Bruce Springsteen — For You
Album: Greetings from Asbury ParkAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 879
Length: 4:37
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Princess cards she sends me with her regards
Oh barroom eyes shine vacancy, to see her you gotta look hard
Wounded deep in battle, I stand stuffed like some soldier undaunted
To her Cheshire smile I'll stand on file, she's all I ever wanted
Oh but you let your blue walls get in the way of these facts
Honey, get your carpetbaggers off my back
You wouldn't even give me time to cover my tracks
You said, "Here's your mirror and your ball and jacks"
But they're not what I came for, and I'm sure you see that too
I came for you, for you, I came for you, but you did not need my urgency
I came for you, for you, I came for you, but your life was one long emergency
And your cloud line urges me
Oh and my electric surges free
Oh crawl into my ambulance, your pulse is getting weak
Oh reveal yourself all now to me girl while you've got the strength to speak
'Cause they're waiting for you at Bellevue with their oxygen masks
But I could give it all to you now if only you could ask
Oh and don't call for your surgeon even he says it's too late
It's not your lungs this time, it's your heart that holds your fate
Don't give me my money, honey, I don't want it back
You and your pony face and your Union Jack
Well take your local joker and teach him how to act
I swear I was never that way even when I really cracked
Didn't you think I knew that you were born with the power of a locomotive
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound?
And your Chelsea suicide with no apparent motive
You could laugh and cry in a single sound, alright
And your strength is devastating in the face of all these odds
Remember how I kept you waiting when it was my turn to be the god?
You were not quite half so proud when I found you broken on the beach
Remember how I poured salt on your tongue and hung just out of reach
And the band they played the homecoming theme as I caressed your cheek
Yeah that ragged, jagged melody, she still clings to me like a leach
But that medal you wore on your chest always got in the way
Like a little girl with a trophy so soft to buy her way
We were both hitchhikers but you had your ears tuned to the roar
Of some metal-tempered engine on an alien, distant shore
So you left to find a better reason than the one we were living for
And it's not that nursery mouth I came back for
It's not the way you're stretched out on the floor
'Cause I've broken all your windows and I've rammed through all your doors
And who am I to ask you to lick my sores?
And you should know that's true
I came for you, for you, I came for you, but you did not need my urgency
I came for you, for you, I came for you, but your life was one long emergency
And your cloud line urges me
Oh and my electric surges free
Ooh
Oh barroom eyes shine vacancy, to see her you gotta look hard
Wounded deep in battle, I stand stuffed like some soldier undaunted
To her Cheshire smile I'll stand on file, she's all I ever wanted
Oh but you let your blue walls get in the way of these facts
Honey, get your carpetbaggers off my back
You wouldn't even give me time to cover my tracks
You said, "Here's your mirror and your ball and jacks"
But they're not what I came for, and I'm sure you see that too
I came for you, for you, I came for you, but you did not need my urgency
I came for you, for you, I came for you, but your life was one long emergency
And your cloud line urges me
Oh and my electric surges free
Oh crawl into my ambulance, your pulse is getting weak
Oh reveal yourself all now to me girl while you've got the strength to speak
'Cause they're waiting for you at Bellevue with their oxygen masks
But I could give it all to you now if only you could ask
Oh and don't call for your surgeon even he says it's too late
It's not your lungs this time, it's your heart that holds your fate
Don't give me my money, honey, I don't want it back
You and your pony face and your Union Jack
Well take your local joker and teach him how to act
I swear I was never that way even when I really cracked
Didn't you think I knew that you were born with the power of a locomotive
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound?
And your Chelsea suicide with no apparent motive
You could laugh and cry in a single sound, alright
And your strength is devastating in the face of all these odds
Remember how I kept you waiting when it was my turn to be the god?
