The Story Behind “Born In The USA” by Bruce Springsteen

“Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen is one of the songs that people get wrong the most. Many fans thought it was a patriotic song because of the loud drums, catchy chant, and big title. But if you look more closely, you’ll see that it’s actually a strong protest song about the hard life that Vietnam War soldiers had to live.

Originally Titled “Vietnam”

The song’s first title wasn’t even “Born in the U.S.A.”—it was “Vietnam.” Bruce wrote it to highlight how badly many American soldiers were treated after returning home from the war. Unlike past generations of veterans, these men didn’t come back to parades or praise. Instead, they faced indifference, trauma, and a country that had moved on without them.

A Movie Title Sparks a New Direction

The title changed when director Paul Schrader sent Bruce a script for a movie called Born in the U.S.A. Although Bruce didn’t take the film project, the title stuck in his head. He decided it was the perfect fit for his powerful lyrics—ironic, bold, and unforgettable.

More Than a Rock Anthem

Sure, it sounds like a stadium rock hit—and it was. But underneath the beat, Springsteen is telling a heartbreaking story:

“Sent me off to a foreign land to go and kill the yellow man.”
“Come back home to the refinery, hiring man said, ‘Son, if it was up to me…’”

These lines reflect the bitterness of a soldier who was used and forgotten. The chorus may sound upbeat, but it’s laced with frustration and sadness.

A Message Fueled by Guilt

Bruce never served in the war. He dodged the draft by faking mental instability and claimed to be high on LSD. He later admitted that guilt pushed him to write about those who did serve—and the ones who never came home.

“Born in the U.S.A.” opened one of the best-selling albums of the ‘80s, with over 18 million copies sold. But beyond the success, it remains a tribute to lost lives, broken dreams, and the American reality few songs dare to face.

Relive this powerful track and watch the official video below: