Bruce Springsteen — Glory Days
Album: Born In The U.S.A.Avg rating:
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Total ratings: 748
Length: 4:09
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I had a friend, was a big baseball player
Back in high school
He could throw that speed ball by you
Make you look like a fool, boy
Saw him the other night at this roadside bar
I was walking in, he was walking out
We went back inside, sat down, had a few drinks
But all he kept talking about
Was glory days, well, they'll pass you by
Glory days, in the wink of a young girl's eye
Glory days, glory days
Well, there's a girl that lives up the block
Back in school, she could turn all the boys' heads
Sometimes on a Friday I'll stop by and have a few drinks
After she put her kids to bed
Her and husband Bobby, well, they split up
I guess it's two years gone by now
We just sit around talking about the old times
She says when she feels like crying she starts laughing
Thinking about glory days, well, they'll pass you by
Glory days, in the wink of a young girl's eye
Glory days, glory days
I think I'm going down to the well tonight
I'm going to drink until I get my fill
And I hope when I get old, I don't sit around thinking about it
But I probably will
Yeah, just sitting back, trying to recapture
A little of the glory of
Well, the times slips away and leaves you with nothing, mister
But boring stories of
Glory days, yeah, they'll pass you by
Glory days, in the wink of a young girl's eye
Glory days, glory days
Yeah, they'll pass you by
Glory days, in the wink of a young girl's eye
Glory days, glory days
Back in high school
He could throw that speed ball by you
Make you look like a fool, boy
Saw him the other night at this roadside bar
I was walking in, he was walking out
We went back inside, sat down, had a few drinks
But all he kept talking about
Was glory days, well, they'll pass you by
Glory days, in the wink of a young girl's eye
Glory days, glory days
Well, there's a girl that lives up the block
Back in school, she could turn all the boys' heads
Sometimes on a Friday I'll stop by and have a few drinks
After she put her kids to bed
Her and husband Bobby, well, they split up
I guess it's two years gone by now
We just sit around talking about the old times
She says when she feels like crying she starts laughing
Thinking about glory days, well, they'll pass you by
Glory days, in the wink of a young girl's eye
Glory days, glory days
I think I'm going down to the well tonight
I'm going to drink until I get my fill
And I hope when I get old, I don't sit around thinking about it
But I probably will
Yeah, just sitting back, trying to recapture
A little of the glory of
Well, the times slips away and leaves you with nothing, mister
But boring stories of
Glory days, yeah, they'll pass you by
Glory days, in the wink of a young girl's eye
Glory days, glory days
Yeah, they'll pass you by
Glory days, in the wink of a young girl's eye
Glory days, glory days
Comments (78)add comment
HOW TF is this only 6.4 - Upbeat greatness.
jnhashmi wrote:
I've asked this very question a million times in my head ever since it came out, speedball? Who calls a fast ball a speedball?
Speedball. Why oh why Bruce. Why did you call it a "speedball"?? Love this song though.
I've asked this very question a million times in my head ever since it came out, speedball? Who calls a fast ball a speedball?
coloradojohn wrote:
for me it is Greetings From Asbury (sp?) Park.
My British friend Mike LOVED this stuff; for me, Bruce's Glory Days were "Born to Run" and Darkness on the Edge of Town." All good!
for me it is Greetings From Asbury (sp?) Park.
keller1 wrote:
13 year later, it's up to 6.3.
I worked a summer job with constant FM radio on in the background. It's not a bad song but as Ptijoc noted a year ago, it's not a great Springsteen. For me, it's still overplayed.
"Born In The USA" was a huge album for Bruce. For a really stark and interesting contrast with that stadium-rock work, check out his "Nebraska" album which came out around two years earlier. "State Trooper" and "Atlantic City" are especially great songs.
5 point frickin 8?
You guys are a bunch of snobs.
13 year later, it's up to 6.3.
I worked a summer job with constant FM radio on in the background. It's not a bad song but as Ptijoc noted a year ago, it's not a great Springsteen. For me, it's still overplayed.
"Born In The USA" was a huge album for Bruce. For a really stark and interesting contrast with that stadium-rock work, check out his "Nebraska" album which came out around two years earlier. "State Trooper" and "Atlantic City" are especially great songs.
Speedball. Why oh why Bruce. Why did you call it a "speedball"?? Love this song though.
Good lyrics on a very relatable subject. I just it wasn't structured so that all the verses are sung at the same note.
So, time for me to fess up. I think Springsteen is very over-rated.
I'll get my coat.
I'll get my coat.
My British friend Mike LOVED this stuff; for me, Bruce's Glory Days were Born to Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town, and Nebraska... But it's all good!
