Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A (FIRST TIME REACTION).

[@HAP3SPEAKZ]

"Letter To You" Reaction. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmjFmKaMpKx6ncU Thank you.

[@nehemiahbelk2864]

Listen to PORMIS LAND

[@MarkoMakela-kk7qf]

What was cool back then, some artist deared to sing about just what they feel about and Vietnam war left huge scars to US peeople for over a decade and just after the First Gulw War 90-91, US came back more prepared also to their own soldiers. No normal person wnats to be an life trhesthening envoroment and then had to kill other humans. What some people don't understand is that it streaches all we got and it is a nightmare no matter what side is wrong or right. We do need armies and we also need some sort of 'World Order', but that won't came with an ease as we all are humans.But as brutal it may sound, we have to have not just in societies certain rules but in general and world wide too or verything becomes a fuss. Some men and women in US army will be killed in these conflicts and wars but simeones had to do something all otherwise everything is just a chaos.

[@peterlindvall3693]

Great that you are one of few reactors that get the message in the song. Great work cheering from Sweden. Going to see him for the 19th time on monday in Sweden.

[@kimemerson5732]

Thanks Hap! So glad you can see why we love our "hometown boy" so much! He sings for the lower-middle working class people. Never sticks to the popular way of thinking, doesn't sugar coat anything. We are a great country made up of many different backgrounds, but boy, do we have our problems. The Boss says it like it is, popular opinion or not.

[@HAP3SPEAKZ]

Who would have thought? I noticed this song has gained traction on the net. Hope the message of it continues and hopefully we're not hearing it again and wishing for change to come.

[@stacey021375]

I used to head the Veterans Day program at the school where I teach, where each group of kids would read poems, do skits, and sing songs for community veterans who would come and watch the program. There are still many people who have never really listened to the lyrics...they just know “Born in the USA!” Every year, I had to remind teachers that no children would be singing this song. We all love the chorus, but the pain of the other lyrics are not something I wanted to explain to 5 year olds. But having 2 uncles that served in the Vietnam war and hearing their horrific stories of their time there and then the way they were treated when they came back...it’s heartbreaking. Thanks for reacting, and thanks for “getting it.”

[@korinalacount2664]

Probably his best known song here,hits home to all of us baby boomers,I was a very young teenager during vietnam,had a pow bracelet,wore it every day,my late hubby was military,army,a sargeant,great reaction,glad u are enjoying the Boss

[@Coolrockndad]

This tune is all about the Vietnam vet. The album "Born In The USA" was the biggest selling album of the year in 1985.

[@Tom81196]

1984

[@Cherokeelion]

By far. And 1984

[@Coolrockndad]

​@@Tom81196 Year-end charts ..... Chart (1984) Position Australian Albums Chart[22] 7 Canadian Albums Chart[69] 1 Dutch Albums Chart[70] 61 Japanese Albums Chart[65] 53 New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[71] 2 UK Albums Chart[72] 37 US Billboard 200[73] 28 Chart (1985) Position Australian Albums Chart[22] 2 Austrian Albums Chart[74] 4 Canadian Albums Chart[75] 7 Danish Albums Chart[76] 5 Dutch Albums Chart[77] 1 French Albums Chart[78] 19 New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[79] 1 Swiss Albums Chart[80] 3 UK Albums Chart[81] 4 US Billboard 200[82] 1

[@Coolrockndad]

@@Cherokeelion Year-end charts ..... Chart (1984) Position Australian Albums Chart[22] 7 Canadian Albums Chart[69] 1 Dutch Albums Chart[70] 61 Japanese Albums Chart[65] 53 New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[71] 2 UK Albums Chart[72] 37 US Billboard 200[73] 28 Chart (1985) Position Australian Albums Chart[22] 2 Austrian Albums Chart[74] 4 Canadian Albums Chart[75] 7 Danish Albums Chart[76] 5 Dutch Albums Chart[77] 1 French Albums Chart[78] 19 New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[79] 1 Swiss Albums Chart[80] 3 UK Albums Chart[81] 4 US Billboard 200[82] 1

[@diesebellim9044]

wow i heared that already in the radio and now I am watching on video i love the song since then thank you for sharing..

