BOTCHED LYRIC Turned Song About a CAR into a #1 HIT about a Feminine Hygiene Item--Professor Of Rock

It’s one of the most notoriously misheard lyrics in rock history. A line that was supposed to be referring to a Hot Rod, has instead confused generations of listeners because it sounds like a reference to a feminine hygiene product. Revved Up Like Douche…was supposed to be Revved up like a deuce... Yeah, no joke. Manfred Mann’s Earth Band took legend Bruce Springteen’s first single and turned it into a Billboard #1 hit. And it is the garbled delivery of that cover version of the song that is the culprit. because Sprinsteen’s original failed to chart, it’s feminine-health counterpart rocked the charts….Shaking his head in disbelief, the Springsteen joked that the public had spoken. Get the story behind the song and find out what the real lyrics actually say… NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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#1970s #rock #brucespringsteen
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If have ever figured out years later that you were singing lyrics to a classic song incorrectly YOu’ll dig this channel… Make sure to subscribe below right now to get the real stories and rich history of your favorite jams. Click the bell so you always know when our new interviews drop also check us out on patreon for more content and our latest merch below.
Rock and Roll hall of Famer Bruce Springsteen has never had a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, although he has come close. In 1984, Born in the USA single Dancing in the Dark reached #2 and plenty of #1 albums Then the following year, Springsteen sang a solo on the #1 hit charity song “We Are The World”. But with 50 plus musicians performing on the track, that gives him roughly one-fiftieth of the credit. And technically, there is one more Springsteen song that should be part of this near miss conversation. It’s a song that Springsteen wrote and went to #1 on the Hot 100... only the chart-topping version was sung by someone else. Today we’re going to give you the story of how Blinded by the light went from a non hit to a #1 smash with Manfred Mann and how the chorus has been sung incorrectly my many as well as confused listeners as to why the singer is saying this:
When Columbia Records President Clive Davis heard Bruce Springsteen, he heard a folk singer reminiscent of an early Bob Dylan and contemporary artists like Jackson Browne and James Taylor. However, Springsteen was not interested in taking up Dylan’s mantle. Being cast in the role of a folk-driven singer-songwriter was just about the last thing he wanted. Rather, he was keen to work with a rock band. So for The Boss’ first album, ‘Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ’, a compromise was reached... Allowing Springsteen to bring in his boys, future E Street Band members Vini Lopez, Davey Sancious, and Garry Tallent.
Springsteen began writing the album in early 1972. The resulting tracks would be largely autobiographical... a young, New Jersey songwriter’s thoughts as he set out to conquer New York. But when Bruce finished it, Clive Davis flat out rejected it. He felt that it lacked a potential hit single or even anything that could be played on the radio. In response Springsteen wrote two more single-oriented tracks, ‘Spirit in the Night’ and ‘Blinded by the Light.’
Said Springsteen, “I came home, busted out my rhyming dictionary, and wrote Blinded by the Light.”

[@ProfessorofRock]

POLL: What is your pick for the best cover version of a Legendary band or artist's song?

[@TheSlowoldman]

My absolute favorite cover is Faded Love by Patsy Cline, originally recorded by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys.......

[@killrmillr]

Grand Funk Railroad - Gimme Shelter Big Country - Rockin' In The Free World

[@surlechapeau]

Black Magic Woman- Santana (Fleetwood Mac); Proud Mary- Ike & Tina Turner (CCR); Joe Cocker-With A Little Help From My Friends (Beatles); Aretha Franklin- Respect (Otis Redding).

[@sandrabradley322]

Disturbed, Sound of Silence

[@hbofbyu1]

Counting Crows cover of "Big Yellow Taxi" with Vanessa Carlton was a superb take on that song.

[@sandbothe1]

A deuce is a 1932 ford. It’s not about being a two-seater. It’s called that because of the “2” in the year. It was commonly hot-rodded out in later years because they were so available and cheap to buy and easy to modify. They also looked really cool, Especially when you took off fenders and the hood to expose the wheels and engine.

[@MagruderSpoots]

The 32 coupe is the quintessential hot rod.

[@k.chriscaldwell4141]

Is that one of the cars in American Graffiti?

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Good to know

[@sandbothe1]

@@k.chriscaldwell4141 Yes

[@allenhonaker4107]

Bravo!! Spoken like a true gearhead😃😃😂

[@BatMite19]

Totally thought it was "racked up like a dusche" when I was a kid, and so did all my friends. Then the Internet came along, and now there is no more mystery to anything.

[@Alisonsgachaverse]

I thought it was wrecked

[@itzsampty2876]

well to be fair, back then you could also just check the lyrics on the album cover.

[@vindivergilio3482]

When this hit came out, my mom wouldn't let me play it because it was a song about feminem hygiene so she insisted. I had to get a printed copy of the lyrics to prove her wrong before she gave me my copy of the record back. Funny how it was all scratched up and wouldn't play after that.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha! Also the word douchebag is derogatory and gets quite a lot of flack.

[@francescardenas615]

So funny, my dad scratched my Ted Nugent album, because Cat Scratch Fever was too nasty for him. I loved the guitar riffs and was playing it over and over not even paying attention to the words much. I was around 15.

