Bruce Springteen – Out in the Street

About the song

Released in 1980 as part of his groundbreaking album The River, “Out in the Street” by Bruce Springsteen captures the raw energy and urgency that have become synonymous with the artist’s sound and storytelling. Known for its reflective lyrics and anthemic sound, the song is a perfect example of Springsteen’s ability to blend working-class themes with powerful, uplifting music. As the opening track of The River, it sets the tone for the album—one that navigates the challenges and aspirations of everyday life with honesty, hope, and a call for solidarity.

“Out in the Street” is a song about the struggle for meaning and connection in the face of life’s challenges. Lyrically, it evokes the sense of being part of a community, standing together against adversity. The song’s central theme is the sense of collective identity that comes from living “out in the street,” a metaphor for the everyday battles and triumphs of working-class life. The idea of being “out in the street” implies both a literal and figurative journey—a call to action that speaks to the spirit of resilience and the pursuit of dreams, despite the harsh realities that may stand in the way. This motif of hope, combined with the urgency of the music, gives the song its emotional resonance and lasting appeal.

Musically, “Out in the Street” is driven by a powerful rhythm section and Springsteen’s signature E Street Band energy. The song’s infectious beat, reinforced by Clarence Clemons’ soaring saxophone, provides a perfect backdrop for Springsteen’s impassioned delivery. The anthemic quality of the track, with its punchy chorus and infectious call to action, evokes a sense of celebration and solidarity, despite the hardships that are described in the lyrics. The band’s tight performance enhances the song’s message, amplifying the feeling of being part of something larger than oneself, a theme that is central to much of Springsteen’s music.

From a social and cultural perspective, “Out in the Street” captures the essence of the 1970s and early 1980s, a time when American society was grappling with economic uncertainty, political unrest, and a sense of alienation. At its core, the song speaks to the experiences of working-class Americans, those who face tough circumstances but find strength in each other and in their shared dreams. The sense of community, resilience, and hope that the song conveys resonated deeply with listeners at the time, particularly those who felt left behind by the changes in American society. In a larger sense, the song speaks to the universality of human experience—the idea that we are all “out in the street,” fighting for something better, whether that be in our personal lives or in the broader social context.

“Out in the Street” also fits into Springsteen’s larger body of work, where he has continually explored themes of the American Dream, working-class identity, and the struggles of ordinary people. While many of Springsteen’s songs are about personal stories and internal conflicts, “Out in the Street” shifts the focus outward, toward the collective experience of community and solidarity. This shift reflects the dual nature of The River album itself—one that juxtaposes both personal reflection and societal commentary, capturing the complexity of life in post-Vietnam America.

The song’s social impact extends beyond its immediate release. While “Out in the Street” was not a massive commercial hit, its place within The River ensured its significance in Springsteen’s catalog. The River was a commercial success, further cementing Springsteen as a major figure in rock music. The themes explored in “Out in the Street” continue to resonate with listeners today, especially during times of economic hardship or social unrest. Its call to unity, action, and perseverance is a timeless reminder of the importance of community and the shared struggles that bind people together.

In conclusion, “Out in the Street” stands as a quintessential Bruce Springsteen song, combining his trademark storytelling with a sense of social consciousness and a powerful, uplifting musical arrangement. The song’s themes of solidarity, resilience, and hope have made it a lasting anthem for those who identify with the struggles of working-class America. As part of the larger narrative of The River, it serves as a reminder of Springsteen’s ability to capture the emotional depth of the human experience and to turn those experiences into universal anthems that continue to inspire and resonate across generations.

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Lyrics

Put on your best dress baby
And darlin’, fix your hair up right
‘Cause there’s a party, honey
Way down beneath the neon lights
All day you’ve been working that hard line
Now tonight you’re gonna have a good time

I work five days a week girl
Loading crates down on the dock
I take my hard earned money
And meet my girl down on the block
And Monday when the foreman calls time
I’ve already got Friday on my mind

When that whistle blows
Girl, I’m down the street
I’m home, I’m out of my work clothes
When I’m out in the street, oh oh oh oh oh
I walk the way I want to walk
When I’m out in the street, oh oh oh oh oh
I talk the way I want to talk
When I’m out in the street
When I’m out in the street

When I’m out in the street, girl
Well, I never feel alone
When I’m out in the street, girl
In the crowd I feel at home
The black and whites they cruise by
And they watch us from the corner of their eye

But there ain’t no doubt girl, down here
We ain’t gonna take what they’re handing out
When I’m out in the street, oh oh oh oh oh
I walk the way I want to walk
When I’m out in the street, oh oh oh oh oh
I talk the way I want to talk
Baby, out in the street I don’t feel sad or blue
Baby, out in the street I’ll be waiting for you

When the whistle blows
Girl, I’m down the street
I’m home, I’m out of my work clothes
When I’m out in the street, oh oh oh oh oh
I walk the way I want to walk
When I’m out in the street, oh oh oh oh oh
I talk the way I want to talk

When I’m out in the street, oh oh oh oh oh
Pretty girls, they’re all passing by
When I’m out in the street, oh oh oh oh oh
From the corner, we give them the eye

Baby, out in the street I just feel all right
Meet me out in the street, little girl, tonight
Yeah, meet me out in the street
Meet me out in the street, woah oh
Ah, meet me out in the street
Oh meet me out in the street
Oh meet me out in the street
Meet me out in the street
Oh darlin’ out in the street
Meet me out in the street
Oh, meet me out in the street
Meet me out in the street
Oh darlin’ out in the street