You were not quite half so proud when I found you broken on the beach
Remember how I poured salt on your tongue and hung just out of reach
And the band they played the homecoming theme as I caressed your cheek
Yeah that ragged, jagged melody, she still clings to me like a leach
But that medal you wore on your chest always got in the way
Like a little girl with a trophy so soft to buy her way
We were both hitchhikers but you had your ears tuned to the roar
Of some metal-tempered engine on an alien, distant shore
So you left to find a better reason than the one we were living for
And it's not that nursery mouth I came back for
It's not the way you're stretched out on the floor
'Cause I've broken all your windows and I've rammed through all your doors
And who am I to ask you to lick my sores?
And you should know that's true
I came for you, for you, I came for you, but you did not need my urgency
I came for you, for you, I came for you, but your life was one long emergency
And your cloud line urges me
Oh and my electric surges free
Ooh
Comments (97)add comment
boffyflow wrote:
I came to the original decades ago listening to Manfred Mann. But I prefer this version, it just sounds much more honest and raw to me. I also really like the tempo as it reflects the lyrics much better. Somewhere between 8 and 9 for me.
I Agree Completely!
I came to the original decades ago listening to Manfred Mann. But I prefer this version, it just sounds much more honest and raw to me. I also really like the tempo as it reflects the lyrics much better. Somewhere between 8 and 9 for me.
I Agree Completely!
I don't know, maybe I'm out of the loop of current music -- but in 2021 - 22, who the f writes songs and lyrics and poetry and stories like this anymore?
KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
Yeah, there was no great music in the 70's
the thing is, about bruce, is that you have to understand what was going on musicaly at the time. which was pretty much squat. he was a absolute breath of fresh air. i remember the first time i heard him on the radio. of course it wasn't anything off this album. i was shocked at the power of his music. he really made an impression on fm radio and me. so if you don't get it... i guess you should have been there. i like this song!
Yeah, there was no great music in the 70's
jp33442 wrote:
Full stop.
This was a great album
Full stop.
rabaak wrote:
Seems choppy and rushed compared to the Mann cover.
Yup, and I LOVE that
It was URGENT
Seems choppy and rushed compared to the Mann cover.
Yup, and I LOVE that
It was URGENT
This sort of sucks… I keep expecting him to start yelling Thunder Road but we never get that level of resolution.
Everything about this debut album was brilliant. The lyrics, the creativity, the energy...it was and still remains a a fantastic testimony to the genius of Springsteen. This introductory album was wonderful in every way.
rabaak wrote:
I came to the original decades ago listening to Manfred Mann. But I prefer this version, it just sounds much more honest and raw to me. I also really like the tempo as it reflects the lyrics much better. Somewhere between 8 and 9 for me.
This sure sounds different than the Mannfred Mann cover. I was doing something else an only half paying attention. I knew I had heard this song before, just not the Springsteen rendition.
Seems choppy and rushed compared to the Mann cover.
Seems choppy and rushed compared to the Mann cover.
I came to the original decades ago listening to Manfred Mann. But I prefer this version, it just sounds much more honest and raw to me. I also really like the tempo as it reflects the lyrics much better. Somewhere between 8 and 9 for me.
This was a great album
57 people rated this a "1"
37 - 46% of people support this president
37 - 46% of people support this president
This is a goodun...now hungry heart is total shit served on a saltine cracker in which i would never indulge.
kremfresch wrote:
WMMR The original free form FM radio!!
Having grown up in the Philadelphia suburbs listening to WYSP and WMMR this is the music of my life. I am ALWAYS taken aback when encountering people from other parts of the country whose exposure to Bruce before Born in the USA was strictly "Born to Run" and Manford Man's version of "Blinded by the Light"! It's hard to believe, but there was a point in my life I heard this music so much I was absolutely sick of it. Bruce is the poet of my generation, hands down.
WMMR The original free form FM radio!!
This sure sounds different than the Mannfred Mann cover. I was doing something else an only half paying attention. I knew I had heard this song before, just not the Springsteen rendition.
Seems choppy and rushed compared to the Mann cover.