[@randypowers9229]

There were many other Ted Nugent songs that were incredibly inappropriate! Love the 'Nuge! With his politics, he will never make it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame however! Chuck Berry is in there, and he has many more unsavory instances in his past! Speaking of Chuck Berry, listen to Ted Nugent's Amboy Dukes version of Maybelline! A real smokin' "banger"! Professor of Rock should dig into producers and even iconic record store owners for interviews and history!

[@jellysleeks9428]

Good, the RR hall of fame is a Joke.

[@juliaalexander5788]

Hum, wonder why feminine hygiene was so scary for you to know?

[@johnkelly425]

This channel is a great place to escape the unpleasant things in this world. I love your closing line and how you make this channel about music, life, people and relationships. I want my kids to say the same things about me that you say about your dad. And I’ve always loved this song. Even when I was confused about the “odd” lyric until it was cleared up for me.

[@uhill74]

Yup. So rare to find an escape anymore. A gem.

[@RN-so2it]

Whenever this song came on the radio I would always hope it would be the extended version. The slowing down blues part is awesome. Mandfed Mann owned this song 😎

[@frumexicano4112]

Indeed! I'm definitely disappointed when they play the 3 minute version.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They KILLED it.

[@debbie4503]

They certainly did! This was their song. I can't even begin listening to Springsteen singing it.

[@donnaleone3818]

Yesssssss

[@pldean]

'

[@stinkypinkeee5085]

I always get revved up like a deuce when I hear this song...as I got older, I wondered about the characters in the song, and what they were like in real Life, or if they were real at all...this song is pure ear candy...

[@PeBoVision]

I'm more partial to The Mighty Quinn.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You know, I wanted to find these people. Who were they?

[@darryllcagle9090]

Bruce breaks the whole thing down: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWaqkqloh9iomck

[@lennychorn147]

The original song by Bruce Springsteen wrote the song from a book of rhymes. It has no real meaning or message. This according to Springsteen himself.

[@metatechnologist]

@@lennychorn147 Paul Harvey voice: Now you know the rest of the story!

[@jmm14534]

Manfred Man. As a 13 year old hanging around in a pool room at the time this song was magical. I still love it today and it brings back so many memories.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Very cool.

[@paultiki9968]

I may not have experienced exactly that, but I can absolutely see it in my head. Down to the old cigarette smell, bell bottom jeans, and weird kind of of collared short sleeve shirts and bad haircuts.

[@blastfromthepast1]

Another song Bruce wrote (although unfinished) was Because the Night. Patti Smith finished the lyrics to it and had her biggest hit.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great song.

[@fnjesusfreak]

Prolly also 10,000 Maniacs' biggest hit.

[@WoodysAR]

Bruce: "because the night belongs to Lovers, because the night belongs to ... uhhh..." Patti: "love?"

[@fnjesusfreak]

@@WoodysAR "Lust", not?

[@areneesouder]

That's always been a favorite song of mine. I have the Natalie Merchant version and wore it out too. Gorgeous song.

[@Gjungling]

Whoever had The Professor saying "douche" a dozen times in odds pool just made a fortune!

[@edreid7872]

I love the insertion of clips of songs you reference.. Really gives your storytelling a boost..😎

[@jamesanderson6373]

Scammer^

[@brandonedge]

yes it is great, especially for younger people who haven't heard the songs referenced yet

[@-.Steven]

Indeed!

[@JungleEddie]

As a Little Deuce Coupe fan I never had a problem hearing revved up like a deuce, but I heard like a rumor in the night.

[@lisakaz35]

I heard that too!!!

[@wmbrown6]

The lyrics, as printed on a pic sleeve that came with the promo, listed the affected lyric such: Wrapped up like a deuce Another runner in the night That should clear that up.

[@astrinymris9953]

Me also! Even now that I know the correct lyric is "runner", it still sounds like "rumor" to me.

[@williamjackson6705]

I never misunderstood the lyric. Seemed quite clear to me. What grabbed Me was Chris Hamlet-Thompson's raspy vocals and the incredible guitar-work. Still have the LP & love the extended version.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It sounds like aliens playing the guitar. That’s what I thought when first exposed to this song.

[@wmbrown6]

@Dr.Quarex - That was the correct lyric.

[@wishingb5859]

When I listen to Bruce Springsteen's version, I actually understand every sentence of what the song is about. When I listen to Manfred Mann's version it is almost like this mysterious lyric drug trip of some sort. I never fully realized that until this show. You play Bruce singing it and I understand every sentence as if by a native speaker of the language. When I listen to Manfred Mann, it is as if it is suddenly symbolic and not just the misunderstood line. I remember spending weeks and weeks trying to figure it out when I was young. But when I hear Bruce's version, I understand it all completely through his story telling context.

[@DosBear]

If you ever get the chance play this song with 4 high quality speakers, one in each corner of the room and turn it up nice and loud. It is an experience unmatched by anything I have heard.

[@debbywoodbeck1105]

I live in the Bible belt, I don't remember radio stations having trouble playing Manfred Man's version. I have always loved this song and always knew what he was singing. I would correct my friends when they sang it wrong.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Debby.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

“Devil Music” it is not!

[@shonhatley541]

Manfred Mann's cover of For You is my all time fav. Love that song. Great show, Professor. Keep'em coming, please.

[@tarp11z]

Love your shirt, Professor! Please do an episode on "The Logical Song.". Or maybe even just the album that it came from. Or just Roger Hodgson. Thank you in advance.

[@stephen3491]

Yes love Breakfast in America album. Supertramp would be great segment

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Breakfast in America is a classic album.

