BORN IN THE U.S.A. 
Album version
Born down in a dead man's town
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground
You end up like a dog that's been beat too much
Till you spend half your life just covering up now
Born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A., now
Got in a little hometown jam
So they put a rifle in my hand
Sent me off to a foreign land
To go and kill the yellow man
Born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A., yeah
Born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
Come back home to the refinery
Hiring man says, "Son if it was up to me"
Went down to see my V.A. man
He said, "Son don't you understand now"
Oh yeah
Oh no
No no no
I had a brother at Khe Sahn fighting off them Viet Cong
They're still there, he's all gone
He had a woman he loved in Saigon
I got a picture of him in her arms now
Down in the shadow of the penitentiary
Out by the gas fires of the refinery
I'm ten years burning down the road
Nowhere to run, ain't got nowhere to go
Born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A., now
Born in the U.S.A.
I'm a long gone Daddy in the U.S.A., now
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
I'm a cool rocking Daddy in the U.S.A., now
No no no
No no no no
No no no
No no no no
Whoa!
Oh no no
Whoa!
Yeahhh...
Whoa!
One, two, three, four!
PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Info
BORN IN THE U.S.A. is a song written by Bruce Springsteen and released on his 1984 album Born In The U.S.A.. The above lyrics are for Bruce Springsteen's album version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. as released in 1984.
The album version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was included on the Greatest Hits (1995 edition) compilation album, The Essential Bruce Springsteen (both 2003 and 2015 editions) compilation album, the Greatest Hits (2009 editions) compilation album, the Collection: 1973-2012 compilation album, the Chapter And Verse compilation album, the Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits- compilation album, and the Best Of Bruce Springsteen compilation album.
Another studio version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. (the official studio version) was first released on the Tracks box set in 1998.
Writing and Recording
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Born In The U.S.A.
Born In The U.S.A. is Bruce Springsteen's seventh studio album. It was released on 04 Jun 1984 on Columbia Records. It was recorded between January 1982 and February 1984 at The Hit Factory and The Power Station in New York City, NY.
Bruce Springsteen -- Born In The U.S.A.
The album features 12 tracks and clocks at 46:57. It is produced by produced by Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, Bruce Springsteen, and Steven Van Zandt.
Music Video
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The music video for BORN IN THE U.S.A. was included on the Video Anthology / 1978-88 home video and the Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits- compilation album. It was posted on Bruce Springsteen's VEVO YouTube channel in March 2011.
Single Release
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Bruce Springsteen -- Born In The U.S.A.
12" single - CBS (A 12-4920) - Holland, 1984
A1- BORN IN THE U.S.A. [The Freedom mix]
B1- BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Dub]
B2- BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Radio]
Bruce Springsteen -- Born In The U.S.A.
12" single - Columbia / CBS (BA 12112) - New Zealand, 1984
A1- BORN IN THE U.S.A. [The Freedom mix]
B1- BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Dub]
B2- BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Radio]
Bruce Springsteen -- Born In The U.S.A.
7" single - CBS / Sony (07SP 850) - Japan, 1984
Comes with a picture insert. Promotional copies are identical to the commercial ones with the exception of "NOT FOR SALE / SAMPLE" (in Japanese) imprint above the catalogue number on the labels.
A1-
BORN IN THE U.S.A.
B1-
SHUT OUT THE LIGHT
Bruce Springsteen -- Bruce Springsteen
12" EP - CBS (SAMPLER 93) - Australia, 1984
Promotional EP. The Australian pressing comes in a unique picture sleeve totally different from the remaining pressings of this EP. It also has two tracks on side A and three tracks on side B instead of one track and four tracks respectively as on the remaining pressings.
A1-
BORN IN THE U.S.A.
A2-
SHUT OUT THE LIGHT
B1-
PINK CADILLAC
B2-
JERSEY GIRL [Live 09 Jul 1981 version]
B3-
SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN [Live 12 Dec 1975 version]
Video Anthology Home Video
Video Anthology / 1978-88 is a collection of 18 Bruce Springsteen music videos and concert performances, released on VHS on 31 Jan 1989. The home video was also released on LaserDisc.