Very low on the Springsteen scale, but higher than the average scale.
not being a Springsteen fan, this is one of the better ones
My first concert, a long line outside a department store... tents and stuff... I love "Tunnel of Love"
....people Bosami wrote:
Oh go blow. Springsteen could cough into the mic and it would still be better than anything on mainstream radio. Amos and Bjork too. Get your parameters straight.
You funny.
Oh go blow. Springsteen could cough into the mic and it would still be better than anything on mainstream radio. Amos and Bjork too. Get your parameters straight.
You funny.
Bruce has tons of great, rarely-heard material to choose from (so why play this rather mundane effort?).
sirdroseph wrote:
Oh go blow. Springsteen could cough into the mic and it would still be better than anything on mainstream radio. Amos and Bjork too. Get your parameters straight.
2 - only cause it is not as bad as Tori Amos or Bjork or something like that. Straight up, this shit shouldn't be played here.
Oh go blow. Springsteen could cough into the mic and it would still be better than anything on mainstream radio. Amos and Bjork too. Get your parameters straight.
2 - only cause it is not as bad as Tori Amos or Bjork or something like that. Straight up, this shit shouldn't be played here.
crockydile wrote:
Good one! I would consider myself a Springsteen fan but I can't stand this song.
One of the songs on Hell's Top 10. 
Good one! I would consider myself a Springsteen fan but I can't stand this song.
xtalman wrote:
Most have a love/hate thing going with Bruce same as with Dylan, Neil etc.. Personally I am not much of a fan but I suspect even his fans would say this is one of his weaker efforts.
Eh, it's good for what it is. If you like fists-pumping in the air, sing-along Springsteen, it's probably a perfect 10.
For my tastes, it's only a 5 or maybe a 6.
Most have a love/hate thing going with Bruce same as with Dylan, Neil etc.. Personally I am not much of a fan but I suspect even his fans would say this is one of his weaker efforts.
Eh, it's good for what it is. If you like fists-pumping in the air, sing-along Springsteen, it's probably a perfect 10.
For my tastes, it's only a 5 or maybe a 6.
musikalia wrote:
Actually, I think that's kinda the point of the song, no? Pointing out how sad it must be for someone to feel that their best year's are wayyy behind them.
Wait a minute, is this song actually about how high school was the best time in one's life? Are you serious? Can anyone actually say that, and if so what kind of a person would that be? Just curious.
Actually, I think that's kinda the point of the song, no? Pointing out how sad it must be for someone to feel that their best year's are wayyy behind them.
keller1 wrote:
Most have a love/hate thing going with Bruce same as with Dylan, Neil etc.. Personally I am not much of a fan but I suspect even his fans would say this is one of his weaker efforts.
5 point frickin 8?
You guys are a bunch of snobs.
You guys are a bunch of snobs.
Most have a love/hate thing going with Bruce same as with Dylan, Neil etc.. Personally I am not much of a fan but I suspect even his fans would say this is one of his weaker efforts.
Glory Days back when none of your friends had that fat married look. This song is depressing.
keller1 wrote:
no, we just don't want to hear music in heavy rotation on every classic rock station in the US played on RP
5 point frickin 8?
You guys are a bunch of snobs.
You guys are a bunch of snobs.
no, we just don't want to hear music in heavy rotation on every classic rock station in the US played on RP
Please spare me this dribble!
One of the songs on Hell's Top 10.
musikalia wrote:
My best friend's mother used to tell us to enjoy high school, that it was the best days of our lives. We were horrified.
Wait a minute, is this song actually about how high school was the best time in one's life? Are you serious? Can anyone actually say that, and if so what kind of a person would that be? Just curious.
My best friend's mother used to tell us to enjoy high school, that it was the best days of our lives. We were horrified.
5 point frickin 8?
You guys are a bunch of snobs.
You guys are a bunch of snobs.
musikalia wrote:
Well, in the aftermath. Maybe it was not so bad after all. For most of us. At least I didn't suffer, that much can be said. Things get better in reminescence, IMO.
OTOH, this song was on the first cassette I ever got for a birthday, so what can be worng about it??
Wait a minute, is this song actually about how high school was the best time in one's life? Are you serious? Can anyone actually say that, and if so what kind of a person would that be? Just curious.
Well, in the aftermath. Maybe it was not so bad after all. For most of us. At least I didn't suffer, that much can be said. Things get better in reminescence, IMO.
OTOH, this song was on the first cassette I ever got for a birthday, so what can be worng about it??
