BORN TO RUN

Bruce and The Big Man

Forty years ago this past week Bruce Springsteen released the album BORN TO RUN.  The actual date was August 25, 1975. I was a mere 12 years old and going into the 7th grade.


One day in September 1975 I was home sick from school and listening to the radio. Probably not interested in what was happening on "Ryan's Hope" or "All My Children". The radio station had an album give-a-way and if you were the 101 caller you would win.  I dialed, and dialed, and dialed - rotary dialing - so you know I was determined. Busy, busy, busy until the phone rang and lo and behold I was the 101st caller (true story).  They told me the album I won and I was bummed.  I had never heard of the album or the singer, I thought I was going to win an Elton John album with the song "Rocket Man" on it. Oh well, I gave my address and thought maybe one of sisters would like the album.

None of my sisters wanted the album - they were too hip and into way cooler music like Cat Stevens, Genesis, and Emmy Lou Harris. So I was stuck with the album.  I gave it a try.  I slowly became obsessed with it and all things Springsteen.

In 1977 I started High School and BORN TO RUN was THE ALBUM!  From that moment on it was played at every party and we all sang all the songs at the top of our lungs.  It has probably become the anthem of my life with a couple of other Springsteen songs from other albums, "Rosalita", most songs from Darkness on the Edge of Town and The River. Actually any Springsteen song is my favorite with the exception of "Pink Cadillac". not sure why I just never liked it. Although I love "Cadillac Ranch."

Admittedly, I listen to a lot of music and am not picky.  I still sing songs at the top of my lungs and with three children aged 18, 19, and 22 I feel that I am up on most current songs, songwriters, bands, etc..  I have seen my fair share of Taylor Swift Concerts over the years (my youngest is a girl) and my current running playlist consists of Imagine Dragons, Rachel Platten, Bruno Mars, and Walk the Moon.  I even went to see O.A.R. in concert with my 22 year old son last weekend. I love musicals and have the entire Les Miz original London Cast recording in my iTunes library.

BUT nothing, and I mean nothing, can make me as happy as when I hear a song from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.Certain songs can bring me to a specific time and place circa 1977 - 1986 with some of the best people I have known in my life.  I have always felt blessed to have had the friends I had in High School and in college and the shared experiences we had.  I have seen many a Springsteen concert over the years and they have always been my favorite shows. Even in my adult life when I meet new people I know we will have a special bond if there is a shared love of all things Springsteen.

It may seem crazy and I promise it's not a creepy obsession it is simply a chance to experience joy!  The simple joy that comes from feeling young, walkin in the sun, with the wind blowin in your hair....

"Baby We Were Born to Run!"

Magda

P.S. Thank you Bruce Springsteen, Little Stevie, Big Man, Danny Federici, Max Weinberg, Garry Tallent, Roy Bittan, Patty Scialfa, and my Hometown Man Nils Lofgren

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Born to Run 

Would love to hear your favorite song, lyric or concert experience, especially if it's a Springsteen story.