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Bruce Springsteen — Streets of Philadelphia
Album: Streets of Philadelphia
Avg rating:
8.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1308








Released: 1994
Length: 3:37
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I was bruised and battered, I couldn't tell what I felt
I was unrecognizable to myself
Saw my reflection in a window and didn't know my own face
Oh, brother, are you gonna leave me wasting away
On the streets of Philadelphia

I walked the avenue 'til my legs felt like stone
I heard voices of friends vanished and gone
At night I could hear the blood in my veins
Just as black and whispering as the rain
On the streets of Philadelphia

Ain't no angel gonna greet me
It's just you and I, my friend
And my clothes don't fit me no more
I walked a thousand miles just to slip this skin

The night has fallen and I'm lying awake
I can feel myself fading away
So receive me, brother, with your faithless kiss
Or will we leave each other alone like this
On the streets of Philadelphia
Comments (108)add comment
 1wolfy wrote:

Certainly a powerful song...makes the movie 'move me' . I wish they'd have let the ending carry on a bit longer..it seems to fade abruptly  



I believe the original album version did have a longer fade-out. The background vocals dissipate completely as the instrumentals continue on a bit longer. And that longer ending sounded to me like life dissolving from a solid cityscape.
I noticed the abrupt ending when it was included in the Greatest Hits album.
took seconds and the movie's popping up in my head - great picture from Denzel and Tom ...
 BCarn wrote:

I suppose I'll be in the wee minority here but I find this song boring. 
Certainly a moving and poignant movie but the song...meh. 




Maybe you should try writing a song that depicts pending death from a deadly virus. Let's see if you can make it less "boring". FFS
This is such a breathtaking song on every level... musically, lyrically, emotionally. Bruce is America's troubadour. He's delivered more chills and thrills than any other musician I've followed throughout my life.
On this listen, for a couple of seconds, I thought it was Robbie Robertson.
This is the only Bruce Springsteen original song I like. I like Junip’s cover on ‘Ghost of Tom Joad’ better than the original.
Simply a 10

Ain't no angel gonna greet me
it's just you and I my friend
and my clothes don't fit me no more
I'd walk a thousand miles just to slip this skin. 

Gets to me every, every time. 
 vanillagorilla wrote:
The only Boss song I actually like, strange considering the content, haunting melody, very subtle yet powerful
 
vanillagorilla you are missing out on some great tunes. Bruce is the master of the gorgeous well-produced ballad. Try this song called "Nothing Man", which was a tribute to the brave 9-11 responders:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKYYChoQIvI
Wow.  This song catches me every time.  Love it.
Another one of those songs that sound better on RP.
The only Boss song I actually like, strange considering the content, haunting melody, very subtle yet powerful 
 1wolfy wrote:
Certainly a powerful song...makes the movie 'move me' . I wish they'd have let the ending carry on a bit longer..it seems to fade abruptly  

 
Like when someone dies?
Certainly a powerful song...makes the movie 'move me' . I wish they'd have let the ending carry on a bit longer..it seems to fade abruptly  
I suppose I'll be in the wee minority here but I find this song boring. 
Certainly a moving and poignant movie but the song...meh. 
 John_Carter wrote:
If I had a penny for every time someone wrote, "Everybody in my hotel room loves..."
 
Then you might have accumulated enough pennies to buy your own hotel.
Everybody in my hotel room.
 hugogdt wrote:
No comments. A 10.

 
10.
 John_Carter wrote:
If I had a penny for every time someone wrote, "Everybody in my hotel room loves..."

SPAM

romeotuma wrote:

Everybody in my hotel room loves this brilliant classic...

 
 
Everybody in my elevators loves this brilliant classic...  we hope you have gathered many pennies, John_Carter, and life is grand for you right now...  we be dancing like happy hippies...  love Radio Paradise...
I love this song and Philly. Had once wonderful time there!
  ziggytrix wrote:  Derecho wrote:

I'm here to collect.

 
Sh*t. (Quickly puts all worldly possessions into an irrevocable trust....)
Ain't no angel going to greet me
It's just you and I, my friend
Remembering lost friends. Weeping. It's okay.
So why didn't Bruce sue Natalie Merchant for "Kind and Generous"?
{#Eyes}
No comments. A 10.

This song oddly reminds me of streets.
 finrow wrote:

Holy crap, music aside, this is a fantastic piece of artwork!  
 
 


 calypsus_1 wrote:

Bruce Springsteen by ~MarkosTheGreat
Mark Kannell  ©2009-2010 ~MarkosTheGreat

The Boss

Graphite on Paper - 9 x 12
2009


 


 Tippster wrote:

I will bet you everything I own that the vocal track you hear in the video was not recorded on location, thus by definition he was lip-synching.
 
I'm here to collect.
When I first heard it, I thought "it's not 'Rosalita'" but then the subtlety and great lyricism got me. Yep. That's a new Bruce, alright. 
 Shesdifferent wrote:
As much as I don't care for the commerciality of this song...it somehow strikes a profound cord in my endless quest.