Seems choppy and rushed compared to the Mann cover.
Ptijoc wrote:
I've been a fan ever since my friend dragged (OK, but you drive) me down the shore
to the Stone Pony to see this band he "discovered"...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
The "young" springsteen, very abounding, romantic and naïve. And the final! I love it very much.
I've been a fan ever since my friend dragged (OK, but you drive) me down the shore
to the Stone Pony to see this band he "discovered"...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
kremfresch wrote:
Having grown up in the Philadelphia suburbs listening to WYSP and WMMR this is the music of my life. I am ALWAYS taken aback when encountering people from other parts of the country whose exposure to Bruce before Born in the USA was strictly "Born to Run" and Manford Man's version of "Blinded by the Light"! It's hard to believe, but there was a point in my life I heard this music so much I was absolutely sick of it. Bruce is the poet of my generation, hands down.
As someone who grew up listening to Bruce I agree with you so muchMy favorite Springsteen album, still as good now as it was then....
Having grown up in the Philadelphia suburbs listening to WYSP and WMMR this is the music of my life. I am ALWAYS taken aback when encountering people from other parts of the country whose exposure to Bruce before Born in the USA was strictly "Born to Run" and Manford Man's version of "Blinded by the Light"! It's hard to believe, but there was a point in my life I heard this music so much I was absolutely sick of it. Bruce is the poet of my generation, hands down.
danw64 wrote:
There is a fairly well-known version by Manfred Mann's Earth Band - maybe the version you are thinking of
Just listened to this last night out my collection. Elsewhere? Only on RP. 
Anyone know who did the remake.
Anyone know who did the remake.There is a fairly well-known version by Manfred Mann's Earth Band - maybe the version you are thinking of
Just listened to this last night out my collection. Elsewhere? Only on RP. Anyone know who did the remake.
Anyone know who did the remake.Brilliant lyrics. Fun and fabulous and fucking fantastic.
(anonymous) wrote:
He also covered "Spirit in the Night" from the same album. The Boss seemed a fertile source for MMEB it would seem.
Hi Lily33... I just want to let you know for the record that Bruce Springsteen wrote both "Blinded by the Light" and "For You", and it was Manfred Mann that covered them...
Originally Posted by lily33:
... this record is fabulous (nebraska, too). and this song, a close second to my favorite bruce ever "growing up". its too bad he doesn't write like this anymore. or, did manfred mann write this tune too? well, either way, his delivery is raw and that's how it should be.
... this record is fabulous (nebraska, too). and this song, a close second to my favorite bruce ever "growing up". its too bad he doesn't write like this anymore. or, did manfred mann write this tune too? well, either way, his delivery is raw and that's how it should be.
He also covered "Spirit in the Night" from the same album. The Boss seemed a fertile source for MMEB it would seem.
People either love or hate BS. There's no middle ground. They feel the same about Bruce Springsteen.
Hmmm. This very album is at the front of the pile in the living under the TV facing me.
junebaby65 wrote:
I am a fan and will always be, but it's sad to hear that some folks find this song obscure.
I am not a fan and never will be, but it's nice to hear something a little more obscure.
I am a fan and will always be, but it's sad to hear that some folks find this song obscure.
Classic Bruce, before his lyrics started sounding like bad comp lit essays.
Had to grade too many of those to enjoy them set to music.
Had to grade too many of those to enjoy them set to music.
Is it me, or is the singing really terrible? I like Bruce generally, but his voice is just awful here!
I really like the keyboard work by David Sancious on the first two albums.
I am not a fan and never will be, but it's nice to hear something a little more obscure.
I mean, talk about song writing without peer!
Lazarus wrote:
Laz, they're not waiting for you at Bellevue with their oxygen masks. Keep dancing.
Laz, they're not waiting for you at Bellevue with their oxygen masks. Keep dancing.
Classic Bruce. This is what his fans love. I am a fan.
