The Music Show "I have seen rock and roll's future and its name is Bruce Springsteen": Born To Run at 50
Aug 24, 2025
Musician and academic Toby Martin, along with writer and critic Kerryn Goldsworthy, dive deep into Bruce Springsteen's iconic 'Born to Run,' celebrating its 50th anniversary. They explore the powerful themes of hope and escapism in tracks like ‘Thunder Road’ and ‘10th Avenue Freeze-Out.’ The discussion highlights the emotional resonance of Springsteen's lyrics, blending biblical imagery and American realities. Throughout, they reflect on Springsteen's masterful storytelling and the significant cultural impact of his music.
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First Encounter With Born To Run
- Kerryn Goldsworthy first heard Born to Run on Adelaide Student Radio in 1976 and was immediately blown away.
- She bought the album and the two previous records and lived on brown rice until her next scholarship check.
Unusual Instrumentation Shapes The Sound
- The album foregrounds piano, organ and unexpected instruments like glockenspiel to create its distinctive sound.
- The glockenspiel doubles lines and adds inventive studio colour that defines several tracks.
Brass And Soul Define Band Identity
- Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out channels soul and country horn arrangements as an autobiographical statement for Springsteen and the band.
- Stephen Van Zandt arranged brass parts that give the record its Muscle Shoals-influenced polish.
