he wrote this in the early 80's...rings true, for someone, in every small town in America today. The thing is, how could you (Bruce) write a song like this without going through something similar, you know what I mean? I'm haunted by this song. I lost a job, lost myself, and lost my gal...all I wanted was my gal back. You gotta keep on keeping on, man!
Hands down one of the best versions, that guitar towards the end where Bruce just feels it is awesome, you can tell they both felt the magic that night.
thats the way it goes man, nothing more satisfying than finding a song (especially from the boss' repertoire) that's little known but means a hell of a lot to you personally.
This song sings the universal pain of the working American. Thank God for Bruce Springsteen and for the first amendment HAPPY BELATED 60th BIRTHDAY BRUCE!
"Had a job and a girl...got something going mr in this world"...I don't know if he is a poet, but I cry so much because is exactly as I feel...sometimes all it ever does in life is rain...like staying in a carwash. Thanks Bruce, from a man who loves your music and words. Lelijus
Classic Springsteen. The best song on born in the U.S.A. Those lyrics create a cool little movie in your head as only "THE BOSS" can do and has done so often. Been on that downbound train myself and this song was a balm to my soul. Any one else felt that way? Anybody........? Hello.....................? (the echo floats back softly, the crickets resume their song).
One of Springsteen's best "non-commercial" songs! He truly is a songwriting genius, this song is the reason why. I'm not a political guy but the Boss is fucking awesome!
Sorry, Springsteen didn't write this monumental Working Mans Ballad, but he makes it REAL. Also sry you didn't notice how "POLITICAL" HE is. Just dumped "Spotify" for letting Rogaine spew antiVax BS. This song reflects the 'politics' of the 80s when American Jobs went overseas, and our railroads shrank. Last sry; everybody's political, you stand for what you believe or you're somebody else pawn. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downbound_Train
@@BardOfEarth Tard, seriously nobody cares!! I wasn't referring to his politics, I was saying that this song doesn't get recognition for being a great song. If you don't like Bruce, fine I get it... But seriously, make like a troll and f*** off!!
The beat part is when that guitar kicks in more than usual and Bruce looks over like hell ya we are taking this up a notch tonight. Great version my favorite for sure.
For those who think Springsteen music isn't great .... go read the lyrics to his songs. Don't listen to them first, read the lyrics. He is the ultimate poet and storyteller. Add in the fact that he writes virtually everything he records and you have yourself one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time. Obviously there are 14 people (as of December 31, 2010) who disagree, but that is less than 3% of those liking/not liking. Enjoy his music and let it lift your soul. Happy New Year to all.
I agree one of my favorite songs of all time. This is one of the first songs that made me pick up a guitar and become a "musician". If you close your eyes and listen to this song you can picture the story unfolding. As with all Springsteen cuts the imagery is incredible. Thanks Boss
For some inexplicable reason, Boss biographer Dave Marsh calls this one of his worst songs. This has always been one of my absolute favorites; as haunting and melodic and real as anything he has ever done. Thanks for this great version.
First time I remember hearing The Boss was when I was 4 years old (Glory Days!!!). I have loved this song since I listened to it for the first time when I was 13. He is one of my biggest inspirations!! :) The best part: The Boss is 60 and rockin' every day!!!! And I can't believe he wasn't popular in school (most musicians were not either).... But most importantly he's popular to us, his fans!!!! BRRUUUUUUUCCCE 4EVER!!!
Bruce,this is absolutely best Downbound Train! Very powerful performance. Maybe someday I can hear it live in concert. I still hope...Greetings from Estonia!
There was a time back in the 90's when I thought my marriage was going to fall apart, I'd listen to this song "and I'd drop to my knees and I'd cry". Well things worked out, still together, even got a couple of grandkids. but this song still brings back memories of that dispair and sadness.
When he got caught he was put on a road gang, another staple of old folk songs. The concept of the poor economy and the loss of jobs and hope of the working man leading to crime is a theme that Bruce has explored numerous times in his work, especially on Nebraska and the River albums. All of that being said, I Love this song and agree with all of you that it is a sin that this song hasn't received its' due.
i lost my job today.... they are sending my job to mexico. lost my wife a month ago to an old friend. my best friend, kairo my dog of 13 years died of colon cancer a few months ago...... 'don't i feel like i'm in a downbound train' i came home and played this song because that's how i feel.
