The Promise (NYC, 78) (from Thrill Hill Vault 1976-1978)

[@adrianhoskins2752]

The rawest, most painful and most haunting version of one of the best rock songs ever written, performed by the greatest singer/songwriter in my 74 year lifetime. Music doesn't get any better than this. 45 years after it was first written, this studio take is still one of the greatest performances by any artist. So glad to be born when I was, and to experience this man's music, humanity and integrity.

[@mikecrimmins3519]

Agree 110%

[@nicomanroe]

Man, I wanna go back to the 70's even if I wasn't born back then. Bruce and the E street Band is pure magic.

[@harnold6597]

I found Bruce when Born in the USA album was released. Really great album but I think these older songs are really great ❤

[@1merlinti]

One of my all time favorites

[@StefanosKapiris]

No one can be compared to 70`s Springsteen.

[@MattSmith-iq1ld]

Oh, I can compare it. "Nebraska" - maybe his best record? The outtakes from the Born In The USA sessions. The best leftovers of any record he ever did. Those outtakes were written in the style of his 70's material. "This Hard Land," "Sugarland," "Richfield Whistle," "Murder Incorporated,," etc. I also feel that "Tunnel of Love" is brilliant. Then things started getting spotty, although I dug a lot of "Magic" and "The Rising."

[@moncorp1]

Springsteen is overrated. Lots of bands from the 70s were better.

[@kindnessfirst9670]

@@moncorp1 LOL !!!

[@kelseymariel2127]

@@MattSmith-iq1ld Nope. Nebraska was the first album I didn’t buy.

[@FAMILYREX-um3tb]

AMEN

[@lpquagmire3621]

The sobering moment you realize your dreams won't be coming true...

[@wayneealden6957]

One of the most heartfelt, beautiful and meaningful songs I have ever heard.

[@blueskydreams0731]

Same. The performance at the carousel ballroom in 2010 is my favorite. The look on Bruce’s face says it all.

[@reacher55]

It's beautiful

[@softladmachine]

Gonna take it all and throw it all away; The story of every man that ever lived. Hold back your tears until you're man enough to cry.

[@geneferguson1163]

Bruce said it should have been on the album. I agree. It should have been the title track. To me it's the greatest songs of betrayal ever.

[@chrislecompte4694]

you are right...and his voice here

[@MattSmith-iq1ld]

He didn't say it should have been on the album, but that it could have fit thematically (unlike many of the party songs that were being penned at the time). See The Promise documentary. In his words, it just hit too close to the bone. Also, in 1998, during the promotion for the Tracks box set, he felt the band never got a satisfactory take of the song. That's why he put that solo version (recorded in the late 90's) on the "18 Tracks" compilation. Bruce's singing on this version leaves a lot to be desired. He goes out of tune one too many times. His voice to totally hoarse. Time to call time Boss.

[@michaelduran9072]

@@MattSmith-iq1ld This is just a lousy vocal but the tempo of the song is how it should have been recorded--the recorded song is too bloated and sluggish, so the heart of the song is obscured. Obviously, Bruce knew it too and that's why he didn't release it. Not sure why they couldn't get it right. The definitive version is the acoustic piano on Tracks, which captures the regret, anger, and fatigue. It's revelatory. One of his best songs that needed no embellishment.

[@springbrookemusic]

Me too great great song

[@springbrookemusic]

I know he goes off key theres something bout The magic in this room tho

[@tommybjork2674]

One of the best he's ever written.....

[@manlyduckling]

Thou will know the worth of an artist by the strength of the songs he discards.

[@robforbes5814]

Bruce at his peak. Heartbreakingly beautiful!

[@elartaud]

The most pure, the 70s Springsteen, the interplay between the band... Just beautiful Rock and Roll music

[@margiedillard6012]

this is just epic! priceless! thanks so much for this amazing look at history in making! love these guys forver!!!!

[@alexreinert9330]

This song goes right through my heart and soul every time I hear it. Makes me look in the air and makes me think of all I've done wrong.....and I think that's a lot....

[@barneyfife7520]

I remember in 1982 I bought a bootleg cassette of a Bruce concert live from around 78/79 and it having this song on it. I didn't know what it was; it wasn't on any of his albums. So, I didn't know what the heck I was listen too - only that it was a great, haunting, epic song. I was always haunted by the ending part. I always thought it was one of the better songs he'd written. I don't know why he didn't release it on an album until 2010.

[@kathleenomeara9704]

Bruce telling us a story & not singing a poem. Words need not rhyme this time. 🌻

[@benchwarrant17]

This was January 12, 1978 with the new verse he wrote about "My daddy taught me how to walk". He worked on this song throughout January and February 1978. He finally decided in March to drop it from the track list. Oh, as of January 16, The Promise was set to be the last song on side 2.