Bruce Springsteen -- Video Anthology / 1978-88 (USA VHS cover art)
Bruce Springsteen -- Video Anthology / 1978-88 (USA LaserDisc cover art)
Bruce Springsteen -- Video Anthology / 1978-88 (Japan LaserDisc cover art)
- ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) [Live 08 Jul 1978 version] — originally released in 1978, directed by Arnold Levine
- THE RIVER [Live 21 Sep 1979 version] — originally released in 1980, directed by Danny Goldberg, Julian Schlossberg, Anthony Potenza
- THUNDER ROAD [Mix of live 21 Sep 1979 version and live 22 Sep 1979 version] — originally released in 1980, directed by Danny Goldberg, Julian Schlossberg, Anthony Potenza
- ATLANTIC CITY — originally released in 1982, directed by Arnold Levine
- DANCING IN THE DARK — originally released in 1984, directed by Brian De Palma
- BORN IN THE U.S.A. — originally released in 1984, directed by John Sayles
- I'M ON FIRE — originally released in 1985, directed by John Sayles
- GLORY DAYS — originally released in 1985, directed by John Sayles
- MY HOMETOWN [Live 30 Sep 1985 version] — originally released in 1985, directed by Arthur Rosato
- WAR [Live 30 Sep 1985 version] — originally released in 1986, directed by Arthur Rosato
- FIRE [Live 13 Oct 1986 version] — originally released in 1986
- BORN TO RUN [Live 19 Aug 1985 version] — originally released in 1987, directed by Arthur Rosato
- BRILLIANT DISGUISE — originally released in 1987, directed by Meiert Avis
- TUNNEL OF LOVE — originally released in 1987, directed by Meiert Avis
- ONE STEP UP — originally released in 1988, directed by Meiert Avis
- TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 27 Apr 1988 version] — originally released in1988, directed by Meiert Avis
- SPARE PARTS [Live 10 Jul 1988 version] — originally released in 1988, directed by Carol Dodds
- BORN TO RUN [Live 27 Apr 1988 version] — originally released in 1988, directed by Meiert Avis
Sonny reissued the video on DVD on 16 Jan 2001. Titled The Complete Video Anthology / 1978-2000, the new expanded release added a second disc with 15 additional music video, concert performances, and television appearances.
Bruce Springsteen -- The Complete Video Anthology / 1978-2000 (DVD cover art)
Disc 1:
- ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) [Live 08 Jul 1978 version] — originally released in 1978, directed by Arnold Levine
- THE RIVER [Live 21 Sep 1979 version] — originally released in 1980, directed by Danny Goldberg, Julian Schlossberg, Anthony Potenza
- THUNDER ROAD [Mix of live 21 Sep 1979 version and live 22 Sep 1979 version] — originally released in 1980, directed by Danny Goldberg, Julian Schlossberg, Anthony Potenza
- ATLANTIC CITY — originally released in 1982, directed by Arnold Levine
- DANCING IN THE DARK — originally released in 1984, directed by Brian De Palma
- BORN IN THE U.S.A. — originally released in 1984, directed by John Sayles
- I'M ON FIRE — originally released in 1985, directed by John Sayles
- GLORY DAYS — originally released in 1985, directed by John Sayles
- MY HOMETOWN [Live 30 Sep 1985 version] — originally released in 1985, directed by Arthur Rosato
- WAR [Live 30 Sep 1985 version] — originally released in 1986, directed by Arthur Rosato
- FIRE [Live 13 Oct 1986 version] — originally released in 1986
- BORN TO RUN [Live 19 Aug 1985 version] — originally released in 1987, directed by Arthur Rosato
- BRILLIANT DISGUISE — originally released in 1987, directed by Meiert Avis
- TUNNEL OF LOVE — originally released in 1987, directed by Meiert Avis
- ONE STEP UP — originally released in 1988, directed by Meiert Avis
- TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 27 Apr 1988 version] — originally released in1988, directed by Meiert Avis
- SPARE PARTS [Live 10 Jul 1988 version] — originally released in 1988, directed by Carol Dodds
- BORN TO RUN [Live 27 Apr 1988 version] — originally released in 1988, directed by Meiert Avis
Disc 2:
- HUMAN TOUCH — originally released in 1992, directed by Meiert Avis
- BETTER DAYS — originally released in 1992, directed by Meiert Avis
- 57 CHANNELS (AND NOTHIN' ON) — originally released in 1992, directed by Adam Bernstein
- LEAP OF FAITH [Live 06 Aug 1992 version] — originally released in 1992, directed by Meiert Avis
- STREETS OF PHILADELPHIA — originally released in 1993, directed by Jonathan Demme and Ted Demme
- MURDER INCORPORATED — originally released in 1995, directed by Jonathan Demme
- SECRET GARDEN — originally released in 1995, directed by Peter Care
- HUNGRY HEART [Live 09 Jul 1995 version] — originally released in 1995, directed by Rudi Dolezal and Hannes Rossacher
- DEAD MAN WALKIN' — originally released in 1196, directed by Tim Robbins
- THE GHOST OF TOM JOAD — originally released in 1996, directed by Arnold Levine
- THE GHOST OF TOM JOAD [Live 27 Nov 1995 version] — from The Tonight Show With Jay Leno
- HIGHWAY PATROLMAN — previously unreleased, directed by Sean Penn
- IF I SHOULD FALL BEHIND [25 Sep 1999 sound-check version] — previously unreleased, directed by Jonathan Demme
- BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 20 Nov 1998 version] — from The Charlie Rose Show
- LIFT ME UP — audio only, plays over end credits
- SECRET GARDEN [with Strings] — previously unreleased, directed by Peter Care
Greatest Hits 1995 Edition
Greatest Hits (1995 edition) is a collection of some of Bruce Springsteen's hit singles and popular album tracks through the years, in addition to four previously unreleased songs, three of which were recorded with the E Street Band in 1995 — Springsteen's first release with his backing band since the late eighties. Some of the songs on Greatest Hits are shorter versions of the original album releases.
