea party people happy? Absolutely not. And we get more and more divided.

It's this whole mentality of if the other guy thinks differently, he must be wrong. They should not be upset with Obama. They should be upset with the fact that almost exactly half of the country disagrees with them. Why should Bruce get his way? Why should Toby Keith get his?

Maybe the singing and protesting should be about how we make a country that works for all of it's citizens and not half. That might be more constructive. When I hear a song like this, I think wow - someone else crying because they didn't get their way and how the world must be wrong if they don't agree.

I'm a Bruce fan all the way, but this does nothing for me. I think Streets of Philadelphia is one of the most brilliant songs ever written. The Rising album is a pure work of art, with it's political commentary and all.

All in all - being disappointed in any politician right now is pretty stupid because the whole lot of them and the system itself blows.