[@amrak5028]

I am curious on your knowledge here? Your wisdom is welcomed by us die hard fans. Do you know anything about that Organ Danny was playing?

[@lelloz7444]

This song is fantastic and hearing such an old version is so magic and romantic but then you go to the piano version live in new york,that for me is the best version ,and you can understand how this incredible artist has kept getting better and better.........

[@jeff3781]

One of the greatest songs ever, one of the best versions Bruce ever played, every time I see Danny so young in this video, just crushes me.

[@lesleyvanzyl4333]

The thing that drew me to Bruce thru his music was not just the words. But the combination of the music. The tunes. And you hear it here in this song. If you never heard the words here the tunes would still grip you in the gut. That's how he is with me. He gutteral passion. The despair. Played out here in the voice. But when you hear this song on The Promise album you hear the same pain.

[@simona61amerighi]

dedicated to my best, best friend.... the man of my life ,,, who passed by, 02/07/14 love you big man.

[@fabionick4230]

Denny ... Big Man ... How Sad. Bruce you're the best, the big brother I never had. I love you

[@NEWKIDINTOWNMUSIC]

Getting so tired of overdubbing , so good to have musicians in the studio at the same time just like this..:-)

[@darrencolwell3705]

1978 was the pinnacle for this incarnation.

[@loriszatachetto6965]

You are so right...

[@benchwarrant17]

I also agree, I saw him July 5, 1978 Thank you God!

[@GrannySan-v9l]

I can see him/them in november

[@kelseymariel2127]

Gosh I miss that cute 70’s Bruce. Nothing short of hero worship for a 12 year old poetry loving girl.

[@richardyoung7415]

THIS IS JUST RAW BEAUTY. PEACE BE WITH YOU MY FRIEND'S. 🙏✌️😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@philipjannes8938]

Always go back to my Bruce bootlegs to listen to these classics! These tunes are timeless, and never get old!

[@Jef-sj6zc]

Bruce and the E Street Band where at their best in the seventies ; pure magic and played with such a feeling from the inside .....wish I could see a live concert back than being actually present .

[@michaeljadevaia6726]

The man the legend the ultimate rock and roll icon doing what he does best no one ever before him or ever to replaced by anyone Bruce is at his best playing this song. And how about federici and the big man in this video you believe its 40 plus years they been doing this??? Does not get any better

[@NevadaBoss]

Portrait of the Boss as a young artist.

[@corryjookit7818]

Betrayal leaves a ragged edge around your heart. Makes it so hard to feel free inside ever again. Bruce you brought it back.

[@wayneealden6957]

"when the promise was broken, I cashed in a few of my dreams"

[@tuninginfilms325]

I suppose he'd eschew the title, but Bruce is indeed a hero. His music has been a balm, and has helped slake that deep, empty thirst.

[@robertshields9663]

This planet is blessed

[@sauquoit13456]

'I cashed in a few of my old dreams' Haven't we all been there!!!

[@mrsuperbruce]

all my life I have fought the fight no man can ever win

[@GrannySan-v9l]

's what I call core 4..still passionately perfect 76-8 what they were doing when found

[@ivananovakova1431]

😮❤😊🎶🎤🎸💞😘

[@francescolevorato7272]

Just beautiful.... Everybody perfect...seems really close to A little miracle ...

[@mrsuperbruce]

How dare any of you question a genius. Boss is the Boss for a reason. He knows best. Love you Bruce Bruce Wouters

[@magenta4769]

How i wish I was born in the 50's then I would have seen Bruce and E street band during the 70"s ... what a beautiful song

[@carolsnead6740]

True song !

[@magla345]

i was living this song, along about the time he wrote it. it was not a great way to live. but i am glad he wrote it.

[@johnmarlega38]

This song is what Bruce is all about kept it off of darkness to much bitterness

[@marievictoria8728]

Beautiful

[@claudemonete1271]

😍DIVINE BAND MY BRUCE FRIEND LOVELY SONG❤💙💛🎸🎶🎧

[@CameoCollections]

Wow he touches my soul with this song.

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

Remarkable indeed...

[@H-mv2jp]

I had no chance of knowing the 1970’s Bruce, living in the U.K., so l am doubly glad for these old videos. Thank you for posting them, they give me great pleasure.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@gordonarmour9221]

Fooking brilliant...been following the dude since 1974....so many unreleased classics.

[@SantoshKuppens]

This song sounds so complete. Thank you for sharing this gem, it makes life a bit better :)

[@jessicanunez8348]

Claudia

[@francescodemojana8410]

1978 the most epic tour!!!

[@Nogoodboyox]

What can you say....just beautiful...Thankyou Bruce

[@jason053072]

Thank you Bruce for this song

[@brokenspell4851]

Love these old raw videos.

[@robertshields9663]

Love this version the most

[@tobydavidson4353]

very special. love you Bruce and ESB. epic song that found its place along the journey which continues...