Amen!!He is one of the best storytellers of all time and the lyrics he has written and continues to write are of genious proportions!! NOTHING BETTER NOWHERE!!
It's in the same theme as The River, another excellent Springsteen song. It's about feeling like you're sinking and can't barely pull your head above water to grab a breath of air. The "Downbound Train" is both a reference to the train his ex took to leave him, and a metaphor for his life being stuck on a train heading nowhere, and no way to stop it.
Every bruce song has a place in someone's life to relate to. What a shame, a man stuck in a never ending cycle of dreams and daily life thats reminds him of her, then he ends up working on the very same railroad that took his love away, I feel like that man, strangely it makes me feel better listening to it though (also listen to Bobby Jean) how sad.
Leon Spendley even the repetitive bassline that gives that feeling of futility, always ending up back where you started, never moving on, never getting over it. The song is a masterpiece.
I took your advice....wow. That's all I can really say. In his prime, when it was fresh...truly amazing! The United States has had many unique voices....Bruce has to be added to the likes of Twain, Davis, Coltrane, Carlin (and Bill Hicks!), Vonnegut, and a handful of others...
Put on my jacket I ran through the woods I ran till I thought my chest would explode There in the clearing, beyond the highway In the moonlight, our wedding house shone I rushed through the yard, I burst through the front door My head pounding hard, up the stairs I climbed The room was dark our bed was empty Then I heard that long whistle whine And I dropped to my knees, hung my head and cried... fuck man. some of the best lyrics ever.
Oh...my...GOD! That was better than sex. Bruce is always fantastic, but this performance was probably the best I have ever heard! Otherwordly, pure and simple. The shivers down my back just won't stop :) I have said it before and I will say it again: I adore this guy.
I bought my very first Springsteen album (my father bought it to me) 1982, now i have all records. I like most of those, but this song i love year after year, decade after decade :) My Favourite too.
That's a heart warming story. My sister had Born In The USA early 80's. I kinda stole it from her. This song brings butterflies and tears to my eyes. It is such a strong emotional big concert song. I'm here to find the chords to play it. Bruce has my respect after watching Roy Orbisons Black N White Night DVD. Bruce has Respect for Roy... I have respect for them both. +
Hell yeah....I'd go a step further: Whether you're American or not, the Boss is a true MUSICIAN! His music crosses political lines, national lines, religious lines, ethnic lines....it speaks to common themes that touch all people.
It's funny, the older I get, the sexier "older" Bruce is. I am glad the young folks are diggin it like I have for so long This is one of my fave songs . Have ya seen him and the band do the Clash cover, London Callin? It is powerful.
u2fanboy, there is INDEED more to speak about life. Bruce would never limit himself to his old music. Neither should fans linger in the past. And I suspect I started to listen to Bruce before many of you were even born. And quite frankly, Bruce recognizes in his music there is a God, but he writes about the difficulties of life as classic songwriters have always done. So, look forward.
@Bruuutal1 He sings about how how he feels like he's riding a train spiraling down. It's metaphorical for how his life is going down and not up and improving. When he says, "Now don't it feel like you're a rider..." he's saying now don't you feel the same way I feel? The song evokes a response of sorrow and he calls the listener out saying he made you sad like the character in the song.
I remember that song...but until you posted this, I never really took the time to appreciate it, considering its lyrical content.With what I'm going through at the moment on a relational level, this song is therapy...thank you.
reminds me of driving down at the shore in the off season. one feels so alienated on Route 37 in the dead of winter--- definitely on a down bound train
Hey, thanks for your comment, Sorry so late. I don't know much about music, I know that I have always been attracted to songs in minor key. Always sounds so desirous of something, love forgivness.
One of the most beautiful and sad songs ever written...if you don't feel a tear in your eye after listening to this...get off the medication.
he wrote this in the early 80's...rings true, for someone, in every small town in America today.
The thing is, how could you (Bruce) write a song like this without going through something similar, you know what I mean? I'm haunted by this song. I lost a job, lost myself, and lost my gal...all I wanted was my gal back. You gotta keep on keeping on, man!
Hands down one of the best versions, that guitar towards the end where Bruce just feels it is awesome, you can tell they both felt the magic that night.
Bruce and Steven trading Licks…. Doesn’t get any better… wish they would do this on the Current Tour
thats the way it goes man, nothing more satisfying than finding a song (especially from the boss' repertoire) that's little known but means a hell of a lot to you personally.