Wait a minute, is this song actually about how high school was the best time in one's life? Are you serious? Can anyone actually say that, and if so what kind of a person would that be? Just curious.
....and let the hatin' begin....
Bill's rule: If he likes it—he'll play it. Das it.
Bill's rule: If he likes it—he'll play it. Das it.
Funny, I've never actually owned this album, but I know every note and nuance from every song thanks to the below mentioned commercial radio exposure they all received.
I did, however, buy a ticket to the show he played in support of that album at the Pacific Coliseum here in Vancouver. I spent most of it standing on a chair in the very back row unable to see much of anything. It didn't matter, though. It was the best sounding concert I had been to, certainly at that venue. This song probably closed it, or was one of the numerous encores he did.
He definitely comes by his reputation as a great live performer honestly. A few examples of this have been released over the years, but most are from more recent shows. The only concert film I know of from his "glory days" is the Hammersmith Odeon London '75 DVD that came with the 30th Anniversary release of Born to Run.
On the accompanying doc, they talk about how the record company had put a copy of the album on every seat, so the fans would take it home and play it for their firends, who might be inspired to go out and buy it. When Sprinsteen arrived at the Odean and saw all that free merch, he went nuts, ordered them removed. Ya gotta pay yer nickel with him, but he is entitled to that if it's what he wants.
I've read stories of him going in to record stores in the seventies and destroying any bootlegs of his live performances he found for sale. Same thing. Sadly, we've probably lost a lot of examples great live performances he gave due to his understandable, but imo short sighted, destruction policy. He'll be like Jack Paar. There will be historical references to legendary shows but future generations won't be able to see what all the fuss was about.
I did, however, buy a ticket to the show he played in support of that album at the Pacific Coliseum here in Vancouver. I spent most of it standing on a chair in the very back row unable to see much of anything. It didn't matter, though. It was the best sounding concert I had been to, certainly at that venue. This song probably closed it, or was one of the numerous encores he did.
He definitely comes by his reputation as a great live performer honestly. A few examples of this have been released over the years, but most are from more recent shows. The only concert film I know of from his "glory days" is the Hammersmith Odeon London '75 DVD that came with the 30th Anniversary release of Born to Run.
On the accompanying doc, they talk about how the record company had put a copy of the album on every seat, so the fans would take it home and play it for their firends, who might be inspired to go out and buy it. When Sprinsteen arrived at the Odean and saw all that free merch, he went nuts, ordered them removed. Ya gotta pay yer nickel with him, but he is entitled to that if it's what he wants.
I've read stories of him going in to record stores in the seventies and destroying any bootlegs of his live performances he found for sale. Same thing. Sadly, we've probably lost a lot of examples great live performances he gave due to his understandable, but imo short sighted, destruction policy. He'll be like Jack Paar. There will be historical references to legendary shows but future generations won't be able to see what all the fuss was about.
Nicman612 wrote:
It used to be called Free Form radio. A tyipcal three song set might go something like this: Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush/Lake/Alan Parsons Project.
Pittsburgh had one the best, WYDD, which changed formats into commercial rock
my senior year at Clarion.
This song was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO played out on Commercial radio in the 80's. It's still overplayed in Sports bars, but somehow, it's not nearly as bad sandwiched between something two more obscure tracks.
Radio Paradise is radio like it should be; like it used to be. I like the no format, format. Excluding a song just because it was popular or mainstream would just spoil the programming.
Rock on Bill,
Radio Paradise is radio like it should be; like it used to be. I like the no format, format. Excluding a song just because it was popular or mainstream would just spoil the programming.
Rock on Bill,
It used to be called Free Form radio. A tyipcal three song set might go something like this: Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush/Lake/Alan Parsons Project.
Pittsburgh had one the best, WYDD, which changed formats into commercial rock
my senior year at Clarion. The Uncle Rico song on RP?!?
This album pissed off all the old Springsteen fans because of the flood of new fans afterward. He wasn't just theirs anymore.
I don't blame Bruce. He probably didn't intend what happened.
Not the best Bruce song, but it does have a niche because it nails the subject matter totally.
This album pissed off all the old Springsteen fans because of the flood of new fans afterward. He wasn't just theirs anymore.
I don't blame Bruce. He probably didn't intend what happened.
Not the best Bruce song, but it does have a niche because it nails the subject matter totally.
boober wrote:
Did I see the same show....what a sellout.
And a certain guitar player in the band recently wouldn't confirm or deny that the band lip-synced the entire half time show.
Did I see the same show....what a sellout.
And a certain guitar player in the band recently wouldn't confirm or deny that the band lip-synced the entire half time show.
peter_james_bond wrote:
Did I see the same show....what a sellout.
