Wreck on the Highway
Bruce Springsteen
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Last night I was out driving Coming home at the end of the working day I was riding alone through the drizzling rain On a deserted stretch of a county two-lane When I came upon a wreck on the highway Now there was blood and glass all over And there was nobody there but me As the rain tumbled down hard and cold I seen a young man lying by the side of the road He cried Mister, won't you help me please An ambulance finally came and took him to Riverside I watched as they drove him away And I thought of a girlfriend or a young wife And a state trooper knocking in the middle of the night To say your baby died in a wreck on the highway Sometimes I sit up in the darkness And I watch my baby as she sleeps Then I climb in bed and I hold her tight I just lay there awake in the middle of the night Thinking 'bout the wreck on the highway
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Written by: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
14 facts about this song
Genre Classification"_Wreck on the Highway_" is categorically classified under the genre of heartland rock, rock and folk rock.
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Album InformationThe song is a part of Bruce Springsteen's album "_The River_," which was released on October 17, 1980.
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Songwriter DetailsBruce Springsteen is the sole writer of "_Wreck on the Highway_".
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Personal InspirationThe content of the song is reportedly based on a real-life auto accident that Springsteen encountered and stayed with him, leading to its eventual adaptation into a song.
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Unique SoundThe song incorporates a unique blend of harmonica, electric guitar, and piano, and is known for its somber ambiance.
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Length of Tracks"_Wreck on the Highway_" is the final track on the album and has a runtime of about 3 minutes and 48 seconds.
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Song InterpretationThe song explores themes of mortality, guilt, and human connection, often interpreted as Springsteen's reflection of the ephemeral nature of life.
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Original InspirationWhile Springsteen's song shares a title with Roy Acuff's country song "Wreck on the Highway," Springsteen's song is not a cover but rather an original piece. However, Springsteen has admitted being initially inspired by Acuff's song.
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Quiet ConclusionIn contrast to the high energy songs for which Springsteen is well known, "Wreck on the Highway" ends the double album "_The River_" on a subdued and introspective note.
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Live PerformancesDespite being one of the lesser-known songs from "_The River_," "Wreck on the Highway" has been regularly performed at Springsteen's live shows.
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ReceptionWhile the song was not released as a single and thus did not chart, it is often cited by fans and critics alike as one of the highlights of "_The River_" album.
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Cover VersionsDifferent artists have covered "Wreck on the Highway", including folk singer Joan Baez and country artist Steve Earle.
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NarrationThis song, like many of Springsteen's songs, relies on narrative storytelling, detailing the aftermath of a late-night car crash and its impact on the narrator’s outlook on life.
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Album SuccessWhile it's not the most acclaimed song on "_The River_", the album peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and became one of Springsteen's most commercially successful records.
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Citation
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