Spirit in the Night

Last updated
"Spirit in the Night"
Spirit in the Night label.jpg
Single by Bruce Springsteen
from the album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.
B-side "For You"
ReleasedMay 1973 (1973-05)
RecordedSeptember 11, 1972 with final dubs and mixing October 26, 1972 [1]
Studio 914 Sound Studios, Blauvelt, New York
Genre
Length5:00
Label Columbia
Songwriter(s) Bruce Springsteen
Producer(s)
Bruce Springsteen singles chronology
"Blinded by the Light"
(1973)		"Spirit in the Night"
(1973)		"Born to Run"
(1975)
Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. track listing
9 tracks
  1. "Blinded by the Light"
  2. "Growin' Up"
  3. "Mary Queen of Arkansas"
  4. "Does This Bus Stop at 82nd Street?"
  5. "Lost in the Flood"

Side two

  1. "The Angel"
  2. "For You"
  3. "Spirit in the Night"
  4. "It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City"

"Spirit in the Night" is a song written and originally recorded by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen for his debut album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. (1973). It was also the second single released from the album. A cover version performed by Manfred Mann's Earth Band using the title "Spirits in the Night" was released on the album Nightingales and Bombers and as a Top 40 single.

Contents

Original version

The original version of "Spirit in the Night" was released on Bruce Springsteen's debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. It was one of the last songs to be written and recorded. Springsteen and producer Mike Appel submitted the finished album to Columbia Records on August 10, 1972, but Clive Davis, president of the record label, was concerned that none of the tracks had the commercial appeal required to be released as a single. [3] [4] Springsteen quickly wrote, and on September 11 recorded, two additional songs, "Spirit in the Night" and "Blinded by the Light". [3] [4] Since recording sessions had been completed in late June, most of the band members had since become engaged elsewhere. As a result, the lineup for "Spirit in the Night" was limited to Vini Lopez on drums, and Springsteen on all other instruments, but featured the addition of Clarence Clemons on saxophone, adding a new dimension to the music.

Although most of the songs on Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. were packed with lyrics to the extent that sometimes they overwhelm the musical arrangements, [5] "Spirit in the Night" has been described as the one song on the album on which the music and narrative fit together. [6] Clemons' sax playing and Lopez' drumming match the freedom and ebullience described in the lyrics. [6] The lyrics themselves describe a group of teenagers—Wild Billy, Hazy Davy, Crazy Janey, Killer Joe, G-Man and Mission Man, who is the person in the song telling the story—going to a spot called "Greasy Lake" near "Route 88" for a night of freedom, sex, and drinking. [5] [7] But although their escape to the freedom of Greasy Lake is short lived, the emphasis is on the friends' togetherness. [5] The lyrics of the song echo the Crazy Jane poems of Irish poet William Butler Yeats. [8]

Live performance

Although the release of the song as a single was unsuccessful, "Spirit in the Night" was a favorite at Springsteen concerts into the 1980s. [9] Live versions of the song have appeared on the 3-CD compilation Live/1975–85 and on both the CD and video versions of Hammersmith Odeon London '75 , released in 2006. A version with Springsteen playing the song solo on piano appears on the 2003 DVD Live in Barcelona . This version is memorable as Springsteen has to start the third verse over again after playing the wrong chords on piano. The studio version of the song was released on the compilation album The Essential Bruce Springsteen in 2003.

With 572 live performances as of May 2020, "Spirit in the Night" is, behind "Growin' Up", by far the most frequently played song from Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. [10] The song live involves important crowd participation, with the audience singing the "all night" verse during the chorus while Springsteen interacts very closely with the front rows, sometimes even throwing himself into the pit. In the 1970s, the twenty-something Springsteen usually played "Spirits" third, and nightly ventured out into the audience, sometimes with Clarence Clemons in tow.

