Recommendations of the Editorial team
Bruce Springsteen once said about his political involvement: He only took part in a presidential election once – in 1972 he voted for the unfortunate George McGovern. His mother Adele had given the boy her maxim: “We are for the Democrats because they represent working people.”
In his autobiography, Springsteen writes that he never went to work a day. On the other hand, one of his records is called “Working On A Dream”. And that’s damn hard work.
In 1984, after Ronald Reagan praised the work of the “young man from New Jersey” on the song “Born In The USA,” Springsteen became somewhat sensitive to praise: “Only Republicans could misunderstand the song.” It tells the story of a Vietnam veteran who can’t find a job after returning home. Originally intended for Nebraska (1982), it became the title track of Springsteen’s most successful album.
Support for Democrats
1995’s The Ghost Of Tom Joad is about immigrants, border crossers and the decline of American cities; the title song is a variation on John Steinbeck’s “Grapes Of Wrath”: “I’ll be there, Ma.” Springsteen toured all by himself and performed these songs with acoustic guitar. He was the Tom Joad as Henry Fonda portrayed him in John Ford’s film.
Bruce Springsteen became a civil rights activist. He unsuccessfully supported John Kerry in the campaign against George Bush Jr. and then successfully supported Barack Obama in two elections. With Obama he published the book “Renegades,” which, contrary to the title, is a volume of state-sponsored conversations. During his time in office, Obama said, “I’m just the president, but he’s the boss.”
In 2000, Springsteen wrote the song “American Skin (41 Shots)” after African-American Amadou Diallo was shot by police officers as he reached for his wallet. The record “We Shall Overcome – The Seeger Sessions” (2005) brings together American traditionals, folk and work songs such as “Pay Me My Money Down” and “My Okalahoma Home” in the wake of the activist singer Pete Seeger. On “Wrecking Ball” (2012), Springsteen explores community and encouragement, such as “We Take Care of Our Own.”
Bruce Springsteen reacts darkly to Donald Trump
Then came Donald Trump, and Springsteen’s world darkened. On “Letter To You” (2020) he sings in “House Of A Thousand Guitars”: “The criminal clown has stolen the throne.” In Trump’s second term, Springsteen’s anger became more immediate. During a tour in Europe, he spoke on stage about the “corrupt” Trump. He in turn threatened the “talentless” Springsteen: Come home! He came home.
In the winter of 2026, after the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, Springsteen wrote the song “Streets Of Minneapolis.” A black and white photo of protesters holding signs that say “ICE out!” stands, illustrates the song that Springsteen recorded within days and immediately released. It is his only pure protest song, a report, an angry and bitter outcry. “We remember the names of those who died,” sings Springsteen.
“Their claim was self defense, sir,” he sings in the voice of the condemned man in the song “Nebraska.” It’s like the scenario at the end of “Jungleland,” except there’s no warm beer being drunk and no girl sitting on the hood. It’s freezing cold, it’s foggy. The ambulance drives away.
By the way, some say that Donald Trump was a Springsteen fan.