[@auroraromano7404]

Love the logical song and this album!

[@thephantomeagle2]

As a former DJ I always worked hard on getting lyrics, for obvious reasons. I rarely mishear lyrics due to that.

[@t.o.3522]

Yep, that’s what we heard! I can remember rodding with friends in my ‘68 Camaro and when the song came on we’d sing along, belting out that line and laughing. Good memories, thank You Adam and production!

[@frotobaggins7169]

68 Camaro, one of the coolest cars ever.

[@t.o.3522]

@@frotobaggins7169 they were fun cars but the performance is nowhere near the new models with the LS, and Z engine packages. My 68 was grecian green with the D90 stripe package and and 327. I wished it would have been a 4 speed but it had the powerglide automatic in it. Great top end, slow out of the hole. Wish I still had it.

[@playhooky]

Let me guess, you were the same guys belting out the Eagles 'there's gonna be a hard-on tonight'? LOL

[@loribreese-darling8636]

My first car was a RS SS 69 camero with working hideaway headlights, burgundy with white interior!! Damn I miss that car!!

[@frotobaggins7169]

@@t.o.3522 I get it, but it's apples and oranges. Those modern LS cars cost 10 times what the original cost. Probably more than that. Yet they still rely on that timeless styling of the original. When I was a kid, my neighbor had a 68 RS/SS, burgandy with black strips. Craiger SS wheels. He kept that car clean.

[@gailrobinson2688]

Everytime I would hear this song with other friends, we would always sing along, and when that line would come up, we would just turn to each other with a " did he really say that ? " look, sing " douche" and laugh. 😂

[@scott9050]

I always wondered about that lyric. Seeing Adam smiling for most of the video was hilarious.

[@restionSerpentine]

I love your cryptic openings describing what you will talk about, and me seeing if I can guess. Got this one

[@Jimc4007]

I still crank the volume up whenever this song comes on. Manfred Mann's Earth Band did take this and make it theirs. It was interesting to hear Bruce talk through this on a songwriter show.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I tried to add those clips...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What if we had a Bruce Springsteen interview?

[@maxaroni15]

My neighbors are Deafened By The Noise when this song comes on 🤔

[@renenowicki]

That’s where the fun is. . .

[@lakeracer8453]

The term 'deuce' doesn't really refer to a 'two seater' hot rod, It has nothing to do with seats. A '32 Ford specifically is known as a 'Deuce' because of the 2 in the model year. Like The Beach Boys 'Little Deuce Coupe'.

[@gabbibunni]

Manfred Mann had hits in the 60s, 70s and 80s! I'm guessing not many bands can hold that claim

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Same goes for The Rolling Stones and the Kinks.

[@glenchapman3899]

Status Quo also did it. They also had a hit in the 90s but that was a remix medley of some old hits so not sure that counts

[@Moment-14]

Doh....Donald Trump did...doh... Sorry to contaminate the comments..

[@robertsmalls3513]

@@Moment-14Seek help for your lunacy

[@joanwerthman4116]

I remember not only did I mishear deuce as douche, I thought the next line was “You know the odor in the night.”

[@RichWards-Wins]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@jillwklausen]

I had no idea this was a Springsteen cover. It's so much better than his! No wonder it charted when Springsteen's didn't. The Manfred Mann version is so much fun! Thanks for the background on it, Adam. Have an excellent day! ☀️

[@ProfessorofRock]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Jill!

[@yallainrite3658]

@Anna Trail Amen to that!

[@theman4884]

@@ProfessorofRock Dr. Rock could you do an episode one The Kings and there hit(s). It is the ultimate college song. And I believe that should be a musical genre.

[@bobdavis4848]

@@theman4884 Meaning their great "This Beat Goes On / "Switchin' To Glide" I assume.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He sounds like a grumpy old man on his original. 😂

[@tse90723]

Bruce Springsteen said in an interview that when he wrote blinded by the light he was just trying to see how many things he can make rhyme.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I thought it was about developing an obsession with a girl.

[@tse90723]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Bruce said it. Not me.

[@michaelkiernan1850]

I saw Bruce live in august of 2016. He played for four hours. So passionate and inspired. I am glad I saw him then. Now tickets are so expensive. That I could not afford them. Having said that. If you have the means to see him. Go for it!

[@dgarve]

In addition to the 'douche' line, as a kid I always wondered what a 'row-ner' in the night what. Didn't sound like 'runner' to me! Also "Because the Night", which was mostly a Bruce-penned song, became a bonfide hit (#11) for 10,000 maniacs in the '90s. Thanks, Dave

[@ProfessorofRock]

And a hit for Patty Smith...

[@dgarve]

@@ProfessorofRock Right--not quite as successful as the 10,000 Maniacs version, but still Top 20.

[@bobdavis4848]

@@ProfessorofRock That singer's first name is spelled Patti, not Patty. The initial hit cover version of the song "Because The Night" was billed as by Patti Smith Group actually, as was the album "Easter." I think some people's forgetting the "Group" part may have partially added to the later unfortunate confusions with Patty Smyth's name. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

[@bobdavis4848]

Hi Dave; I wondered what a "rooner" was, too. The songwriting of "Because The Night" was credited equally to Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith, not "mostly" to Bruce. Natalie Merchant, when she was in the great 10,000 Maniacs, is the only person in the world who has both performed for a president and eaten gingerbread from me. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

“In the middle of the night” was what I thought I heard.

