Lyrics

THE PROMISED LAND

Album version


On a rattlesnake speedway in the Utah desert
I pick up my money and head back into town
Driving 'cross the Waynesboro county line
I got the radio on and I'm just killing time
Working all day in my daddy's garage
Driving all night chasing some mirage
Pretty soon little girl I'm gonna take charge

The dogs on Main Street howl 'cause they understand
If I could take one moment into my hands
Mister I ain't a boy, no I'm a man
And I believe in a promised land

I've done my best to live the right way
I get up every morning and go to work each day
But your eyes go blind and your blood runs cold
Sometimes I feel so weak I just want to explode
Explode and tear this whole town apart
Take a knife and cut this pain from my heart
Find somebody itching for something to start

The dogs on Main Street howl 'cause they understand
If I could reach one moment into my hands
Mister I ain't a boy, no I'm a man
And I believe in a promised land

Hmm
Hmmm
Hmmmm

Well there's a dark cloud rising from the desert floor
I packed my bags and I'm heading straight into the storm
Gonna be a twister to blow everything down
That ain't got the faith to stand its ground
Blow away the dreams that tear you apart
Blow away the dreams that break your heart
Blow away the lies that leave you nothing but lost and brokenhearted

Well the dogs on Main Street howl 'cause they understand
If I could take one moment into my hands
Mister I ain't a boy, no I'm a man
And I believe in a promised land
And I believe in a promised land
And I believe in a promised land

PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Info

THE PROMISED LAND is a song written by Bruce Springsteen and released on his 1978 album Darkness On The Edge Of Town. The above lyrics are for Bruce Springsteen's album version of THE PROMISED LAND as released in 1978.


The album version of THE PROMISED LAND was included on The Essential Bruce Springsteen (both 2003 and 2015 editions) compilation album and the Collection: 1973-2012 compilation album.

Writing and Recording

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

Darkness On The Edge Of Town

Despite the marvelous reception received by both Born To Run and the tour which followed, the relationship between Bruce Springsteen and his now former manager and producer Mike Appel was deteriorating. In July 1976 the storm broke; Mike Appel wrote to Springsteen saying that he would not allow Jon Landau (Springsteen's friend and co-producer of Born To Run) to produce the next album, citing a particular paragraph from their original agreement. Bruce replied on 27 Jul 1976 by firing manager Mike Appel and suing him and his management company Laurel Canyon Ltd. in Federal Court in Manhattan, claiming fraud, breach of trust, and undue influence. Appel countersued on 29 Jul 1976 in New York State Supreme Court, asking the court to prohibit Springsteen and Jon Landau from working together in studio. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band were slated to enter the studio that year for the recording of a new album, except that on 15 Sep 1976 the judge in the lawsuits case ruled that Springsteen was enjoined from any further recording with Columbia Records until Appel's suit was resolved. This would drag for about a year.

Meanwhile, Springsteen continued gigging, and in the process broke his self-imposed rule of not playing the larger arenas. This was basically because he was not able to put a record out, and it was the only way his fans would be able to hear him at all.

Bruce Springsteen reached a final settlement in his yearlong litigation with Mike Appel on 28 May 1977. Effectively this meant that for the first time in a year Springsteen was able to go into a studio and record. The Darkness On The Edge Of Town recording sessions kicked off in early June 1977 at Atlantic Studios in New York City, NY, and later shifted to The Record Plant in New York City, NY. Springsteen had a considerable amount of new material, but the songs were in various stages of writing completion. Consequently many of the songs were shaped over the course of numerous sessions spanning several months.

The sessions at Atlantic Studios were only two or three weeks old when problems surfaced. Springsteen didn't like the sound he was getting from the studio, particularly the drums. On top of that Atlantic Studios did not offer a particularly comfortable or livable environment for the musicians. A decision was taken to shift operations to the nearby Record Plant where most of the Born To Run album had been recorded. However financial commitments to Atlantic Studios were already made, and on such short notice it was hard to find un-booked studio time at the popular Record Plant. Consequently the Jul-Aug 1977 period saw Springsteen and the band recording at both studios, but mostly Atlantic Studios. From September to late December, all the recording seems to have taken place at The Record Plant, where all the recordings issued on the original album emanate from.

