Bruce Springsteen & ESB - Incident On 57th Street (Izod #2 2009)

May 23 2009 Izod Center, Jersey.

Spanish Johnny drove in from the underworld last night
With bruised arms and broken rhythm in a beat-up old Buick
But dressed just like dynamite
He tried sellin' his heart to the hard girls over on Easy Street
But they sighed "Johnny it falls apart so easy and you know hearts these days are cheap"
And the pimps swung their axes and said "Johnny you're a cheater."
Well the pimps swung their axes and said "Johnny you're a liar"
And from out of the shadows came a young girl's voice said: "Johnny don't cry"
Puerto Rican Jane, oh won't you tell me what's your name.
I want to drive you down to the other side of town where paradise ain't so crowded, there'll be action goin' down on Shanty Lane tonight
All them golden-heeled fairies in a real bitch fight
Pull .38s and kiss the girls good night

Oh good night, it's alright Jane
Now let them black boys in to light the soul flame
We may find it out on the street tonight baby
Or we may walk until the daylight maybe

Well like a cool Romeo he made his moves, oh she looked so fine
Like a late Juliet she knew he'd never be true but then she really didn't mind
Upstairs a band was playin', the singer was singin' something about goin' home
She whispered, "Spanish Johnny, you can leave me tonight but just don't leave me alone"

And Johnny cried "Puerto Rican Jane, word is down the cops have found the vein"
Oh them barefoot boys left their homes for the woods
Them little barefoot street boys they say homes ain't no good
They left the corners, threw away all their switchblade knives and kissed each other good-bye

Johnny was sittin' on the fire escape watchin' the kids playin' down the street
He called down "Hey little heroes, summer's long but I guess it ain't very sweet around here anymore"
Janey sleeps in sheets damp with sweat, Johnny sits up alone and watches her dream on, dream on
And the sister prays for lost souls, then breaks down in the chapel after everyone's gone

Jane moves over to share her pillow but opens her eyes to see Johnny up and putting his clothes on
She says "Those romantic young boys
All they ever want to do is fight"
Those romantic young boys
They're callin' through the window
"Hey Spanish Johnny, you want to make a little easy money tonight?"
And Johnny whispered:
Good night, it's all tight Jane
I'll meet you tomorrow night on Lover's Lane
We may find it out on the street tonight baby
Or we may walk until the daylight maybe

Category:

Music

Tags:

• bruce
• springsteen
• street
• band
• incident
• on
• 57th
• live
• izod
• center
• new
• jersey
• pro
• shot
• may
• 23
• 2009
• working
• dream
• tour

[OperaOfViolence]

Could be the single greatest song ever. Magical from beginning to end.

[leonardob555]

what about???every song has a thousand different versions!!!...I love Boss for this, at every show you never know what to expect

[rlms56]

I have seen Springsteen perform this song countless times and many variations but this one touched my heart. The guitar solo is amazing!! thanks bruce

[correctableerror]

One of the most powerful lines in Bruce's songs: "Upstairs the band was playin' the singer was singing something about going home." Isn't that was so many people who are hurting need to do? They just need to get back home.

[lodiwater111]

Words cant describe what we felt when hearing this that night! Can anyone tell me what is it about this version that is soo freaking incredible? I stood there stunned! hahaha

[zipezapehape]

I was there too. Great version of this song. Love the guitar solo at the end!

[drumdude123]

I was in the front row at this show, this was absolutely phenomenal!

[2pacbiggie4334]

@TheGurry

this concert, not the london one, should have been the dvd release. Or at least one of the born to run shows

[TheGurry]

excellent recording! almost looks and sounds like a professional job.

[bugattibowler]

I was there- jumped out of my seat when I thought he would break for Rosie after, but oh well. A great performance, really. Thanks for the upload!