Back at RT in 2012, Molly O'Keefe and I got to talking at the bar (like you do) (no, really, that's what you do at RT) and she told me she had to leave the convention early because her husband had scored tickets to see Bruce Springsteen live, and, well, yeah, she had to leave early. Because… Bruce.
As y'all know, I live in Jersey, and I spent every summer here as a kid. Springsteen is… well, he's Jersey. To quote Jon Stewart, another person from Jersey, when Springsteen was part of the Kennedy Center Honors program:
“I am not a music critic. Nor historian, nor archivist. I cannot tell you where Bruce Springsteen falls in the pantheon of the American songbook. I can not illuminate the context of his work or his roots in the folk and oral history traditions of our great nation.
But I am from New Jersey, and so I can tell you what I believe, and what I believe is this:
I believe that Bob Dylan and James Brown had a baby. Yes! And they abandoned this child, as you can imagine at the time…interracial, same sex relationships being what they were…they abandoned this baby by the side of the road between the exit interchanges 8A and 9 on the Jersey Turnpike.
That child was Bruce Springsteen.”
So when O'Keefe emailed me some weeks back and said she'd been thinking about the intersection of romance and Springsteen, two things she loves, and had an idea for an essay, and would I perhaps be interested in reading it, I said, “Well, duh.”
What follows is O'Keefe's essay – and stay tuned for a giveaway at the end.
Main Street and Thunder Road: The Intersection of The Romance Genre and Bruce Springsteen
Molly O'Keefe
I was introduced to the music of Bruce Springsteen when I was six, the year my brother got The River double tape set for Christmas. Listening from my room (a glorified hallway outside my brother’s door), I didn’t understand the adult and deeply conflicted nature of the song: Is a dream a lie that don’t come true or is it something worse? but still, recognition thrummed inside me.
I liked this.
Years later when I got my hands on Outlaw, Elizabeth Lowell’s fantastic Silhouette Desire, the same recognition thrummed.
I really liked this.
Thinking about it, despite the different mediums, I like romance novels and Springsteen in nearly exactly the same way, for the same reasons. It’s an easy argument that they share a multitude of themes:
Sex:
At night I wake up with the sheets soaking wet
And a freight train running through the
Middle of my head
Only you can cool my desire
(I’m On Fire)
Faith:
You use your muscle and your mind and you pray your best
That your best is good enough, the Lord will do the rest
(Rocky Ground)
Community:
Familiar faces around me
Laughter fills the air
Your loving grace surrounds me
Everybody's here
(Mary’s Place)
Loneliness and Alienation:
You been hurt and you're all cried out you say
You walk down the street pushin' people outta your way
You packed your bags and all alone you wanna ride,
You don't want nothin', don't need no one by your side
(The Ties That Bind)
Redemption:
I'm ridin' hard carryin' a cache of roses
A fresh map that I made
Now I'm gonna get birth naked and bury my old soul
And dance on it's grave
(Long Time Comin’)
Love, hard-won, naked, raw, vulnerable, violent and honest:
And it's not that nursery mouth that 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
(For You)
The characters in romance novels pop up in Springsteen songs – the blue collar, hard-working dreamer. Men with debts no honest man can pay and women with their killer graces and secret places. And his songs, no matter how gritty and dark, are almost always hopeful.
Perhaps because of all the shared themes, characters and the love, sex and hope filter Springsteen uses to tell his stories, I shouldn’t be amazed when Springsteen and the romance genre draw the same criticism.
I think the real intersection between Springsteen and romance is the perception that both are simple or perhaps too earnest, repetitive in theme and bombastic in delivery. The fact that both are tremendously popular make them easy targets.
In a recent article in the New Yorker, David Remnick (quoting rock critic Tom Carson) asserts that Springsteen didn’t think music was a tool of rebellion against conventional society but the means with which it is redeemed.
To me this means Springsteen is holding a constant and diligent mirror up to remind us of the best of ourselves.
I believe this is exactly what romance does, why it’s popular and why it’s so important.
To say romance is escapist (something I’ve often said) sells the power of the romance novel far too short. That it’s mommy porn is patronizing and offensive. A small-minded, elitist effort to explain something that is emotional, sexual and wholly feminine.
Romance, like Springsteen is a mirror showing us the best of ourselves.
Romance burrows deep into the familiar, the mundane, the day-to-day to find new, transformative and heart-breaking ways to remind us of what should be important in our lives: forgiveness, laughter, pleasure, honor, love and family.
Springsteen takes that private reading experience and fills an arena, making the argument that those things are just as important in the wider world.
Both Springsteen and romance validate the sacrifices and choices we’ve made to be wives, mothers, husbands, fathers, feminists, friends, caregivers, soldiers, crusaders, readers and believers.
Listening and reading we can all be reassured that we’re human, we’re flawed but we’re beautiful.
This next part is ridiculous, trust me I understand: but I feel like I know Springsteen and he knows me. His songs speak to my heart and his stories are about people I grew up with and walk beside.
