Actually to play it correctly, there are nuances to the chords played. Its a piano song, and takes alot to try to replicate it on guitar. It is in the key of F as well. No worries, Bruce himself dumbs down the song when he plays it live
I wrote the lyrics to this when I was in high school. Bruce was recording at Sky Blue studios in Sonoma California. The 69 Chevy was originally a 396 Ss 4 speed car that belonged to Harry Maglin. When Harry had it he had a 427 in it. Harry sold it to Kevin Johnson and Slim with a tired 396. Kevin and Slim took out the big block and put a small block and an automatic in it. Fueling heads weren't an option on the big block. The guy in the Camaro is Joe Morich. The girl is Becky Icough. The track is Sears Point raceway in California. Kevin and Sim eventually sold the Chevelle to a black guy from Oakland who rolled it on an on-ramp over by Vallejo. The song is based on Dancing In The Streets by Martha and the Vandellas. The storyline was inspired by Twp Lane Blacktop which starred James Taylor. The girl who stars out into space and hates forl being born that was Shannon Johnson. I provided the lyrics to Bruce Springsteen in 1975. Bruce promised to pay me if he used them depending on how good they were. I guess Bruce just forgot about his promise or willfully welched on his agreement. I only had the lyrics I didn't do the music. Bruce if you read this find me I live in Glen Ellen California. I'm still proud of the song. I just need some money for retirement. Take care and be well.
You have a great voice Tony! I fully agree with you, this version of the song, broken down to the bare essentials, is just so beautiful. There are a couple of great recorded version of it, one on Chimes of Freedom and one on The Live Series: Stripped Down.
I'm originally from Montreal but now living in the Ottawa Valley on the Ottawa River. I visited south Jersey often when I was a kid while my Dad went to Atlantic City. Maybe that's what rubbed off on me? Lol. Been to Freehold and Asbury Park a few times. Such a beautiful area. How about you?
I always attack a song in three steps. 1. Chords 2. Singing (while playing) 3. Strumming By the time I get to #3, the strumming is just there :) Give it a try, cheers!
Thank you! Been doing well but working on a lot of other things. Hoping to get a new video out soon. Was thinking about "The Rising" or "See you in my dreams". Thanks for your kind words, much appreciated!
This is great. Thanks so much for teaching this version. It makes it so much smoother for me than having to jump quickly to 50 different funky & stretch chords while trying to keep my mind and emotions on the lyrics.
Great video. You do a great job. Also imagine some people comment Bruce doesn't have a great voice. If you know his body of work he can do so much with his voice it's incredible
I’ve been playing in performing this song, live, acoustic/harp solo, for many years but always had trouble with a few parts that you targeted. Thanks so much. Great job. Dig your style.
Could you go over how to do the note bends for a beginner? Does "6+" in the tab mean you bend the note on the 6th hole up? Sometimes harp tab come w "blow" or "draw" to help w hitting the right note. Thank you
Hey Tony. Love this video. Messaging you here from Ireland. I was wondering what make and type of harmonica you would recommend. Woukd love to learn some of Bruce's songs on harmonica. Many thanks for your help. Mike
Hi Mike, thank you! I use Hohner Marine Band Crossover Harmonicas for gigs. The sound is the best. For practice, you can use something cheaper such as Lee Oskar. Hope this helps, cheers!
Hi Tony, have you seen this old black and white recording of Born To Run Acoustic? Its not the best footage mind you, ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ccKzusBCZKc.htmlsi=mbJGMEuFMH-N9eXJ
