Zerita’s Pick: Bruce Springsteen “Born to Run”
There’s a reason that “Born to Run is Springsteen’s most popular song. Further, it’s a signature of both his sound, and also the pulse of American culture at the time. The lyrics are indicative of a need for freedom, a sort of escape from the mainstream way of life. In the recently released biopic, Deliver Me From Nowhere, the song is a key point to symbolize Springsteen’s departure from a difficult childhood. Additionally, the moment happens early on in the film to flash from past to present, present in this case being around 1980 when Bruce Springsteen is coming off of his most successful tour yet and singing the anthem to a sold out crowd. Despite its upbeat nature, “Born to Run” is always a song that makes me cry, it’s a call to action for anyone with big dreams stuck in a rut – making it a universally impactful theme. Even its line “tramps like us” makes something derogatory an endearment for the untethered spirit. Sonically, “Born to Run” mixes elements of 1950s classic rock n roll like Springsteen’s influences Little Richard and Elvis Presley with blaring saxophones, tremolo guitar, and a classic blues chord progression. It also has elements that are decidedly modern (at least to its release year 1975) such as a chugging electric guitar rhythm, and the creative use of glockenspiel. With such a timeless sound, “Born to Run” is a defining anthem of rock n roll history, and it’s no wonder Bruce Springsteen has managed such an impressive career to merit a biopic.
Michelle’s Pick – The Runaways “Cherry Bomb”
I picked “Cherry Bomb” from the 2010 biopic The Runaways, starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning. This track was my gateway into the Riot Grrrl genre. Growing up, it was incredibly powerful to hear rock music created by fierce, unapologetic women. Joan Jett has always been an icon to me, and this song captures the raw energy of teenage rebellion, of carving your own path and owning your independence. Lines like “Hello world, I’m your wild girl” make me feel seen. As someone who never quite fit the mold, this song validated and helped me embrace being a rebellious nonconformer. Give the song a listen down below!
Leo’s Pick – Amy Winehouse “You Send Me Flying / Cherry”
For this week’s theme, I chose a song by the great and powerful Amy Winehouse. On her 2003 album titled, “Frank,” Winehouse demonstrates her unique and technical voice over jazz inspired instrumentals. However, What sets Winehouse apart from her contemporaries is that her personality shines unabashedly through her lyricism. For example, she writes, “So I bribed you downstairs with a Marlboro Red.” This moment feels both realistic and intimate. Winehouse was an absolutely undeniable talent. Her vocal abilities, writing, and charisma on stage remain unmatched. There has not been anyone like Amy since she left. Listen to this legendary tack below.
Grace’s Pick – Elton John “Empty Garden”
Elton John is known for his incredible, fun, upbeat music. This week, I chose him as my artist for the Bio Picks, but I chose a song that has more meaning to me. The song “Empty Garden” is one of my favorite songs by him ever since I was introduced to it freshman year of high school. This song was written after the death of John Lennon. Thus, through exploring the metaphor of an empty garden, Elton explains how empty he feels without Lennon. This song is in his 1982 album Jump Up! and has powerful and moving lyrics. He writes, “I’ve been knocking, but no one answers…” this gets me every time. I’m sure most of us have suffered some kind of loss in our life. Elton sings it so beautifully. Further, He describes John as a gardener, tending to his garden (the world), but now that he isn’t here, who is going to grow the good crops and weed the garden? Overall, This song is riddled with metaphors about John’s death, how he cared for the world, and has a legacy that will live on forever. Take a listen to this moving song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj0vAMHEOws&list=RDJj0vAMHEOws&start_radio=1