In 1994, Bruce Springsteen recorded an album with members of the 1992-1993 touring band. His manager Jon Landau wasn't a fan of the project and recommended shelving it and focusing more on a "career overview". This lead to the Greatest Hits sessions with the E Street Band in 1995. Springsteen called the band in early January to record some new songs for the album and they assembled for the recording sessions on 09 Jan 1995 at The Hit Factory in New York City, NY. The sessions, which lasted about ten days, were the band's first studio reunion in 11 years (since the Born In The U.S.A. sessions) and their first ever with Nils Lofgren.
Bruce Springsteen -- Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits was released on 27 Feb 1995 on Columbia Records. It was commercially successful, debuting at #1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 where it stayed on the chart for 32 weeks. It also peaked at #1 in Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many European countries. By 2008 the album had sold more than four million copies in the United States.
In 2013, Sony Music reissued the album in Venezuela as part of its Star Collection series, which was made exclusively for the Venezuelan market via Sony Music Venezuela in 2013. The album is titled after the series and features totally different artwork. Just like on Greatest Hits, the songs are shorter versions of the original album releases.
Bruce Springsteen -- Star Collection
CD - Sony Music (001) - Venezuela, 2013
The Essential Bruce Springsteen
The Essential Bruce Springsteen is a compilation album released as part of Sony BMG'S (previously Sony Music Entertainment) series of "Essential" sets. According to Springsteen's liner notes comments, the collection was intended as an introduction to his music for new fans who attended shows on The Rising Tour.
The collection is fundamentally a 2-disc set (clocking at 153:37) compiling songs from all of Springsteen's studio albums to date plus his Live In New York City release. A 3-disc limited edition (clocking at 201:04) was also released. It includes a bonus third disc comprising of a selection of rarities and previously unreleased recordings.
The Essential Bruce Springsteen was released on 11 Nov 2003 on Columbia Records. It debuted and peaked at #14 on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart where it spent 13 weeks. It also reached #28 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was awarded certified gold and platinum records by the RIAA on 16 Dec 2003.
Bruce Springsteen -- The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2003 edition)
The Essential Bruce Springsteen was reissued on 16 Oct 2015, this time as a 2-disc set (clocking at 156:25) with an updated track list, compiling songs from all of Springsteen's studio albums to date plus his Greatest Hits (1995 edition) collection. This 2015 reissue features remastered tracks not found in that form on other Springsteen releases.
Bruce Springsteen -- The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2015 edition)
Greatest Hits 2009 Edition
Greatest Hits (2009 edition) is a compilation album released by Columbia Records on 13 Jan 2009 in the United State where it was sold exclusively through Wal-Mart retailers. The album was also released (but non-exclusively) in Canada. Unlike the 1995 Greatest Hits release and The Essential Bruce Springsteen in 2003, this compilation was billed to "Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band" instead of just "Bruce Springsteen". The album contains 12 previously released studio tracks and clocks at 53:08.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Greatest Hits (2009 USA edition)
On 01 Jun 2009, Columbia Records released a European edition of the compilation album with an alternative track listing to promote Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's European leg of the Working On A Dream Tour. The European edition was also released in Israel and Mexico, and in Australia in August 2009. The album comes in a standard jewel case, but a limited digipack edition was also released in Europe. Greatest Hits (2009 European edition) contains 16 previously released studio tracks and 2 live bonus tracks taken from the Live/1975-85 box set. It clocks at 79:03.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Greatest Hits (2009 Europe edition)
The album charted in several countries, but only made it to # 1 in Sweden. In general, the album did much better in Europe than in North America.
