Bruce Springsteen’s “Song for Orphans” Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics of “Song for Orphans” are highly metaphorical, to the point where even diehard fans of the Boss may find them challenging to dissect. But the most solid-understanding put forth is that the titular “orphans” alludes to disenfranchised people, i.e. those with no solid grounding in the world. More specifically, it reads as if Bruce Springsteen is most notably addressing the youth of the late 1960s / early 1970s, a group that he was a part of when he wrote these lyrics. And he perceives many of them as looking for meaning or a path in life. And he is able to empathize because, once again, the singer himself is a part of this generation.
Facts about “Song for Orphans”
Springsteen wrote this song in the early 1970s, when he was just entering his twenties. There was one known recording of it, which was laid down during the same era, until the song was officially released on the 23rd of October 2020.
This track is featured on Bruce’s “Letter to You” album, a publication of Columbia Records.
“Song for Orphans” was produced by Ron Aniello alongside the Boss himself.
Did Bruce release this as one of the singles from “Letter to You”?
No. He only released the following two singles from that album:
some metaphors lead back to his south italien descendance, I sense some eschatological, almost apocalyptical sense…13 th. century Joachim de Fiore…
🤨
Would you please write in language that me and the masses might understand, thanks
I believe it is largely about the politics of a young band, and his need to gain control (“the confederacy’s in my name now”) in order to be successful. That, or how to peel a banana.
This is the correct answer. “The confederacy’s in my name now…” is a reference, I believe, to him leaving Steel Mill and forming his own band with him as “the boss”.
Can’t be the only one getting the Bob Dylan vibe!
Totally my first thought
Ive been listening to Dylan and Springsteen all my life. I predicted these two as super novas when they were teens. Sorta like gettin high without the weed. Super deep thought, lyrics.
I have this suspicion that the control of the confederacy refers to taking over the airwaves, from the southern rock bands. Lynyrd skynrd, Marshall Tucker, Charlie Daniels, Allman Brothers etc. They were very influential late 60s, early seventies. Even before Welcome to Asbury Park, he was writing poetic prose for us locals, playing in the juke joints, seaside bars and southern jersey strip.
“The confederacy’s in my name now” seems to be about a new, different type of rebel, especially given the times of the writing. And who is Moses here? Possibly Dylan himself? (He and Dylan have had their moments of calling each other out: listen to BD’s “Tweeter and the Monkey Man”–among other details, “ever since he was a Jersey Girl,” the song which, though written by Waits, most likely is better known for Springsteen.) Sees the generation as the Orphans, which is a way every generation is. More sarcastic than empathetic, with that even perhaps targeting the selr–listen to the phrasings, which yes, are very Dylanesque. A mysticism keeping in tune with the Irish part of the background as well as any Italian aspects. And much, much more.
The influence of Dylan and also a another song from that era titled “The Eve of Destruction” are very noticeable.
Barry McGuire sang eve of Destruction I believe.
Who is my good Linda in this song?