He did this song at the Superbowl and man what a perfect setting for the song! Great songwriter and this is a good song!
Did I see the same show....what a sellout.
I am NOT a Springsteen fan, but this song gets the nostalgic vote (of a "6") from me because I know my Dad likes it, and it reminds me of him.
This song was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO played out on Commercial radio in the 80's. It's still overplayed in Sports bars, but somehow, it's not nearly as bad sandwiched between something two more obscure tracks.
Radio Paradise is radio like it should be; like it used to be. I like the no format, format. Excluding a song just because it was popular or mainstream would just spoil the programming.
Rock on Bill,
Radio Paradise is radio like it should be; like it used to be. I like the no format, format. Excluding a song just because it was popular or mainstream would just spoil the programming.
Rock on Bill,
peter_james_bond wrote:
That was a great performance at the Superbowl. The E Street band are such pros.
He did this song at the Superbowl and man what a perfect setting for the song! Great songwriter and this is a good song!
That was a great performance at the Superbowl. The E Street band are such pros.
Uggg
You know Bruce is ok like maybe once a year and I would rather here something different than Glory Days.
You know Bruce is ok like maybe once a year and I would rather here something different than Glory Days.
He did this song at the Superbowl and man what a perfect setting for the song! Great songwriter and this is a good song!
Glory Music!
** 8 **
Oy, as if we weren't pummeled enough by this song on Top 40 radio in the 80s. 
ok, mute button
Zep wrote:
That's probably because, unlike the way most things are recorded these days, a lot of the BitUSA stuff was done live off the floor. You can really hear it on this and the title track (e.g. the false ending that no one in the band knew was coming until he called it out).
It's not the edgiest or deepest song Springsteen has done but it is a great, rather perfect pop song with lyrics that cut a bit deeper than most. Dissing it for that reason seems silly.
I will commit sacrilege here and suggest this song is tripe. Sometimes Bruce's voice is charming in its beer-soaked unfiltered Marlboro best, but here, it sounds like he's shouting to be heard over the jukebox.
That's probably because, unlike the way most things are recorded these days, a lot of the BitUSA stuff was done live off the floor. You can really hear it on this and the title track (e.g. the false ending that no one in the band knew was coming until he called it out).
It's not the edgiest or deepest song Springsteen has done but it is a great, rather perfect pop song with lyrics that cut a bit deeper than most. Dissing it for that reason seems silly.
copymonkey wrote:
Good comment. I find it an awesome song.
Those of you who are slamming this song as overly commercial are missing the point, just as the Republican did when they tried to use "Born in the USA" for campaigns. (Bruce said stop). Give The Boss some credit, the song is deliberately hooky and catchy. Just like the songs the jocks all got pumped up to, back in the day. Get it? If you don't like Bruce..fine. Just don't use your indie cred as the reason.
Good comment. I find it an awesome song.
UGH! Bill, again, what's the point in playing the stuff that was burned into the ground on FM? Anything on this album should be off limits, all other Bruce is a go. I think.
Anything on this album should be off limits, all other Bruce is a go. I think.petercroob wrote:
I'll take the 3rd on that!
I'm with ya', too. And since I'm sure there is at least one more of us out there, I'll take a ("a", not "the") 5th on that!
I think he paints a real picture of how it is so hard to age gracefully....
petercroob wrote:
I'll take the 3rd on that!
Ditto. Doesn't have to be deep to be real.
Never cared for it. Cartoon Bruce at his worst.
HazzeSwede wrote:
There are only two swedes that don't like him and for that they are jailed.
I will commit sacrilege here and suggest this song is tripe. Sometimes Bruce's voice is charming in its beer-soaked unfiltered Marlboro best, but here, it sounds like he's shouting to be heard over the jukebox.
A #9. He played here this monday only got 3 stars out of five in the papers but he will be back for two concerts 4 of July think we here in Sweden like Him more then americans do. There are only two swedes that don't like him and for that they are jailed.
FluorideFreeMN wrote:
So sick of this song....never again please!
Finally there's someone feeling the same... Pooohh.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Love the Boss, but I've always thought this was one of his weaker moments. Lyrically and musically, it just ain't gettin' it done.
Yeah. Would MUCH rather have heard Springsteen do Reason to Believe and the Beat Farmers do, uh, 247 seconds of silence.
Love the Boss, but I've always thought this was one of his weaker moments. Lyrically and musically, it just ain't gettin' it done.
Sorry, but I am truly disappointed with your statement!
