Back in college I had a creative writing prof from Jersey who was a huge Springsteen fan. I said I didn't get it. He said, you will. And it will grow on you the older you get (he was about 35 at the time; I was 20).
After graduation, I finally did get it with a vengeance. Caught him on the Born in the USA tour in Hampton, Va. I have not to this day seen a performer who could project from the stage as well as Bruce. It was a 25,000 audience, and it seemed like he was singing to me personally. Today, I still get it. Almost every song has new layers of meaning the older I get. Plus, I like his newer stuff, too. I have tons of Bruce on vinyl, and also on CD.
Special story for JohnT but everyone can read it, LOL:
I worked with a guy named Bud who is now a friend, too. Bud was a Pa. college student when Springsteen came through town. This was the Born version of the band, the originals. Turns out my friend got backstage to party with the band and ended up befriending them all. They had a layover and partied there for like 3 days.
At the end of that, Springsteen came over and put his arm around Bud and said, "Hey man, we like you a lot. Why don't you come on the road with us for the next few gigs?"
And Bud never missed a lick. He said, "Gee, I'd really like to, but I have to stay here and study. I have finals coming up."
I really do try to bring that quote up to him as often as possible.