Collection: 1973-2012
Collection: 1973-2012 is a Bruce Springsteen compilation album released on Columbia Records in 2013. It was released on 08 Mar 2013 in Australia and 15 Apr 2013 in Europe. The compilation was not released commercially in the United States. Instead, a promotional version was given out exclusively to $1,500 ticket holders at the "MusiCares Person Of The Year" tribute event held in Los Angeles, CA, on 08 Feb 2013. The event honoured Springsteen for both his artistic achievements and philanthropic efforts. The compilation consists of 18 previously released studio tracks.
Bruce Springsteen -- Collection: 1973-2012
Chapter And Verse
Chapter And Verse is a Bruce Springsteen compilation album released on Columbia Records on 23 Sep 2016 in the U.S. It was officially announced on 28 Jul 2016. The album is an audio companion to Springsteen's autobiography Born To Run, which was published four days later, on 27 Sep 2016, by Simon & Schuster.
The album is a career retrospective consisting of 18 tracks. It spans almost half a century of Springsteen's career, from as early as 1966. According to the press release, Springsteen selected the songs to reflect the themes and sections of the autobiography. The first five tracks have not been previously released.
Tracks 1 and 2 are from The Castiles era, track 3 is from the Steel Mill era, and track 4 is from The Bruce Springsteen Band era. Tracks 5 and 6 are Springsteen solo, from around the time he signed his record deal with CBS. The remaining 12 tracks are compiled from 12 different Bruce Springsteen studio albums, from 1973 to 2012. All song were written by Bruce Springsteen, except tracks 1 (co-written by Bruce Springsteen and George Theiss) and track 2 (written by Willie Dixon). Track 2 is only song on the album recorded live.
Bruce Springsteen -- Chapter And Verse
Chapter And Verse is available as a single-disc CD and as a double-disc LP, as well as digital download and streaming.
Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits-
Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits- is a Bruce Springsteen compilation album released by Sony Music Japan in 2023. The compilation, which was exclusively released in Japan, consists of previously released 35 audio tracks and 62 video tracks. The collection is part of a 26-title reissue campaign to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen's debut album. The series, issued in three waves (25 Oct 2023, 22 Nov 2023, and 20 Dec 2023), includes 25 albums originally released between 1973 and 2014 plus a new compilation album that includes all of Springsteen's singles released in Japan from 1975 to 1999. All audio CD's were manufactured using Sony Japan's Blu-spec CD2 format.
Bruce Springsteen -- Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits-
Best Of Bruce Springsteen
Best Of Bruce Springsteen is a compilation album released on Columbia Records on 19 Apr 2024. The album is collection of original songs spanning Springsteen's entire career, from 1973 to 2020. The release was officially announced on 01 Mar 2024.
Two variants of the album were released: the 18-track physical releases and an expanded 31-track download-only version. The physical releases include a single-disc CD and as a two-disc LP set. Four editions of the vinyl release were issued: a regular edition on black vinyl, an Atlantic Blue vinyl exclusive to Europe, a Highway Yellow vinyl exclusive to independent retailers, and a Jersey Devil Red vinyl exclusive to Amazon Music.
Bruce Springsteen -- Best Of Bruce Springsteen
Other Official Releases
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Bruce Springsteen / Little Steven -- Born In The U.S.A. / Voice Of America
LP - AFRTS (unknown catalog number) - USA, 1984
US-only LP distributed by the U.S. military's "Armed Forces Radio And Television Service" for library rental at overseas Army bases. Side one contains four tracks from Springsteen's
Born In The U.S.A. album and side two contains four tracks from Steven Van Zandt's
Voice Of America album. The disc comes in a plain cardboard sleeve.
Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest
CD - Columbia (XPCD 192) - UK, 1992
UK-only promotional CD sampler issued in limited quantities to tie in with the 1992 Wembley shows and contains 16 tracks from Springsteen's albums up to 1992.
Bruce Springsteen -- Bruce Springsteen
CD - Sony (XDDP 93084) - Japan, 1992
Japan-only promotional CD sampler compiling 16 tracks from Springsteen's studio albums up to 1992.
Bruce Springsteen -- A Whole Bunch Of Bruce Springsteen
MC - Sony (XCTS 92005) - Japan, 1992
Japan-only promotional cassette tape sampler compiling 12 tracks from Springsteen's studio albums up to 1992.
Bruce Springsteen -- Interview With Bruce Springsteen
2xCD - Columbia (SAMPCD 3184 9) - Germany, 1996
Germany-only promotional 2-CD set featuring 16 Springsteen tracks interspersed with segments from an exclusive interview for German radio station "Radio Eins" conducted in Los Angeles in February 1996.
Bruce Springsteen -- Bruce Springsteen (1984 - 1993)
CD-R - Sony (no catalog number) - Japan, 2005
Japan-only promotional "Digest" CD-R advance sampler tying in with the release of the second batch of the Japanese 2005 "mini-LP"-style Springsteen CD album reissues. This disc comes in a plain slimline jewel case with no artwork.