[@stephenhanft1226]

"Blinded By The Light" is a 70's classic. Manfred Mann was one of the original British Invasion bands. "They had a number one hit in 1964 with "Do Wah Diddy Diddy." Then, they also had a top ten hit in 1969 with "The Mighty Quinn". I have both the original recording of "Blinded By The Light" by Bruce Springsteen and Manfred Mann's cover. So, while I always knew Bruce wrote it, I never knew the full story behind the circumstances. That's why I come to this channel regularly.

[@stephenhanft1226]

@Anna Trail I agree with you. Manfred Mann did a much better job with their rendition of "Blinded By The Light". While I usually prefer originals to covers, I can give examples to many exceptions. This song is definitely one of them.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s right! The Mighty Quinn is my favorite song they did.

[@floridalivingisthebest]

I always thought it funny that anyone misheard these lyrics. Even as an 8 year old kid when this song came out, I heard it plain as day: "Revved up like a deuce another runner in the night."

[@SuziQ.]

Same, but I had a good stereo.

[@brandonedge]

to this day my dad will still not believe that he isn't saying "douche". i'm like really how much sense does "revved up like a douche" make? maybe filled up lol ...i'm gonna REV UP THIS HERE DOUCHE AND GET THE PARTY STARTED. said no one

[@reneebauer1701]

Mann's spacy delivery always sounded like "rumor" or "roamer" to me

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

I had no idea that Springsteen had even recorded this song until decades after hearing the Manfred Mann version on the radio. They are definitely very different takes on the same source. I'd say the Manfred version is my favorite.

[@scottdorfler2551]

I always thought M.M.E.B. wrote it, and Springsteen covered it. That's why I love this channel, I learn something useless every time I watch.

[@SuziQ.]

Nothing new learned, no matter how trivial, is useless. It could bump more useful information from your brain, but I’ll take that chance. Happy Holidays!

[@michaelenos8690]

Actually, the whole song was themed to Chopsticks, the background chorus continues the theme throughout.

[@auroraromano7404]

Agree I think the main keyboard riff that starts it and is the basis of the song is a variation of chopstix

[@ImZiraTheFirst]

I have always thought Manfred Mann’s version is far superior to the original. It is absolutely brilliant and 47 years later sounds just as incredible as it did when it came out in 1976.

[@JohnGatesIII]

One of my top 5 songs of ALL time. I NEVER get tired of this song. I can't explain WHY I Love this song, but It's ALWAYS been with me throughout my life.

[@wendyladybug355laurie4]

SAME Here!!!!I Listen To It Several Times A Week!!I Have It On ALL of My Playlists' ,But The BEST WAY To Rock Out To This Is Definitely While Hauling Ass On The Bike, Especially At Night, Wind Blowing Thru UR Hair,Wind Caressing Your Skin, The Stars' Lighting Up The Sky...... Just Did This The Other Night!!Merry Christmas, Happy New Year's 👼👼💝💝💃💃🌹🌹

[@harrychapin808]

"SPRINGSTEEN" wrote great lyrics in "BLINDED BY the LIGHT... but MANFRED MANN wrote music, that complemented those lyrics, with POWERFUL FEELING!! It's actually more of a combined effort than a cover. BUT legally, it's a cover.

[@tarantulady8565]

If I were them, playing that song live on a consistent basis & with SUCH a misunderstood word…I’d definitely have a massive electronic sign behind the stage that would light up those words every time the words were sung!😂🙌

[@joecorzine8057]

Professor of rock, thanks for clearing up the crazy lyric it’s been bothering me for 20 years plus. You did an amazing job like you always do keep up the great work!

[@erickrupa1748]

Wow. I never knew the real lyrics and I am blown away that this is a Springsteen song. So cool

[@42awww]

Professor, just want to tell you about the most disappointing lyric mistake I've ever made. For 35 years I had this picture in my mind of the first verse of Dylan's Tangled up in Blue. I had the most vivid picture in my mind of what I thought was the line. The verse says, "Split up on a dark, sad night". But, for so long I pictured a couple breaking up on the "docks that night". Having a cottage in Ontario, docks were everywhere, and I could see the image so clearly. Until one day I was glancing thru a Dylan songbook out of boredom bc I already knew ALL the lyrics. So I thought!

[@rzrbckmz23]

Check out Mann's version of "For You". I love their version. Never was a big hit but received some AOR play in 1980. Chris Thompson is a very good vocalist and was lead singer for group called Night and had a solo hit called "if You Remember Me' in the early 80s.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s a great singer.