The actual recording sessions for Darkness On The Edge Of Town were completed by early January 1978. The mixing sessions began in early January 1978 and dragged on until late March. There was a tremendous amount of different mixes considered, with Springsteen changing his mind on the mix of THE PROMISED LAND as late as early April.

Darkness On The Edge Of Town was released on Columbia Records on 02 Jun 1978. It was produced by Bruce Springsteen and Jon Landau.

Bruce Springsteen -- Darkness On The Edge Of Town
Bruce Springsteen -- Darkness On The Edge Of Town

The album features 10 new Springsteen compositions and clocks at 42:55.

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)
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)
Bruce Springsteen -- The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2015 edition)

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
Bruce Springsteen -- Collection: 1973-2012

Other Official Releases

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

Bruce Springsteen -- The Future Of Rock'n'Roll / 70's To 80's
Bruce Springsteen -- The Future Of Rock'n'Roll / 70's To 80's

2xCD - CBS/Sony (XADP 90009~10) - Japan, 1988

Japan-only promotional 2-CD set sampler compiling 28 tracks from Bruce Springsteen's first nine albums plus two 1988 live B-sides.

The Future Of Rock'n'Roll / 70's To 80's track list

Disc 1: (70's)
01- THUNDER ROAD [Live 18 Oct 1975 (early show) version]
02- BLINDED BY THE LIGHT
03- RACING IN THE STREET
04- KITTY'S BACK
05- BADLANDS
06- GROWIN' UP
07- PROVE IT ALL NIGHT
08- 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY)
09- BACKSTREETS [Live 07 Jul 1978 version]
10- FOR YOU
11- TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT
12- THE PROMISED LAND
13- ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) [Live 07 Jul 1978 version]
14- BORN TO RUN

Disc 2: (80's)
01- BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 30 Sep 1985 version]
02- BRILLIANT DISGUISE
03- DANCING IN THE DARK
04- CADILLAC RANCH [Live 06 Jul 1981 version]
05- WALK LIKE A MAN
06- WAR [Live 30 Sep 1985 version]
07- JOHNNY 99
08- HUNGRY HEART [Live 28 Dec 1980 version]
09- I WANNA MARRY YOU
10- MY HOMETOWN [Live 30 Sep 1985 version]
11- THE RIVER
12- GLORY DAYS
13- OUT IN THE STREET
14- TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 27 Apr 1988 version]
15- SPARE PARTS [Live 09 Jul 1988 version]
16- THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND [Live 29 Dec 1980 version]
Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest
Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest

CD - Columbia (BOSS1) - Sweden, 1992

Sweden-only promotional CD sampler used for both radio promotion and as a VIP giveaway item at the opening shows of Springsteen's 1992 tour in Stockholm. It contains 14 tracks from the first nine albums only. Two different pressings exist: the first comes in a standard jewel case with title front inlay and back insert (cover art on the left), and the second comes in a plain slimline case with no inlays.

Bruce Springsteen -- Rocks Vol. 1 (1973 - 1982)
Bruce Springsteen -- Rocks Vol. 1 (1973 - 1982)

CD-R - Sony (no catalog number) - Japan, 2005

Japan-only promotional "Digest" CD-R advance sampler tying in with the release of the first six Japanese 2005 "mini-LP"-style Springsteen CD album reissues. This disc comes in a plain slimline jewel case with no artwork.

Other versions of THE PROMISED LAND were also officially released.

