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Bruce Springsteen — Growin' Up
Album: Tracks
Avg rating:
6.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 682









Released: 1998
Length: 2:35
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Well I stood stone-like at midnight
Suspended in my masquerade
And I combed my hair 'til it was just right
And commanded the night brigade

I was open to pain
And crossed by the rain
And I walked on a crooked crutch
I strolled all alone
Through a fallout zone
Came out with my soul untouched

I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd
When they said, "Sit down," I stood up
Ooh-ooh, growin' up

And the flag of piracy flew from my mast
My sails were set wing to wing
I had a jukebox graduate for first mate
She couldn't sail but she sure could sing

And I pushed B-52
And bombed 'em with the blues
With my gear set stubborn on standing
I broke all the rules
Strafed my old high school
Never once gave thought to landing

I hid in the clouded warmth of the crowd
But when they said, "Come down," I threw up
Ooh-ooh, growin' up

I took month long vacations in the stratosphere
And you know it's really hard to hold your breath
Swear I lost everything I ever loved or feared
I was a cosmic kid in full costume dress

Well, my feet they finally took root in the earth
But I got me a nice little place in the stars
And I swear I found the key to the universe
In the engine of an old parked car

I hid in the mother breast of the crowd
When they said, "Pull down," I pulled up
Ooh-ooh, growin' up
Ooh-ooh, growin' up
Oh
Comments (98)add comment
 Laptopdog wrote:

His lyrics from that first album were outstanding.




  i didn't care for bruce until i was out of high school. at that point, i decided to check into seeing what all the fuss was about. Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ completely changed my opinion of him. i saw the poet he was, finally - this song, and For You and so many others (especially from GFAPNJ) i find very beautiful. such a talent.
 swtobias508 wrote:

His original version is much better. Loved Bruce back in the day. He's always been political but in a fight-for-the-little-guy way but unfortunately he's become a dem partisan hack in his later years. I would love to see him again but it sounds like his shows have become DNC political rallies. For the $200 admission fee, I would rather listen to my old albums.



You always have Toby Keith and Ted Nugent for your GOP listening pleasure.
This song has always had a place in my heart. I spent my 13th summer in Asbury Park.  It was a very tense year. My father had a very demanding job and it swallowed him.  So, I can identify with the teenage angst in this song.  
His lyrics from that first album were outstanding.
 jberko wrote:
I don't get it.  This guy just sucks so bad.
 

It seems obvious that you don't get it.
Listen to the bootleg 'the lost radio show' version, almost fantastic, like all from this bootleg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZHY0vCdK50
 orpheus wrote:


that's "Growin' Up and I'm Fine" actually from Mick Ronson's album "Slaughter on 10th Ave."{#Ask}


 

Not to be confused with the "Freezout" that occurred on the same avenue.
 thewiseking wrote:
The Boss's best period, before he assumed some sort of Tom Joad from Jersey persona
 
Wow... what an incredibly poor and inaccurate generalization.  It's surprising that someone up voted this.
Love it!
His original version is much better. Loved Bruce back in the day. He's always been political but in a fight-for-the-little-guy way but unfortunately he's become a dem partisan hack in his later years. I would love to see him again but it sounds like his shows have become DNC political rallies. For the $200 admission fee, I would rather listen to my old albums.
So much of BS's stuff sounds the same, the same three or four notes put in different order or sped up or slowed down.  Add in his inordinately poor singing voice and you have a match made in heaven, for some.  
The Boss's best period, before he assumed some sort of Tom Joad from Jersey persona
 Ableragtacker wrote:
It's like smashing your head with a frying pan over and over
 
Apparently you would know.
 Wardleader wrote:
From Ground Zero of Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band fandom, thank you a thousand times!!!!{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Boohoo}{#Drummer}{#Bananasplit}{#Notworthy}

 
Since when is Asbury Park in Pennsylvania?
To be at a Springsteen show, and 1 1/2 hours before the show begins, he walks out with his guitar and plays this and a couple of other songs,  with virtually no one in the building yet, priceless. Thanks RP for playing Bruce! An amazing performer!!
 jberko wrote:
I don't get it.  This guy just sucks so bad.

 
His 20+ gold or platinum albums would disagree with you.
I generally like Bruce, but this sucks!
From Ground Zero of Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band fandom, thank you a thousand times!!!!{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Boohoo}{#Drummer}{#Bananasplit}{#Notworthy}
 Lazarus wrote:
happy 65th birthday to Bruce Springsteen today... 

 
How is it possible that he looked older at 25 than he does at 65?



Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of homeless camps loves this song...

happy 65th birthday to Bruce Springsteen today... 
Ooooohhhh ....throwing up.
 jberko wrote:
I don't get it.  This guy just sucks so bad.

