Bruce Springsteen has made “Born in the USA,” his signature song (in direct competition with “Born to Run” perhaps), a popular anthem to American nationalism. It is ironic that the spirit of this song is so far from what it actually represents. Springsteen does not dislike America. But he has a very critical view about some of the country’s institutions. Considering that Republicans are the party most outwardly patriotic (at least in the recent past, the 2016 election was a rare exception), “Born in the USA”, a song Springsteen wrote, is frequently used in their campaigns. But this is a misuse of the lyrics and Springsteen’s sympathies for the working-class struggle.

The song opens with a protagonist who is not named describing his rough upbringing as a child in a tiny town. Springsteen shows empathy and understanding towards those who are from the middle to lower class. The character is forced into the military after a violent altercation. He is then sent to the Vietnam War, which is a controversial and questionable war. The chorus is the one thing that makes the song popular, and it’s the reason for the inappropriate use of the song. The chorus’s apparent pride in America is a stark contrast to the gritty and sorrowful lyrics that will continue through the song.

Springsteen’s pessimism is made more obvious in the next line. The protagonist finds an unwelcoming climate when he returns from war. The VA doesn’t help him, he loses a job at the refinery. The “born-in-the USA” character is treated badly throughout the entire story. He works in a community that’s struggling, then serves his country before returning home to try and rejoin civilian life. This song doesn’t seem to be anti-Republican. However, if it suits you, go for it. This song really isn’t about politics. Anyone who feels offended by its lyrical content should ask themselves why they supported the political climate that prompted Springsteen to write it. This song has been and continues to be popular because of its two layers of appeal. Both levels encompass much that the others do not. The chorus is the obvious appeal, but there’s also the deeper meaning that fits with Bruce Springsteen. The songs of Bruce Springsteen are a reflection of his frustrations over the working class struggles. They’re not a rosy, blue-jeaned American, but they do have a certain reality. His strong support for gay rights and unions (and his public endorsements for John Kerry and Barack Obama), would realistically put him in the Democrat camp. However, I believe that his message is something more than just party politics.

The next verses are a description of his experiences in war and the loss of a brother, or, most likely, friend, in the infamous KheSahn Battle. This particular battle is an apt microcosm for the Vietnam War’s futility. Thousands of Americans died in order to capture KheSahn and then gave the area to the Vietnamese not long after. Springsteen’s song “They’re still here; he’s gone” is about this: that the enemy (representing fallen servicemen) are still alive, but his friend is dead. Then he describes how the friend has left behind a lover, which is a convenient representation of many people’s situations.

The final verse is a reminder that the veterans in this country are disaffected and have fewer opportunities. It also shows how hard life can be for the working class. This is not an uplifting story by any means, but the nationalistic chorus overshadows its dark side. I think that by putting a dark story in the middle of a blindly optimistic chorus, the US government is being criticized. Springsteen thinks that they don’t do what is best for the American people. I’m not going to join the fray. Basically, they create a climate that marginalizes their people and makes them feel inadequate. They then convince these people to stop worrying about the issue because they are patriotic Americans. “Born to the USA” is a satire that I find very sarcastic.

Bruce Springsteen and this song can be enjoyed by all. This song is not an anti-American song, nor is Springsteen. It’s a patriotic song that shows a respect for humanity, rather than pure country. Springsteen and the song are not anti-American. Instead, they show a type of patriotism that leans more towards humanity than pure country. It’s not hard to show respect for Springsteen and his song, since its message doesn’t push a single ideology. The song is for everyone, even if there are a few people who do not understand the value of veterans. Springsteen does not support quality veterans’ and union care just because he a Democrat. Rather, he a Democrat simply because he wants to. His music is full of lyrics that are both deeply emotional and not whiny. The Boss should leave this song alone, until politics become a profession that is truly about serving the people. This song is more heartfelt and legitimate than politics deserve.

dylanwest

Dylan West is a 33-year-old education blogger and traveler. He has a degree in education from the University of Texas and has been blogging about education since 2009.