Sparks Fly On E Street: Bruce Springsteen, “Wreck On The Highway” (1980)

Mortality and the very, very thin line between life and death, those ideas quietly rumble just beneath the surface on most of The River‘s more serious tracks. “Wreck On The Highway” brings that all into focus, with a man realizing just how fragile life can be.

Looking back, this song feels like a bridge over to Nebraska. Of course, back in 1980, we had absolutely no idea of the turn Bruce’s music was about to take. I sure didn’t.

Next Up: Nebraska