[@adamtparker6515]

By personal experience Chris Thompson was money. If you have the MMEB's 'Chance' when Thompson sang ..blue Olds' on the liner notes it reads 'blue Walls' 😅. In case you are wondering the Olds in question was a slightly used 77 Cutlass which when it made its way to Fargo ND in 1981 and due to older auto-choke technologies at the time refused to start when air temps reached below zero and was traded in for a different Olds at the Overvolds dealership😊. In any event Boss stepped up his game and BITUSA was killer and was released 6/4/84 with his 1st concert for the 'Dancing In The Dark' filmed at the St. Paul Civic Center 6/28/84. BTW the 'chopsticks' solo shown using the Midnight Special footage was played on a Hammond B3. Unfortunately the only way in 1980 to get your hands on the 'Chance' album would be in West Germany according to Billboard charts. The US Catalog ID for MMEB's Chance BSK3498 meant it was ready for shipping Christmas 1980 but was shelved until 1981 following Bruce's 'The River'. Nielsen/Pierson's 'If You Should Sail' makes light of this issue which prompted the industry to give the studio pros a 'stern lecture'. But in the end the ultimate result is killer music from a great era. In case you are wondering Fleetwood Mac released a great live album (BSK 3500) and was available just in time to place as stocking stuffers Christmas 1980❤❤❤❤❤

[@jerrycarney1209]

Springsteen's bit on Storyteller is really funny, when he talks about it

[@marigoldenergy8512]

I love this song. So glad that I am not the only one who miss heard the lyrics. It wasn’t until I looked up the lyrics on the internet did I know what was actually being sung. Thank you for sharing this story of a great song from my childhood.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me too, I thought I was alone!

[@billkeithchannel]

I always sang "wrapped up like a douche" not revved.

[@harrychapin808]

Springsteen is NOTHING like "BOB DYLAN." I've never had a single thought where the 2 occupied simultaneously.

[@mournblade1066]

I had absolutely no idea that Springsteen never had a #1 hit. That's crazy.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

I would have thought one of the hits on Born in the USA would have too

[@michaelvandiver2475]

Dylan never had a #1 hit either...crazy huh? His highest charting song was also a cover version - All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix' version!

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@michaelvandiver2475 Like a Rolling Stone hit #1 in UK but never in the US, crazy to think

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What’s even more unbelievable is that Bob Dylan never went to #1 either! Also, Jimi Hendrix didn’t have a single top 10 hit. All Along the Watchtower #20 was the best he could do.

[@maxaroni15]

Dancing In The Dark was definitely robbed. I remember thinking Glory Days was on its way, but stalled at # 5.

[@jamesbullock9209]

I would get into arguments with my friends who swore up and down that Manfred Mann's version said, "Revved up like a douche, another roller in the night". I asked them if they were listening to themselves; those lyrics made absolutely no sense! It feels nice to be vindicated after all these years!

[@seanswinton6242]

Yes, Manfred Mann's Earth Band's "Blinded By The Light". I liked this song growing up. The keyboard part is what got me. Great band. I also loved their "Somewhere In Africa" album. Their version of "Demolition Man" and the song "The Runner". The second side of the album introduced me to African music before Paul Simon's "Graceland".

[@davejonnson3901]

Somewhere in Africa is one of my favorite albums no one seems to remember! Awesome start to finish.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The Runner is one of my personal favorites.

[@tmr626]

@seanswinton6242, the song "The Runner" was written by Canadian singer/songwriter Ian Thomas. Manfred Mann does do a better version. Ian also wrote the Santana song "Hold On" and does a great version himself. If you've never heard any Ian Thomas songs before he has a great catalog of AOR songs such as: 1) Painted Ladies 2) Pilot 3) Coming Home 4) Time Is A Keeper 5) Right Before Your Eyes 6) Come The Sun 7) Liars 8) Long Long Way 9) Stringin' A Line 10) Back To Square One 11) Levity. * Ian also formed the band called The Boomers. The song to look for is "One Little Word." * Hopefully you and the PoR commenters are looking to check out any new artists and might want to check out Ian's work. Enjoy!

[@clydecrashcup2708]

Ian Thomas also has the distinction of being the brother of Dave Thomas (SCTV star/"Great White North" character actor -- not the Dave Thomas who founded Wendy's Hamburgers).

[@tmr626]

@@clydecrashcup2708 Yea, I remember Dave. I think he was in the John Candy crowd too.

[@belle.m]

Actually didn’t know this was a Springsteen song. Thanks Professor! Learn something new in all your videos 😊

[@neilweinstock4194]

What I love about the Manfred Mann version is how it is such a complete reinvention of the song. How he could have listened to Springsteen's version and conceived his own is amazing to me. Even more impressive given how many remakes nowadays are basically just boring clones of the originals. "I came for you" was another good example.

[@algorerhythm7663]

Puddles Pity Party remake of Black Sabbath's War Pigs is different but awesome.

[@lunadawnlynn]

Absolutely love your Supertramp shirt! ❤️

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I know this song from your description. And I have made myself easily $3,500 for knowing the actual lyrics! This is on a few of my lists especially my Jams playlist.

[@JimiBurleigh]

It was never the word "deuce" that confused me about the lyrics to "Blinded By the Light". It took a few years to finally nail down: "Little Early Pearly came by In his Curly-Wurly And asked me if I needed a ride".

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks JIm.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Little Lolly Polly came by in his Collie Wollie and asked me if I needed a ride.

[@davidcimperman731]

As a teenager in 76/77 (13), the song really caught our attention. Although in retrospect, you can see Springsteen via the lyrics. I, like most, never knew it was a BOSS song till decades later. I grew up with the song, and still considered it one of my top 10 songs, on par with other classic songs from my generation, that ushered us from our teenage years into adulthood. Life in the Fast Lane, Night Moves, American Pie, Band on the Run, Go your own Way, and so on. Although Manfred Mann never had the commercial success on par with the giants of our generations music. Be it luck, chance, or simply the convergence of the right song, the right arrangement, with the right band behind it, has earned them a place in our history, as one of the most powerful songs of my generation. And YES, as what might today be called a gear head, I was well aware he says Duece. Even then.

