Introduction
Darkness on the Edge of Town is the fourth studio album by Bruce Springsteen, released in 1978. It is widely regarded as one of his best works and features some of his most iconic songs. In this article, we will take a closer look at the lyrics to Darkness on the Edge of Town.
Badlands
The album opens with the song Badlands, which starts with the lyrics:
Lights out tonight, trouble in the heartland
Got a head-on collision, smashin’ in my guts, man
I’m caught in a crossfire 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
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
These lyrics set the tone for the album, with Springsteen’s trademark blend of raw emotion and social commentary. The song is a call to arms, urging the listener to take control of their life and fight for what they believe in.
Adam Raised a Cain
The next song on the album is Adam Raised a Cain, which tells the story of a father and son struggling to connect:
Daddy worked his whole life for nothing but the pain
Now he walks these empty rooms looking for something to blame
But you inherit the sins, you inherit the flames
Adam raised a Cain
The song is a powerful exploration of the generational divide, with Springsteen’s lyrics cutting to the heart of the matter.
Something in the Night
Something in the Night is a haunting ballad that tells the story of a man on the edge:
Running through the backstreets
And alleys of night
Wondering if I’ll ever see
Another sunrise
But I know something in the night
Just ain’t right
The song’s sparse instrumentation and Springsteen’s soulful vocals create a sense of desperation and longing that is hard to ignore.
Candy’s Room
Candy’s Room is a rock anthem that tells the story of a man obsessed with a woman:
In Candy’s room, there are pictures of her heroes on the wall
But to get to Candy’s room, you gotta walk the darkness of Candy’s hall
Strangers from the city call my baby’s number and they bring her toys
When I come knocking, she smiles pretty, she knows I wanna be Candy’s boy
The song’s driving beat and Springsteen’s urgent vocals make it a fan favorite to this day.
Racing in the Street
Racing in the Street is a moving ballad that tells the story of a young man trying to find his place in the world:
I got a sixty-nine Chevy with a 396
Fuelie heads and a Hurst on the floor
She’s waiting tonight down in the parking lot
Outside the Seven-Eleven store
Me and my partner Sonny built her straight out of scratch
And he rides with me from town to town
We only run for the money, got no strings attached
We shut ’em up and then we shut ’em down
The song’s poignant lyrics and Springsteen’s soulful delivery make it a standout on the album.
Promised Land
Promised Land is a soaring anthem that tells the story of a man trying to find his place in the world:
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 town apart
Take a knife and cut this pain from my heart
Find somebody itching for something to start
The song’s driving beat and Springsteen’s impassioned vocals make it a classic.
Factory
Factory is a poignant ballad that tells the story of a man working in a factory and struggling to provide for his family:
Early in the morning factory whistle blows
Man rises from bed and puts on his clothes
Man takes his lunch, walks out in the morning light
It’s the working, the working, just the working life
The song’s spare instrumentation and Springsteen’s heartfelt vocals make it a standout on the album.
Streets of Fire
Streets of Fire is a powerful rock song that tells the story of a man trying to escape the darkness:
I’m walking in the street
With my hands in my pockets
I’m looking for a place
Where I can lay my head
But I got a job to do
And a promise to keep
I gotta walk these empty streets
Down to the river’s edge
The song’s driving beat and Springsteen’s passionate vocals make it a fan favorite to this day.
Prove It All Night
Prove It All Night is a fiery rock song that tells the story of a man trying to win the heart of a woman:
I’ve been working real hard, trying to get my hands clean
Tonight we’ll drive that dusty road from Monroe to Angeline
To buy you a gold ring and pretty dress of blue
Baby, just one kiss will get these things for you
A kiss to seal our fate tonight
A kiss to prove it all night
The song’s driving beat and Springsteen’s passionate delivery make it a standout on the album.
Darkness on the Edge of Town
The album closes with the title track, Darkness on the Edge of Town, a haunting ballad that tells the story of a man struggling to find his way in the world:
They’re still racing out at the Trestles
But that blood it never burned in her veins
Now I hear she’s got a house up in Fairview
And a style she’s trying to maintain
Well, if she wants to see me,
You can tell her that I’m easily found
Tell her there’s a spot out ‘neath Abram’s Bridge
And tell her there’s a darkness on the edge of town
The song’s sparse instrumentation and Springsteen’s soulful vocals make it a fitting end to an incredible album.
Conclusion
Darkness on the Edge of Town is a masterpiece of songwriting, blending Springsteen’s raw emotion with social commentary to create something truly special. The album’s lyrics are a powerful exploration of the human condition, touching on themes of love, loss, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. If you haven’t listened to Darkness on the Edge of Town, do yourself a favor and give it a spin.
