Is That, Like, Stand-Up? (a.k.a. “Fire” by Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band (Live))

On By DanicaPicheIn Creative Writing & Music Mash-Up

Unsure how I got here, I’m enjoying this live performance of “Fire” by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.  Great songwriting with a performance to match.

“Nils! Go ahead, baby!”  Big Man!  I’m smiling, the audience is howling and I’m laughing out loud…by myself….

A server comes by and asks what I’m watching.  “A Springsteen performance,”  I say, not realizing I need to provide more background information.  I’m about to talk about the song when she asks with a politely blank expression, “Oh, is that, like, stand-up?”  Really??  Okay.  “Well, kind of,” I reply.  “The best thing about Springsteen is the way he connects with his audience.  He makes this large venue seem like a roadside tavern.”

She nods, smiling at how I’m entertaining myself.  The names Springsteen and Big Man still don’t even register.  Can you imagine?  I guess a little less awesomeness happens in life sometimes.

The original lyrics and credits are below.  Enjoy!

I’m driving in my car, I turn on the radio
I’m pulling you close, well you just say no
You say you don’t like it, but girl I know you’re a liar
‘Cause when we kiss, fire

Late at night, I’m takin’ you home
I say I wanna stay, you say you wanna be alone
You say you don’t love me, girl you can’t hide that desire
‘Cause when we kiss, fire

You had a hold on me right from the start
A grip so tight I couldn’t tear it apart
My nerves all jumpin’ actin’ like a fool
Your kisses they burn but your heart stays…cool

Romeo and Juliet, Samson and Delilah
Baby you can bet their love they didn’t deny
Your words say split, but your words they lie
‘Cause when we kiss, fire

Fire, fire, fire
Burnin’ in my soul
So hard to control….

___
[“Fire,” by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.  Written by:  Bruce Springsteen, 1977.  Original release, single:  1986.]

 

Video posted to youtube by user bonetti1978

 

20 thoughts on “Is That, Like, Stand-Up? (a.k.a. “Fire” by Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band (Live))”

  1. So I’m sitting here in the northern San Joaquin Valley of California (not my idea originally), getting pounded by what they say will be the storm of the decade. Or one for the ages. Or gather the animals in twos. Whatever it is you hear from whoever it is you believe.
    Had to drive in it a bit. Wasn’t the rain as much as the wind. And the idiots on the road.
    Getting too wound up for my own good.
    Get home, get on-line, and hear you are.
    Bruce and the Big Man.
    Exactly what I needed.
    You must be an angel.

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    1. Wow, I’m glad you made it home okay! I hope the storm passes without further incident.
      I agree, Bruce and the Big Man pretty much always have the cure for what ails you. I’m glad this helped and I’ll respond to ‘angel’ if you insist :). By the way, have you seen Bruce and the Big Man in concert? I’m catching up on your blog posts and haven’t found that answer yet.
      Danica

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      1. Have yet to been blessed.
        It’s been a long, long time since I’ve been to any concert. I don’t deal well with crowds. At all.
        The last few I went to were some of Neil Young’s Bridge School Benefits.
        You haven’t lived until you’ve seen Neil, Crazy Horse, Eddie Vedder and Stone Gossard, Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams, The Who and Tom Waits sing back-up for Brian Wilson on “Surfin’ USA”.
        But I really need to take our grandson to see Bruce and the boys. And Patti and Soozi.

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        1. The crowds can be overwhelming. Many venues have designated areas and/or assistance for those with medical conditions. Difficulty with crowds would fit that definition. Maybe there’s a good alternative for you.
          Neil Young and Crazy Horse are among my favorites. And Lucinda Williams. Your list is pretty fantastic.
          The best concert would be Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band with your grandfather :).

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          1. The damned thing is that music can serve the purpose of soothing the savage beast. Sometimes it can be the only thing that help keeps you going.
            Concerts – the right artist(s), the right music, the right place, the right time – can be like an alter call.
            Give you a f’rinstance:
            http://nocturnaladmissions.net/2014/04/24/a-story-for-lacey-and-jami/
            That’s the abridged version of what that night did for me, meant for me, but the fact that it was music that offered me the greatest comfort speaks volumes.
            But that night it was a concert that spoke to my spirit, offering me support and comfort and strength I had no idea I was going to need.
            Leon Russell once said that going to a rock concert can be similar to going to church.
            I think that night was somewhat of that kind of journey for me.

            And Leon…
            oh yes. Leon.
            Back in ’73 went to see him at Hughes Stadium at the University of Colorado up in Boulder. Had first seen him and became familiar with him when we saw him with Cocker on the “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” tour at the Fillmore East in early ’70.
            Huge black clouds, thunder and lightning over the foothills all morning long, threatening the concert. Sunlight broke through shortly before the opening act took the stage.
            It was Leon’s back-up group who opened the show: The Rev. Patrick Henderson and Black Grass.
            Uh.huh.
            “Reverend”.
            For real. Licensed and ordained.
            And between the two of them, they got 60,000 shaking their communal money-makers. There was electricity in the air, and I don’t believe the overwhelming majority of freaks congregated at the foot of the Rockies had the slightest idea what just hit us:

            Been a really rough few months.
            I need to get in touch with Blue Shield and see if instead of refilling my Effexor and Klonopin they can just line me up with a couple of tickets for Bruce.
            Note from my therapist just might get me front row seats.

            Liked by 1 person

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            1. Thank you for sharing your powerful story “it’s only castles burning” — your writing brings the reader right there beside you. Your story is a gift to those facing their own struggles.
              I agree with you that music can soothe the savage beast. How amazing it must have been to see Neil Young then. And Leon. I can see the sun breaking through the black clouds!
              You’re right, tickets for Bruce would replace those prescriptions. I hope Blue Shield agrees.
              The medical community is starting to recognize the healing powers of music. Many hospitals now offer Music Therapy for chronic illness, for example.
              I’m very sorry you’ve had a rough few months. I hope the sun will shine down on you again soon.

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  2. Nothing like Bruce – I have to admit I’m a Jersey Girl from his old stomping grounds. There was a time when he had a band – Steel Mill – and had free concerts all over the county. I was there. 😀
    Great post. 😀
    cate b

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    1. Hi Cate! It must have been amazing so see him play those early free concerts! I’m not familiar with Steel Mill and now I must hear them, I’ll be off searching for clips…the earliest footage I’ve seen is from 78 and he’s already a huge stage presence.
      Thanks so much for sharing your experience :).
      Danica

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  4. Okay, I am wildly imagining a liqueur poured over a fruit dessert to become a flambe. Not sure how to get the accent? At a Greek restaurant, the server pours brandy or alcohol over cheese to make it gooey and flavorful. Other servers yell, “Opa!” Is it good luck? All “fires” in restaurants are where my mind went as the server watched Bruce who I love, sing to her hearts.

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    1. Wonderful imagery, Robin! Fires in restaurants, celebrations and good luck wishes would make an excellent story for this song and scene.
      Bruce is always a welcome addition, though I’m not sure she had any interest.

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