If there’s an overarching theme on Bruce Springsteen’s latest release, it’s the glory of lifelong love. “My Lucky Day” celebrates finding the right woman. The title track narrates the toil of a construction worker who promises his beloved, “Our love will chase the trouble away.” The achingly beautiful “Kingdom of Days” exalts enduring fidelity as the years pile up (“And I count my blessings that you’re mine for always/We laugh beneath the covers and count the wrinkles and the grays”). “This Life” hints at a love that transcends death (“With you I have been blessed/What more can you expect/This life, this life and then the next”). Even a renegade cowboy in the ballad “Outlaw Pete” trades his violent ways for family life. Elsewhere, “The Last Carnival” pays tribute to E Street Band keyboardist Danny Federici, who died of cancer in April 2008. “The Wrestler,” a bonus track from the movie of the same name, honors those who’ve made the most of limited opportunities. “Life Itself” is a complex cautionary tale about a man who can’t resist the temptation of an emotionally unhealthy woman.
A birthday toast on “Surprise, Surprise” is followed by another drink. “Queen of the Supermarket” uses an f-word. Some sensual allusions also turn up there. “Good Eye” cryptically talks of a man who’s exchanged a relationship with a good woman for something darker (infidelity is implied). “Outlaw Pete” is known for killing and stealing. A bounty hunter who pursues him winds up on the receiving end of Pete’s knife, and Pete may commit suicide at the end of the song.
Springsteen’s 16th album is a generally positive—and often poetic—look at life and love. A lone f-word is easily the biggest content concern. Mildly problematic are a smattering of low-key references to alcohol and sensuality, as well as some cowboy-style violence.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
