Eyes on the Prize (Live at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, 2006)

[@Sharzad]

I’m an Iranian American woman. This made me cry. I was surprised at how much I could identify with this. I know Keep Your Eyes On The Gospel Plow. I don’t know why I never thought of it as applying to anyone else’s struggles for freedom and civil rights than the African American community. The sad tone of this as Iran goes through yet another bloody revolution just got to my core.

[@axelhager4773]

Bruce is very human and empathetic. He's definitely No. 1 of my favourites. All the best from Berlin, Germany! ❤👍

[@OpiTheFitnessAnimator]

Such a powerful song, my three year old daughter sings this with me. She loves it!

[@scallaghan2118]

This performance is stunning. Makes me cry.

[@carolmaro]

Me too!

[@alicemorrison1518]

If only more Bruce Springsteen songs were like this one....

[@giuseppecandiano5528]

"Eyes on the Prize" is one of Bruce Springsteen's powerful interpretations, showcasing his enduring ability to convey the spirit of perseverance and social justice through music. Originally a traditional American folk song associated with the Civil Rights Movement, Springsteen's rendition breathes new life into its lyrics, infusing it with his signature blend of rock, folk, and heartland soul. What makes this song stand out, particularly in Springsteen's catalog, is not just the powerful message it carries but also how it has evolved across various live performances, reflecting the changing dynamics of his band and his artistic vision. The Essence of the Song At its core, "Eyes on the Prize" is a song about determination, hope, and the struggle for equality. The lyrics, rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, emphasize the importance of staying focused on the goal despite adversity. Springsteen's gravelly voice brings an authenticity and raw emotion to the song that resonates deeply with listeners, making it not just a performance but an experience. Evolution Across Live Versions One of the most remarkable aspects of "Eyes on the Prize" in Springsteen's repertoire is its evolution in live performances. Each rendition offers a new perspective, a fresh take on the same powerful message. This variability is a testament to Springsteen's commitment to keeping his performances alive and relevant, ensuring that no two shows are ever quite the same. • Early Performances: In the earlier live versions, particularly those during the Seeger Sessions tour in 2006, Springsteen adopted a more traditional folk arrangement. Accompanied by a large ensemble of musicians, including horns, fiddles, and accordion, these performances were vibrant and full of the communal spirit that characterized the Seeger Sessions Band. The energy was palpable, with each musician contributing to a collective sound that was both celebratory and defiant. • Middle-Era Performances: As the song continued to be a part of Springsteen's live setlist, it began to take on a more stripped-down, introspective form. During solo acoustic shows or performances with a smaller backing band, "Eyes on the Prize" transformed into a haunting, almost spiritual experience. The focus shifted more towards the lyrics, with Springsteen's voice carrying the weight of the song's history and message. The minimalistic arrangements allowed the audience to connect more intimately with the song, highlighting the personal nature of the struggle it represents. • Recent Performances: In more recent years, Springsteen has once again reimagined "Eyes on the Prize," this time incorporating a blend of the full-band arrangement with the soulful intensity of his solo performances. With the E Street Band, the song takes on a rock-infused gospel quality, bridging the gap between folk tradition and contemporary rock music. The inclusion of electric guitars, dynamic drums, and Springsteen's impassioned vocal delivery amplifies the song's urgency, making it relevant to today's social and political climate. Changes in the Band and Impact on the Song The various iterations of "Eyes on the Prize" also reflect the changing line-up and dynamics of Springsteen's band over the years. The Seeger Sessions Band, with its eclectic mix of instruments and musicians, brought a sense of joy and camaraderie to the song, emphasizing its roots in folk and communal protest. As the band evolved, so did the song. The transition back to the E Street Band brought a more polished, yet still emotionally resonant, sound to the performances. The contributions of longtime members like Clarence Clemons (saxophone), Steven Van Zandt (guitar), and Nils Lofgren (guitar), as well as newer members, have all added layers of depth to the live renditions of the song. Springsteen's ability to adapt "Eyes on the Prize" to the strengths of his bandmates is a testament to his leadership and artistic vision. Whether through the soaring saxophone solos, the subtle keyboard undertones, or the driving rhythm section, each member's contribution enriches the song, creating a rich tapestry of sound that honors its legacy while pushing it into new territories. Bruce Springsteen's "Eyes on the Prize" is more than just a cover of a folk classic; it's a living, breathing testament to the enduring power of music as a force for change and inspiration. Through its various live renditions, the song has evolved, reflecting not only the changes in Springsteen's band but also the ongoing relevance of its message. Each performance, whether with the jubilant Seeger Sessions Band or the mighty E Street Band, offers a unique experience, keeping the song fresh and impactful. In "Eyes on the Prize," Springsteen not only pays homage to the past but also reinforces his place as one of the great storytellers and social commentators of our time, reminding us all to keep our eyes on the prize, no matter the challenges we face. www.candiano.com

