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Bruce Springsteen’sBorn in the U.S.A. is commonly viewed as a patriotic song but holds deeper meanings about struggle and disappointment. Released in 1984, it quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
Further, the song tells the story of a working-class man who faces many challenges, including his experience in the Vietnam War and feelings of being forgotten by his country.
Unfortunately, Ronald Reagan’s campaign used the song to promote American pride, leading many people to misunderstand its true message.
How Ronald Reagan Co-opted Bruce Springsteen’s Anthem Against the Singer’s Intentions
Many artists, including Bruce Springsteen, have spoken out against politicians using theirmusicfor campaigns. In September 1984, while his hit songBorn in the U.S.A.was topping charts, politician Ronald Reagan claimed they shared the same vision of the American dream at a rally in New Jersey. But Springsteen quickly disagreed, saying their ideas were very different.
Just days later, at a concert in Pittsburgh, hesharedhis view of the American dream, focusing on community, dignity, and helping everyone. He argued:
In the beginning, the idea was we all live here a little bit like a family where the strong can help the weak ones, the rich can help the poor ones. You know, the American dream. I don’t think it was that everybody was going to make a billion dollars but that everybody was going to have an opportunity and a chance to live a life with some decency and some dignity.
InRighting the American Dream: How the Media Mainstreamed Reagan’s Evangelical Vision, the author shows how Reagan tried using Springsteen’s lyrics to push his agenda, which often didn’t match Springsteen’s message.
“That’s such a cool casting”: Jeremy Allen White Eyed to Play Bruce Springsteen in Next A24 Movie in Flawless Casting Decision
The album cover shows the singer in front of the American flag, sending a strong but confusing message. While the title song sounds like a celebration, it actually criticizes how Vietnam veterans and working-class people have been treated. After Reagan’s comments, Springsteen became more open about his political views, supporting candidates like John Kerry and Barack Obama.
Stephen Graham to Star as Springsteen’s Father in ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere’
Stephen Graham has been announced as part of the cast for the upcoming filmDeliver Me From Nowhere, featuringJeremy Allen Whitein the role of Bruce Springsteen. Graham, recognized for his roles in acclaimed series such asPeaky Blindersand films likeGangs of New York,will portrayBruce’s father, Douglas “Dutch” Springsteen.
Directed by Scott Cooper, the production is set to begin filming in the fall. The film will explore the period when Springsteen was working on his 1982 albumNebraska, which marked a significant departure from his earlier works likeBorn to RunandDarkness on the Edge of Town.
Alongside Graham and White, the film will include Paul Walter Hauser as Mike Batlan, Springsteen’s guitar technician, and Odessa Young, who is rumored to play a romantic interest. Reports indicate that Jeremy Strong might also join the cast as Jon Landau, Springsteen’s long-time manager.
REVIEW: Incredible Characters Highlight Bruce Springsteen-Inspired ‘Blinded By The Light’
White, a two-time Emmy Award winner for his role inFX’sThe Bear, intends to perform his own singing for the movie. He has been in touch with Springsteen during the project and has received the musician’s support.Deliver Me From Nowhereis based on the book by Warren Zanes, with Springsteen and his manager closely involved in its development.
Sakshi Singh
Articles Published :1435
Sakshi Singh has written over 1,300 entertainment articles, mostly about Netflix shows and reality TV. She’s spent the last two years covering everything from surprise engagements to shocking eliminations and previously wrote for Essentially Sports in their Netflix Junkie division. A self-proclaimed reality TV addict, Sakshi has watched all 48 seasons of Survivor and never misses a new dating or competition series. She loves watching how strangers meet, fall in love, team up, or betray each other - it’s the mix of strategy and drama that keeps her hooked. When she’s not glued to a reality show, she’s usually watching a crime thriller or tracking the next big streaming hit.
