Born in the USA is a highly emotional, and highly misinterpreted song. Many people think that this song is about American patriotism and American pride, when actually Springsteen wanted to show the audience how shameful it was when the Vietnam soldiers returned from home and how they were welcomed. This song is a patriotic song because it demonstrates the patriotism he had for the soldiers that served in Vietnam and the respect he had for these citizens to give up their life to protect the country. Because of the sacrifice these men took to protect their country he did not agree with what they came home too and the treatment they received. He knew that they did not have a choice on whether or not they wanted to fight, and that they were simply following orders. He knew that they did not want to leave their loved ones, leave their homes, leave their comfortable lives to fight in a war they did not agree with. But they still did because it was their duty. Just like it was the citizens of America, at the time, to support the troops because they did not control where they were sent, or who they fought. They were simply following orders by people who thought they knew what was best for the country. And knowing this, knowing the sacrifice that these men made he was ashamed by the people of America and their treatment to these soldiers.
Resources:
http://www.lyricsdomain.com/2/bruce_springsteen/born_in_the_usa.html
http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=1014
This is interesting. I have always smiled when I hear this song playing because it's one of those iconic American songs. I never knew that this song was actually a protest of the treatment of Vietnam veterans. =)
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