Springsteen and Carver

For me, Raymond Carver is one of the most important American writers of the twentieth century. His stories often depict the struggles of everyday people without ever speaking down to them. Like Chekhov before him he imbued them with the dignity they richly deserved. Springsteen's Nebraska features characters that could have come straight out of a Carver short story, people trying to get by, making the most of the hand they've been dealt. 

In the title song Springsteen tries to explain why people act in a certain way even though they are aware of the consequences. He quotes the words of the teenage murderer who suggests that the situation someone finds themself in might be the reason why they carry out certain actions and might not necessarily be by choice. It’s a journey that takes us deep inside the minds of people who are struggling to survive in a world that has left them behind.

Springsteen makes no judgement - he leaves that to the listener whilst at the same time forcing us to confront the inherent darkness that exists within society. Like Carver's characters who have done bad things you are left to look at what brought them to that place and then make your own mind up about the reasons behind their actions.

This is song writing of the highest quality that elevates Springsteen above most of his contemporaries and demonstrates what an incredible storyteller he is.

Nebraska, the album, is a masterpiece - showcasing the emotional power of his song writing like no other Springsteen album.