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Berkeley, July 1, 1978
The live 01 Jul 1978 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Berkeley, July 1, 1978 official live download in 2021.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- The Roxy July 7, 1978
The live 07 Jul 1978 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on The Roxy July 7, 1978 official live download in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- The Agora, Cleveland 1978
The live 09 Aug 1978 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on The Agora, Cleveland 1978 official live download in 2014.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- September 19, 1978
The live 19 Sep 1978 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the September 19, 1978 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ September 20, 1978
The live 20 Sep 1978 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ September 20, 1978 official live download in 2017.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- September 30, 1978
The live 30 Sep 1978 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the September 30, 1978 official live download in 2020.
Bruce Springsteen -- The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story
The live 08 Dec 1978 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story box set in 2010.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Winterland 12/15/78
The live 15 Dec 1978 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Winterland 12/15/78 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Winterland 12/16/78
The live 16 Dec 1978 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Winterland 12/16/78 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- No Nukes 1979
The live 21 Sep 1979 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the No Nukes 1979 official live download in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- No Nukes 1979
The live 22 Sep 1979 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the No Nukes 1979 official live download in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen -- The Ties That Bind: The River Collection
The live 05 Nov 1980 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on The Ties That Bind: The River Collection box set in 2015.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Nassau Coliseum, New York 12/29/80
The live 29 Dec 1980 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Nassau Coliseum, New York 12/29/80 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Nassau Coliseum, New York 1980
The live 31 Dec 1980 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Nassau Coliseum, New York 1980 official live download in 2015.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Wembley Arena June 5, 1981
The live 05 Jun 1981 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Wembley Arena June 5, 1981 official live download in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Brendan Byrne Arena 1981
The live 09 Jul 1981 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena 1981 official live download in 2020.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Brendan Byrne Arena, New Jersey 1984
The live 05 Aug 1984 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena, New Jersey 1984 official live download in 2015.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Brendan Byrne Arena August 6, 1984
The live 06 Aug 1984 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena August 6, 1984 official live download in 2020.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Brendan Byrne Arena, NJ August 20, 1984
The live 20 Aug 1984 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena, NJ August 20, 1984 official live download in 2015.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Sept 27, 1985
The live 27 Sep 1985 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Sept 27, 1985 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen -- King's Hall, Belfast March 19, 1996
The live 19 Mar 1996 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the King's Hall, Belfast March 19, 1996 official live download in 2017.
Bruce Springsteen -- Freehold, NJ 1996 Saint Rose Of Lima School Gym
The live 08 Nov 1996 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Freehold, NJ 1996 Saint Rose Of Lima School Gym official live download in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen -- Asbury Park 11/24/96
The live 24 Nov 1996 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Asbury Park 11/24/96 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Nice, France 1997
The live 18 May 1997 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Nice, France 1997 official live download in 2021.
Various artists -- Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame + Museum Live: Light My Fire
The live 15 Mar 1999 version of THE PROMISED LAND was first released on the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame + Museum Live: Light My Fire home video in 2009.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Chicago September 30, 1999
The live 30 Sep 1999 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Chicago September 30, 1999 official live download in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Los Angeles October 23, 1999
The live 23 Oct 1999 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Los Angeles October 23, 1999 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Madison Square Garden, New York 06/27/2000
The live 27 Jun 2000 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Madison Square Garden, New York 06/27/2000 official live download in 2021.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Madison Square Garden, New York 07/01/2000
The live 01 Jul 2000 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Madison Square Garden, New York 07/01/2000 official live download in 2017.
Bruce Springsteen -- Helsinki June 16, 2003
The live 16 Jun 2003 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Helsinki June 16, 2003 official live download in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen -- Stockholm 2005
The live 25 Jun 2005 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Stockholm 2005 official live download in 2020.
Bruce Springsteen -- Schottenstein Center, Ohio 2005
The live 31 Jul 2005 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Schottenstein Center, Ohio 2005 official live download in 2015.
Bruce Springsteen -- Van Andel Arena, Michigan 2005
The live 03 Aug 2005 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Van Andel Arena, Michigan 2005 official live download in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen -- Sovereign Bank Arena, Trenton, NJ 2005
The live 22 Nov 2005 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Sovereign Bank Arena, Trenton, NJ 2005 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL, April 22, 2008
The live 22 Apr 2008 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL, April 22, 2008 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Greensboro, North Carolina April 28, 2008
The live 28 Apr 2008 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Greensboro, North Carolina April 28, 2008 official live download in 2020.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Nassau Coliseum 05.04.09
The live 04 May 2009 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Nassau Coliseum 05.04.09 official live download in 2020.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA 10/20/09
The live 20 Oct 2009 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA 10/20/09 official live download in 2017.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- HSBC Arena, Buffalo, NY 11/22/2009
The live 22 Nov 2009 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the HSBC Arena, Buffalo, NY 11/22/2009 official live download in 2016.
Bruce Springsteen -- The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story
The live 13 Dec 2010 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story box set in 2010.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Apollo Theater 03/09/12
The live 09 Mar 2012 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Apollo Theater 03/09/12 official live download in 2014.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Leeds July 24, 2013
The live 24 Jul 2013 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Leeds July 24, 2013 official live download in 2018.
Various artists -- Blinded By The Light: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The live 11 Nov 2014 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Blinded By The Light: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack album in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen -- Springsteen On Broadway
The live July 2018 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Springsteen On Broadway album in 2018.

