Due to its thunderous, exhilarating chorus, infectious musical stomp, and perhaps also its album art, Bruce Springsteen's signature song (competing only with , perhaps, "Born to Run") "Born in the USA" has become a beloved anthem of American patriotism. How ironic, then, that such spirit isn't even close to what the song actually represents. I wouldn't say that Springsteen is unpatriotic or that he doesn't love America, he simply has, or at least displays, a naturally critical view of certain aspects of its institutions. Since (at least in the past; the 2016 election broke virtually all precedent) Republicans tend to be the most outwardly patriotic party, "Born in the USA" is often used in campaigns for its members , but in reality, this usage is very inappropriate and practically demonstrates a complete inability to recognize the true meaning of the lyrics and all of Springsteen's sympathy for the struggles of the working class. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The song begins with an unnamed protagonist explaining first-hand his difficult upbringing in a small town. Events in his life and childhood led him to "end up like a dog that's been beaten too much", signifying Springsteen's understanding and empathy towards people from the tough, middle and lower classes. Once the character is involved in some sort of altercation, he is either forced or pressured into joining the military, and he is sent to fight in the dubious and controversial Vietnam War. These verses are accompanied by the omnipresent chorus, the same one that makes this song so popular due to its inappropriate uses. The apparent patriotic pride expressed in the chorus creates a poignant contrast to the grittiness and doom of the other lyrics, which continue throughout the song. Springsteen's pessimism, or perhaps realism, is made all the clearer in the next verse. When the protagonist returns from the war, he discovers a climate that is inhospitable to him. He loses his job at the refinery and receives no help from the VA, while essentially being told that this is the way things are. Despite being "American-born", he is treated with little respect throughout this story as he cuts his teeth in an oppressed community, serves his country, then returns home and attempts to reintegrate civil life. I wouldn't particularly say this song is anti-Republican, but if the boot fits, wear it. This is definitely not a partisan song, and anyone who is offended by its lyrical content should think about why it supports an environment that led Springsteen to think it was necessary to write this song in the first place. It's no wonder this song was and is so popular, because there are two levels of appeal, each of which encapsulates much of what the other doesn't. There is the superficial appeal of the chorus, as mentioned previously, but also the appeal of the true meaning, which fits perfectly with the image of Bruce Springsteen and his music. The man is a red-blooded, blue-jeaned, loudly growling American, and his songs represent a harsh but not unrealistic sense of frustration with the struggles of the working class. Although his strong support for unions as well as gay rights (and his public support for John Kerry and Barack Obama) would realistically place him as a Democrat, his message seems to me to be something deeper and more humane that.