Bruce Springsteen -- Chapter And Verse Sampler
CD-R - Columbia / Sony Music (no catalog number) - Brazil, 2016
Brazil-only radio sampler compiling four tracks from
Chapter And Verse plus five radio promo spots.
The album version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. also appears on some various artists albums.
Various artists -- Danke '85
LP - CBS (07-001985-20) - Germany, 1986
Promotional sampler.
Various artists -- Top Of CBS
MC - CBS Special Products (SAMP MC 1254) - France, 1988
Promotional sampler.
Various artists -- Laatste Sony Music Elpee
LP - Columbia (SAMPLP5239) - Holland, 1998
This promotional sampler is the last record that was pressed at Sony's vinyl pressing plant (the SonyMusic International Manufacturing and Service Center) in Haarlem, The Netherlands, before the facility was shut down at the end of March 1998. The record, which was pressed on heavy 180-gram vinyl, was manufactured in limited quantities and was exclusively distributed among employees of the facility to commemorate the occasion. In June 1998, Record Industry took over the vinyl manufacturing process which is still active in the very same plant.
Various artists -- Air - Amazon Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
LP - Legacy (19658814921) - USA, 2023
CD - Legacy (19658814942) - USA, 2023
Cassette - Legacy (19658814954) - USA, 2023
Other versions of BORN IN THE U.S.A. were also officially released.
The
live 05 Aug 1984 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the
Brendan Byrne Arena, New Jersey 1984 official live download in 2015.
The live 06 Aug 1984 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena August 6, 1984 official live download in 2020.
The live 20 Aug 1984 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena, NJ August 20, 1984 official live download in 2015.
The live 27 Sep 1985 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Sept 27, 1985 official live download in 2019.
The
live 13 Oct 1986 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was first released on
The Bridge School Concerts: 25th Anniversary Edition album and home video in 2011.
The live 28 Mar 1988 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Joe Louis Arena, Detroit 1988 official live download in 2020.
The
live 23 Apr 1988 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the
LA Sports Arena, California 1988 official live download in 2015.
The live 28 Apr 1988 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Los Angeles, April 1988 official live download in 2021.
The live 23 May 1988 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Madison Square Garden 1988 official live download in 2019.
The live 03 Jul 1988 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Stockholm Stadion, Sweden 1988 official live download in 2017.
The live 25 Jul 1992 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Meadowlands July 25, 1992 official live download in 2019.
The live 13 Dec 1992 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Boston 13/12/92 official live download in 2021.
The live 24 Jun 1993 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena, New Jersey June 24, 1993 official live download in 2018.
The
live 08 Dec 1995 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the
Columbia Records Radio Hour Part 1 & 2 radio show in 1995.
The live 19 Mar 1996 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the King's Hall, Belfast March 19, 1996 official live download in 2017.
The live 08 Nov 1996 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Freehold, NJ 1996 Saint Rose Of Lima School Gym official live download in 2018.
The live 24 Nov 1996 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Asbury Park 11/24/96 official live download in 2019.
The live 18 May 1997 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Nice, France 1997 official live download in 2021.
The live 01 Jul 2000 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Live In New York City album and home video in 2001.
The live 16 Jun 2003 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Helsinki June 16, 2003 official live download in 2018.
The live 22 Nov 2005 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Sovereign Bank Arena, Trenton, NJ 2005 official live download in 2019.
The live 20 Oct 2009 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA 10/20/09 official live download in 2017.
The live 28 Jul 2012 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Gothenburg July 28, 2012 official live download in 2020.
The live 31 Jul 2012 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Olympiastadion, Helsinki July 31, 2012 official live download in 2017.
The live 11 Jul 2013 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Ippodromo Delle Capannelle, Rome 2013 official live download in 2015.
Live History: on-tour
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In preparation for Springsteen On Broadway, BORN IN THE U.S.A. was performed during all of the tour's three known private rehearsal shows that took place in September 2017 in West Long Branch, NJ, and New York City, NY, and during both of the tour's known private rehearsal shows that took place in June 2021 in New York City, NY.
BORN IN THE U.S.A. was performed 268 times during Springsteen On Broadway (268 dates, October 2017 to December 2018 and June to September 2021). On this tour, the song was played solo on 12-sting guitar with a bottleneck slide. The live July 2018 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was released on the Springsteen On Broadway album in 2018.
Live History: off-tour
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BORN IN THE U.S.A. was performed off-tour on 13 Oct 1986 at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA, during the first annual Bridge School Benefit. The song was played in a solo acoustic arrangement. The live 13 Oct 1986 version of BORN IN THE U.S.A. was first released on The Bridge School Concerts: 25th Anniversary Edition album and home video in 2011.
