A fascinating work-in-progress that eventually led to “Janey, Don’t You Lose Heart.”
Category: Roll of the Dice
Double-entry today: “Savin’ Up” is a Bruce Springsteen original composition, recorded by Clarence Clemons and the Red Bank Rockers, but performed live by Bruce on many occasions.
Another entry from the lost notebook–this one had some real potential.
When “Night Fire” finally saw the light of day,it turned out to be a lesser version of “Point Blank.” But what was it meant to be originally?
“I Just Can’t Change” is a long lost Bruce Springsteen Band song, but its melody survived into the E Street Band era attached to another song.
“Funk Song” is a Springsteen original instrumental (or maybe two) that hasn’t been heard since 1975.
“Fade Away” is a young man’s “Back in Your Arms,” a Danny Federici-powered cry of anguish over lost love. It’s beautiful and perfect–Bruce’s songwriting at its best.
“Jesus Was an Only Son” is a quiet reflection on the pain of losing a child. It transcends its religious imagery and resonates with any parent with children on the verge of adulthood.
Unearthed handwritten lyrics by an 18-year-old Bruce Springsteen.
Bruce fakes us out with this River outtake that sounds more like a Working on a Dream outtake.