Great writing, Joe. I often think about my own father in a similar way, although he was old enough to fight in WWII, which affected his whole life. I don't happen to agree about Bruce, though, especially with his increasingly strident politics. I think Bob Seger's songs on the loss of youthful dreams are much truer.
This has always been my favorite Joe piece. More than Katy the Prefect, more than Hamilton, more than Mickey Mantle in the Baseball 500. This is The GOAT. And re-reading it again today changes nothing about that.
When I first read this, my son was an infant; now he's a few weeks away from turning 16. I was (relatively) early in my career; now I'm (relatively) established. Darkness was my favorite Bruce album from before I read this piece; it still is. Some things don't change
And one other thing doesn't change. This must be my 4th (5th?) time reading this piece, though it's been a day since the last time. But man, does this one line get me every time: "this was my father’s life"
My nearly 16-year old is a total pain in the ass and he drives me daily to the brink of frustration. And therefore I expect he'll react strangely, if not badly, when I give him a big, unexplained hug tonight.
Too bad, kid, you're gettin' one. Return the favor if you choose, it's up to you.
I had forgotten this beautiful story about the factory and your dad and “The Promise.” You have a gift that reaches deep into our souls. Thank you.
My first real job that was DAILY was when I was 18, the summer before I started college in 1971. I made $1.60 an hour, the minimum wage to the penny. It was at Dry Manufacturing in Winters, Texas, and I drove 15 miles from Ballinger every morning…we made air conditioning vents, that was IT, and I sat at a machine cutting out small parts all day. I remember the same cast of characters you describe……thank you for rekindling those old memories for me today.
I go back and read Joe's piece on "The Promise" every year or so. It makes me feel closer to my departed father (an ironworker with the same impossibly strong hands), and it wipes away my jaded cynicism about some of Springsteen's later career choices. Also because I love and admire beautiful writing.
I'm envious of Joe's relationship with his father and of other sons/daughters who know, just absolutely know, that their fathers live their lives for their families and loved ones. I'm just glad that he very clearly knows how lucky he was and is.
One of your best ever, sir. Thank you!
Beautifully written, sir!
Thank you, Joe.
thanks Joe❤️
Wow. Beautifully done. Hope The Boss gets to read this one!
I'm so glad you found your calling Joe. You keep us entertained and enlightened.
Great writing, Joe. I often think about my own father in a similar way, although he was old enough to fight in WWII, which affected his whole life. I don't happen to agree about Bruce, though, especially with his increasingly strident politics. I think Bob Seger's songs on the loss of youthful dreams are much truer.
This has always been my favorite Joe piece. More than Katy the Prefect, more than Hamilton, more than Mickey Mantle in the Baseball 500. This is The GOAT. And re-reading it again today changes nothing about that.
When I first read this, my son was an infant; now he's a few weeks away from turning 16. I was (relatively) early in my career; now I'm (relatively) established. Darkness was my favorite Bruce album from before I read this piece; it still is. Some things don't change
And one other thing doesn't change. This must be my 4th (5th?) time reading this piece, though it's been a day since the last time. But man, does this one line get me every time: "this was my father’s life"
My nearly 16-year old is a total pain in the ass and he drives me daily to the brink of frustration. And therefore I expect he'll react strangely, if not badly, when I give him a big, unexplained hug tonight.
Too bad, kid, you're gettin' one. Return the favor if you choose, it's up to you.
I had forgotten this beautiful story about the factory and your dad and “The Promise.” You have a gift that reaches deep into our souls. Thank you.
My first real job that was DAILY was when I was 18, the summer before I started college in 1971. I made $1.60 an hour, the minimum wage to the penny. It was at Dry Manufacturing in Winters, Texas, and I drove 15 miles from Ballinger every morning…we made air conditioning vents, that was IT, and I sat at a machine cutting out small parts all day. I remember the same cast of characters you describe……thank you for rekindling those old memories for me today.
IMHO Born to Run and Darkness are the only great Springsteen albums. YMMV.
I agree, equaled only by The River, Nebraska, Tunnel of Love, TWTIATESS, Born in the USA, and maybe one or two others.
Joe, there’s still music to discover. I don’t see Guy Clark, Townes Van Zant or Tom Russell on your list.
Heck, just find a good version of “The Dutchman” (Steve Goodman’s from “No Big Surprise” is amazing) or “Mother Blues” by Ray Wylie Hubbard…
Maybe a fun thing to do here would be for each the BR music buffs here to suggest a “Greatest Song That Joe May Not Know”…
Tom Russell? Hmmm… If he’s half as good as TVZ or Guy I should check him out.
Two hours of great songs Joe (probably 😁) doesn’t know here every week: https://www.y42k.com/category/wmfo/
I go back and read Joe's piece on "The Promise" every year or so. It makes me feel closer to my departed father (an ironworker with the same impossibly strong hands), and it wipes away my jaded cynicism about some of Springsteen's later career choices. Also because I love and admire beautiful writing.
I'm envious of Joe's relationship with his father and of other sons/daughters who know, just absolutely know, that their fathers live their lives for their families and loved ones. I'm just glad that he very clearly knows how lucky he was and is.
Sports, Springsteen, and Dads. "That'll do, Pig. That'll do."
I don’t get Bruce but I do get Joe.
This is great. My dad and I shared that ride to a factory many times as well.