[@THEPATRIOT1000]

Pink Cadillac...Im on Fire...Glory Days

[@jmhaces]

He wrote that song after reading the book "Born on the 4th of July" about the experiences of a Vietnam vet who came back to find nobody cared about him in his own country. He read the book and then randomly met the author at a hotel they both were staying in and he had a long conversation with the guy, which inspired the song. The book was adapted into a movie back in the day, starring Tom Cruise as the main character who goes to Vietnam and ends up in a wheelchair.

[@hannejeppesen1809]

The book and the movie was "Born on the 4th of July", Tom Cruise was great in that movie. He was nominated for an Oscar, but lost, I think to Daniel Day Lewis, My left foot. I think it is one, if not the best acting Tom Cruise ever did.

[@lisaharrod8386]

@jm... I loved your comment! ❤ Not everyone understands the meaning of this song. It's not a fist pumping anthem to American superiority... it's a cry of desperation and heartbreak. Thanks for setting the record straight. The clip of the young man escorting the girl in yellow is actually Bruce and his date on prom night. Cheers!

[@lowrider4266]

Classic song by the Boss. Thanks. I will always be proud to be born here. Thank you to All Service People. No place is perfect, but USA is far better than so many other places on earth. Great reaction.

[@ambehak4758]

😂

[@matthewlee6168]

I bought the 'Born in the U.S.A.' album when it came out in 1984 and I must have listened to it for 20 years without really getting the meaning of the lyrics. I'm a combat veteran myself and these days the song has a much different impact on me than it did when I was a teenager.

[@eliseorodriguezjr876]

That video was the first concert from the born in the USA album on the tour. The next concert was in Cleveland where I live. I stood in line with a friend for for 10 hours. We were second before the ticket booth and it was officially sold out we were so bummed. But the next day they announced they added more tickets for the concert. While I was work my other friend she went to get the tickets but it was by lottery. Luckily she got 4 tickets. The concert was held in our baseball stadium it seated 74,000 and our tickets were in the bleachers. It was kool because we were closer to the stage then the people who got front row seats. And Bruce alot of the time he came back and sang 2 songs to us. And every song Clarence Clements came and played for us. I wish we had camera phone back then it was 1981. At the end of the concert i felt emotional and depressed that it was over. I'm 58 now and that was the best concert ive ever attended and I've been to over 45 concerts in my life time. Sorry it was a long story I just wanted to let you know he awesome live. ✌ Out

[@hannejeppesen1809]

I saw Bruce live in the San Francisco Bay area, it was a lottery, I couldn't believe it when I received 2 tickets in the mail. Love Bruce.

[@peterjonas4971]

The guilt and self recrimination in the line "I'm a cool rockin' daddy in the USA." Bruce avoided the war, but many of his friends died over there.

[@deeyears3978]

Great Hap you got The Boss’s name correct! He was talking about Vietnam. Many people of my generation were protesting the war. The Vets didn’t get a hero’s welcome like other wars but were disrespected by many! Not me they were still HEROES!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@THEPATRIOT1000]

Basically a song about a guy that comes back from the Vietnam War has a hard time finding a job. There was a recession during most of the 1970s. The VA in the stands for the veterans administration which has hospitals for veterans. Really noted at that time until recently to have less than great service.

[@namechamps]

Even today VA is laughably bad although not as bad as in the 1970s. For the economic superpower that the US is the way we treat veterans is a disgrace.

[@THEPATRIOT1000]

@@namechamps was getting better Trump

[@lcbcreative]

Woohoo! Thank you for this, Hap! Bruce is a fascinating artist. I have a terrible memory, but back at the 1985 concert for the Born in the USA tour I remember him telling a story on stage about getting his letter from the draft board in the mail. He had a very conflicted relationship with his father, so his father was included in many of his stories - but I cannot recall how in this one. Regardless, he reported as required, but was rejected for physical reasons and his father actually spoke up and told Bruce he was glad. I am younger than he is, so I didn't have any friends who were drafted, but I was old enough to recognize how traumatic it was for families, the returning vets, and the country.

