Bruce originally included “Cindy” on The River back when it was only one disc, but he discarded it before finalizing the two-disc version. That’s too bad, because like “Hungry Heart,” its pop trappings combined with dark lyrics make for a perfect album fit.
“The Price You Pay” is considered to be one of Bruce’s most enigmatic songs, but it’s only the backstory that’s mysterious–the song reveals itself when we pay close attention.
This early love song hasn’t aged well but it paved the way for Bruce’s more mature and nuanced reflections on love and marriage.