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| {{Infobox Song | | {{Infobox Song | | ||
| | Name = Backstreets | | Name = "Backstreets" | ||
| | Cover = | | Cover = | ||
| | Artist = ] | | Artist = ] | ||
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| '''Backstreets''' is a song by ] from the album '']'', which was released in 1975. | "'''Backstreets'''" is a song by ] from the album '']'', which was released in 1975. | ||
| == Themes == | == Themes == | ||
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| This interlude has become known to Springsteen fans as the "Sad Eyes" interlude (not to be confused with the Springsteen song of the same name) due to frequently occurring lyrics stating that Terry had sad eyes. | This interlude has become known to Springsteen fans as the "Sad Eyes" interlude (not to be confused with the Springsteen song of the same name) due to frequently occurring lyrics stating that Terry had sad eyes. | ||
| This version of Backstreets has not been performed live since the ], however it can be heard on numerous fan bootlegs from that tour. | This version of "Backstreets" has not been performed live since the ], however it can be heard on numerous fan bootlegs from that tour. | ||
Revision as of 23:03, 27 May 2009
Song| "Backstreets" | |
|---|---|
| Song |
"Backstreets" is a song by Bruce Springsteen from the album Born to Run, which was released in 1975.
Themes
The song deals with the relationship between two friends: the narrator and Terry. They are forced to hide their love for each other from others and "hide on the backstreets". In the end, the relationship falls apart. Terry leaves with another man leaving the narrator alone and full of rage, love and sadness.
Terry
The gender of the character of "Terry" has long been debated among Springsteen fans. The name Terry can refer to either a male or a female. Proponents of the theory that Terry is male point out that the characters may be "hiding on the backstreets" in order to conceal their homosexuality. Those who believe that Terry is female cite Springsteen's own sexuality as well as the extended "Sad Eyes" performances of the song in which Terry is referred to as female by Springsteen himself.
Live performance
In 2007, during the E Street Band's Magic Tour, "Backstreets" was played frequently in the setlist most likely as a tribute to Springsteen's longtime friend, Terry Magovern, who died earlier that year.
Sad Eyes interlude
During the the late 1970s, Springsteen would often add a semi-improvised interlude inbetween the final chorus and the outro. It usually involved Springsteen singing solo accompanied by the piano. The other instruments would then join in as the interlude built to a climax. It elaborated on the story of the protagonist and Terry. It differed from performance to performance but frequently involved the protagonist reminiscing about a good time he and Terry had shared, followed by an emotional condemnation of her subsequent betrayal.
This interlude has become known to Springsteen fans as the "Sad Eyes" interlude (not to be confused with the Springsteen song of the same name) due to frequently occurring lyrics stating that Terry had sad eyes.
This version of "Backstreets" has not been performed live since the Darkness Tour, however it can be heard on numerous fan bootlegs from that tour.
References
- "Bruce Springsteen On the Tracks, Born to Run". Retrieved 2007-07-27.