Born in the U.S.A., one of the most sophisticated anti-war songs, turns 30 this year

Bruce Springsteen

Sunset Hearts leader and mastermind Casey McCurry weighs in on Born in the U.S.A. on the iconic Springsteen song’s 30th anniversary.

 

“Born in the U.S.A.” turns 30 this year.

It’s got to be the one of the most sophisticated anti-war songs. I know the arrangement is cheesy for some, but take the time to reread the lyrics if you haven’t lately. Springsteen touches on the economic and moral aspects of war (its domestic aftermath) all the while using a simple, bluesy narrative.

The refrain of the song remains a super mysterious/enigmatic moment in music to me… It’s a really powerful, cathartic mantra wrapped in childhood delusions of America’s place in the world and what is right and possible, then drenched in the apathy and outrage of poverty during capitalism.

I know most people who are going to understand this totally already know it, I just felt like typing it I guess.

Alex Steed

About Alex Steed

Alex Steed has written about and engaged in politics since he was an insufferable teenager. He has run for the Statehouse and produced a successful web series. He now runs a content firm called Knack Factory with two guys who are a lot more talented than himself.