Song meanings by artist

Bruce Springsteen: every song, explained.

21 Bruce Springsteen songs in the archive, from 1978–2026: what each one is about, who wrote it and what it did on the charts. Each entry opens the full explanation.

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21

Songs explained

1978–2026

Years covered

Rock

Main genre here

21 songs

Sorted by year

Bruce Springsteen BadlandsDive into the heartland angst and rebellious spirit of Bruce Springsteen's 'Badlands.' Explore its themes of working-class struggle, resilience, and the search… 1978 Bruce Springsteen The RiverExplore the emotional storytelling, working-class struggles, and lost dreams in Bruce Springsteen's iconic song 'The River.' Discover its poignant lyrics… 1980 Bruce Springsteen Streets of MinneapolisAnalyze the meaning and lyrics of Bruce Springsteen's 2026 protest anthem 'Streets of Minneapolis.' Explore its context, themes of immigration and justice, and… 2026 Bruce Springsteen American LandExplore the powerful narrative, immigrant experience, and vibrant energy of Bruce Springsteen's 'American Land.' Discover its folk roots, social commentary… Bruce Springsteen Born in the U.S.A.Delve into the complex narrative of Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the U.S.A.' Explore its themes of disillusionment, patriotism, and the struggles of Vietnam… Bruce Springsteen Born to RunUncover the driving force behind Bruce Springsteen's 'Born to Run.' Explore its themes of escape, youthful rebellion, lyrical depth, and lasting impact on rock… Bruce Springsteen Dancing in the DarkUncover the poignant story, thematic depth, and enduring appeal of Bruce Springsteen's 'Dancing in the Dark.' Explore its lyrics, chart history, and cultural… Bruce Springsteen Glory DaysUncover the nostalgic narrative and bittersweet reflections of Bruce Springsteen's 'Glory Days.' Explore its lyrics, personal anecdotes, and enduring appeal. Bruce Springsteen Hungry HeartDelve into the upbeat tempo and bittersweet narrative of Bruce Springsteen's 'Hungry Heart.' Explore its catchy melody, chart success, and portrayal of… Bruce Springsteen I'm on FireDelve into the smoldering depths of Bruce Springsteen's 'I'm on Fire.' Explore its evocative lyrics, understated composition, and cultural impact as a song of… Bruce Springsteen JunglelandDelve into the epic narrative, vivid imagery, and musical complexity of Bruce Springsteen's 'Jungleland.' Explore its themes, cultural impact, and lasting… Bruce Springsteen Land of Hope and DreamsDelve into the heart of Bruce Springsteen's 'Land of Hope and Dreams,' exploring its message of unity, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the American… Bruce Springsteen Long Walk HomeUncover the poignant story, political undertones, and enduring message of Bruce Springsteen's 'Long Walk Home.' Explore its lyrics, themes, and cultural… Bruce Springsteen My City of RuinsDelve into the poignant narrative and emotional resonance of Bruce Springsteen's 'My City of Ruins.' Explore its themes of loss, hope, resilience, and its… Bruce Springsteen Prove It All NightDelve into the raw energy and driving passion of Bruce Springsteen's 'Prove It All Night.' Uncover its themes of longing, desperation, and the relentless… Bruce Springsteen Streets of PhiladelphiaDelve into the poignant meaning, emotional power, and social commentary of Bruce Springsteen's 'Streets of Philadelphia.' Explore its lyrics, historical… Bruce Springsteen Tenth Avenue Freeze-OutUncover the story, meaning, and energy behind Bruce Springsteen's 'Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.' Explore its lyrical metaphors, musical arrangement, and lasting… Bruce Springsteen The RisingDelve into the profound themes, historical context, and musical brilliance of Bruce Springsteen's 'The Rising.' Explore its lyrics, emotional impact, and… Bruce Springsteen Thunder RoadDelve into the heart of Bruce Springsteen's 'Thunder Road' – its themes of escape, youthful dreams, and the American spirit. Discover its poignant lyrics… Bruce Springsteen We Take Care of Our OwnUncover the powerful message, socio-political commentary, and resonant themes of Bruce Springsteen's 'We Take Care of Our Own.' Explore its lyrics, critical… Bruce Springsteen Wrecking BallDelve into the socio-political commentary and raw emotion of Bruce Springsteen's 'Wrecking Ball.' Explore its themes of economic hardship, resilience, and the…

More artists in Rock and Folk & Country

By number of songs explained

18 songs explained The Beatles In My Life · Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds · Strawberry Fields Forever 13 songs explained ABBA Waterloo · Mamma Mia · Dancing Queen 12 songs explained The Rolling Stones I Can't Get No Satisfaction · Paint It Black · Wild Horses 11 songs explained Michael Jackson Thriller · Beat It · Dirty Diana

About these entries

Every Bruce Springsteen entry sets out what the song is about and where that reading comes from: writing credits, interviews, the record's own history. Where a popular interpretation is wrong, the entry says so and shows the evidence. Missing a song? Suggest it.