 
Greatest post of all time!  I love the Boss, but a great post!  
What is your problem man?  Chill out.
 

jberko wrote:
I don't get it.  This guy just sucks so bad.

 


 jberko wrote:
I don't get it.  This guy just sucks so bad.

 
Apparently John Hammond at Columbia Records didn't think so...
I actually came to this cool song through Bowie's cover, which along with It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City he was going to include on his Young Americans Album.

Until John Lennon showed up in the studio, the two plus Carlos Alomar worked up a little ditty they called Fame, and then David decided to cover Across the Universe and shelved the Bruce sides.
 Ditto, this is an anthem, not a little coffee house ditty, {#No}, if it's for mom&dad, do it the parlor at home, not to us!
Love the song, but not this version....
 


 jberko wrote:
I don't get it.  This guy just sucks so bad.
 
Yup, you sure don't get it.  

Never too late for you to see the light, though...

There is a live version of this from a small venue where his Mom and/or Dad are int the room.  It's awesome !!!!!
Not everything BrUUUUUUUUUUUce does is OMG amazing!!!!!

Nice treatment for he enthusiast to own as part of one of those nice special CD packs for uber fan.

Good song in original form.
Love the song, but not this version....
I don't get it.  This guy just sucks so bad.
 Mar-tay wrote:

This is not the original album version.
 
Correct, this is from the Tracks album, a compilation of previously unreleased material.  This version is like a demo, only Bruce and his guitar.  The original release (probably recorded after this one) was on Greetings.

Awesome - better on Greetings from Asbury Park - amazing outstanding wonderful on Live 75/85.
I miss this guy, I miss being this guy
Thanks!!
Throwin' up.
 apd wrote:

What an articulate response - I wish I could be that measured but I know I'd just foam at the mouth at any attempt to link Johnny Cougar and Bruce. I don't think they're in the same class. Actually I don't think Mellencamp is in the same class as Bryan Adams! Mellencamp's lazy sentimentality and faux naturalism is too obvious to me - and I don't think either Bruce or Bryan would have the nerve to rip-off "I fought the law" as brazenly as Mellencamp did, for one.
 
Bryan Adams? Musically that man's a no-talent hack. Quite a skilled photographer, though.
 apd wrote:

What an articulate response - I wish I could be that measured but I know I'd just foam at the mouth at any attempt to link Johnny Cougar and Bruce. I don't think they're in the same class. Actually I don't think Mellencamp is in the same class as Bryan Adams! Mellencamp's lazy sentimentality and faux naturalism is too obvious to me - and I don't think either Bruce or Bryan would have the nerve to rip-off "I fought the law" as brazenly as Mellencamp did, for one.
 

{#Yes}
 michaelc wrote:
Friday afternoon special
  update your db this was on Greetings from Asbury park  1973
 
  I so loved this


 


This is not the original album version.
 treatment_bound wrote:


No, there was a version of Springsteen's "Growin' Up" on Bowie's Pin Ups, but it was a bonus track on the 1990 Rykodisc reissue and not on the original LP.
 
Wiki listing of tracks


Friday afternoon special
  update your db this was on Greetings from Asbury park  1973
 
  I so loved this


Such a great song.  And such a great song for a Friday morning. Thanks, Bill, for digging deeper into old Bruce.
 WonderLizard wrote:
 linden wrote:
Ya know, John Mellencamp could have written and performed this song, and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. That's not a slam on either Mellencamp or Springsteen. I just wonder why Springsteen gets the respect and Mellencamp doesn't.

Hmm. I think Mellencamp gets a lot of respect—especially from other musicians. Both are indelibly authentic, both are terrific performers who put together great bands. If Springsteen gets any critical edge IMHO it's because his lyrics are more poetic than Mellencamp's, which tend toward the ham-fisted. Then again, a lot of folks like Mellencamp for just that: he's a plain speaker. On another level, Springsteen has the "discovered by John Hammond" legacy in his corner while Mellencamp has the Johnny Cougar legacy to live down.
 
What an articulate response - I wish I could be that measured but I know I'd just foam at the mouth at any attempt to link Johnny Cougar and Bruce. I don't think they're in the same class. Actually I don't think Mellencamp is in the same class as Bryan Adams! Mellencamp's lazy sentimentality and faux naturalism is too obvious to me - and I don't think either Bruce or Bryan would have the nerve to rip-off "I fought the law" as brazenly as Mellencamp did, for one.
All Hail Bruce.
 orpheus wrote:


that's "Growin' Up and I'm Fine" actually from Mick Ronson's album "Slaughter on 10th Ave."{#Ask}
 

No, there was a version of Springsteen's "Growin' Up" on Bowie's Pin Ups, but it was a bonus track on the 1990 Rykodisc reissue and not on the original LP.