Bruce’s face perfectly shows the pain of this song ❤️
I agree. Definitely the best song from Born in the USA and one of his best songs, period! Why is it so underrated??? Rock on Bruce!!!
"Now I work down at the car wash, where all it ever does is rain," may be the best Springsteen lyric.Ever.
I’ve thought this since I bought the vinyl in ‘85.
This song brings me right back to a time when my marraige was falling apart and never recovered... very sad time in my life.
This song sings the universal pain of the working American. Thank God for Bruce Springsteen and for the first amendment HAPPY BELATED 60th BIRTHDAY BRUCE!
"...and I dropped to my knees, hung my head, and cried."
One of those few great writers I would call a humanist.
"Had a job and a girl...got something going mr in this world"...I don't know if he is a poet, but I cry so much because is exactly as I feel...sometimes all it ever does in life is rain...like staying in a carwash.
Thanks Bruce, from a man who loves your music and words.
Lelijus
My favorite Springsteen song ever. Can't imagine how it wasn't a hit single.
In my top three for sure.
because the great songs never being ''''''''''''''''''
It’s Too GRITTY….
Not good for Pop Music…
But True Rock Music Lovers Know
👀
Classic Springsteen. The best song on born in the U.S.A. Those lyrics create a cool little movie in your head as only "THE BOSS" can do and has done so often. Been on that downbound train myself and this song was a balm to my soul. Any one else felt that way? Anybody........? Hello.....................? (the echo floats back softly, the crickets resume their song).
Amen 🙏
@@jamesgannon6192 Back at Ya Brother...Testify.
One of the greatest songwriters of all time.
So true
Watch Jon Stewart's tribute to Bruce at Rockefeller Center
Makes me bawl every time.
THE Greatest
One of Springsteen's best "non-commercial" songs! He truly is a songwriting genius, this song is the reason why. I'm not a political guy but the Boss is fucking awesome!
Sorry, Springsteen didn't write this monumental Working Mans Ballad, but he makes it REAL. Also sry you didn't notice how "POLITICAL" HE is. Just dumped "Spotify" for letting Rogaine spew antiVax BS. This song reflects the 'politics' of the 80s when American Jobs went overseas, and our railroads shrank. Last sry; everybody's political, you stand for what you believe or you're somebody else pawn. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downbound_Train
@@BardOfEarth Tard, seriously nobody cares!! I wasn't referring to his politics, I was saying that this song doesn't get recognition for being a great song. If you don't like Bruce, fine I get it... But seriously, make like a troll and f*** off!!
Gotta correct myself. You are right. Springsteen DID write 'Down Bound Train" the Wikipedia article is a little confusing. Sry.
The beat part is when that guitar kicks in more than usual and Bruce looks over like hell ya we are taking this up a notch tonight. Great version my favorite for sure.
Him and Steven Trading Licks…
Wish they would do this on the 2024 tour
For those who think Springsteen music isn't great .... go read the lyrics to his songs. Don't listen to them first, read the lyrics. He is the ultimate poet and storyteller. Add in the fact that he writes virtually everything he records and you have yourself one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time. Obviously there are 14 people (as of December 31, 2010) who disagree, but that is less than 3% of those liking/not liking. Enjoy his music and let it lift your soul. Happy New Year to all.
'she just said Joe, i gotta go, we had it once, we ain't got it anymore'
BEAUTIFUL!!
Bruce "The Boss" and his music has helped me throuigh some real tough life times. I applaud you and thank you....
I agree one of my favorite songs of all time. This is one of the first songs that made me pick up a guitar and become a "musician". If you close your eyes and listen to this song you can picture the story unfolding. As with all Springsteen cuts the imagery is incredible. Thanks Boss
I like this video so much, the music, HIS voice, the colors...
For some inexplicable reason, Boss biographer Dave Marsh calls this one of his worst songs. This has always been one of my absolute favorites; as haunting and melodic and real as anything he has ever done. Thanks for this great version.
