When the Boss was King

Born in the U.S.A. is the seventh studio album by American rock singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen. It was released by Columbia Records on June 4, 1984. The album’s music was written by Springsteen and recorded with his E Street Band and producers Chuck Plotkin and Jon Landau at The Power Station and The Hit Factory in New York City.

Born in the U.S.A. was met with positive reviews and massive commercial success. It produced seven top-10 hit singles and was promoted with a worldwide concert tour by Springsteen. Born in the U.S.A. became his most commercially successful album and one of the highest-selling records ever, having sold 30 million copies by 2012. It has also been cited by critics as one of the greatest albums of all time. The album received a nomination for Album of the Year at the 1985 Grammy Awards.

(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

I was hearing this album almost constantly. Both AM and FM radios were playing different cuts throughout the day. I would see the videos on MTV throughout their broadcast day. The song Born in the USA was so prevalent at the time that I heard it in my sleep. It became an ear worm.

It really was and still remains a good album, but I had to break away from the sound in my head. I put these words together during one of my late night walks. With time, and new worries and things to take up space in my mind that song eventually faded away. I still like it, but now to get over that constant ringing in my ears.

 

Top Ten

I got the rhythm in my head,

his latest hit to make the charts,

and the sounds of the

strings and the drums beating it out.

I have the rhythm and the rhyme locked into my head.

I’m stepping to the beat of the meter and the voice.

I want to hear more,

replay once again.

I want to hear the words, replay once again,

the sound and rhythm.

I want to hear it rattle inside my brains.

 

Now, his voice steals inside me

the silent power of silent metronomes.

Go away!

I want my voice back!

I need the friendly sounds and

inner voices of William and William

and William Butler, and dear Edgar.

Return unto me what is mine.

Return unto me my voice,

my own voice.

 

San Pablo, California 1984