About the Song
“Born to Run” is the title track of Bruce Springsteen’s 1975 album, which catapulted him from a critically acclaimed artist to a mainstream rock star. The song is widely regarded as one of Springsteen’s most iconic and anthemic tracks, symbolizing youth, freedom, and escape.
The recording of Born to Run began in January 1974 at 914 Sound Studios in Blauvelt, New York. However, Springsteen faced difficulties translating the complex sounds in his head into a finished recording. As a result, by early August 1974, only one song, “Born to Run,” had been completed. During this time, there were some setbacks, including the departure of keyboardist David Sancious and drummer Ernest “Boom” Carter from the E Street Band.
Springsteen eventually enlisted the help of pianist Roy Bittan and drummer Max Weinberg, who became pivotal in the final sound of the album. Jon Landau, a rock critic who had befriended Springsteen, also played a crucial role. He persuaded Springsteen to move the sessions to the more advanced Record Plant studio in New York City, where the production took a more refined shape. Landau co-produced the album and later became Springsteen’s manager, replacing Mike Appel.
When Born to Run was released on August 25, 1975, it received widespread acclaim for its ambitious songwriting and the “Wall of Sound” production style inspired by Phil Spector. The album helped Springsteen break into the mainstream, with “Born to Run” becoming his first Top 40 hit. The success of the album also led to Springsteen gracing the covers of Time
Legacy
“Born to Run” is more than just a song—it’s a cultural milestone, known for its raw energy, its cinematic and poetic lyrics, and its declaration of hope and aspiration. Its themes of yearning for a better life, breaking free from limitations, and the pursuit of freedom resonated deeply with listeners, particularly the youth of the time. The song’s rousing chorus and evocative imagery—such as “tramps like us, baby we were born to run”—have made it an anthem for generations.
The track remains one of Springsteen’s signature songs and is often considered one of the greatest rock songs ever written. The success of Born to Run established Bruce Springsteen as a true rock legend, and the album is still regarded as one of the most influential and essential works in the history of rock music.
Lyrics
In the day we sweat it out on the streets
Of a runaway American dream
At night we ride through the mansions of glory
In suicide machines
Sprung from cages on Highway 9
Chrome wheeled, fuel injected, and steppin’ out over the line
Oh, baby this town rips the bones from your back
It’s a death trap, it’s a suicide rap
We gotta get out while we’re young
‘Cause tramps like us, baby, we were born to run
Yes, girl, we were
Wendy, let me in, I wanna be your friend
I wanna guard your dreams and visions
Just wrap your legs ’round these velvet rims
And strap your hands ‘cross my engines
Together we could break this trap
We’ll run ’til we drop, baby, we’ll never go back
Oh, will you walk with me out on the wire?
‘Cause, baby, I’m just a scared and lonely rider
But I gotta know how it feels
I want to know if love is wild
Babe, I want to know if love is real
Oh, can you show me
Beyond the Palace, hemi-powered drones
Scream down the boulevard
Girls comb their hair in rearview mirrors
And the boys try to look so hard
The amusement park rises bold and stark
Kids are huddled on the beach in the mist
I wanna die with you, Wendy, on the street tonight
In an everlasting kiss
The highway’s jammed with broken heroes
On a last chance power drive
Everybody’s out on the run tonight
But there’s no place left to hide
Together, Wendy, we can live with the sadness
I’ll love you with all the madness in my soul
Oh, someday, girl, I don’t know when
We’re gonna get to that place
Where we really wanna go and we’ll walk in the sun
But ’til then, tramps like us
Baby, we were born to run
Oh honey, tramps like us
Baby, we were born to run
Come on with me, tramps like us
Baby, we were born to runAdvertisement
