: Springsteen initially began writing the song in 1981 with the title "Vietnam".
The song follows a blue-collar protagonist who is drafted after getting into a "hometown jam" and sent to fight in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he faces a country that has no place for him : he is rejected by hiring managers at the local refinery and finds little support from the V.A.. born_in_the_usa
: The song’s longevity is often attributed to the vast distance between its grim verses and its joyous, anthemic chorus . : Springsteen initially began writing the song in
While "Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen is often shouted as a high-energy patriotic anthem, it is actually a biting indictment of the Vietnam War and the treatment of the working-class veterans who returned from it. The Story Behind the Song : The song’s longevity is often attributed to
The song is famous for its misinterpretation by political figures , most notably during President Ronald Reagan's 1984 re-election campaign. Reagan praised the song's "message of hope," likely missing the irony and subtext regarding the disenfranchisement of the American working class. Key Lyrics What Does 'Born In The U.S.A.' Really Mean? - NPR