Atlantic City
“Atlantic City” is a song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen, included on his Nebraska album, released in 1982. Unlike his earlier work with the E Street Band, this song—like the rest of the album—was recorded in an acoustic, home-made style using a four-track recorder. Its raw and minimalist sound highlights the somber atmosphere of the lyrics, which tell the story of a man trapped by economic desperation who turns to crime in search of a new beginning in the declining city of Atlantic City.
The song reflects themes common in Springsteen’s work, such as the struggles of the working class, hope in the face of adversity, and the corruption of the American Dream. With references to the mob and economic decline, “Atlantic City” paints a bleak portrait of the city as a symbol of broken promises. Although it was not officially released as a single, the song has gained recognition as one of Springsteen’s most powerful compositions and has been covered by numerous artists, including a notable version by The Band.
Technical Details
Song Title: Atlantic City
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album: Nebraska
Release Date: September 30, 1982
Genre: Folk rock, Americana
Length: 4:00 minutes
Label: Columbia Records
Writer: Bruce Springsteen
Producer: Bruce Springsteen
Recording Method: Home-recorded on a 4-track cassette recorder
Studio: Bruce Springsteen’s home in Colts Neck, New Jersey
Instrumentation: Vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica
Notable Covers: The Band, Ryan Adams, John Anderson
Lyrics
“Well they blew up the chicken man in Philly last night now they blew up his house too
Down on the boardwalk they’re gettin’ ready for a fight gonna see what them racket boys can do
Now there’s trouble busin’ in from outta state and the D.A. can’t get no relief
Gonna be a rumble out on the promenade and the gamblin’ commission’s hangin’ on by the skin of its teeth
CHORUS
Well now everything dies baby that’s a fact
But maybe everything that dies someday comes back
Put your makeup on fix your hair up pretty
And meet me tonight in Atlantic City
Well I got a job and tried to put my money away
But I got debts that no honest man can pay
So I drew what I had from the Central Trust
And I bought us two tickets on that Coast City bus
CHORUS
Now our luck may have died and our love may be cold but with you forever I’ll stay
We’re goin’ out where the sand’s turnin’ to gold so put on your stockin’s baby ’cause the night’s getting cold
And everything dies baby that’s a fact
But maybe everything that dies someday comes back
Now I been lookin’ for a job but it’s hard to find
Down here it’s just winners and losers and don’t get caught on the wrong side of that line
Well I’m tired of comin’ out on the losin’ end
So honey last night I met this guy and I’m gonna do a little favor for him
Well I guess everything dies baby that’s a fact
But maybe everything that dies someday comes back
Put your hair up nice and set up pretty
and meet me tonight in Atlantic City
Meet me tonight in Atlantic City
Meet me tonight in Atlantic City”
LP. Format Vinyl. Click on the image to buy
Access all the information about Bruce Springsteen’s songs at the following link of Bruce Springsteen Radio: https://brucetheboss.com/category/songs/