[@williamperez7140]

This song is about the futility of the Vietnam war and the despicable way our veterans were treated when they returned home. Outstanding reaction to this video.

[@vacantalleyways]

Please react to The River Live 75-85 record version. Bruce is known for his story telling live especially back in the day and this one will bring you to your knees! Also Backstreets live in Jacksonville 78!

[@rockledgeln]

HAP reacted to The River kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3u3ZZp4rL2Bh6s

[@vacantalleyways]

@@rockledgeln I saw that, but the version I'm referencing is the definitive version for many because of the story telling before the song

[@rockledgeln]

@@vacantalleyways Did you provide HAP a link to the version you like? It makes it easier for him.

[@mojobag01]

He revisits this so beautifully in Youngstown.

[@mrkelso]

Thank you for getting this.

[@jeanninedoyle9523]

No one puts a show on like Bruce......and of course, Freddie, totally different, but both great

[@susannekalejaiye4351]

...and three years later this granny starts listening to your reactions, because she likes watching people react to The Boss. Yes, watching - because there are so many non-verbal reactions which really define first impressions: the head bob, the squint, the slow smile, the unvoiced oooo... Here you also acknowledged that you hadn't understood all the lyrics (my old hang-up and reason for my relief that lyric cheat-sheets exist). I also like that you do some background homework.

[@Sparkly-Unicorn]

Awesome reaction!! He must have had kind of a rough or tough background to have come up with these songs. And I liked that his songs usually tell a story.

[@jeanninedoyle9523]

Bruce is an activist for many great causes in the US...YES, this is a old song protesting the Viet Nam war which we all did

[@thomasike]

He has an acoustic version of this song he did live in new york in 2000 that really fits the mood of the song better. I actually prefer it

[@larryk731]

agree - I was at that concert and the album is on my perpetual car playlist

[@jeanninedoyle9523]

Yes

[@mikesmith-pj7xz]

Next: Because the Night, The Promised Land, Badlands, No Surrender, The Ghost of Tom Joad, Jungleland, Reason to Believe, Murder Incorporated.

[@grannysgonerabid7425]

The video was directed by John Sayles, a very well regarded filmmaker here in the States, kind of the US equivalent of Ken Loach or Mike Leigh, if that gives you an idea of why Sayles edited in those clips of working class Americans contrasting the live performance which was filmed at Slane Castle in Ireland.

[@bendevine3438]

Id say you did a fantastic job with this i would say working to lower middle class typically those that were drafted poor white black Hispanic im very conservative very patriotic my mom grew up as only child east Peoria her best friend her cousin Martin Rapyzak died when he was 19 years old in Vietnam he was born down in a dead mans town too one of the best songs all time my opinion the little clips of "Americana" make me tear up everytime great great job this reaction he ends up looking at the gas lights from refianery inside the penitentiary the same refinery that you would think at the least could give a retuning Vietnam veteran a job

[@Terri6868]

Love the Boss❤️Still need to do the Detroit Boy “Bob Seger” Turn the Page” the video.🤟

[@kensilverstone1656]

Bruce wrote this song to say exactly what the lyrics say. I would guess the majority of those hearing it took it as a celebration of living in the United States. Somewhat ironic. Nonetheless, one of the great rock songs, an anthem and a classic performance.

[@terryrobbins5977]

The war in Vietnam was not going on in the 1980's my dude it officially ended in 1975. It's very much a protest song against war. But he does use some Vietnam vets as imagery in the song and of course he shows all the war dead at a cemetery. That part is the most moving part of the song for me because it show the eventual outcome of any war.

[@elinovak3770]

This song is about Bruce Springsteen's brother that could have died in the Vietnam War or M.I.A.

[@pushpak]

The song was inspired by Ron Kovic, a paralyzed Vietnam War veteran who became an anti-war activist and who wrote the biographical book “Born on the Fourth of July” that was turned into a movie starring Tom Cruise. Bruce read the book and he and Kovic became friends. Kovic said he asked Bruce was he (Kovic) was the ‘cool rocking daddy’ and Bruce said yes.

