My fascination with him began as a high school sophomore. Born to Run was all over the charts and
“The Boss” appeared on the cover of my parents’ Time magazine. I was so very young for my age back then.
Who is this hairy guy? What's with the hat?
What makes him, “The Boss”, I wondered.
Then I listened. I listened to the stories behind his songs. I poured over the lyrics for understanding. I saw parallels in my own life as I watched my
big sisters prancing to waiting cars on our gravel driveway; the screen door to our big 'ol rented frame house
slamming behind them as they set their fates with teen-age lustful energy.
In Bruce’s lyric’s, I saw magic in those cars all revved and
lined up at the stop lights; ready for trouble; ready for young love at the
speed “The Boss” led his band.
And I saw kin-ship between “Scooter” and the “Big Man”.
Those two made me curious for so long… who IS this “Scooter”?
In college in Wisconsin, The
River was released, and, believe me, my friends and I played and wore that record
OUT. My roommate’s name was Sherri, so “Hey, hey, hey, what you say, Sherri
darling” was one of our favorite sayings. Sherri and I were known for our
raucous bar-top dancing whenever, “Cadillac Ranch” played! Thanks, Bruce, for
those wild memories and so many laughs!
And then there's the time my younger sis, Sandy drove across Wisconsin on the Interstate to see me. While blastin' "No Surrender" on the tape deck, she was pulled over by a Jefferson County cop for speeding. Sounds like another Springsteen song in the works.
And then there's the time my younger sis, Sandy drove across Wisconsin on the Interstate to see me. While blastin' "No Surrender" on the tape deck, she was pulled over by a Jefferson County cop for speeding. Sounds like another Springsteen song in the works.
After college, I became a teacher working in Milwaukee and then in
Madison. After work, I shedded my "school clothes" and continued my admiration for The Boss. I dated many men, but it somehow mattered to me how they felt about Bruce
Springsteen’s music. If my date didn’t have an appreciation for him, I found it
a waste of my time to date him again. Bruce was influencing my life and my
choices.
In 1995, I met Steve, my mate. He is a fan of great music,
including, “The Boss”. Together, we have been to see the E Street Band several
times. At the John Kerry rally in Madison, Steve stood for hours so he would be in the front row and shake Bruce’s hand.
What a thrill!
Bruce's influence was also apparent in my own healing process in my relationship with my father. You see, Dad and I had our issues, but as I matured, we were drawn toward healing those hurts. Often, Springsteen was one of the topics we discussed at our breakfasts out. Dad began saving news clippings for me, or would call when he heard about an update for a tour. At Dad's funeral, we held hands and sang, "We Shall Overcome" with Bruce and the band. I know Dad appreciated the sentiment.
Bruce's influence was also apparent in my own healing process in my relationship with my father. You see, Dad and I had our issues, but as I matured, we were drawn toward healing those hurts. Often, Springsteen was one of the topics we discussed at our breakfasts out. Dad began saving news clippings for me, or would call when he heard about an update for a tour. At Dad's funeral, we held hands and sang, "We Shall Overcome" with Bruce and the band. I know Dad appreciated the sentiment.
Needless to say, my husband, Steve and I have a pup; in fact a spirited Corgi
pup; wild and innocent, always searching for his groove, that we aptly named,
“Scooter”. I AM YOUR FOREVER FAN!
By Nancy Lendborg, Lifelong Fan
Scooter the Corgi Pup
Bruce @ Kerry Rally