[@debbie4503]

So Was I. How did people mix that up? 🤣

[@silverforest4682]

Yup, I figured it out cuz it didn't make sense otherwise.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

All classic songs.

[@davidcimperman731]

Our music was full of misheard lyrics. I'm sure I'm not the only one who sang "Don't Fear the Reefer"!

[@rino7789]

The professor needs to cover England Dan and John Ford Coley's "I'd Really Love To See You Tonight". It is another song with an often misunderstood lyric in it.

[@kerrygraham6301]

Maybe “I’m not talking bout moving in” which sounds to me like “not talking bout your linen”

[@rino7789]

@Anna Trail I'm not talking bout movin in. It is often thought he is saying either millennium or your linen.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I heard the right lyrics…”movin’ in”.

[@ritadyer9295]

@@kerrygraham6301 that’s actually one I “didn’t” mishear! I hear lyrics wrong all the time.

[@luisvillar8320]

Manfred Mann also covered Springsteen's "I came for you", a really rocking cool version of the song.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yes, great song!

[@BDogg2023]

A deuce. A ‘32 hot rod. Thirty deuce.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Okay, so they’re singing about the car!

[@TarynnElizabeth619]

This is definitely my favorite version of the song. Even though I love, Bruce Springsteen. Ironically, my mother has been friends with Steven Van Zandt since high school. She graduated when he was a freshman. She also went to school with Randi Heller, who played the mother in the karate kid.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Isn’t that crazy?!?!

[@TarynnElizabeth619]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 not really. Lol! My mom is actually still friends with Randi Heller, it’s been a while since she saw Steven Van Zandt. He actually showed up at her work one time when he was down in South Florida visiting friends. And they went out for lunch. That was about 15 years ago.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@TarynnElizabeth619 Wow. I wish I was friends with them.

[@robertsmalls3513]

Not to be confused with the Van Zant family that created Lynyrd Skynyrd lol

[@TomTobin67]

Most people also confuse Blinded by the light for another hit that Springsteen wrote and MM recorded For You.

[@davedennis6042]

I was in grade school when this was popular. The biggest shock I got just recently was when I found out Bruce Springsteen wrote it.

[@jimmyknight1609]

Yes he wrote and sang it , it's in his debut album Greetings from Asbury Park

[@colinrumford2265]

Blinded by the Light is the name of a 2019 film about a young Asian boy growing up in 1980s Luton who is inspired by Bruce's music.

[@magneto7930]

Manfred Mann's arrangement was much better than the original composition. They basically rewrote the whole musical structure and made it their own. It wasn't one of Springsteen's best songs until they made it into something much better than it was.

[@JanesDough855]

Manfred Mann was a great band during that era. I really like their "All the Young Dudes", a Bowie song. Its interesting that Mark Farner said he came up with "dudes", but actually, I think it was this band. Anyhoo, thanks for mentioning these guys. They were awesome!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The song was recorded by Mott the Hoople, a band associated with Bowie. What kind of band name is that?

[@JanesDough855]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yea, you're right. I get those two bands mixed up as they came out at the same time, about. Well, look at band names nowadays. P-Diddy? WTF is that?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@JanesDough855 Puff Daddy has too many nicknames, LOL.

[@JanesDough855]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yea, like 50 Cent. Its almost embarrassing. So is that kind of music, if you want to call it that. At least back in the day, bands actually played their instruments!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@JanesDough855 Tupac, 2Pac.

[@vermontdave1]

I was born in 69 my sister is five years older than me. The first two albums the i stole from her was The River, and the Beatles Rubber Soul. She forgave me.

[@ponzo1967]

🏆 for the most improved cover. The only song I can think of that is 100x better than the original. It is a testament to the writing of Springsteen tho but it took MM to really give it life.

[@nocturnaldruid2191]

I was in elementary school when Manfred Mann's version of this song was in the charts. We heard it as "duchinal". We had no idea what a duchinal was, but we loved the song.

[@Charlesb88]

When you mentioned Springsteen songs that were more popular as covers by other artists/bands, you forgot about “Because the Night” which Bruce wrote and attempted to record the song first in 1977 but didn’t like his version so he let Patti Smith add lyrics to it then record her version of the song that same year taking it all the way to #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 in the U.K. as well as helping her Easter albums become a mainstream success. Later the band Co.Ro had a top ten hit cover of the song in parts of Europe and South America in 1993. Followed that’s same year by 10,000 Maniacs whose live cover of the song from their MTV Unplugged album went to #11 in the U.S. The original Springsteen version didn’t see a official release until the 1986 box set set “Live/1975-85”.

[@nmbr6kid]

I am in awe of your delivery. I can’t tell what information is in your brain, off the cuff and what’s been gathered from research. You’re a total class act!!

[@sc100ott]

I actually thought Manfred Mann’s cover of Springsteen’s “For You” (1980) was just as good as “Blinded By The Light.” Both were vast improvements upon Springsteen’s originals, IMO.

[@jonserkspawn7776]

I agree with you bigtime!!

[@geoffsecombe]

Yep, that's a banger. The whole album's great.

[@17kcotsdoow86]

IMO Springsteen should have stuck to writing and leaving the performance to others clearly better suited to that job.

[@holydodo]

Totally agree!

[@lynnritchie70]

IMO ANYTHING is an improvement on Bruce's singing. should just been a writer.