[@scallaghan2118]

Bruce Springsteen is, well, I'm speechless. He is a gift to us. Thank you.

[@enriquealbaini8348]

Todo lo que cantas lo convertís en magia genioo

[@joannyuricic3909]

I love this song. Always want to listen to it!!

[@daviddodds4677]

Thrilling

[@KellyAnnBaker]

Now more than ever - keep your eyes on the prize, hold on.

[@ponkusjr]

oh man Bruce you rock, great gig

[@ivanwinter6740]

This is musical arrangement at its glorious best - Bruce's music instinct is incredible

[@riajongeneel9426]

I am speechless this song is so beautiful, fantastic lyrics, thank you Bruce for your beautiful music and the band is fantastic too 🥰🥰🥰 Feedback

[@antoniojosetavarescanhoto8456]

I simply feel too litle when i hear this guy singing He was born to make other lives be happier God bless him

[@sladjanaristic6405]

Kralju šta god pevao zvuči briljantno. Kako da te neslušam pa ako treba i cele noći. Volim te kralju.

[@thetrevorosborne]

simply one of the greatest songs ever

[@SpringWashamTeacher]

So beautiful!!!!!

[@lioneldsouza5680]

Bruce...the boss in control keeping his eyes on the prize...Beautiful inspiring song

[@MannBrothersFilms]

Loving it. Our Boss.

[@Bossladyone2]

Nowadays it is a fight to stay out of the wilderness, and sometimes it takes all a soul has got to * Hold On*

[@rosalitasandy7904]

I absolutely love it !

[@adamzabieowicz5702]

WSPANIAŁE CUDOWNE PRAWDZIWE

[@gordanvranic9371]

VESNA VRATILI SMO SE IMA PUNO SLIKA KJARE AKO MOŽEŠ UZMI AKO HOĆEŠ POSLAĆU TI SLIKU DANAS KAD SE I BROJEM HOĆEŠ SA BRADOM ILI OBRIJAN ILI SA MALOM BRADOM . TVOJA DRUGA POLOVINA SRCA ! TVOJ GOCI . JOŠ JEDAN DAN NEĆU VAM PRAVITI PROBLEME . VESNA VRATITE SE MOLIM TE I OPROSTI MI ! GREOTA JE ON NIJE ČOVEK ZA TEBE . SADA SAM GLEDAO SLIKE SA MATURE . POGLEDAJ JOŠ UVEK SMO MOĆNI OBOJE ZA SVOJE GODINE ! VOLIM VAS OBE !

[@erichannedouche7933]

J adore ce titre, super son et super concert, merci BRUCE !!!!!!

[@LilianaCavaliereTheBestMusic]

Che meraviglia ... un fenomeno vero e proprio ... grazie per la tua Musica, sei speciale Bruce Springsteen ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@micheleabbas7101]

Magnifique 🕊💙🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 Gardez vos yeux sur les prix Attendez 😉😌La négociation est éternité La devise marchandée Et les gains multipliés …..🕊

[@polemicco]

AWESOME!!!!!

[@eddifavaro7105]

Bellissima canzone💕💕💕grazie Bruce

[@lloydholland9522]

I absolutely love it and believe it good job amazing lyrics amazing musical all of them you keep on going Bruce Springsteen all of them what would we do without music like this a lot of these songs they sing mean a lot to me because I've lost my oldest son and my parents and I can't wait to see them again and yet I will wait they're all of the pain and agony with this Trump regime and when the Jews begin to build their Temple in the right place we will know soon that there will be grace

[@anelladambrosio2513]

Il ragazzo che canta con te Bruce e bravissimo!! Ha una bellissima voce!!😅😅😍😍😍😘😘😘🎸🎸🎷💫🌟🌲⛄

[@rodicagreta3564]

Superbă melodie!! Te iubim Bruce !!