Dave Marsh is a buffoon
i yelled/sang this song as loud as I could 5x in a row on the morning commute thursday...is that a sign? great great song.
one of the greatest songs ever written
It still amazes me how someone so successful can write songs like this
Wonderful ! And Bruce identifies himself very much in singing it ... and makes the song even more beautiful ..
these days Bruce saved my life
duke i have to listen to the boss because he knows the hardship of the working people and i am a working person going thru hard times god bless
no one writes a story like bruce...nice one
"our times" Priceless...I think that comment makes him TIMELESS...it was written over 20 years ago...a full generation now..
what a feeling and passion he puts in this song fenomenal never seen ths before
First time I remember hearing The Boss was when I was 4 years old (Glory Days!!!). I have loved this song since I listened to it for the first time when I was 13. He is one of my biggest inspirations!! :) The best part: The Boss is 60 and rockin' every day!!!! And I can't believe he wasn't popular in school (most musicians were not either).... But most importantly he's popular to us, his fans!!!! BRRUUUUUUUCCCE 4EVER!!!
Bruce,this is absolutely best Downbound Train! Very powerful performance. Maybe someday I can hear it live in concert. I still hope...Greetings from Estonia!
There was a time back in the 90's when I thought my marriage was going to fall apart, I'd listen to this song "and I'd drop to my knees and I'd cry". Well things worked out, still together, even got a couple of grandkids. but this song still brings back memories of that dispair and sadness.
Glad to hear you both made it through!
When he got caught he was put on a road gang, another staple of old folk songs. The concept of the poor economy and the loss of jobs and hope of the working man leading to crime is a theme that Bruce has explored numerous times in his work, especially on Nebraska and the River albums. All of that being said, I Love this song and agree with all of you that it is a sin that this song hasn't received its' due.
i lost my job today.... they are sending my job to mexico. lost my wife a month ago to an old friend. my best friend, kairo my dog of 13 years died of colon cancer a few months ago...... 'don't i feel like i'm in a downbound train' i came home and played this song because that's how i feel.
Hamburg 2003. I was there. Glory days...
Beautiful song of lost love! Most people can relate to this song!
@hardware72 the most powerful lyrics I have ever heard...still gives me goosebumps after all these years!!!
Amen!!He is one of the best storytellers of all time and the lyrics he has written and continues to write are of genious proportions!! NOTHING BETTER NOWHERE!!
Of all time????? A rock song???? 😂😂😂😂😂
Got to be his saddest song. Thanks for posting!
A great modern day train song. Its great how the whistle he hears turn into him working on the tracks that took her away.
It's in the same theme as The River, another excellent Springsteen song. It's about feeling like you're sinking and can't barely pull your head above water to grab a breath of air.
The "Downbound Train" is both a reference to the train his ex took to leave him, and a metaphor for his life being stuck on a train heading nowhere, and no way to stop it.
Every bruce song has a place in someone's life to relate to. What a shame, a man stuck in a never ending cycle of dreams and daily life thats reminds him of her, then he ends up working on the very same railroad that took his love away, I feel like that man, strangely it makes me feel better listening to it though (also listen to Bobby Jean) how sad.
Leon Spendley even the repetitive bassline that gives that feeling of futility, always ending up back where you started, never moving on, never getting over it. The song is a masterpiece.
Just one of my all time favs of Bruce...in the right mood, I am moved to tears. He is a poet, a real national treasure!
Dropped to my knees, hung my head and cried.......yep, I remember when.......
I have long said that this and brilliant disguise are his best works!
this song it´s a master pice just that; one of the most great songs ever written in rock history
I was there. Hamburg 2003. Steve's solo made a great song even better.
I took your advice....wow. That's all I can really say. In his prime, when it was fresh...truly amazing! The United States has had many unique voices....Bruce has to be added to the likes of Twain, Davis, Coltrane, Carlin (and Bill Hicks!), Vonnegut, and a handful of others...
Bruce so good as always - whoever said it is right....... a very haunting song. I love it. Thanks for posting it for us to see.
para mi la mejor canción del Boss, tendrá mas famosas pero esta es insuperable...
Simply the one and only B O S S....!!!! Keep going Bruse!
wat mooieeeee , ontroering,overcoming,the best ...THE BOSS
Put on my jacket I ran through the woods I ran till I thought my chest would explode There in the clearing, beyond the highway In the moonlight, our wedding house shone I rushed through the yard, I burst through the front door My head pounding hard, up the stairs I climbed The room was dark our bed was empty Then I heard that long whistle whine And I dropped to my knees, hung my head and cried... fuck man. some of the best lyrics ever.
ive a long wait til im 60 to find out,thanks for the sage like advice though! have a good day¬
One of my favorites...I perform this live when I gig.