Personnel

According to authors Philippe Margotin and Jean-Michel Guesdon: [11]

Manfred Mann's Earth Band version

"Spirits in the Night"
Single by Manfred Mann's Earth Band
from the album Nightingales & Bombers
B-side "As Above So Below Part 2"
ReleasedJuly 18, 1975 (1975-07-18) [12]
Recorded1975
Studio The Workhouse, London
Genre Progressive rock
Length
  • 6:27 (album version)
  • 3:15 (single edit)
Label Bronze
Songwriter(s) Bruce Springsteen
Producer(s) Manfred Mann and the Earth Band
Manfred Mann's Earth Band singles chronology
"Be Not Too Hard"
(1974)		"Spirits in the Night"
(1975)		"Blinded by the Light"
(1976)

Manfred Mann's Earth Band covered "Spirit in the Night" for their album Nightingales and Bombers , with the title "Spirits in the Night" on the European album and single releases, but "Spirit in the Night" on the U.S. and Canadian albums and singles. The Manfred Mann version differs from Springsteen's version mostly in its arrangement, relying heavily on keyboards and using different harmonies in the chorus. Billboard compared Manfred Mann's treatment to ELO. [13] Cash Box said that it has "a more r&b-oriented formula than the original version while retaining a faithful recreation of the setting, a party in the night away from the city." [14] Record World said that "the dynamics added to the Bruce Springsteen tune turns the song into an aggressive hard rocker." [15] The album version, featuring Mick Rogers on vocals, peaked at number 97 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. The following year, Manfred Mann's Earth Band again released the song as a single with the titles "Spirit in the Night" (U.S. and Australia) and "Spirits in the Night" (other parts of the world), this time with vocals by Chris Thompson. That version reached Billboard's Top 40, peaking at number 40. [9] [16] It only managed to reach number 59 on Cash Box . [14] [17] In Canada it reached #64. [18] This version was released as a bonus track on the 2004 CD release of The Roaring Silence . Also available on 'blue' Roaring Silence LP in the 1970s. "Spirit in the Night" was to be the first of three songs from the Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. album that Manfred Mann would cover—the others being their number-one hit "Blinded by the Light" and "For You". [19]

Charts

Chart (1975)Peak
position
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [20] 10
US Billboard Hot 100 [21] 97

Greasy Lake

Greasy Lake, where the action takes place, may be a mythical place. Former E Street Band drummer Vini Lopez has stated that it is actually a composite of two locations that band members used to visit. One was Lake Carasaljo, near the intersection of U.S. Route 9 and New Jersey Route 88 in Lakewood, New Jersey. The other was an unnamed swampy lake near Garden State Parkway exit 88. [6] However, "greasers" is the local slang term for the homeless, used by Springsteen in the second verse of another favorite, "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy), and "Greasy Lake", other locals insist, was near Howell, New Jersey, where people bathed and washed dishes. These homeless people were referred to as "Gypsy Angels" or "Spirits in the Night". [22] [23]

The Greasy Lake in the song inspired a short story named "Greasy Lake" by T. Coraghessan Boyle. [7] Like Springsteen's characters, Boyle's characters are restless and looking to party, although they have a more dangerous edge than Springsteen's. [7]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce Springsteen</span> American rock musician (born 1949)

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen is an American rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Nicknamed "the Boss", he has released 21 studio albums during a career spanning six decades, most of which feature his backing band, the E Street Band. Springsteen is a pioneer of heartland rock, combining a commercially successful rock sound with poetic and socially conscious lyrics reflecting the issues of working class American life. He is known for his descriptive lyrics and energetic concerts, which sometimes last over four hours.

<i>Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.</i> 1973 studio album by Bruce Springsteen

Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. is the debut studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen. It was produced from June through October 1972 by Mike Appel and Jim Cretecos at the budget-priced 914 Sound Studios. The album was released January 5, 1973, by Columbia Records to average sales but a positive critical reception.

