Bruce Springsteen – Don’t Play That Song

About the song

Don’t Play That Song: A Heartbreak Ballad by Bruce Springsteen

In the vast landscape of American music, few artists have captured the essence of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit quite like Bruce Springsteen. With his raspy vocals, poetic lyrics, and anthemic melodies, Springsteen has painted vivid sonic portraits of working-class struggles, small-town dreams, and the enduring power of hope. Among his extensive discography, one song stands out as a poignant exploration of heartbreak and the lingering echoes of past love: “Don’t Play That Song.”

Released in 2022 as part of Springsteen’s twentieth studio album, Only the Strong Survive, “Don’t Play That Song” is a somber ballad that delves into the depths of emotional vulnerability. The song’s opening lines, “I met her on a summer’s day/ Down by the riverside,” immediately transport the listener to a bygone era, a time when love seemed boundless and the future held endless possibilities. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that this idyllic romance has long since faded, leaving behind a trail of bittersweet memories.

Springsteen’s masterful storytelling shines through in the song’s evocative lyrics, which paint vivid pictures of shared moments and lingering regrets. The chorus, “Don’t play that song, I can’t take it no more,” serves as a desperate plea to silence the music that triggers a flood of painful emotions. The song’s instrumentation, characterized by a mournful piano melody and Springsteen’s weathered vocals, perfectly complements the melancholic mood of the lyrics.

“Don’t Play That Song” is a testament to Springsteen’s ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. The song’s themes of heartbreak and the lingering power of love are universal, resonating with anyone who has experienced the loss of a cherished relationship. Springsteen’s raw honesty and emotional vulnerability make the song all the more poignant, allowing listeners to connect with his pain and find solace in their own shared experiences.

In a world saturated with pop music that often lacks depth and emotional resonance, “Don’t Play That Song” stands as a beacon of authentic songwriting. It is a reminder of the power of music to evoke profound emotions, to transport us back in time, and to provide solace in the face of heartbreak. Bruce Springsteen’s masterful storytelling and heartfelt delivery make “Don’t Play That Song” a must-listen for anyone who has ever experienced the bittersweet pangs of love and loss.

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Lyrics

“Don’t Play That Song”
(originally by Ben E. King)

Don’t play that song for me
Though it brings back sweet memories
Of the days that I once knew
Of the days I spent with you

Oh no, don’t you let it play
It fills my heart with pain
Please stop it right away
Cause I remember just-a what it said

Well it said
(Darling, I love you)
Oh, you know that you lied
(Darling, I love you)
Oh, you know that you lied
(Darling, I love you)
Oh, you know that you lied (you lied), you lied (you lied)
You lie, lie, lie, lied

I remember on our first date
You kissed me then you walked away
You were only seventeen
I never thought you’d act so mean

But you told me that you loved me
And you told me that you cared
You said you’d go with me, darling
Oh, anytime, anywhere

But, darling, you lied
(Darling, I love you)
Oh, darling, you lied
(Darling, I love you)
Yeah, darling, you lied
(Darling, I love you)
Oh, you know that you lied (you lied, you lied)
You lie, lie, lie, lied

I remember those summer nights down by the shore
As the band played, with you in my arms
And we moved across that floor
Then, darling, you went away
But all I’ve got to say is
I don’t care if you lied
Let’s dance

But, darling, you lied
(Darling, I love you)
Oh, darling, you lied
(Darling, I love you)
Yeah, darling, you lied
(Darling, I love you)
Oh, darling you lied (you lied), you lied (you lied)
You lie, lie, lie, lied

(Darling, I love you)
Oh, darling, you lied
(Darling, I love you)
Oh, darling, you lied
(Darling, I love you)
Oh, darling you lied (you lied), you lied (you lied)
You lie, lie, lie, lied

(Darling, I love you)
You know that you lied
(Darling, I love you)
Yeah, darling, you lied
(Darling, I love you)
Oh, darling you lied (you lied), you lied (you lied)
You lie, lie, lie, lied

(Darling, I love you)
(Darling, I love you)
(Darling, I love you)