Born In The U.S.A.

Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the U.S.A.' is often mistaken for a patriotic anthem due to its rousing chorus, but a closer look at the lyrics reveals a stark critique of the American experience for many, particularly veterans of the Vietnam War. The song tells the story of a man whose life is marred by hardship and disillusionment from an early age. The opening lines set the tone with a metaphor of being born into adversity and struggling throughout life. The repeated refrain 'Born in the USA' serves as a bitter reminder of the unfulfilled promises of the American Dream.

The second verse shifts to the protagonist's forced enlistment in the military, highlighting the lack of opportunities for the working class that often leads to military service as one of the few viable options. The reference to 'kill the yellow man' is a blunt depiction of the racism and propaganda that fueled the conflict in Vietnam. Upon returning home, the veteran finds himself alienated and without support, symbolized by the unhelpful VA (Veterans Affairs) man and the lack of job opportunities at the refinery.

The song also touches on the personal loss and the lasting impact of war, with the mention of a brother lost in Khe Sahn and a love left behind in Saigon. The final verses paint a picture of a man haunted by his past, with nowhere to turn. The penitentiary and refinery represent societal institutions that offer no escape but rather reinforce the cycle of despair. 'Born in the U.S.A.' is a powerful, if misunderstood, commentary on the American working class and the veterans who bear the scars of their service, both physically and emotionally.