One of Bruce Springsteen’s most iconic songs, Born in the U.S.A. was released on October 30, 1984, as the title track of his album. Despite its anthemic chorus, the song is a bittersweet reflection on the struggles of Vietnam War veterans returning home.
The song is bold and booming. It opens with Max Weinberg’s thunderous drumbeat and Roy Bittan’s iconic synthesizer riff—instantly recognizable and designed to grab attention. Springsteen’s vocals are raw and anguished, perfectly suited to the song’s themes of betrayal and alienation. Unlike his earlier, folk-inflected protest songs, this track delivers its message through a deceptively rousing rock sound.
Often misinterpreted as a patriotic anthem, the song actually tells the story of a disillusioned Vietnam veteran struggling to reintegrate into society. Lines like “Got in a little hometown jam, so they put a rifle in my hand” highlight the harsh realities faced by many soldiers.
The song became a global hit, reaching the top 10 in many countries. It was one of seven U.S. top 10 singles from the album and helped propel Springsteen into global superstardom. The Born in the U.S.A. album became a symbol of 1980s American rock, even as the title track carried a message that questioned national values, and has been ranked among Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.