[@HAP3SPEAKZ]

Appreciate the background information. Thanks 🤘🏾 (Copyrighted HAP3SPEAKZ) ©️

[@hannejeppesen1809]

Tom Cruise gave a really great performance in Born on the 4th of July.

[@johnmcdermid6896]

Quality..

[@Kunsoo1024]

Just so we're clear, the song is about a man who was screwed over here, sent to Vietnam, then screwed over when he came home and not allowed to work at the refinery. So he burned it down and went on the run. This is a patriotic song, but not in the God Bless America vein.

[@cfraase]

Glad you actually listened to the lyrics. This one gets played for just the chorus way too often.

[@dianesaienni5466]

You would call it 1970s life in America. Peppered with the results of the Vietnam War. Everytime those graves go by from Arlington National Cemetery I get choked up.

[@onnikarppinen3541]

In the future you should react to his live performances rather than the studio versions because that's what he's known for. Very energetic and unreal, you won't be disappointed :D Some songs by Bruce I would recommend to check out: - Badlands live in Barcelona 2002 - Thunder Road live in Barcelona - Jungeland live in NYC - I'm on Fire

[@vacantalleyways]

I second this statement. Live is the way to go with Bruce!

[@jeanninedoyle9523]

The first first shot was the Jersey turnpike

[@pushpak]

May I suggest two videos that gives you an idea of Bruce’s talent and why us fans are such fanatics. One is posted by Matt Hagmeier Curtis and is taken from Bruce’s Tony Award performance of “My Hometown” from ‘Springsteen Broadway’ AND “Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out (Live in New York City)” because he is the greatest live performer evah!

[@jeanninedoyle9523]

He was born in Asbury Park, NJ....North Jersey

[@larryk731]

central nj

[@51Saffron]

CCR "Fortunate One".

[@maryerpenbach9517]

Long-gone daddy refers to soldiers who left behind Vietnamese babies.

[@axx6435]

You really need to watch Springsteen on Broadway. It’s on Netflix here in the US.

[@HAP3SPEAKZ]

i`ll have to see if there is anything. Thanks Kurt.

[@catsnchords]

I think Born in the U.S.A. has been misinterpreted by 2 types of people: those who heard it as a simple I'm-proud-to-be-an-American anthem and then there's those who react to that misinterpretation by also misinterpreting the song as a simple anti-Patriotic/anti-American protest. Bruce originally wrote the verses as a cynical protest with the chorus added to be ironic. The original recording was part of the Nebraska sessions but was held off of that album I believe at the urging of Bruce's producer, who thought the melody didn't match the lyrics. On the version that would become the hit, Bruce re-worked the chords and melody to a more cheerful sound, and the loud instruments and slick production gave the song a muscular, marching, patriotic vibe. Bruce posed in front of the American flag for the album cover. He never would have done these things if he didn't intend the song as a simple anti-patriotic protest. These elements help emphasize the irony of the afflicted narrator being "born in the U.S.A.", but they also challenge the listener to consider ways that we can improve America. I think he wanted the song to be pro-American, nothing is more patriotic than shedding light on real issues in your country. BITUSA is a call to arms for Americans to do better.

[@pokeygorilla9368]

The word you were looking for about the clips would be Americana. The typical American dream. I haven't achieved it, but I believe in it.

[@quij7ote222]

The Boss was angry in this song. He was less concerned about a specific war and more concerned with the destiny of the working class and how the working class is exploited. Hence, he mentions the refinery in town and its dirty hard work, and even that work is hard to find. It doesn't matter if you're a vet; you will not be assured a job, same as everyone else. It's the injustice of the American economy and its wars (which responsibility rests mainly on the lower classes). Bruce was shocked young people misunderstood this song. You're right; it wasn't rah rah. He presents a proud stance but not a blind one about the country he lives in.

[@donellefeltham]

You should check him out singing a song called War, it’s a ripper.🎼❤️🇦🇺❤️🇬🇧🕺🏻💃🎸☘️

[@mellymom1121]

It was true. During Vietnam, men were given a choice if they were convicted felons. 10 years in prison or serve 4 years in the military. At least 3 of which were in Nam.