This track is very unfortunate. Please delete from music library.
 MaryM wrote:
I'm a sucker for Springsteen - Grew up in central New Jersey in the 70's - he wrote my theme songs - particularly this one

When they said calm down I threw up!!

 
What exit?

The first draft of "Saint in the City."
 Stefen wrote:

It would probably be $400,000 now.

 
Higher - Much higher.

 PFM wrote:
Still can't believe we had to pay him $4,000 to come play at our high school. (seemed like a lot at the time).
 
It would probably be $400,000 now.

Must not sing at work . . .
  Must not sing at work . . .
   Must not sing at work
 e_b wrote:
I kind of like the David Bowie version...form "Pin-Ups" i believe.
 

that's "Growin' Up and I'm Fine" actually from Mick Ronson's album "Slaughter on 10th Ave."{#Ask}


Still can't believe we had to pay him $4,000 to come play at our high school. (seemed like a lot at the time).
Must agree with music_knut;The man can't play the guitar !,,,NOT !
I saw Bruce here in Sweden some years ago,in a small place,only him
a few of his acustic guitars and a spellbound audience,one of my top five
concert experiences !

Reminds me of when I, too, was young ... we had a great time, didn't we Bruce?? {#Roflol}
Nice song, indeed!!
MaryM wrote:
I'm a sucker for Springsteen - Grew up in central New Jersey in the 70's - he wrote my theme songs - particularly this one

When they said calm down I threw up!!


That's cool. I grew up in NW Florida in the '70's and for better or worse (probably worse), Jimmy Buffet wrote my theme songs

blew out my flip-flop, stepped on a pop-top, cut my heal, had to cruise on back home

I kind of like the David Bowie version...form "Pin-Ups" i believe.
The best Bruce tracks seem to be the ones i didn't really know.  What can i say Bru-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-uce!
I really like this - so simple...
I'm a sucker for Springsteen - Grew up in central New Jersey in the 70's - he wrote my theme songs - particularly this one

When they said calm down I threw up!!

NIce but not as good as the Asbury Park version.
I have to agree with the comment re where did this Bruce go? Not that I mind where he went but he seemed to have moved on from a period where his writing seems to be richer. I wonder whether some of his attempts at solo work is to find this space again.

John Mellencamp could not have written this song. 
linden wrote:
Ya know, John Mellencamp could have written and performed this song, and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. That's not a slam on either Mellencamp or Springsteen. I just wonder why Springsteen gets the respect and Mellencamp doesn't.

Mellencamp is a Springsteen knock-off.

linden wrote:
Ya know, John Mellencamp could have written and performed this song, and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. That's not a slam on either Mellencamp or Springsteen. I just wonder why Springsteen gets the respect and Mellencamp doesn't.


Maybe it comes down to one having a slightly less cheesy nickname than the other. Meh, to me Mellencamp rode the cliche and Springsteen lived the cliche (in his early stuff), but maybe I was just suckered.

 

Nov 07, 2008 - 08:45 Bruce Springsteen - It's Hard To Be a Saint in the City;

Nov 07, 2008 - 14:05 more vBruce Springsteen - Growin' Up;

valley later of what never!......in any way it is late.




As I grew up, this song had so much meaning to me. I have to chuckle to myself as my 13 year old son listens to this over and over and hope he doesn't take it to heart as much as I did.  
Oh well thats life.
 ndanger666 wrote:
The "electric" version is on Greetings From Asbury Park. Listen to that and you can see how far Bruce has devolved.
 

{#Yes}

Where did "that" Bruce go?
 WonderLizard wrote:
 linden wrote:
Ya know, John Mellencamp could have written and performed this song, and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. That's not a slam on either Mellencamp or Springsteen. I just wonder why Springsteen gets the respect and Mellencamp doesn't.

Hmm. I think Mellencamp gets a lot of respect—especially from other musicians. Both are indelibly authentic, both are terrific performers who put together great bands. If Springsteen gets any critical edge IMHO it's because his lyrics are more poetic than Mellencamp's, which tend toward the ham-fisted. Then again, a lot of folks like Mellencamp for just that: he's a plain speaker. On another level, Springsteen has the "discovered by John Hammond" legacy in his corner while Mellencamp has the Johnny Cougar legacy to live down.
 
Well put!

I like this version.

Why wouldn't Bruce get back to basics like this more often?
 linden wrote:
Ya know, John Mellencamp could have written and performed this song, and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. That's not a slam on either Mellencamp or Springsteen. I just wonder why Springsteen gets the respect and Mellencamp doesn't.