[@ΝικολετταΚυριακιδου]

❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️🌍🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷

[@mochamochina7735]

Es muy bueno en todo lo que hace.! Lo vive .!!

[@rosimeiretrevisan7815]

Meu cantor numero 1 além de lindo tem uma voz.

[@TheJeffRoadProject]

Great performance from Bruce as well as from these incredible musicians for that show!

[@ronniemiller2874]

Love the way he and his wife and family and friends

[@ronniemiller2874]

God bless you

[@armankolangikhahsarbisheh3628]

Damn it's amazing😍😍

[@TheBethoula]

Wow!!!

[@jonm7888]

Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuce

[@luistus8883]

Sos un grande Bruceee

[@matthewbgordon]

Awesome sauce! I was somewhere out in that crowd. Thanks for sharing Bruce!

[@susancargill4043]

So who was the other singer? He was awesome & could really hold his own with 'the boss'!!!

[@marie1948]

I was too, and I’ll never forget it.

[@clemsus1]

Thanx from France, Boss !

[@valquiriabueno5414]

Brilhant 💎💘 Love 💘 Love 💕💕💕💕

[@sgodoi586]

Belíssimo! Um sonho esse festival! Sonho lindo!!!!!

[@jonboatwright7777]

❤

[@alejandromendez1837]

Tremendo tema mucha energía ☝️☝️☝️me encanta la música cauntry respeto el fin de septiembre para ir a San Pedro Argentina donde disfruto 3 días de este tipo de Miusic

[@valquiriabueno5414]

Único 🎸🎤🎼🎼🎼 brilhante como o Sol que ilumina toda a terra💎💘

[@johnc.gillespie295]

Hold On…!

[@valterronchetti7797]

Splendida esecuzione grazie..

Hold on

[@SuperJeroen001]

Marc Anthony Thompson!! And yeah, to be honest Bruce is pretty good too ;)

[@gilmarrocha4063]

Esse cara e foda pra Caraí

[@kimberry7789]

💗☮️🙏🎵💝🥰

[@stasysgurskis7746]

Įdomus kolektyvas...

[@heavywoodband]

#jazzfest?

[@jp-a1a729]

It’s like a religious experience and I’m not religious!

[@albasantacruz5872]

Paul and Silas bound in jail Had no money for to go their bail Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Paul and Silas thought they was lost Dungeon shook and the chains come off Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Freedom's name is mighty sweet And soon we're gonna meet Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on I got my hand on the gospel plow Won't take nothing for my journey now Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Soozie! Only chain that a man can stand Is that chain o' hand on hand Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on I'm gonna board that big greyhound Carry the love from town to town Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hey! Hey! Now only thing I did was wrong Stayin' in the wilderness too long Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on The only thing we did was right Was the day we started to fight Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on One, two! (The only thing we did was wrong) (Staying in the wilderness too long) (Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on) Woah, woah! (The only thing we did was right) (Was the day we started to fight) (Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on) Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Ain't been to heaven but I been told Streets up there are paved with gold

[@ednaalice301]

Bruce que som fúnebre não gostei. Edna do Brasil.

[@1957PLATO]

Love Bruce but I still prefer the Mavis Staples version with Ry Cooder.

[@sophie-grace9143]

Paul and Silas bound in jail Had no money for to go their bail Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Paul and Silas thought they was lost Dungeon shook and the chains come off Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Freedom's name is mighty sweet And soon we're gonna meet Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on I got my hand on the gospel plow Won't take nothing for my journey now Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Soozie! Only chain that a man can stand Is that chain o' hand on hand Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on I'm gonna board that big greyhound Carry the love from town to town Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hey! Hey! Now only thing I did was wrong Stayin' in the wilderness too long Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on The only thing we did was right Was the day we started to fight Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on One, two! (The only thing we did was wrong) (Staying in the wilderness too long) (Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on) Woah, woah! (The only thing we did was right) (Was the day we started to fight) (Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on) Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Ain't been to heaven but I been told Streets up there are paved with gold Source: LyricFind