Live History: on-tour

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

In preparation for Springsteen On Broadway, THE PROMISED LAND 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.

List of Springsteen On Broadway rehearsals performances

  1. 19 Sep 2017 at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ (private rehearsal)
  2. 22 Sep 2017 at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ (private rehearsal)
  3. 29 Sep 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY (private rehearsal)
  4. 24 Jun 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY (private rehearsal)
  5. 25 Jun 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY (private rehearsal)

THE PROMISED LAND 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 acoustic guitar and harmonica. The live July 2018 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Springsteen On Broadway album in 2018.

List of Springsteen On Broadway performances

  1. 03 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  2. 04 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  3. 05 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  4. 06 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  5. 07 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  6. 10 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  7. 11 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  8. 12 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  9. 13 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  10. 14 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  11. 17 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  12. 18 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  13. 19 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  14. 20 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  15. 21 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  16. 24 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  17. 25 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  18. 26 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  19. 27 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  20. 28 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  21. 31 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  22. 01 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  23. 02 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  24. 03 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  25. 04 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  26. 07 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  27. 08 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  28. 09 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  29. 10 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  30. 11 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  31. 14 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  32. 15 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  33. 16 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  34. 17 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  35. 18 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  36. 21 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  37. 22 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  38. 24 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  39. 25 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  40. 26 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  41. 05 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  42. 06 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  43. 07 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  44. 08 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  45. 09 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  46. 12 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  47. 13 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  48. 14 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  49. 15 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  50. 16 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  51. 19 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  52. 20 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  53. 21 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  54. 22 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  55. 23 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  56. 26 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  57. 27 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  58. 28 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  59. 29 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  60. 30 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  61. 09 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  62. 10 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  63. 11 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  64. 12 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  65. 13 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  66. 16 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  67. 17 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  68. 18 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  69. 19 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  70. 20 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  71. 23 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  72. 24 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  73. 25 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  74. 26 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  75. 27 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  76. 30 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  77. 31 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  78. 01 Feb 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  79. 02 Feb 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  80. 03 Feb 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  81. 28 Feb 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  82. 01 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  83. 02 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  84. 03 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  85. 06 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  86. 07 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  87. 08 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  88. 09 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  89. 10 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  90. 14 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  91. 15 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  92. 16 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  93. 17 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  94. 20 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  95. 21 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  96. 22 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  97. 23 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  98. 24 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  99. 27 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  100. 28 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  101. 29 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  102. 30 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  103. 04 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  104. 05 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  105. 06 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  106. 07 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  107. 10 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  108. 11 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  109. 12 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  110. 13 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  111. 14 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  112. 17 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  113. 18 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  114. 19 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  115. 20 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  116. 02 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  117. 03 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  118. 04 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  119. 05 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  120. 08 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  121. 09 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  122. 10 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  123. 11 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  124. 12 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  125. 16 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  126. 17 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  127. 18 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  128. 19 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  129. 22 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  130. 23 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  131. 24 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  132. 25 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  133. 26 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  134. 30 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  135. 31 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  136. 01 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  137. 02 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  138. 05 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  139. 06 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  140. 07 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  141. 08 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  142. 09 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  143. 13 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  144. 