And wouldn’t you know, I feel the exact same way about Laura Kinsale, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, JR Ward, Cecilia Grant, Sherry Thomas, Jill Shalvis – my list goes on.
This last year my husband and I went to a bunch of Springsteen shows. For my husband there is simply no better live band and while I agree, I also find myself experiencing the very same spectrum of emotions that I experience reading a great romance novel. I’m joyful, turned on, moved to tears, utterly satisfied and when the lights come up, just like turning the last page on a great romance, a little better than when I started.
I finished reading O'Keefe's essay when she sent it to me, sitting with my chin on my hand, and thought, “Well, yeah.”
Molly wants to give away a copy of Springsteen's biography, which, awesome, but she also has a book coming out at the end of the month, too. So she's offering up 10 copies, digital or print (winner's choice) for ya'll. One winner will receive both the Springsteen biography and a copy of Crazy Thing Called Love, and nine additional winners will receive a copy of Crazy Thing Called Love, in either print or digital.
All you have to do is tell us something you love as much as romance – or as much as Molly loves romance and Springsteen music. I'll choose 10 winners randomly at noon eastern time, Friday 11 January, 2013
Standard disclaimers apply: open to international residents. Must be 18 years of age or older and possibly wearing a bandanna. Do not taunt happy fun ball. Close cover before striking. Do not iron while wearing.
I think we learn a lot when we understand what is important to us – and important to others. Thanks for sharing this, Molly. Good luck, y'all!
I was born near Freehold. All I can do is agree with Molly any maybe add my dog, a sweet rescued mutt.
Really awesomely narrated audiobooks, romance or non-romance. I <3 these talented, awesome narrators!
Audiobooks make chores so much more tolerable? fun? anticipating-able?
I choose.. Springsteen! I’ve often thought that Bruce’s appeal mirrors that of romances, actually; and I wonder how many heroes have been modelled on him? I feel that he appeals to the same need in us, for something that mirrors our real lives, but that little bit better, more glamourous, that enables us to recast our own struggles in a more epic and exciting context. Which is a good thing! We are all heroes of our lives and the day to day needn’t be mundane; I think Bruce and romances show us that, over and over.
Molly another great post! My husband worships the Boss. As a teenager he and his brothers would lie, cheat and steal to get to Jersey to see a show in the 70’s. My boys were sung to sleep or eased by Bruce Springsteen and my love, Joni Mitchell from birth.
As a teen I loved Joni with a passion, then she inroduced me to Pat Metheny and his Group. Total devotion. One summer in the 80’s I followed the PMG from concert to concert across the US and Canada. It was GLORIOUS!
A cup of coffee first thing in the morning…
Born to Run is one my favorite songs. I love fried foods very much.
Food chemistry! Or as I sometimes think of it—edible magic.
Puppies. And shoes. And my friends.
Music. Books. Family.
What a lovely essay. Really gave me something to think about. I hadn’t really focused on Springsteen much, but I’m going to give him a try – there’s some real poetry in those lyrics.
I could nominate so many things! Knitting, for one. Playing the piano, for another. Then there’s chocolate, or poetry. But in the spirit of the essay I’m going to nominate Doctor Who – another thing that holds up a mirror to the best of humanity, though in a different way.
So much! Television. Burn Notice. Chocolate. Tea.
Quilting. =)
this might be the first Dr. Who nomination – I love it!! And I totally agree about the mirror.
AGREED!
oh the part about recasting our struggles into something epic – I love that – thanks for commenting!
this year is the closest I’ve come to following someone in concert – my husband went to a few more shows than I did but we saw Bruce quite a bit. It’s always an affirming night –
that’s beautiful!
the love of shoes around here is a tie that binds, for sure!!
I think this question is subject to interpretation, so I’m asking my self what have I loved from first contact because it shows us our potential for good and the best of ourselves. Weirdly enough judo did that for me. I’d sit on the sidelines of my daughters’ classes and I’d think, I understand how that works; I yearned to try it for myself. I was pushing 40, extremely overweight and had loathed all forms of physical exercise since childhood, yet here I was leaning off the bleachers and going through the motions until finally I bit the bullet and bought myself a gi. Our club emphasized the principle of jita kyoei, mutual benefit and welfare, or as one instructor put it, “you and me, shining together.” I think that this is a secular case of “the family that prays together stays together.” Like religion, judo provided a focus for our entire family since we all ended up on the mat and also provided a framework of values and principles that made all of us better people.
I was thinking cooking too – but not the night to night stuff, that has to be compromised by one kid who won’t eat anything green and another that won’t eat anything red. But the cooking for a dinner party. The picking the menu based on who is coming – going to the special shops, spending time with the food, learning something new. And then the great laughter and conversation that comes around a table set with affection – i love those nights. And…of course…Bruce on the stereo.
My dogs. But the comments about cooking have me thinking that, too, because there’s something wonderfully satisfying in sharing and in passing down family recipes and having your own specialties become part of the family cooking canon, too.