[@paulshayter1113]

Wow! I forgot about Manfred Mann's Runner. Haven't heard that in 30+ years. Excellent song always thought that it had an Alan Parsons feel/sound to it.

[@adamtparker6515]

Ian Thomas Baby!!!

[@adamtparker6515]

Listen to Ian's 'Pilot' if you get a chance. One of the things I missed each time I traveled to Canada is some radio station up there would play it.

[@paulshayter1113]

@Adam T Parker , To me that has more of a Steely Dan sound/feel.

[@michelleapplegate9484]

My dad would wake my sister and I up every Saturday morning with this reel to reel tape he made of his favorite music. It had EVERYTHING on it! Started with the theme from 2001 A Space Odyssey and ended with Tired of Toein’ the Line by Rocky Burnett. But my two favorite songs on the tapes were American Pie by Don McLean and Manfred Manns version of Blinded by the Light. I still love that song; it’s my #3. Thanks for covering it! You know, I’ve gotten to the point where I hit “like” even before I know the song or group being covered and you never disappoint. Great content.

[@michelleapplegate9484]

Oh! And my favorite cover at the moment is Disturbed’s version of Sound of Silence. Great song. Deserved to come into the light again.

[@SuziQ.]

@@michelleapplegate9484 , Disturbed’s version of Land of Confusion is even better (much better than Peter Gabriel’s).

[@jamesoneavatar8644]

I love "Blinded by the Light" and "Spirits in the Night" by Manfred Mann's Earth Band. I never heard the original versions until recently

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They did a lot of cover songs.

[@stephenkehl7158]

Childhood memory- hearing the song on the radio, and on the outro the deejay screaming, “Deuce! Deuce! It’s clean! It’s clean!”

[@seantwomey396]

Going through misheard lyrics is fun and should be a show. Manfred Mann’s version of Blinded by the Light is a great rocker. I also like his versions of Spirit in the Night and For You. The Boss writes many great songs but sometimes others treat the songs less as stories and more as excuses to party. The excuse to party works for me.

[@LPerezDancer]

I was just starting to get into music when Bruce's debut came out and absolutely loved the Mann version when it was new. Funny thing is that I never got into Sprinsteen. Never understood anything he sang due to his slurring of words! LOL

[@ProfessorofRock]

HE's killer live!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Don’t worry! His raspy voice on his songs are part of the charm! 😝

[@LPerezDancer]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 dunno why I never cared for him. Tom Petty is the same. I get nothing out of it, and I have roughly a 10,000 album music collection

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@LPerezDancer YOU DON’T LIKE TOM PETTY? 🙊

[@LPerezDancer]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 sorry, music is a very personal thing. Though there is some Pop I like, usually I'm not into mainstream music

[@eauhomme]

Thanks for mentioning "Runner", Great forgotten song, and when you played that brief clip, you reminded me of the hidden gem.

[@camshaftP16]

Manfred Mann's Earth Band is an under rated band, so many great songs/albums have been done by them. The Watch album is my favorite. they did a cover of the Divinyls song Pleasure and pain that is good also.

[@susanc4622]

I have never understood the lyrics to that song but I always found the tune catchy. Now, you’ve explained it, I think it’s a shame that Springsteen’s slower version wasn’t popular.

[@jmichaelhpaul]

In addition to 7 hits, Born in the USA also launched the career of one Courtney Cox. Blinded By the Light is a classic, one of those rare songs that the ending doesn’t “match” the rest of the song. Others include: The Moody Blues Nights in White Satin and pretty much all of Pink Floyd’s The Wall.

[@adamtparker6515]

WOTS was Courtney was not all into Bruce's music at the time. I did find some fan posted on how she was around the area during filming. I just hope Courtney loved the St. Paul Civic Center vibe. Unfortunately the Civic Center was blown up in 1998 and was working at NSP (now Xcel Energy) and ran into some of the crews including a foreman who also was on the utility crew who help installed the utilities when the Civic Center was built back in 72 or so. The new arena is great and is still one of the best in the country some 20+ years later but the ol' arena had those nice padded orange seats which unless you pay the bucks for a suite now you havta settle for the hard plastic to catch an event.

[@stephenlackey5852]

I literally NEVER thought he was saying douche. It sounds like deuce, leaning on the sibilance for effect.

[@Rasperdan]

I think he also wrote "Because the Night" released by Patti Smith.

[@kellybarthel8060]

Later on in 80s manford mann's earth band put out both demolition man (later redone by Sting), and the runner used in the 84 Olympics it is IMHO their best song great to listen loud or in headphones great production!!

[@btchhopperou812]

Great one Adam! Funny how modest you are about even saying the 'D' word. You even looked to blush a bit talking about the whole controversy LOL- This story has always fascinated me and I appreciate you going deep into the 'all' of it. As teenagers back in the 80's, my friends and I certainly had the discussion of what he was actually 'saying' on many occasions. Not sure we ever got it quite right back then haha. Thanks for all you do to keep us entertained daily, have a great weekend. Much love!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. Thanks my friend!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

There’s a glaring reason why I refuse to talk about or play this song at school.

[@wukus1962]

I rock out every time this come on the radio!

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's a barnburner for sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a jammer!

[@steadfastneasy26]

@Professor of Rock The guitar break (that the radio edit cuts out) is easily as good as any other lead piece from any other song from any other time. Period.

