Bruce Springsteen appears in this song.
I think.
He’s credited with providing backing vocals, at least. I’ll be darned if I can pick them out though, and I’m usually pretty good at that.
“AUATC” stands for “Ate Up All Their Cake,” and it’s brought to you by Grammy-winning indie-folk band Bon Iver.
Bon Iver was one of the first bands to release new music during the great pandemic of 2020. They issued a benefit single called “PDLIF” (Please Don’t Live in Fear) in April to raise money for COVID relief, and they followed it up with “AUATC” in August.
“AUATC” was another benefit single, in this case more against than for a cause. “AUATC” is decidedly anti-capitalist in theme, and to ensure that the somewhat cryptic lyrics didn’t go over listeners’ heads, the band issued a statement when they released the song.
We are calling attention to the fight against capitalism and our collective participation in its dominant institutions. Bon Iver acknowledges our own position within and use of capitalistic practices. It is with recognition of our privilege that we are fully committed to using our unique platform to challenge and change capitalism within our industry, and far beyond.
The song’s theme apparently resonated with other artists, too–because among the background vocals are the voices of Jenny Lewis, Jenn Wasner, and Bruce Springsteen.
Bruce, of course, has been known to speak out against the excesses and abuses of capitalism from time to time, so it’s not necessarily a surprise that he contributed to the recording. What’s surprising is that none of the prominent guest vocalists are individually discernable.
Presumably that’s by intent, in keeping with the song’s theme. But for hardcore Springsteen fans like us, eager to hear our guy’s contributions stand out, we’ll have to look (and listen) elsewhere.
AUATC
Recorded: 2020
Released: AUATC (single) (August 5, 2020)
Never performed
Once you pick his voice out he’s quite hard to unhear! I recommend listening out for him in “hold out Martha, help is surely on its way”, “there’s no master” and “you know the truth’s been made a crutch”, I think those are the lines where he’s the most prominent.
Thanks. First time hearing this. Bruce is at 1:58, for sure. He may be elsewhere, but clear as day at 1:58.
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