Badlands
Badlands

Bruce Springsteen - Badlands Lyrics

Rock
Mar 8, 2013
208
Badlands Music Video

Badlands Lyrics

Well, lights out tonight
Trouble in the heartland
Got a head on collision
Smashin' in my guts, man
I'm caught in a cross fire
That I don't understand

But there's one thing I know for sure, girl
I don't give a damn
For the same old played out scenes
Baby, I don't give a damn
For just the in-betweens
Honey, I want the heart, I want the soul
I want control right now
You better listen to me, baby

Talk about a dream
Try to make it real
You wake up in the night
With a fear so real
You spend your life waiting
For a moment that just don't come
Well, don't waste your time waiting

Badlands, you gotta live it everyday
Let the broken hearts stand
As the price you've gotta pay
Keep pushin' 'til it's understood
And these badlands start treating us good

Workin' in the fields
That'll get your back burned
Workin' 'neath the wheels
'Til you get your facts learned
Baby, I got my facts
Learned real good right now
You better get it straight, darlin'

Poor man wanna be rich
Rich man wanna be king
And a king ain't satisfied
'Til he rules everything
I wanna go out tonight
I wanna find out what I got

Well, I believe in the love that you gave me
I believe in the faith that can save me
I believe in the hope and I pray
That someday it may raise me
Above these

Badlands, you gotta live it everyday
Let the broken hearts stand
As the price you've gotta pay
Keep pushin' 'til it's understood
And these badlands start treating us good

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa

For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
I wanna find one face that ain't looking through me
I wanna find one place
I wanna spit in the face of these

Badlands, you gotta live it everyday
Let the broken hearts stand
As the price you've gotta pay
Keep movin' 'til it's understood
And these badlands start treating us good

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, badlands
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, badlands
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, badlands
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, badlands
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, badlands
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, badlands

Writer(s): Bruce Springsteen
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What inspired Bruce Springsteen to write 'Badlands'?

    Bruce Springsteen was inspired by both the 1973 film 'Badlands' and the harsh, propulsive sound of the Animals' music. He wanted to capture the spirit of struggle and resilience, focusing on themes of determination against adversity.

  2. How does the song 'Badlands' relate to the punk genre?

    'Badlands' incorporates elements inspired by punk music, especially in its intensity and lyrical themes. Bruce Springsteen was listening to punk singles during the creation of the song, which helped infuse it with a raw energy and sense of rebellion.

  3. What role did 'Badlands' play in Bruce Springsteen's live performances?

    'Badlands' has been a staple in Bruce Springsteen's live concerts, often positioned strategically to charge audiences with energy. It has served as an opener, closer, and mid-set boost in various tours since its debut, showcasing its enduring popularity.

  4. Did any famous musicians comment on 'Badlands'?

    Yes, musician Jackson Browne described 'Badlands' as cool and thrilling, highlighting Springsteen's adept use of language in building a compelling persona and narrative. Rolling Stone editors also ranked it as Springsteen's second greatest song.

  5. What notable events occurred during the production and release of 'Badlands'?

    Production of 'Badlands' was influenced by Bruce Springsteen's desire to overcome a tough legal battle with his manager, which delayed recording sessions. Despite initial low chart performance, the song gained lasting recognition and became a concert favorite.

  6. How does the riff of 'Badlands' connect to other music?

    The riff of 'Badlands' draws inspiration from the Animals' 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood.' Springsteen openly acknowledged the similarity, even joking about successful artistic theft during a South by Southwest music festival keynote speech in 2012.

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