Ptijoc wrote:
Yes, I prefer Springsteen's work from this album to "The River" although I think he has constantly maintained excellence. But yes, Bruce's earlier work feels more intense to me. Thanks Bill for reminding us of how good his lyrics could be, even back then.
The "young" springsteen, very abounding, romantic and naïve. And the final! I love it very much.
Yes, I prefer Springsteen's work from this album to "The River" although I think he has constantly maintained excellence. But yes, Bruce's earlier work feels more intense to me. Thanks Bill for reminding us of how good his lyrics could be, even back then.
Floyd62 wrote:
Congrats Floyd.
I can't stand Springsteen.
Congrats Floyd.
I can't stand Springsteen.
As a Bruce Springsteen fan, this is one of his best ever.
Lyrics second to none. an early indication of what was to come.
The "young" springsteen, very abounding, romantic and naïve. And the final! I love it very much.
fortheloveofpete wrote:
Oh, I've got a deep love for Bruce and this album. I was just noting that it's a wee bit ironic that the songs that most people truly remember Manfred Mann's Earth Band for (not counting Doo Wah Diddy, natch), were all found in a significantly different form on this album.
You folks are ruthless
No matter, thanks for playing Bill. It had me bouncing around with a big smile. I've always liked Bruce and especially this song.
No matter, thanks for playing Bill. It had me bouncing around with a big smile. I've always liked Bruce and especially this song. Oh, I've got a deep love for Bruce and this album. I was just noting that it's a wee bit ironic that the songs that most people truly remember Manfred Mann's Earth Band for (not counting Doo Wah Diddy, natch), were all found in a significantly different form on this album.
You folks are ruthless No matter, thanks for playing Bill. It had me bouncing around with a big smile. I've always liked Bruce and especially this song.
No matter, thanks for playing Bill. It had me bouncing around with a big smile. I've always liked Bruce and especially this song. And just think. If not for this album, Manfred Mann's Earth Band wouldn't have the first hit in the late 70', much less four of them.
'Cause they're waiting for you at Bellevue...to start playing this AGAIN!!
tomnam wrote:
I like Bruce, but you have no idea why the guy lives with his father. Maybe his dad has alzeimers and needs care. Maybe they have a family farm and all work on it...
Ummm, you were born in '71 and you still live at home? Maybe you should change your name to George Castanza. I think you're airing out your personal frustrations and unfortunately Springsteen happens to be your button. Maybe you should seek guidance somewhere...
Edited By tomnam at 1:40 pm on 4/21/2003
Edited By tomnam at 1:40 pm on 4/21/2003
I like Bruce, but you have no idea why the guy lives with his father. Maybe his dad has alzeimers and needs care. Maybe they have a family farm and all work on it...
is this your favorite Bruce song?
Discover the New Bruce Springsteen book, For You
Bursting with amazing stories the editors are looking
for written contributions documenting fans experiences
with Bruce Springsteen and his music. Also original photography
from the early 1970s to the present. Visit:
(click here)
mike1g wrote:
I am glad I read these comments. Sheds some light on why I hate that song "Blinded by the Light, Wrapped up like a Douche" so much. Bruce wrote it. I have never been able to accept Bruce. The so called "Boss". And now that my father is passifying his post mid life crisis with his new Bruce greatest hits album, and I have to listen to it when returning home, I have developed an alergic reaction to him. He might mean and feel what he sings, it just comes off as a total gimic to me. He should change his name to George Cantstandya.
ps- yes, I know it is "wrapped up like a deuce"
i would question anybodys intentions that would listen to a "greatest hits" package. i've never listened to bruce's greatest hits but i would be willing to bet that this songs not on it. and when i happen to get stuck listening to a classic schlock station that usally plays only one springteen song... i turn it off. i prefer the deeper cuts.
Shimmer wrote:
What I think is funny is how Bruce's crappy music attracts such pretentious snobs.