BORN IN THE U.S.A. was performed off-tour on 11 Nov 2014 at National Mall in Washington, DC, during The Concert For Valor. The song was performed in a solo acoustic arrangement. See the live 11 Nov 2014 version for more details.
Bruce Springsteen has been performing on almost all the annual Stand Up for Heroes benefits since 2007. BORN IN THE U.S.A. was performed during the eighth (2014) annual benefit. The song was played solo acoustic.
Appearance in Movies
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Mask
It was used in the 1985 film
Mask, directed by Peter Bogdanovich and starring Cher, Sam Elliott, and Eric Stoltz. The song was not included in the film's soundtrack album.
The movie originally featured extensive use of Springsteen's music in the soundtrack, including:
BADLANDS,
THUNDER ROAD,
THE PROMISED LAND,
THE RIVER, and
BORN IN THE U.S.A.. The music was used to set a timeline for the story, and Springsteen is a favorite of Roy "Rocky" Dennis, about whom the story is based. By the time the movie was released to theaters, the Springsteen element had to be stripped down (against the director's will) and replaced by Bob Seger songs. A new director's cut was released on DVD from Universal Studios in September 2004, and is seven minutes longer with the original Bruce Springsteen songs score restored. "Now it exists in the form it should have been 20 years ago," Bogdanovich told ESPN. "I think you'll find it a much better picture." Bogdanovich also discusses the Springsteen element in a commentary track on the DVD.
Air
It was used in the 2023 film Air, directed by Ben Affleck and starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis. The song was also included on the film's soundtrack album.
BORN IN THE U.S.A. plays during the film's epilogue. The song was also discussed in the film, about an hour in. Rob Strasser, played by Jason Bateman, asks Sonny Vaccaro, played by Matt Damon, if he knows "that new, uh, Springsteen song, 'Born in the U.S.A.'," to which Vaccaro replies, "Yeah, everybody knows that song, Rob." "So I, so I got that in the tape deck in the car. Listen to it every morning, get all psyched up," Strasser adds. "I really sing it. I'm, you know, fired up about American freedom. [...] But this morning, I really focused on the words, and it is not about freedom. Like, not in any way. It's about a guy who comes home from Vietnam, can't find a job, and I'm just belting it out enthusiastically. Just completely wrong idea."
Covers
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At least 56 artists have recorded and released Bruce Springsteen's BORN IN THE U.S.A..
The All Stars -- The Bruce Springsteen Mix
12" single - Rams Horn (RHR 3450) - Holland, 1985
The A-side is THE BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN MIX, a medley clocking at 8:23 and consisting of I'M ON FIRE, DANCING IN THE DARK, GLORY DAYS, THE RIVER, BORN TO RUN, HUNGRY HEART, BLINDED BY THE LIGHT, and BORN IN THE U.S.A. The single was also issued in Holland on 7" vinyl containing a shorter "single version" of the medley that clocks at 3:56. The single was also issued on 12" vinyl in Germany, Greece (different artwork), Brazil (additionally includes the single version on the B-side), and Mexico. The single was reissued in 2009 as a download-only digital album (consisting of 8 separate tracks) titled "A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen: Hits Of The 80's Megamix", credited to "Top 40 Cover Band", and featuring a different artwork.
John Bayless -- Greetings From John Bayless
CD - Megaforte Digital / Atlantic Records (81906-2) - USA, 1988
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Songrise Orchestra -- The Music Of Bruce Springsteen - 17 Instrumental Hits
CD - Hits 'N' Hits (3831CD) - UK, 1995
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It was reissued in 2011 by the Pyramid Music label as a download-only digital album titled Greatest Hits From The Superstars - Born In The USA credited to Gary Tesca Orchestra. It was again reissued in 2014 by the Bringins Music label as a download-only digital album titled Memories Are Made Of These - The Best Of Bruce Springsteen credited to Twilight Orchestra.
Richard De Groot -- Man At The Top: Medley Of Springsteen Songs
CD EP - Roulette Records (RR001) - Holland, 1997
This EP contains a cover of MAN AT THE TOP plus two versions (electric and acoustic) of a medley consisting of 8 Springsteen covers: BECAUSE THE NIGHT, BORN IN THE U.S.A., BORN TO RUN, DANCING IN THE DARK, FIRE, FOR YOU, MAN AT THE TOP, and THUNDER ROAD. Also included is a CD-ROM track containing interactive material.