Hmm. I think Mellencamp gets a lot of respect—especially from other musicians. Both are indelibly authentic, both are terrific performers who put together great bands. If Springsteen gets any critical edge IMHO it's because his lyrics are more poetic than Mellencamp's, which tend toward the ham-fisted. Then again, a lot of folks like Mellencamp for just that: he's a plain speaker. On another level, Springsteen has the "discovered by John Hammond" legacy in his corner while Mellencamp has the Johnny Cougar legacy to live down.


I grew up with the Born in the USA era Bruce...which is to say, I loathed it, and all things Bruce.

Then a die-hard Brooooooooose fan played me "Born to Run" some 5-10 years ago. And wow, was that so different from all that red ballcap in the back pocket nonsense.

But I admit, (somewhat ashamedly so), that I have to thank the later Adam Sandler films like Reign Over Me and Big Daddy for introducing me to this song, "Out in the Street," "Drive All Night," and generally getting me interested in the old Bruce.

Emerging genius tips his hand.
Ya know, John Mellencamp could have written and performed this song, and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. That's not a slam on either Mellencamp or Springsteen. I just wonder why Springsteen gets the respect and Mellencamp doesn't.
great pick me up for an afternoon of work ahead.  awesome version!
"Well, my feet they finally took root in the earth But I got me a nice little place in the stars"
Stuart wrote:
This version was recorded in 1972, before Greetings From Asbury Park.
Thanks for the info Stuart. I like this version quite a lot!
Rhyming "dress" with "breath"? Boss, you're fired.
Originally Posted by gtkev02: "Growin' Up" is a great Boss tune, but that's not what I'm posting about. Bruce Springsteen is not only one of the greatest musicians/artists that any of you have ever seen or heard, he's a highly intelligent individual who contemplates his lyrics and music and perfects it to the last note before releasing it. And to those of you who are sitting in front of your computers doing nothing with your life but playing devil's advocates to the swarms of Springsteen fans, you better take another listen.
This is a great song, and I've been "taking another listen" since heaping scorn on "Worlds Apart" ( which still strikes me as perhaps well meaning but not well done )But I am appreciating his poetry, especially when he sings from experience.
"are negative number ratings allowed?...and Bob Seger ISN'T in the R & R Hall of Fame?? Go figure..." Perhaps growing up in an environment (Detroit) where rhythm is a prerequisite (Motown in general, Nugent, Seger, Rockets, Romantics, Alice Cooper, Spinners, etc..) mars my opinion but "durges with accompanying saxophone" just don't cut for me...
Originally Posted by ChanceM3: I will never understand how anyone can like Bruce Springteen. I simply can't stand his music.
as a kid i felt that way - what's the big buzz about bruce? its boring. then, i grew up, truly listened, and went to see him live on a kick. i'm a fan now. he's a poet. and a talented one at that. his style may not be for everyone, but he's got lots of soul and heart and i really respect him as an artist. greetings from asbury park is my favorite of his, next to nebraska. maybe you should try those out when you have the time.
Originally Posted by ndanger666: The "electric" version is on Greetings From Asbury Park. Listen to that and you can see how far Bruce has devolved.
This version was recorded in 1972, before Greetings From Asbury Park.
Originally Posted by wallyfuzz: Glad he lost the amp...songs sound better when you can hear what he's saying!
He didn't *lose* the amp. This is one of his original acoustic demos for Columbia, way back when.
Stripped down acoustic reminds you of how powerful Bruce can be and what John Hammond saw when he signed him to the \"record company Rosie\", Columbia that is.
Glad he lost the amp...songs sound better when you can hear what he\'s saying!
I will never understand how anyone can like Bruce Springteen. I simply can't stand his music.
The \"electric\" version is on Greetings From Asbury Park. Listen to that and you can see how far Bruce has devolved.
Loved this song when I was a teen. I\'ve never heard this version before. I\'d only heard the band version. Great tune.
Surprised there are not more Bruce fans speaking up (like on WorldClassRock@Yahoogroups.com! Uh-oh, I feel a need to promote coming on... https://groups.yahoo.com/group/worldclassrock/join ) I like Mr. Springsteen a lot, but this is one of my faves! Cool song, only too short (like Candy\'s Room), imagine if this lasted as long as something like Jungleland (great song, and lasts looooong!) More Classic Bruce!
Originally Posted by SuperWeh: Not so fond of Springsteen's music but I kinda like this.
Me too! And yes Jrzy, for once we can understand the lyrics. He must have taken the marbles out of his mouth for this song. :D
Not so fond of Springsteen\'s music but I kinda like this.
I usually hate springsteen, but this song is pretty good.