14 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  145. 15 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  146. 16 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  147. 19 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  148. 20 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  149. 21 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  150. 22 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  151. 23 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  152. 27 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  153. 28 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  154. 29 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  155. 30 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  156. 10 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  157. 11 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  158. 12 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  159. 13 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  160. 14 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  161. 17 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  162. 18 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  163. 20 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  164. 21 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  165. 24 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  166. 25 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  167. 26 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  168. 27 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  169. 08 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  170. 09 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  171. 10 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  172. 11 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  173. 14 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  174. 15 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  175. 16 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  176. 17 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  177. 18 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  178. 22 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  179. 23 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  180. 24 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  181. 25 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  182. 28 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  183. 29 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  184. 30 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  185. 31 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  186. 04 Sep 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  187. 05 Sep 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  188. 06 Sep 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  189. 07 Sep 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  190. 26 Sep 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  191. 27 Sep 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  192. 28 Sep 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  193. 29 Sep 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  194. 02 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  195. 03 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  196. 04 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  197. 05 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  198. 06 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  199. 10 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  200. 11 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  201. 12 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  202. 13 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  203. 16 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  204. 17 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  205. 18 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  206. 19 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  207. 20 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  208. 24 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  209. 25 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  210. 26 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  211. 27 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  212. 30 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  213. 31 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  214. 01 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  215. 02 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  216. 03 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  217. 07 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  218. 08 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  219. 09 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  220. 10 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  221. 13 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  222. 14 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  223. 15 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  224. 16 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  225. 17 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  226. 28 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  227. 29 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  228. 30 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  229. 01 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  230. 04 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  231. 05 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  232. 06 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  233. 07 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  234. 08 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  235. 12 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  236. 13 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  237. 14 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  238. 15 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  239. 26 Jun 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  240. 29 Jun 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  241. 30 Jun 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  242. 01 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  243. 02 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  244. 03 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  245. 06 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  246. 07 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  247. 08 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  248. 09 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  249. 10 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  250. 13 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  251. 14 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  252. 15 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  253. 16 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  254. 17 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  255. 17 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  256. 18 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  257. 19 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  258. 20 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  259. 24 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  260. 25 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  261. 26 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  262. 27 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  263. 28 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  264. 31 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  265. 01 Sep 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  266. 02 Sep 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  267. 03 Sep 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  268. 04 Sep 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY

Live History: off-tour

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

THE PROMISED LAND was performed off-tour on 21 and 22 Sep 1979 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY, during the MUSE Concerts For A Non-Nuclear Future. The live 21 Sep 1979 version and the live 22 Sep 1979 version of THE PROMISED LAND were released on the No Nukes 1979 official live download in 2018.

THE PROMISED LAND was performed off-tour on 18 Jun 1988 at Chateau De Vincennes in Paris, France, during a guest appearance at the S.O.S. Racism Concert. The song featured Bruce Springsteen on vocals, acoustic guitar, and harmonica, accompanied by Clarence Clemons on backing vocals, percussion, and saxophones. See the live 18 Jun 1988 version for mroe details.

THE PROMISED LAND was performed off-tour on 13 Dec 2009 at Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, NJ, during the taping of Darkness On The Edge Of Town, Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park 2009 homes video, which was included on The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story box set in 2010. See the live 13 Dec 2010 version for more details.

THE PROMISED LAND 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. The live 11 Nov 2014 version of THE PROMISED LAND was released on the Blinded By The Light: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack album in 2019.

Bruce Springsteen has been performing on almost all the annual Stand Up for Heroes benefits since 2007. THE PROMISED LAND was performed during the second (2008) annual benefit. The song was played solo acoustic.

List of Stand Up For Heroes benefit shows performances

  1. 05 Nov 2008 at Town Hall, New York City, NY (during the second annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit)

Appearance in Movies

Bruce Springsteen's album version of THE PROMISED LAND appears in 4 movies.

Promotional poster for the film "Mask"
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.
Promotional poster for the film "Kurt Cobain About A Son"
Kurt Cobain About A Son

It was used in the 2006 documentary film Kurt Cobain About A Son, directed by AJ Schnack. The song was not included in the film's soundtrack album.

Five songs from Bruce Springsteen's Darkness On The Edge Of Town album were used in the film, and none of them was included on the film's soundtrack album. These are: SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT, BADLANDS, CANDY'S ROOM, THE PROMISED LAND, and RACING IN THE STREET. Very brief snippets of each are played in the background and they can barely be heard.
Promotional poster for the film "Blinded By The Light"
Blinded By The Light

It was used in the 2019 film Blinded By The Light, directed by Gurinder Chadha and starring Viveik Kalra. A different version of the song (the live 11 Nov 2014 version) was included in the film's soundtrack album.

See I'LL STAND BY YOU (the "Blinded By The Light" section) for more details.
Promotional poster for the film "The Union"
The Union

It was used in the 2024 film The Union, directed by Julian Farino and starring Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry. The song was not included in the film's soundtrack album.

The Union uses two Bruce Springsteen songs: THE PROMISED LAND and JERSEY GIRL [Live 09 Jul 1981 version].

Covers

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

At least 10 artists have recorded and released Bruce Springsteen's THE PROMISED LAND.

Various artists -- Light Of Day: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Various artists -- Light Of Day: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen

3xCD - Good Sounds / DiscMedi Blau (DM 797-02) - Spain, 2003

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. There are five issues of this album (with three track configurations) and this track was only included on the issue listed above. THE PROMISED LAND is performed by Georges Imbert.
Bosstime -- 12 Tracks Live
Bosstime -- 12 Tracks Live

CD - no label (no catalog number) - Germany, 2005

This is a live Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Bruceband -- Greetings From Moskou
The Bruceband -- Greetings From Moskou

CD - no label (no catalog number) - Holland, 2006

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- Play Some Pool, Skip Some School, Act Real Cool: A Global Pop Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
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. THE PROMISED LAND is performed by Darren Hanlon.
Blacklist Royals -- Semper Liberi
Blacklist Royals -- Semper Liberi

LP - Paper + Plastick (PP014) - USA, 2010
LP - Gunner Records (GnR26) - Germany, 2010
CD - Gunner Records (GnR27) - Germany, 2010
Frans Pollux -- Pollux Duit Springsteen
Frans Pollux -- Pollux Duit Springsteen

CD - hippoproducties (no catalog number) - Holland, 2012
2xLP - unknown label (unknown catalog number) - Holland, 2022

This is a live Bruce Springsteen tribute album. All songs are in Dutch. The album was reissued on vinyl in 2022, with three additional tracks and completely different artwork. THE PROMISED LAND is a Dutch version titled "Belaofde Land".
The Boss Tribute To Springsteen -- Jelling Musikfestival 2012
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.
Hungry Hearts -- Darkness Night
Hungry Hearts -- Darkness Night

Digital album - no label (no catalog number) - Italy, 2015

This is a download-only digital live Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Hungry Hearts -- Live In My Hometown
Hungry Hearts -- Live In My Hometown

CD-R - no label (no catalog number) - Italy, 2015

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album, recorded live on 09 Jan 2015 at Inferno Di Dante in Tortona, Italy.
Zerbo -- Never Ending Volume II
Zerbo -- Never Ending Volume II

CD - no label (no catalog number) - Italy, 2021

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Available Versions

List of available versions of THE PROMISED LAND on this website:

THE PROMISED LAND [Album version]
THE PROMISED LAND [Live 21 Sep 1979 version]
THE PROMISED LAND [Live 22 Sep 1979 version]
THE PROMISED LAND [Live 18 Jun 1988 version]
THE PROMISED LAND [Live 05 Oct 2004 version]
THE PROMISED LAND [Live 13 Dec 2009 version]
THE PROMISED LAND [Live 11 Nov 2014 version]
THE PROMISED LAND [Live July 2018 version]
Page last updated: 26 Dec 2016