Session musicians featuring David West -- Pickin' On Springsteen - A Tribute
CD - CMH (CD-8510) - USA, 1999
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It was reissued in 2007 under the title "Bluegrass Interpretations Of Bruce Springsteen", under the same label and with catalog number CD 5227.
American Boys -- Bruce Springsteen - Coverversion
CD - Azzurra (TBP 1113) - Italy, 2000
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It was reissued in 2003 under the title Bruce Springsteen: The Best - Cover 100%, with catalog number TBP 1152 and with a different artwork.
Richard Coleman -- I Can't Believe It's Not... Bruce Springsteen
CD - Pegasus (ICBINCD 047) - Germany, 2001
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Studio 99 -- Born In The USA: Springsteen - A Tribute
CD - Going For A Song (GFS402) - UK, 2001
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- Tribute To Bruce Springsteen: Made In The U.S.A.
CD - Purple Pyramid (CLP 1049-2) - USA, 2001
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BORN IN THE U.S.A. is performed by Eric Rigler.
Nick White -- The Music Of Bruce Springsteen
CD - Millennium Gold (MG2110) - Holland, 2002
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Route 66 -- Born In The USA
CD - Time Music (TMI029) - Europe, 2002
Includes two Bruce Springsteen covers: BORN IN THE U.S.A. and DANCING IN THE DARK.
Session musicians -- Super Instrumental
CD - O6epir-XXI / Vikkon (no catalog number) - Ukraine, 2003
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
New Jersey All Stars -- A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
CD - Cedar (1402) - Europe, 2004
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Studio Group -- A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol 1
Digital album - Charly Records (no catalog number) - unknown country, 2006
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Voices On Tour -- The Music Of Bruce Springsteen
CD - Promo Sound (PS 1723 CD) - Germany, 2006
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Luca Hawk -- Bruce Springsteen Tribute: Acoustic Solo Project
CD EP - no label (no catalog number) - Italy, 2007
This is a promotional Bruce Springsteen tribute EP.
The Boss Chill -- The Boss Chill
CD - Vale Music (unknown catalog number) - Spain, 2008
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Magic Time Travelers -- 1985 Greatest Hits
Digital album - Countdown Media (unknown catalog number) - Germany, 2008
This is a download-only digital album.
Casiotone For The Painfully Alone -- Advance Base Battery Life
CD - Tomlab (TOM127CD) - USA, 2009
Lullaby Players -- Sleepytime Tunes: Bruce Springsteen Lullaby Tribute
CD - Copycats Entertainment (CCE 9048) - USA, 2009
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Pop Royals -- Sing The Hits Of Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - Marathon Media (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2009
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Tom Brooksby -- Brooksby Does Bruce
CD - unknown label (unknown catalog number) - UK, 2009
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- Play More Pool
Digital EP - Where It's At Is Where You Are (WIA056) - UK, 2009
This is a free download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute EP. BORN IN THE U.S.A. is part of a mix with BORN TO RUN titled "Born Supremacy", performed by Paul Guided Missile vs Paull Planet Magnetic.
Various artists -- Play Some Pool, Skip Some School, Act Real Cool: A Global Pop Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
2xCD - Where It's At Is Where You Are (WIACD20) - UK, 2009
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BORN IN THE U.S.A. is performed by Glam Chops.
Le Voci Del Tempo -- Il Mio Nome È Joe Roberts
CD - Pubblico-08 (no catalog number) - Italy, 2010
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Starlite Singers -- Glory Days (In The Style Of Bruce Springsteen)
Digital album - Starlite / Suite 102 (unknown catalog number) - Canada, 2010
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Hit Co. -- A Tribute To The Best Of Bruce Springsteen Box Set
Digital album - Planet Music (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2010
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It was also released the same year as three separate volumes: Long Live The Boss: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol. 1 1973-1985, Long Live The Boss: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol. 2 1980-1989, and Long Live The Boss: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol. 3 1990-2009. A Tribute To The Best Of Bruce Springsteen Box Set however includes two tracks not found on the three separate volumes. In 2012, the same tracks found on A Tribute To The Best Of Bruce Springsteen Box Set were distributed over three download-only digital Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp tribute albums: Working Class Heroes: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, Vol. 1, Working Class Heroes: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, Vol. 2, and Working Class Heroes: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, Vol. 3.
Various artists -- Verrückt Nach Fussball
Digital album - Taucher (unknown catalog number) - Germany, 2010
This is a download-only digital album. Includes two Bruce Springsteen covers: BORN IN THE U.S.A. and FOR YOU. BORN IN THE U.S.A. is performed by Red Soccer.