I must be a pretentious snob! Seriously, I can understand certain criticisms of Bruce and his music -- not that I would necessarily agree with them -- but to label his music as being pretentious or his fans as being pretentious snobs, well, that is just so far off the mark that I had to comment. If anything, he's always been somewhat of a working man's hero. And Greetings from Asbury Park -- one of 2 albums that were out there before he became widely known outside of the eastern coast -- reflects just that.
I prefer the Manfred Mann version from the album Chance. Takes me back to the shrooming days of old. Lots of fun...the 10 minutes I remember. 
sergeant_x wrote:
Its funny how the best music, art in general for that matter, often triggers the most intense negative responses from people. Like they can somehow sense the depth of the art their not getting and it just pisses them off.
What I think is funny is how Bruce's crappy music attracts such pretentious snobs.
ottonorse wrote:
I usually think Bruce is ok 5-7 range for most songs - this one is getting a 2
I usually think Bruce is ok 5-7 range for most songs - this one is getting an 8
WHen this came out - I was bored of just about everything coming out.
Same same same
This came in like WOW !
Thanks for bringing it back, Love this tune.
I usually think Bruce is ok 5-7 range for most songs - this one is getting a 2
:goodvibes.gif: 
:goodvibes.gif: :goodvibes.gif: 
amazing song from a classic album, definitely does not merit such an incredibly low rating!!!! 
:goodvibes.gif: :goodvibes.gif: amazing song from a classic album, definitely does not merit such an incredibly low rating!!!! Bruce is like the second-coming of Bob Dylan, come this time to play Rock. And Bob hasn't even left.
I suppose that's partly why a lot of people dislike him... he's a brilliant lyricist, but some people prefer a less rambling style. Personally I love the stories his songs tell. Thunder Road and Racing in the Streets are particularly good, or maybe just the most relevant to me. :)
Its funny how the best music, art in general for that matter, often triggers the most intense negative responses from people. Like they can somehow sense the depth of the art their not getting and it just pisses them off.
Not to appear anti-social but I just can't understand Bruce's appeal. I think if given the choice between A bruce song and a 2 hour recording of fingernails on a blackboard it would be a tough choice!
Hmm. I like this. Never heard it before.
Wickster wrote:
Lyrically, this album, now over a quarter century old, compares w/ canonical works like "Bringing It All Back Home" and "Blond on Blond."
Yes, both Bruce and Dylan are so over-deliberately literary that they deserve a pretentious word like "canonical".
Is there a smiley for "you're making me puke"?
I never understood how this guy got airplay. Boring!!! Monotonous...I once threw a $300 music system through the window at a party when my roommate put this guy on. It was my system.
I love Bruce. Y'all just don't get his genius. :)
originally posted by lbrc:
awe man? the original is always better then the cover. but i hated the cover so this is not that much better. bruce is living up to my expectations as usual- suckin' 
hey everybody, it's evil-boy day here at rp. watch all the venom spewed by the guy who loves to hate rp. song after song after song. if you hate this so much lbrc, why are you here. 
Ummm, you were born in '71 and you still live at home? Maybe you should change your name to George Castanza. I think you're airing out your personal frustrations and unfortunately Springsteen happens to be your button. Maybe you should seek guidance somewhere...
Originally Posted by mike1g:
I am glad I read these comments. Sheds some light on why I hate that song "Blinded by the Light, Wrapped up like a Douche" so much. Bruce wrote it. I have never been able to accept Bruce. The so called "Boss". And now that my father is passifying his post mid life crisis with his new Bruce greatest hits album, and I have to listen to it when returning home, I have developed an alergic reaction to him. He might mean and feel what he sings, it just comes off as a total gimic to me. He should change his name to George Cantstandya.
ps- yes, I know it is "wrapped up like a deuce"
A true classic - perhaps sometime you can play the excellent acoustic cover by Greg Kihn - yes, that\'s right - Greg Kihn (if only I knew where to find it). Meantime, maybe you play Rosalita...