<i>Born to Run</i> 1975 studio album by Bruce Springsteen

Born to Run is the third studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on August 25, 1975, by Columbia Records. Springsteen co-produced the album with his manager Mike Appel and the producer Jon Landau. Recorded in New York, it was Springsteen's effort to break into the mainstream following the relative commercial failures of his first two albums. Springsteen sought to emulate Phil Spector's dense, crisp, and energetic yet difficult-to-achieve Wall of Sound production, leading to prolonged and grueling sessions with the E Street Band lasting from January 1974 to July 1975; six months alone were spent working on the title track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blinded by the Light</span> 1973 song by Bruce Springsteen

"Blinded by the Light" is a song written and recorded by Bruce Springsteen, which first appeared on his 1973 debut album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. A cover by British rock band Manfred Mann's Earth Band reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in February 1977 and was also a top ten hit in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out</span> 1976 single by Bruce Springsteen

"Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, from his 1975 album Born to Run.

"Growin' Up" is a song by American musician Bruce Springsteen from his 1973 album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J..

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hungry Heart</span> 1980 single by Bruce Springsteen

"Hungry Heart" is a rock song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen on his fifth album, The River. It was released as the album's lead single in 1980 and became Springsteen's first big hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart peaking at number five.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Hometown</span> 1985 single by Bruce Springsteen

"My Hometown" is a single by Bruce Springsteen off his Born in the U.S.A. album as its closing track, that was the then-record-tying seventh and last top 10 single to come from it, peaking at #7 on the Cash Box Top 100 and #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. It also topped the U.S. adult contemporary chart, making the song Springsteen's only #1 song on this chart to date. The song is a synthesizer-based, low-tempo number that features Springsteen on vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prove It All Night</span> 1978 single by Bruce Springsteen

"Prove It All Night" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on May 23, 1978, as the first single from his fourth studio album Darkness on the Edge of Town.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Badlands (song)</span> 1978 single by Bruce Springsteen

"Badlands" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released as the second single from his fourth studio album Darkness on the Edge of Town in July 1978.

"Bobby Jean" is a song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen, from his 1984 album Born in the U.S.A. Although not released as a single, it reached number 36 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

"Ramrod" is a song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen for his fifth album, The River, released in 1980. It was recorded at The Power Station in New York on June 12, 1979. The song was written and originally recorded on September 12, 1977, for Springsteen's Darkness on the Edge of Town album, but that recording was not used for its release on The River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Step Up</span> 1988 single by Bruce Springsteen

"One Step Up" is a song by Bruce Springsteen from his eighth studio album, Tunnel of Love (1987). It was released as the third single from the album, following "Brilliant Disguise" and the title track. It reached position #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, #3 on the Adult Contemporary chart in the United States, and #23 in Canada. It also reached #2 on the U.S. Album Rock Tracks chart, giving Springsteen three straight top two tracks from the album. The song was only released as a single in America. One of the unreleased songs from 1980's The River, "Roulette", recorded April 3, 1979, was released as the b-side, using an alternate vocal mixed on April 12, 1980, that would also be used in 1998, when it was chosen for Tracks.

"It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City" is a song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen on his debut album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. in 1973. The song talks about a young man growing up on the streets of a city trying to stay good and do what he believes is right. It has been covered by David Bowie. John Sayles included this song in a high school lunchroom scene of his movie Baby It's You.

"Mary Queen of Arkansas" is a song by Bruce Springsteen from the album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., released in 1973. Springsteen played "Mary Queen of Arkansas" at his audition for John H. Hammond at CBS Records, who signed him to his first record contract on May 2, 1972, although Hammond was less impressed with this song than with "It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City" or with "Growin' Up". The day after signing the contract, Springsteen recorded "Mary Queen of Arkansas" as part of a 12-song demo for Hammond. The demo version of the song was released on Tracks in 1998.

"Does This Bus Stop at 82nd Street?" is a song by Bruce Springsteen from the album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., released in 1973. The song was part of the demo that Springsteen recorded for John Hammond of CBS Records in advance of getting his first recording contract. This demo version was released on Tracks in 1998.

"Lost in the Flood" is a song by Bruce Springsteen. It was released on his debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. in 1973.

"The Angel" is a song by Bruce Springsteen from the album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. in 1973. It was also released as the B-side to Springsteen's "Blinded by the Light" single. The song was part of the demo that Springsteen recorded for John Hammond of CBS Records in advance of getting his first recording contract. At the time Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. was released, Springsteen considered it his most sophisticated song. It has had very few live performances.