 
What do you mean by "commerciality?" 
part of a series of his commentary on america starting with new jersey, where he originated.
 sandpebble wrote:
 This is probably the only Springsteen song I PSD on. It's not a bad song....just too depressing.

 
This is nothing... have you heard Nebraska?  It is a simply incredibly album, but by the end it is difficult to keep from slitting ones wrists.
Breaks my heart, and I think that's what he was aiming for.
I like it because it is one of the few  songs I can understand what he's saying ! and it's not a piece of fluff
Brilliant. 
 This is probably the only Springsteen song I PSD on. It's not a bad song....just too depressing.
Have to say about him, can't take most of his stuff, but this and Tunnel of Love are fantastic songs - when he does something good, it is great
Great great song!

 
 John_Carter wrote:
If I had a penny for every time someone wrote, "Everybody in my hotel room loves..."

SPAM

romeotuma wrote:


Everybody in my hotel room loves this brilliant classic...

 
 

 

Everybody in my church loves this brilliant classic...
 
Haunting and beautiful - 10!
I found the movie to be profoundly moving (altho I knew no one with AIDS). Particularly the scene with Hanks and the drip line and Callas.  It made a Hanks fan out of me.
A very important composition by one of the most influential artists of our time.

 
 jberko wrote:
Over rated and little-talent.  A garage band got lucky.
 
WTF??{#Beat}
If I had a penny for every time someone wrote, "Everybody in my hotel room loves..."

SPAM

romeotuma wrote:


Everybody in my hotel room loves this brilliant classic...

 
 

One of his very best
As much as I don't care for the commerciality of this song...it somehow strikes a profound cord in my endless quest.
 Bargamon wrote:


The haunting Neil Young song form the sound track is largely overlooked while typically Bruce is over rated in much of his work.

This song included.

Its not hate, just perspective.

 
No hate, just opinion? Great, that's what we are here for. {#Notworthy}  I still find this song powerful and demanding of attention.I appreciate the entire soundtrack, with Peter Gabriel, Sade, the great Maria Callas and of course the legendary Mr Young. No clunkers in the bunch, but Bruce speaks to me the loudest here.  Peace.     
One of the reasons I love Bruce Springsteen is because his music forces me to confront my own prejudices.

Case in point: I have no trouble going after low hanging fruit when I comment about music here, but I wouldn't think of attacking established or long-running niche acts (leonard cohen comes to mind) for fear of sounding like a musical neophyte.

As for Mr. Springsteen, his fans are legion and as loyal a bunch as any group, ever. So, keep the negative comments coming, sooner or later even he might expose your prejudices, if you let him.


The haunting Neil Young song form the sound track is largely overlooked while typically Bruce is over rated in much of his work.

This song included.

Its not hate, just perspective.


 jberko wrote:
Over rated and little-talent.  A garage band got lucky.
 

so far off the mark I can hardly believe I felt the need to correct you. This stands as a perfect example of why he is such a respected songwriter.
 jberko wrote:
Over rated and little-talent.  A garage band got lucky.
 
Fail.
 jberko wrote:
Over rated and little-talent.  A garage band got lucky.
 
Yeah, lucky for about 40 years.
 jberko wrote:
Over rated and little-talent.  A garage band got lucky.
 

Well I am not crazy about this song either, but I wouldn't go that far!{#Eek}
 Tippster wrote:

I will bet you everything I own that the vocal track you hear in the video was not recorded on location, thus by definition he was lip-synching.
 
But then you'd lose everything!
Oddly, this is one of his songs I actually enjoy.
I am no Springsteen fan but have to admit this cut is simply excellent...

Not big Bruce fan at all - but this sure cuts to the root - awesome.
 Derecho wrote:
The video for this is remarkable too, if for no other reason than Mr. Springsteen does not lip-sync in it.  He sings the lyrics on location as the video was shot.
 
I will bet you everything I own that the vocal track you hear in the video was not recorded on location, thus by definition he was lip-synching.

Over rated and little-talent.  A garage band got lucky.
Never liked this song, sometimes simplicity works and sometimes it doesn't. IMO, it didn't in this case.{#No}
 cayenne wrote:
Before Bruce started to sing, I seriously thought this was going to be Moby. It would be a good combination! Really!
 
exactly what I thought...
 Beinte wrote:
Love this song, brings back sweet memories, had SoPh on cassette, in my car, in the early 90s, driving across Holland, my dear wife next to me, two small sons in the back ...
 

Yeah.  Depressing the shit out of the whole family.  Just kidding - I love this song and can see it work well as calm background music for the kids.
The video for this is remarkable too, if for no other reason than Mr. Springsteen does not lip-sync in it.  He sings the lyrics on location as the video was shot.
 Jedzz wrote:
This is a great song. And yet, unbelievably, it's not even the best song on the "Philadelphia" soundtrack album, thanks to Peter Gabriel's ("Love Town") and (especially) Neil Young's ("Philadelphia") contributions.
 

Exactly right.
Brought me to tears first time I'd heard it and for many times thereafter. 