My mom has gotten me into gardening, which is something ** I ** never saw coming. It’s relaxing, makes me feel productive and grows & blooms when tended to..(much like relationships?). You can create something beautiful and peaceful by being patient, diligent, and creative. If you had told me two years ago that I would love it, I would’ve said you were crazy 😀
Oh wow- more than Bruce Springsteen?! I finally got tickets after over a decade of being in the wrong place for every tour (no money, no transport or just simply leaving the country weeks before the tour for one not on the tour!). It’s the same month as the Australian romance readers con, but thankfully not the same weekend- otherwise I would be ditching the con
The other thing (beside Bruce and books) is probably embroidery- it is something that is often seen as derivative and kitschy (which it can be) but it is a refuge when I am unhappy or stressed- a medium which requires concentration and calm, and a place to celebrate the happy events in life.
Books and music – both have the ability to take me to a different place.
Hmm, first thought was my husband. As I scrolled through the answers, more ideas came. My cats. quilting. The feeling of accomplishment after something gets done. Sunshine. Mt. Dew – that first sip from a freshly opened can, sigh.
What a thoughtful, intelligent essay.
For me music and romance are inextricably linked. Music has tremendous power to evoke memories of where I was and what I was doing when I first heard the song. Music has the ability to make me happy when I’m sad and make me sad when I’m happy. (I didn’t say it was an entirely healthy relationship…) Romance transports me to a different place, soothes my stress and worries. They are both vital to my continuing sanity.
I love my grandkids…not just because well duh, they’re my grandkids…but because of the fresh way they see things and the unique way they use language and the absolute open and unconditional way they love. It’s humbling to learn so much from ones so little.
P.S. Years ago, when I was in college, I saw Springsteen in concert. This was before he was the huge star he is today. That concert still numbers among my very favorites. Wonderful!
Other than family and close friends, of course, I am obsessed with crochet just slightly less than my beloved romance novels. And with audio books I can do both at the same time!
Retirement! I just retired (lord I thought I’d never make it) and just love that every day seems like Saturday. Wake up when I want, eat cold pizza for breakfast, stay in my PJs on the internet til lunch. Or, get up at dawn with a cup of coffee and the quiet, the birds, and take my time. Sigh! To not have a schedule, a alarm waking me at 5:30am. I do miss work sometimes but not HAVING to get there, HAVING to stay there, HAVING to drag myself in when I have a cold. And to stay up til 3am finishing a book with no worry about getting to work the next day. FREEDOM!
My family…whom I miss a lot since they are spread across four continents and time zones!
Just thinking there’s another verse that would tie into the essayist’s thesis rather nicely:
“You can hide ‘neath your covers and study your pain
Make crosses from your lovers, throw roses in the rain
Waste your summer praying in vain for a savior to rise from these streets
Well, I’m no hero, that’s understood
All the redemption I can offer girl is beneath this dirty hood
With a chance to make it good somehow, hey what else can we do now?”*
Oh, and the answer, well Bruce, duh. And my doggies, definitely my doggies.
*please excuse any errors, just going from memory
Ooh, both books look really good! I love Bruce!
As for what I like more than romance…. My cat! Although I love best when she’s cuddled in my lap while I’m reading! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
I’m a big fan of Molly’s books and loved the Springsteen essay! I love my cat as much as my romance books. 🙂
I love creating hand stamped/hand made cards just about as much as I love romance books.
I love books, books, and more books.
Champagne. The good stuff. The moment when I pop it open to celebrate life despite the fact that its probably not the best financial choice. Because bubbles make life sparkly. And I like sparkles.
I came late to the Bruce Springsteen fan club. My sons had a record with Sesame Street songs on it, including one sung by the Count called “Born to Add”. Around that time I was listening to the car radio and wondered why the local rock station was playing the Muppets when I realized that what I was hearing was the original, not the Muppets satire—and thus was my introduction to The Boss.
Somewhat later I visited NYC and went to an exhibit of rock and roll costumes. As you can imagine, it was full of glitz and glitter (just think Elton John, Kiss, et al). Then, in the middle, was a pair of Bruce’s jeans and a plaid shirt. All of the other outfits just faded into the background compared to them.
As for what I love as much as Springsteen and romance novels, the answer is, not much. I adore my husband and my sons (not because they are related to me, mind you, but because they are adorable). I love to travel. I love getting together with friends and, if food is involved, even better. I think the Irish group The Script has some of the best and smartest songs around, but they are still too new to tell if they’ve got Springsteen’s staying power.
Kpop. It is filled with beauty and wtf-ery and awesomeness (especially Jung Yunho /bias). ^___^
My first grandchild Harper who’s 3 months old. He smiles and has started to chuckle.
It’s so cliche but wow, grandbabies are the bomb!
For me it’s a tie between music (Springsteen definitely being on the list) and chocolate. Thank goodness I’m never likely to have to chose between them.