"For You" is a song written and recorded by Bruce Springsteen in 1972 for his debut album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., released in 1973. It was later included on the compilation album The Essential Bruce Springsteen. The song has been covered by Manfred Mann's Earth Band, The Format, and Greg Kihn.

"Darkness on the Edge of Town" is the last song on the 1978 album of the same name, Darkness on the Edge of Town, by Bruce Springsteen. It was the last song recorded and mixed, and in April 1978 it was designated the title song to a thematic album whose songs portray the struggles of the less-fortunate, not only to survive, but to keep their spirit and will to live. The title track portrays a hard-luck loser in life who refuses to give up. Springsteen's fourth album, released three years after his 1975 effort Born to Run, was delayed two years because of legal problems with his former manager, Mike Appel. Expectations were high after he took one year to complete the album.

References

  1. ↑ Heylin, Clinton (2012). Springsteen Song by Song A Critical Look. New York: Penguin Group (USA) Inc. p. 14. Retrieved 19 November 2019.
  2. ↑ Margotin & Guesdon 2020, pp. 114–115.
  3. 1 2 "BruceBase Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J." Archived from the original on 2018-09-26. Retrieved 2008-09-05.
  4. 1 2 Sawyers, J. (2006). Tougher Than the Rest. pp. 3–5. ISBN   978-0-8256-3470-3.
  5. 1 2 3 Marsh, D. (1981). Born to Run. pp.  66–74. ISBN   0-440-10694-X.
  6. 1 2 3 Kirkpatrick, Rob (2007). The Words and Music of Bruce Springsteen. pp.  17–18. ISBN   978-0-275-98938-5.
  7. 1 2 3 Sawyers, J. (2006). Tougher Than the Rest. pp. 9–10. ISBN   978-0-8256-3470-3.
  8. ↑ "Yeats – Crazy Jane poems (1933) | taste to waste". Tastetowaste.wordpress.com. 2011-12-22. Retrieved 2016-10-08.
  9. 1 2 Humphries, P. (1996). The Complete Guide to the Music of Bruce Springsteen. p. 6. ISBN   0-7119-5304-X.
  10. ↑ "Spirit In the Night". Brucebase. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  11. ↑ Margotin, Philippe; Guesdon, Jean-Michel (2020). Bruce Springsteen All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track. London: Cassell Illustrated. p. 35. ISBN   978-1-78472-649-2.
  12. ↑ "Music Week" (PDF). p. 50.
  13. ↑ "Top Single Picks" (PDF). Billboard. April 23, 1977. p. 90. Retrieved 2020-07-12.
  14. 1 2 "CashBox Singles Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. November 1, 1975. p. 22. Retrieved 2021-12-11.
  15. ↑ "Single Picks" (PDF). Record World. November 1, 1975. p. 12. Retrieved 2023-03-09.
  16. ↑ "The Billboard Hot 100 Spirit in the Night June 18, 1977". Billboard . Archived from the original on May 27, 2013. Retrieved 2008-09-05.
  17. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2014). Cash Box Pop Hits 1952-1996 . Sheridan Books, Inc. ISBN   978-0-89820-209-0.
  18. ↑ "RPM Top 100 Singles - July 9, 1977" (PDF).
  19. ↑ Humphries, P. (1996). The Complete Guide to the Music of Bruce Springsteen. pp. 4–6. ISBN   0-7119-5304-X.
  20. ↑ "Manfred Mann's Earth Band – Spirits in the Night" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  21. ↑ "Manfred Mann's Earth Band Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  22. ↑ White, Ryan (2014). Bruce Springsteen Album by Album. London, UK: PALAZZO EDITIONS LTD. pp. 19–20. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  23. ↑ Marsh, Dave (2004). Bruce Springsteen Two Hearts The Definitive Biography, 1972–2003. New York: Routledge. pp. 43–44, 276. ISBN   0-203-49470-9 . Retrieved 8 May 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.