[@Vandenolan]

Just as usual the best there is, perfect giving everything, always keeping it real, followed this guy for over 30 years, he makes it all worth while..

[@michellehalpin7995]

Love Bruce's young vocals, Stevie is a great guitar player💕..all the boys so young so full of ...promise❤

[@brianbrick4110]

My favorite Springsteen song. Saw him do it several times on the "Chicken Scratch" tour before Darkness - the best he's ever been. This is a great video!!

[@martonno]

They're so young and so cute!😍

[@sheiladuckworth180]

Thank you Bruce

[@J.A.Hansen]

1000 % Truth transformed in music,lyrics and human emotions.And so is the music of Springsteen.It is all about when people get together and have faith in each other and things turned the other way.How do go on when you put your trust in persons close to you and you find out that they double dealing? You go on but it is like a needle in your heart.So it is a gift from the universe that god gave rock an d Roll to us.Music is a healer and the best friend you can have when the world left you brokenhearted. Music is the langua ge of the angels to kick ass and let us shaking off the dust to pick up the pieces and try to start with every new day born again🔝🎸🎙🙏

[@sighswoons]

I still don't see how this didn't make the album.

[@veraburesova504]

Beautiful, beautiful voice back then and thank you very much for letting me share it.🤩👍

[@CasalMajere]

This song is just perfect

[@valquiriabueno5414]

Lindo como sempre Bruce é maravilhoso 🎸🎤🤴💘💘💘 beautiful as always Bruce is wonderful 🎸🎤🤴💘💘💘

[@carolsnead6740]

Lovely

[@mcombe4]

even the songs the boss didnt think were good enough for darkness are better than music today

[@bridgetriley8242]

Definitely

[@matts4240]

This is so beautiful.

[@draghitatismanaru837]

This song is magic just brilliant

[@joanneomeara319]

Wow, beautiful!!

[@marclamers1856]

always makes me cry

[@matteod.3193]

so much love for this song

[@jamesfellers3151]

To discover after all these years that BS&TESB were recording DOTEOT using the same $10 Sony black plastic and yellow foam headphones I was listening and marveling and crying and singing to...Consider my smile...

[@no1streams]

wonderful performing

[@jamesfellers1673]

I had the same black plastic and yellow foam Sony headphones when I first listened to Darkness on the Edge of Town. And I Got It before I was through side one...

[@mrsuperbruce]

every day it gets harder to believe in the dream I am believing in

[@mrsuperbruce]

AMAZING!

[@kathleenomeara9704]

The raw before studio version 3. The genius of mixing but must have the genius of the creator. ❤

[@bohotc]

and when the truth is spoken and it makes no difference.............

[@mrsuperbruce]

Go Danny ! RIP

[@marisaarevalo6311]

Que hermosa canción ,es un capo Bruce 😍🎸

[@CommonsPiliers]

Thanks........ u help me to remember my America!!!! Thanks!

[@anelladambrosio2513]

Che bel video!!! Bruce giovanissimo ! Con la sua bellissima band!!!!😅😀😍😘🎸🎸💎🎷🎶🎶🎶💋💓💓♥️

[@davidetagliabue]

All my life, I fought that fight The fight that you can't win ....My Bruce...

[@claudiacampos3391]

Que canção mais linda, que voz fantástica! Você é incrível não tem outro igual ! Lindo demais te amo

[@jeremydavidson9194]

Just a few too many beers before this take. But the song itself is the best. Playing is great too.

[@cam-the-bassist]

Steve looks so cool with his tracksuit jacket and bandana. Great song I can't believe this didn't make it onto darkness

[@billowen4357]

This says all; it doesn't get rawer. Or truer.

[@cpamikie]

Disk # 3 of the original, 4-disk "Tracks" album is amazing, too!

[@daniellefrack8756]

Super 💗

[@allyratcliffe180]

Brilliant. Xx

[@MannBrothersFilms]

Classic.

[@xavierdg]

Ostres primera vegada veig un a grabacio així..... Bonisssim

[@brigettepalumbodimino7073]

So very cool! It's so easy to be repetitive with the Boss 😍love it, cool stuff 😍😍

[@szikchillypaddeh]

I'm sitting in the classroom, and should be doing math, but I just had to listen to the Boss..! Love his earlier songs. =)

[@mantelimwindsiegmar721]

as he wrote later, one learns more from 3:30 than in school...

[@BritishGentlemen]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOSS!

[@rafaelfernandesdeabreu6928]

Obrigado, Springsteen!

[@CosminNeagu]

The 'my daddy taught me' verse is missing in the released song, but I think that they used this take for the instrumental.

[@934johno]

tough watching danny oh to be that young again thank god for u tube

[@elescondrijodelostuertos4779]

Una genialidad (más) del Boss