You are basing such a sweeping assessment of the depth of American politics and pop culture on the lyrics from a single song? If you are going to say something so outrageously wrong at least back it up with something more impressive that a single anecdotal datum culled from the vast cultural/political dialog in available in the USA. We crank out more of this stuff than any nation on the planet, much shallow, much brilliant. If anecdotal analysis is your approach to assessing contemporary cultural/political currents there should be plenty of examples to choose from no matter what you point of view.
Geez, dude, you should be able to do better than this!
xkolibuul wrote:
Ultra-commercialism? No, save that for the corporate pop automatons. There are far deeper depths of musical hell than Springsteen, even at his most commercial. A good close listen to the lyrics of 'Born in the USA' quickly demonstrates how thoroughly US pop and political culture (both equally shallow) have misinterpreted Springsteen's work and message.
Those of you who are slamming this song as overly commercial are missing the point, just as the Republican did when they tried to use "Born in the USA" for campaigns. (Bruce said stop). Give The Boss some credit, the song is deliberately hooky and catchy. Just like the songs the jocks all got pumped up to, back in the day. Get it?
If you don't like Bruce..fine. Just don't use your indie cred as the reason.
meydele wrote:
That makes two of us. I love it. Always have.
I'll take the 3rd on that!
mrrmt wrote:
Obviously I'm in the minority, but I like this song. It's light and nostalgic and fun.
That makes two of us. I love it. Always have.
So sick of this song....never again please!
Obviously I'm in the minority, but I like this song. It's light and nostalgic and fun.
"He can throw that speedball by ya"
Bruce didn't play much baseball.
Freehold,NJ didn't have many good sports teams.
The Donnis Trio big brother 
Ultra-commercialism? No, save that for the corporate pop automatons. There are far deeper depths of musical hell than Springsteen, even at his most commercial. A good close listen to the lyrics of 'Born in the USA' quickly demonstrates how thoroughly US pop and political culture (both equally shallow) have misinterpreted Springsteen's work and message.
Gribnif wrote:
While Bruce is quite capable of producing some good stuff, this song -- nay, this whole album -- signalled his descent into the sixth pit of hell that is ultra-commercialism.
Annoying and repetitive, this song never rated above a 2 in the first place. Combined with the fact that it is to this day relentlessly overplayed on commercial radio stations, it rates a 1.
While Bruce is quite capable of producing some good stuff, this song -- nay, this whole album -- signalled his descent into the sixth pit of hell that is ultra-commercialism.
Annoying and repetitive, this song never rated above a 2 in the first place. Combined with the fact that it is to this day relentlessly overplayed on commercial radio stations, it rates a 1.
good song... kind of sad though. At least it strikes me as.
nice butt
This is the Theme Song for the Al Bundy\'s of the world.
booooo bruce!
any truth to the story that they had to record this song so many times to get it right that the reference at the end about going home is springsteen actually telling the band members that they finally are about to make it out of the studio?
ugh! is this the best we can do?
FotoBruce wrote:
is this your favorite Bruce song?
Discover the New Bruce Springsteen book, For You
Bursting with amazing stories the editors are looking
for written contributions documenting fans experiences
with Bruce Springsteen and his music. Also original photography
from the early 1970s to the present. Visit:
(click here)
Spammers do indeed suck, go away. Oh come on guys this is a good song, originally a 9 => 10 because the the Hippies that can't handle a little red-blooded American Folk Rock. Bruce is good stuff, as far as this being a song for the Al Bundies of the world, maybe every yesterday is part of the "Glory Days". I have made good memories in every stage of my life, and I look forward to many more.
FotoBruce wrote:
is this your favorite Bruce song?
Discover the New Bruce Springsteen book, For You
Bursting with amazing stories the editors are looking
for written contributions documenting fans experiences
with Bruce Springsteen and his music. Also original photography
from the early 1970s to the present. Visit:
(click here)
Yes, yes it is.
Oh yeah :) Always liked this one! Fun, fun, fun!!
king, boss ... whatever ... FotoBruce wrote:
is this your favorite Bruce song?
Discover the New Bruce Springsteen book, For You
Bursting with amazing stories the editors are looking
for written contributions documenting fans experiences
with Bruce Springsteen and his music. Also original photography
from the early 1970s to the present. Visit:
(click here)
BOO! SPAMMERS SUCK!
Additionally, nowhere near my favorite Bruce tune.
is this your favorite Bruce song?
Discover the New Bruce Springsteen book, For You
Bursting with amazing stories the editors are looking
for written contributions documenting fans experiences
with Bruce Springsteen and his music. Also original photography
from the early 1970s to the present. Visit:
(click here)