Thanks to its thunderous, uplifting chorus, the infectious beat of a musical refrain, and perhaps even the album cover, 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 a spirit isn't even close to what the song actually represents. I wouldn't say that Springsteen is unpatriotic, or that he doesn't like America, he simply has, or at least displays, an understandably critical view of some aspects of its institutions. Since (at least in the past; the 2016 election broke pretty much all precedent) the Republicans tend to be the most overtly patriotic party, “Born in the USA” is often used in campaigns for its members, but in reality, this usage is very inappropriate, and demonstrates pretty much a total failure to recognize the true meaning of the lyrics and Springsteen's whole brand of sympathy for the struggles of the working class. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The song begins with an unnamed protagonist explaining firsthand his harsh upbringing in a small town. The events of his life and childhood led him to “end up like a dog that has been beaten too much,” signifying Springsteen's understanding and empathy for those of the lower-middle class. Once the character gets into some sort of altercation, he is forced or pressured into joining the army and is sent to fight in the questionable and controversial Vietnam War. These verses are bookended by the ever-present chorus, the very thing that makes this song so popular for its inappropriate uses. The apparent patriotic pride expressed in the chorus creates a touching contrast to the rawness and suffering of the other lyrics, which will continue throughout the song. Springsteen's pessimism, or perhaps realism, is even clearer in the next verse. When the protagonist returns home from the war, he finds an inhospitable climate for him. He loses his job at the refinery and gets no help from the VA, all while being told essentially that's just how things are. Despite being “born in the United States,” he is treated with little respect throughout this story as he cuts his teeth in an oppressed community, serves his country, returns home, and tries to re-enter civilian life. I wouldn't particularly say this song is anti-republican, but if the boot fits, wear it. This isn't really a partisan song, and anyone who takes offense at its lyrical content should think about why it supports an environment that made Springsteen feel it was necessary to write this song in the first place. It's no wonder this song was and is so popular, as there are two levels of appeal, each encapsulating much of what the other doesn't. There is the superficial appeal of the chorus, as discussed above, but also the appeal of the true meaning, which fits perfectly with the image of Bruce Springsteen and his music. The man is an ordinary, red-blooded, blue-jean-wearing, loud-snarling American, and his songs represent a harsh but not unrealistic feeling of frustration at 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 human than politics of the parties, making his songs, in my opinion, are actually a little inappropriate to use.