I may have moved out of Jersey.. U can not take the boss out of me.. True Tramp through and through.. Good videos!
Man, one of my favs. Very overlooked indeed. Seeing him in Houston next month. He probably won't do this but one can hope.
Oh...my...GOD! That was better than sex. Bruce is always fantastic, but this performance was probably the best I have ever heard! Otherwordly, pure and simple. The shivers down my back just won't stop :) I have said it before and I will say it again: I adore this guy.
Such a great song. I love it. I never get tired of hearing it.
“Now I work down at the car wash where all it ever does is rain.” Chills.
AN ABSOLUTELY FUCKING AWESOME SONG AND LIVE PERFORMANCE!
Thanks Bruce!
never have seen this live, greatness.
Again, Bruce - awesome as always....
this hurts...but it is timeless, especially these days
oh oh my how I have loved this song over the ages.. just wanted to lend my voice to the swoon of this masterpiece
this song is very sad too me. Reminds me of a time i went through about 4 years back
this is possibly the best track bruce has ever done you just have to keep humming it
True true true! Good call. And thanks. The glistening biceps really took me back. lol My favorite Bruce song ever. This IS the version I will keep.
Great song Thanks Blue
Damn he's Great - I always come back to him
One of my favorite Bruce songs. In the top 20!
I bought my very first Springsteen album (my father bought it to me) 1982, now i have all records. I like most of those, but this song i love year after year, decade after decade :) My Favourite too.
one of my favourite song with the river and the fabulous thunder road. can't wait to see him next june in Montpellier, France!!! long live Bruce!!
The minor chord (?) makes this song so achingly beautiful...
I don't understand how this song wasn't considered good by music reviewers
It's got a great rhythm to it
So so good. Danny Federici needed a solo every time they played this song ♥️
this man has so many fantastic songs its not even funny
Great song !
First song I listened to on the Born In The USA album, and I fell in love with it then. Personally its on of my favorites.
Genial. Good job. All my suport to all users who share his feelings.
One of My Favorite Tunes!!
That's a heart warming story. My sister had Born In The USA early 80's. I kinda stole it from her. This song brings butterflies and tears to my eyes. It is such a strong emotional big concert song. I'm here to find the chords to play it. Bruce has my respect after watching Roy Orbisons Black N White Night DVD. Bruce has Respect for Roy... I have respect for them both.
+
Hell yeah....I'd go a step further:
Whether you're American or not, the Boss is a true MUSICIAN! His music crosses political lines, national lines, religious lines, ethnic lines....it speaks to common themes that touch all people.
It's funny, the older I get, the sexier "older" Bruce is. I am glad the young folks are diggin it like I have for so long This is one of my fave songs . Have ya seen him and the band do the Clash cover, London Callin? It is powerful.
So heartbreaking and hauntingly beautiful
What a great song... heart-full...
u2fanboy, there is INDEED more to speak about life. Bruce would never limit himself to his old music. Neither should fans linger in the past. And I suspect I started to listen to Bruce before many of you were even born. And quite frankly, Bruce recognizes in his music there is a God, but he writes about the difficulties of life as classic songwriters have always done. So, look forward.
Top notch tune and artist !!!!!
Hamburg 03-I was there! It was magic!!!!!!
@Bruuutal1 He sings about how how he feels like he's riding a train spiraling down. It's metaphorical for how his life is going down and not up and improving. When he says, "Now don't it feel like you're a rider..." he's saying now don't you feel the same way I feel? The song evokes a response of sorrow and he calls the listener out saying he made you sad like the character in the song.
Love his music. This one is epic
Only the feeling of love to a girl can conjure this music.
le meilleur chanteur que j 'ai vu sur scène et de loin
He kind of sings our life, doesn't he?
I remember that song...but until you posted this, I never really took the time to appreciate it, considering its lyrical content.With what I'm going through at the moment on a relational level, this song is therapy...thank you.
Funny that you mention this possibility, I had been thinking that I will indeed present this to my high school English class.
My favorite song from Born in the USA
reminds me of driving down at the shore in the off season. one feels so alienated on Route 37 in the dead of winter--- definitely on a down bound train
Hey, thanks for your comment, Sorry so late. I don't know much about music, I know that I have always been attracted to songs in minor key. Always sounds so desirous of something, love forgivness.