[@icaleinns6233]

One of the BEST misunderstood lyrics EVER. I think my most favorite misunderstood lyric of all time, though, is "There's a bathroom on the right" 😂

[@larryoneill7432]

I know I’ll catch hell, and I know he wrote it, but Springsteen’s version sucks

[@nonewmsgs]

I love Springsteen but the Manfred mann's remake really brought it to life and is one of those few times the remake is better than the original

[@georgemathie8123]

Manfred Mann's Earth band is one of my all time favorite classic rock bands Chris Thompson is such an underrated vocalist.and also check out their cover of Ian Thomas's runner it rocks these guys did covers very well

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They did a cool cover.

[@georgemathie8123]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 if all you know by Manfred Mann's Earth band is blinded by the light then I can't recommend enough the rest of their catalog my favourites are solar fire, the roaring silence, nightingale and bombers, watch, and somewhere in Africa these are the albums to check out also for a fun fact Trevor Rabin was a guitarist for mmeb on their 1980 chance album and their drummer was Chris Slade who in the 80s would be in the short lived supergroup the firm with Paul Rodgers and Jimmy Page and in 1990 drum with AC/DC on their razors Edge album

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@georgemathie8123 Oh yes, I personally love their take on The Runner. And I remember The Firm! I was just listening to them the other day. Paul Rogers is awesome. Love that voice.

[@georgemathie8123]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 their album somewhere in Africa from 1983 has an amazing cover of Bob Marley's redemption song and is almost in sync with what Peter Gabriel did in the previous year with his security album which was world music combined with 80s progressive rock and the firm's 1985 debut a darn near perfect album and full of awesome songs I love money can't buy, closer and the sprawling 9 minute plus epic moonlight midnight from the album Paul Rodgers and Jimmy Page should've done more together they worked very well together

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@georgemathie8123 Oh yeah, with Shock the Monkey!

[@rayquintal403]

My buddy was asking Bruce advice on how to propose to his girlfriend. The record label he worked for threw a Hawaiian style party that had tiki touches near the bar and as he was in the mist of getting Springsteen words of wisdom. Bruce said to him your on fire, my friend Bill says back to him you want me to use your lyrics in a proposal. Bruce said “No” “I mean your on fire” my buddy set the back of his Hawaiian shirt on fire. His girlfriend even after this happened said yes to Bill’s request of her hand.

[@susandombrowski7711]

Thank you for filling in my very thin CD collection... I'm 65 and when I was divorced... He got the music. I prefer CDs because they represent A pic in time. Try so much for your deep guidance.... Speakin' to my heart!

[@gregcorricello8997]

I only learned the correct lyrics 10 years ago after misunderstanding them for decades!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I used to think this song was about a sexual innuendo based on my interpretation of the lyrics, “Wrapped up like a douche in the middle of the night”

[@randytessman6750]

First Professor I have to say how awesome that T-shirt is ! Was the first album I bought new from the record store, Lord is it mine is still one of my fav songs ever. Now for the song of the video ....... THANK YOU so damn much for this as I too thought it was douche not duce and actually lost a bet to that effect. I had wondered for decades why I thought it was one and not the other ....lol

[@PaulRamone356]

Love the live version of Manfred Mann

[@Harrisonm8]

Back in the 80's we had terrible sounding ghetto blasters and radios in comparison to today's audio equipment, but more importantly the sound was coming from AM radio's low quality, so distorted lyrics was a norm for us. Every single person I knew asked what he was saying and we all heard "wrapped-up like a douche". LOL and we all laughed. I remember putting my ear to the radio and listening intently trying to figure it out, only to give-up and admit that I still heard "douche". This was a time where we loved albums that had the full lyrics to songs, but that was rare. In the end It didn't make sense, but most of us just accepted what we thought we heard and sang along. My wife and I recently found your channel and we're enjoying going through the years of postings. Thanks for your passionate love for music that really comes through in your videos.

[@duromusabc]

Love this song Blinded By The Light - poetic lyrics by the Boss! The original version is a classic- The remake was also very good and is a classic in its own right too ! Great story behind this song Professor

[@pcno2832]

7:50 "Pretty Flamingo", Manfred Mann's #29 USA hit which went to #1 in the UK, was also written by an American, Marcus Barkan, a Brill Building writer who was later known as the musical director of the show "The Bannana Splits" ; Barkan wrote the show's famous "La La La .." theme, as well as "She's a Fool" for Lesley Gore.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Everything you could possibly ask about this song is covered here great job.Bruce is much like the Dylan of my era. The Boss could write a great lyrical song that other artists would take a different spin on and make a hit. I didn't know Bruce until Born To Run but I really did after, his live performances are outta this world! Great episode professor more Bruce!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks. This was a fun one to do!

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@Anna Trail lol, yes I see your point but the lyrics by both of them is fantastic street poetry and Bruce is a fantastic live performer he can Prove it All Night

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@Anna Trail the prices they are asking for some of these concerts is pricing me out. I will see some less popular bands first, I have tickets to see Billy Strings this spring, looking forward to that one

[@hbofbyu1]

@Anna Trail I had a Bob Dylan breakthrough in college when some of his music was blasting into my apartment from next door. It has taken me years for his art to unfold to me but the more I learn his songs in context the more I know he deserves the praise he gets.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@Anna Trail I hope your pup doesn't light up, lol, have a Merry Christmas!! It will all work out