All the best Springsteen songs (like this one) told captivating stories of fascinating characters (Jungleland, Backstreets, Sandy, Rosalita, Incident 54th Street, Thunder Road, The River, Griowing Up, etc.). When he does the Dancing in the Dark/Human Touch slop, forget it!
I agree with the beaded vs. shaved view.
The mark of a great artist is often how polarized people are about his/her music. People love or hate Bruce, and rarely is there any in-between. Personally, I fall on the love side, but at least he evokes reaction which is mor than you can say about a lot of the indistinguishable pablum spewed forth by many current artists.
Absolutely great example of early Springsteen. My experience with him can be summed up thusly: Bearded Bruce, excellent. Shaven Bruce, well..... I saw him in 1975 at Georgetown University\'s McDonough Gymnasium. One of the best concerts I ever saw, though I wouldn\'t see him now.
no.
Originally Posted by mike1g:
I am glad I read these comments. Sheds some light on why I hate that song "Blinded by the Light, Wrapped up like a Douche" so much. Bruce wrote it. I have never been able to accept Bruce. The so called "Boss". And now that my father is passifying his post mid life crisis with his new Bruce greatest hits album, and I have to listen to it when returning home, I have developed an alergic reaction to him. He might mean and feel what he sings, it just comes off as a total gimic to me. He should change his name to George Cantstandya.
Wow Mike, a little harsh. If you don't like the music your dad listens to, maybe you should get a place of your own.
I am glad I read these comments. Sheds some light on why I hate that song \"Blinded by the Light, Wrapped up like a Douche\" so much. Bruce wrote it. I have never been able to accept Bruce. The so called \"Boss\". And now that my father is passifying his post mid life crisis with his new Bruce greatest hits album, and I have to listen to it when returning home, I have developed an alergic reaction to him. He might mean and feel what he sings, it just comes off as a total gimic to me. He should change his name to George Cantstandya.
ps- yes, I know it is \"wrapped up like a deuce\"
I have always, always loved this song. Terrific lyrics, sung with feeling.
Not really into BS' music but I kinda like this.
Living in Jersey... I will never, ever be able to figure out what it is about this guy.
I can\'t imagine sitting down with the goal of writing an \"anthem\" every time.
Blech...
Originally Posted by Shimmer:
Have to agree that the Manfred Mann version is better. I've never understood the appeal of this guy.
He probably doesn't understand your appeal either...
:-)
Jacques
Have to agree that the Manfred Mann version is better. I\'ve never understood the appeal of this guy.
My friends and would play this song at top volume and sing it as loud as possible. Thanks for the memories.
I bet Bruce could write a GREAT novel. He\'s such a good storyteller! Love \'im!
Great song!
the thing is, about bruce, is that you have to understand what was going on musicaly at the time. which was pretty much squat. he was a absolute breath of fresh air. i remember the first time i heard him on the radio. of course it wasn\'t anything off this album. i was shocked at the power of his music. he really made an impression on fm radio and me. so if you don\'t get it... i guess you should have been there. i like this song!
Unfortunately, the Manfred Mann version is clearly better. Playing and/or liking the original doesn\'t make you cool.
Originally Posted by lily33:
its too bad he doesn't write like this anymore. or, did manfred mann write this tune too? well, either way, his delivery is raw and that's how it should be.
I don't know of any Springsteen song that Manfred mann wrote. They covered at least one of his tunes (blinded by the light). But I'm not a Springsteen authority, so maybe he did cover one of their songs.
Kevin
I\'m not a huge Springsteen fan, but I do love this one. The lyrics, the story they tell, the energy, overall an excellent song! :D
I came to the original decades ago listening to Manfred Mann. But I prefer this version, it just sounds much more honest and raw to me. I also really like the tempo as it reflects the lyrics much better. Somewhere between 8 and 9 for me.
i'd love to know the story behind this, or who the subject matter was to him. it's so interesting. i just love it. it is a tie for my favorite of all bruce's songs for sure.