Bruce Springsteen by ~MarkosTheGreat
Mark Kannell  ©2009-2010 ~MarkosTheGreat

The Boss

Graphite on Paper - 9 x 12
2009




Bruce Springsteen - "Streets of Philadelphia" Live (1994)

Springsteen & the E-Street Band - "Streets of Philadelphia" Live 

I was bruised and battered, I couldn't tell what I felt.
I was unrecognizable to myself.
I saw my reflection in a window, I didn't know my own face.
Oh brother are you gonna leave me wastin' away
On the Streets of Philadelphia.

I walked the avenue, 'til my legs felt like stone,
I heard the voices of friends vanished and gone,
At night I could hear the blood in my veins,
Black and whispering as the rain,
On the Streets of Philadelphia.

Ain't no angel gonna greet me.
It's just you and I my friend.
My clothes don't fit me no more,
I walked a thousand miles
Just to slip this skin.

The night has fallen, I'm lyin' awake,
I can feel myself fading away,
So receive me brother with your faithless kiss,
Or will we leave each other alone like this
On the Streets of Philadelphia

 nigelr wrote:you can't understand why....... its like riding a Harley..If you have to ask,you don't understand !!!!!
I keep saying I'm not a Bruce fan, but I seem to be giving 10's every now and again..............this is one such occasion.
Visceral.

 


I keep saying I'm not a Bruce fan, but I seem to be giving 10's every now and again..............this is one such occasion.
Visceral.
This could possibly be the saddest, most desolate song of all time. Following Ray LaMontagne - Be Here Now, it's kinda like having a life preserver tossed to you then snatched away as you raised yourself up out of the depths
I concur 1wolfy wrote:
I feel that this is the best song he ever did
one of the only Springsteen songs I can actually listen to.
Jedzz wrote:
This is a great song. And yet, unbelievably, it's not even the best song on the "Philadelphia" soundtrack album, thanks to Peter Gabriel's ("Love Town") and (especially) Neil Young's ("Philadelphia") contributions.
Yeah, that soundtrack is a pantheon of "10's"
Nice, please play this tomorrow for the Pennsylvania primary!
Love this song, brings back sweet memories, had SoPh on cassette, in my car, in the early 90s, driving across Holland, my dear wife next to me, two small sons in the back ...
1wolfy wrote:
I feel that this is the best song he ever did
it's hard to pick one. I think yea Bruce isn't bad.Then before I know it, he's blowing me away
This is a great song. And yet, unbelievably, it's not even the best song on the "Philadelphia" soundtrack album, thanks to Peter Gabriel's ("Love Town") and (especially) Neil Young's ("Philadelphia") contributions.
Oh!.. what are you doing dj? I was just getting used to Magic...
This... is how Bruce Springsteen is (his style) when I think of his music. ''Magic'' is like as if made by somebody else..(genre) (Only me thinking so?) :P:P) Both Ok, thou:)
Hannio wrote:
Bruce without bombast is so much better.
Wow, so true! Hadn't thought about it like that but you're totally right.
Bruce without bombast is so much better.
I've never been a lover of Bruce's work, but this song is magic.
I feel that this is the best song he ever did
BillnDollarBaby wrote:
This song has haunted me from the very first time I heard it. A true masterpiece.
Amen
Before Bruce started to sing, I seriously thought this was going to be Moby. It would be a good combination! Really!
Meaningful lyrics, thoughtful music, haunting voice...wonderful!
Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in a while...he found one.
I don't like all of his work, but this song is beyond good and bad. And it fits the movie so well (you can't tell this of all soundtracks)!
Probably my favorite piece from Bruce.
A totally awesome song! And very addictive. Another similar great song of his is "Paradise" on The Rising album
chasech5 wrote:
Really one of my favorite Springsteen songs of all time. So well done, with pacing, reverb and production. Really gets to the aloneness of the narrator's experience.
Love it.
musikalia wrote:
I usually don't like Bruce Springsteen, but this song is pretty good. Only thing: the drum machine in the background is really awful!
You mean that's NOT Max Weinberg??
MtnGoat wrote:
Sure smells like spam. Looking at it's other posts confirms. Bill!
I was just thinking the same thing... all of his posts are advertising. I smell a RAT!
This song absolutely slays me every time. So very, very sad.
chasech5 wrote:
Really one of my favorite Springsteen songs of all time. so well done, with pacing, reverb and production. Really gets to the aloneness of the narrator's experience.
Ditto.
I usually don't like Bruce Springsteen, but this song is pretty good. Only thing: the drum machine in the background is really awful!
I think this is such a lovely song.
FotoBruce wrote:
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)
Sure smells like spam. Looking at it's other posts confirms. Bill!
Darlington wrote:
Was just about to post the same thing....
Same here. ?
Really one of my favorite Springsteen songs of all time. so well done, with pacing, reverb and production. Really gets to the aloneness of the narrator's experience.
IMGoph wrote:
hmmmm....thought there was no advertising on RP??
Was just about to post the same thing....
hmmmm....thought there was no advertising on RP?? FotoBruce wrote:
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)
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)