[@cosmickid1794]

Greetings from Canada, again, eh! A champion for the people you say, yes, and I highly recommend you listen to "American Skin (41 shots). It is the tragic shooting of Amadou Diallo, a young innoncent African American, shot 41 times by police. The song is 20 years old, yet is unfortunately still current today. OH, did the shit ht the fan when he released this!! It's sad this song is relevant today, yet it is important everyone hears it and understand todays climate in America. Loving your responses, however, lose the Raiders hat!! Go PACKERS!!!!!

[@jeanninedoyle9523]

He has a special on Netflix

[@timgard7091]

Remember working concrete in fla 70s Mostly black men, you never know when ur having the best time of ur life , until u look back, lived and worked Vietnam vets, black, u got Busted, you want want to go 2 prison or Vetinam, lots of love, 55.ooo❤

[@danieldonohue8725]

It's New Jersey middle class yes.

[@grannysgonerabid7425]

At the time the song was released here in the States back in 1984, Springsteen was so shocked and upset by how Americans misinterpreted it as patriotic anthem that he RARELY ever plays it live when he tours the USA now. By contrast, he almost always includes it in his sets when touring Europe

[@denikennedy6675]

BRUCES SONG STOOD FOR EVERYTHING GOOD AND PROGRESSIVE THE USA HAD TO OFFER TO EVERYONE. PRIDE! THE MILITARY OF ALL FORCES REVERED. NOW WE ALL QUESTION, WHAT HAS HAPPEND TO US?

[@daiorama3196]

Did it? seems the story is of a man who got into some trouble and with no other way out joins up only to be sent to fight in a war he didn't understand in a place he knew nothing about, risked his life and came home to find his prospects were worse than when he left. Feels more like a cry of frustration of someone who's been exploited by those in power than anything to be proud of.

[@danielpiskorowski8689]

Fyi born in the u.s.a was the first CD relased in America

[@MichaelCubeiro]

Born in the usa is 1 the top selling songs in music history.the lyrics are sung as clear as can be...I'm nit sure why your having a problem understanding the lyrics.its a song dealing with how badly America treated the Vietnam vet after the war.america screwed over the vet.its an angry song which is hiw bruce sings it.i understood every lyric when it came out in 1984.i teach his music at colleges.this song n record sold over 100million copies.its a major worldwide anthem.if u understand the tom cruise movie born on the 4th of July this song is the story of America disoning the Vietnam vet.the lyrics are as blunt as it comes.he is singing in English n with anger n enthusiasm.the vet tom cruise plays is ron kovick in born on the 4th of july

[@jeanninedoyle9523]

Jersey Boy.....

[@donovandelaney3171]

Japan is the best country in the world.

[@Rob-eo5ql]

Loosely based on the drummer in his first band who was killed in Vietnam.

[@paulchapman2569]

How many Americans think this is a patriotic song😂😂

[@larryk731]

too many

[@lucas.soorholtz]

Happy Birthday to the Boss (and to me as well [not the same age]). Instead of "middle class", try "working class". A much more apt word anyway. People who work for a living. Middle class is a silly word. Middle of what anyway? There is, of course, a reason why the word working class has dropped from everyday parlance (a political reason) and look at where it got us. Anyway, appreciate the videos my man! Some people have already made requests for more Springsteen reactions (if you want to do them). They are all good. Still, I want to add to these with four more (with links to make it easier; all live performances to see the man "inhabit" the role): Jungleland (kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX7ciappaq6aj6M) My Hometown (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWjKfIambbyiiMk) Promised Land (kzbin.info/www/bejne/joPHf6p-orqcn7M or acoustic kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWm4m42Zr9Z9bas) Waiting on a Sunny Day (kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYjanYGkqq-kaLM)

[@davidspedding8349]

i wuz born in the uk etc dont really work does it ?

[@HAP3SPEAKZ]

Lol. Good one 👍🏽

[@tristansolso1920]

It is a patriotic song but not in the normal sense, also an anti government song

[@jeanninedoyle9523]

Lower middle class