The Boss Band -- The Ultimate Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - Big Eye Music (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2011
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Ameritz Tribute Club -- Working On The Highway - A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - Ameritz Music (unknown catalog number) - UK, 2012
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Déjà Vu -- Tribute To Working Class Hero Bruce Springsteen - Vol. 1
Digital album - Zulu (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2012
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Boss Tribute To Springsteen -- Jelling Musikfestival 2012
Digital album - Next2Live (unknown catalog number) - Denmark, 2012
This is a download-only digital live Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- Springsteen Session 2011
2xCD - B Street Productions / Suisa (no catalog number) - Switzerland, 2012
This is a live Bruce Springsteen tribute album recorded on 11 Nov 2011 at Evangelisch-Reformierte Kirche in Bäretswil, Switzerland. BORN IN THE U.S.A. is performed by Booze & Guido Marzorati & Gospel Chorus.
Das Traumstern-Orchester -- Spielt Hits Von Bruce Springsteen
CD - Europa Family Music / Sony Music (88765 47379 2) - Germany, 2013
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Andrew Bissel -- Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions Of Bruce Springsteen
CD - Rockabye Baby! (CD 9701) - USA, 2014
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Boo Hoo & The Burning Hell -- Sing For The Lonely
CD - no label (no catalog number) - Germany, 2014
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Laptop Instrumental -- The Bruce Springsteen Instrumental Collection
Digital album - Loudr (no catalog number) - USA, 2014
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Pony Face -- Pony Face Presents Nebraska
2xLP - Cobra Snake Necktie Records (unknown catalog number) - Australia, 2014
CD - Love & Theft Recording Co. (LNT022) - Australia, 2014
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Spirit -- A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - Rapier Music (unknown catalog number) - UK, 2014
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- Dead Man's Town: A Tribute To Born In The U.S.A.
LP - Lightning Rod Records (LRR25523) - USA, 2014
CD - Lightning Rod Records (LRR25523) - USA, 2014
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BORN IN THE U.S.A. is performed by Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires.
Various artists -- Thunder Road - A Folk-Punk Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - Anxiety Attack Recordings (AA-005) - Canada, 2014
This is a free download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BORN IN THE U.S.A. is performed by Ben Sir.
Lullaby Teddy -- Easy Listening Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - Lullaby Teddy (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2015
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Moa Holmsten -- Bruised Arms & Broken Rhythm
CD - Fill In The Blank Records (no catalog number) - USA, 2015
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BORN IN THE U.S.A. is a hidden bonus track.
Relaxing Piano Covers -- Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - Relaxing Piano Covers (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2015
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Cheap Dates -- Loose Springsteen
Digital album - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 2015
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Chris Monzon -- Chris In The U.S.A.
Digital EP - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 2016
This is a free download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute EP.
The Waybacks & Friends -- Merlefest Hillside Album Hour 2015: Back In The U.S.A.
CD - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 2016
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- Glory Days In Rimini - Keep On Dreaming
CD - no label (no catalog number) - Italy, 2016
This is a live Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BORN IN THE U.S.A. is performed by Orchestra Sinfonica G. Lettimi.
Various artists -- The Boss Project: The Songs Of Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - no label (no catalog number) - Canada, 2016
This is a free download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BORN IN THE U.S.A. is performed by Kathleen Nisbet.
BeautyHeads -- TheBossCovers
Digital album - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 2017
This is a free download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BORN IN THE U.S.A. is titled "BossCover I" on this release.
Rock The Cradle -- Lullaby Versions Of Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - Rock The Cradle (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2018
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Sweet Little Band -- Babies Go Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - RGS Music (unknown catalog number) - Argentina, 2020
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Heaven Is Shining -- Born In The USA
Digital album - Rosenklang (unknown catalog number) - Germany, 2021
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Bruceband -- Born In The U.S.A. Live
Digital album - Dr K Music (no catalog number) - Holland, 2021
This is a download-only digital live Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Zerbo -- Never Ending Volume II
CD - no label (no catalog number) - Italy, 2021
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska: A Celebration In Words And Music
CD - unknown label (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2024
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It's the soundtrack album for the PBS special that first aired on 10 Aug 2024 and was offered with a donation to the American public broadcaster. BORN IN THE U.S.A. is performed by Lucinda Williams.
Available Versions
List of available versions of BORN IN THE U.S.A. on this website:
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Album version]
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Official studio version]
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 05 Aug 1984 version]
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 13 Oct 1986 version]
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 23 Apr 1988 version]
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 08 Dec 1995 version]
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 09 Dec 1995 version]
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 19 Apr 1996 version]
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 08 Dec 1998 version]
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 09 Dec 1998 version]
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 11 Dec 1998 version]
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 14 Dec 1998 version]
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 11 Nov 2014 version]
BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live July 2018 version]
Page last updated: 14 Apr 2016
