American Skin (41 Shots)
American Skin (41 Shots) is a song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen, first released in 2000. The track was inspired by the 1999 police shooting of Amadou Diallo, an unarmed West African immigrant who was shot 41 times by four New York City police officers. The song addresses themes of racial profiling, police violence, and the fear and misunderstanding that can arise between communities and law enforcement. Its somber tone and reflective lyrics aim to humanize the experience of those who live under constant suspicion because of their race.
The song sparked controversy when it was first performed, particularly among police unions who criticized Springsteen for what they perceived as an anti-police message. Despite this, American Skin (41 Shots) has been praised for its courage and emotional depth, and it has remained relevant over the years, especially in the context of ongoing conversations about racial injustice and police brutality in the United States. Springsteen has continued to perform the song during key social moments, reinforcing its enduring message of empathy and awareness.
Technical Details of “American Skin (41 Shots)” by Bruce Springsteen:
- Title: American Skin (41 Shots)
- Artist: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
- Writer: Bruce Springsteen
- Producer: Bruce Springsteen, Chuck Plotkin
- First Live Performance: June 4, 2000 (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Original Release: July 2001 (live version on Live in New York City)
- Studio Version Release: April 28, 2014 (on High Hopes album)
- Genre: Rock, Protest Song
- Length:
- Live version: approx. 7:45
- Studio version: approx. 7:34
- Label: Columbia Records
- Recorded:
- Live version: 2000, Madison Square Garden
- Studio version: 2013, during High Hopes sessions
- Key Themes: Racial profiling, police violence, social justice
- Instruments Featured: Electric guitar, drums, bass, piano, organ, background vocals
Lyrics
“41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots….
and we’ll take that ride
‘cross this bloody river
to the other side
41 shots… cut through the night
You’re kneeling over his body in the vestibule
Praying for his life
Is it a gun, is it a knife
Is it a wallet, this is your life
It ain’t no secret
It ain’t no secret
No secret my friend
You can get killed just for living
In your American skin
41 shots
Laina gets her son ready for school
She says “on these streets, Charles
You’ve got to understand the rules
If an officer stops you
Promise you’ll always be polite,
that you’ll never ever run away
Promise Mama you’ll keep your hands in sight”
Is it a gun, is it a knife
Is it a wallet, this is your life
It ain’t no secret
It ain’t no secret
No secret my friend
You can get killed just for living
In your American skin
Is it a gun, is it a knife
Is it in your heart, is it in your eyes
It ain’t no secret
41 shots… and we’ll take that ride
‘Cross this bloody river
To the other side
41 shots… got my boots caked in this mud
We’re baptized in these waters and in each other’s blood
Is it a gun, is it a knife
Is it a wallet, this is your life
It ain’t no secret
It ain’t no secret
No secret my friend
You can get killed just for living
In your American skin”
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