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Bruce Springsteen — Streets of Philadelphia
Album: Streets of Philadelphia
Avg rating:
8.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1327








Released: 1994
Length: 3:40
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I was bruised and battered, I couldn't tell what I felt
I was unrecognizable to myself
Saw my reflection in a window and didn't know my own face
Oh, brother, are you gonna leave me wasting away
On the streets of Philadelphia

I walked the avenue 'til my legs felt like stone
I heard voices of friends vanished and gone
At night I could hear the blood in my veins
Just as black and whispering as the rain
On the streets of Philadelphia

Ain't no angel gonna greet me
It's just you and I, my friend
And my clothes don't fit me no more
I walked a thousand miles just to slip this skin

The night has fallen and I'm lying awake
I can feel myself fading away
So receive me, brother, with your faithless kiss
Or will we leave each other alone like this
On the streets of Philadelphia
Comments (108)add comment
 1wolfy wrote:

Certainly a powerful song...makes the movie 'move me' . I wish they'd have let the ending carry on a bit longer..it seems to fade abruptly  



I believe the original album version did have a longer fade-out. The background vocals dissipate completely as the instrumentals continue on a bit longer. And that longer ending sounded to me like life dissolving from a solid cityscape.
I noticed the abrupt ending when it was included in the Greatest Hits album.
Posted 2 years ago by firefly6    [ Reply ]
took seconds and the movie's popping up in my head - great picture from Denzel and Tom ...
Posted 2 years ago by fuego_01    [ Reply ]
 BCarn wrote:

I suppose I'll be in the wee minority here but I find this song boring. 
Certainly a moving and poignant movie but the song...meh. 




Maybe you should try writing a song that depicts pending death from a deadly virus. Let's see if you can make it less "boring". FFS
Posted 3 years ago by KeithBrofsky    [ Reply ]
This is such a breathtaking song on every level... musically, lyrically, emotionally. Bruce is America's troubadour. He's delivered more chills and thrills than any other musician I've followed throughout my life.
Posted 3 years ago by KeithBrofsky    [ Reply ]
On this listen, for a couple of seconds, I thought it was Robbie Robertson.
Posted 3 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
This is the only Bruce Springsteen original song I like. I like Junip’s cover on ‘Ghost of Tom Joad’ better than the original.
Posted 3 years ago by KevinM    [ Reply ]
Simply a 10

Posted 4 years ago by norbertZ    [ Reply ]
Ain't no angel gonna greet me
it's just you and I my friend
and my clothes don't fit me no more
I'd walk a thousand miles just to slip this skin. 

Gets to me every, every time. 
Posted 5 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 vanillagorilla wrote:
The only Boss song I actually like, strange considering the content, haunting melody, very subtle yet powerful
 
vanillagorilla you are missing out on some great tunes. Bruce is the master of the gorgeous well-produced ballad. Try this song called "Nothing Man", which was a tribute to the brave 9-11 responders:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKYYChoQIvI
Posted 6 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Wow.  This song catches me every time.  Love it.
Posted 6 years ago by givendale    [ Reply ]
Another one of those songs that sound better on RP.
Posted 7 years ago by SeriousLee    [ Reply ]
The only Boss song I actually like, strange considering the content, haunting melody, very subtle yet powerful 
Posted 7 years ago by vanillagorilla    [ Reply ]
 1wolfy wrote:
Certainly a powerful song...makes the movie 'move me' . I wish they'd have let the ending carry on a bit longer..it seems to fade abruptly  

 
Like when someone dies?
Posted 7 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
Certainly a powerful song...makes the movie 'move me' . I wish they'd have let the ending carry on a bit longer..it seems to fade abruptly  
Posted 7 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
I suppose I'll be in the wee minority here but I find this song boring. 
Certainly a moving and poignant movie but the song...meh. 
Posted 7 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
 John_Carter wrote:
If I had a penny for every time someone wrote, "Everybody in my hotel room loves..."
 
Then you might have accumulated enough pennies to buy your own hotel.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Everybody in my hotel room.
Posted 7 years ago by zedstation    [ Reply ]
 hugogdt wrote:
No comments. A 10.

 
10.
Posted 7 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
 John_Carter wrote:
If I had a penny for every time someone wrote, "Everybody in my hotel room loves..."

SPAM

romeotuma wrote:

Everybody in my hotel room loves this brilliant classic...

 
 
Everybody in my elevators loves this brilliant classic...  we hope you have gathered many pennies, John_Carter, and life is grand for you right now...  we be dancing like happy hippies...  love Radio Paradise...
Posted 7 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
I love this song and Philly. Had once wonderful time there!
Posted 8 years ago by megaboogieman    [ Reply ]
  ziggytrix wrote:

But then you'd lose everything!

  Derecho wrote:

I'm here to collect.

 
Sh*t. (Quickly puts all worldly possessions into an irrevocable trust....)
Posted 8 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
Ain't no angel going to greet me
It's just you and I, my friend
Posted 8 years ago by NorthernLad    [ Reply ]
Remembering lost friends. Weeping. It's okay.
Posted 9 years ago by BlueHeronDruid    [ Reply ]
So why didn't Bruce sue Natalie Merchant for "Kind and Generous"?
Posted 9 years ago by old_shep    [ Reply ]
{#Eyes}
Posted 9 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
No comments. A 10.
Posted 9 years ago by hugogdt    [ Reply ]

Posted 9 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
This song oddly reminds me of streets.
Posted 9 years ago by CaffeineSam    [ Reply ]
 finrow wrote:

Holy crap, music aside, this is a fantastic piece of artwork!  
 
 


Posted 9 years ago by finrow    [ Reply ]
 calypsus_1 wrote:

Bruce Springsteen by ~MarkosTheGreat
Mark Kannell  ©2009-2010 ~MarkosTheGreat

The Boss

Graphite on Paper - 9 x 12
2009


 


Posted 9 years ago by finrow    [ Reply ]
 Tippster wrote:

I will bet you everything I own that the vocal track you hear in the video was not recorded on location, thus by definition he was lip-synching.
 
I'm here to collect.
Posted 9 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
When I first heard it, I thought "it's not 'Rosalita'" but then the subtlety and great lyricism got me. Yep. That's a new Bruce, alright. 
Posted 10 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 Shesdifferent wrote:
As much as I don't care for the commerciality of this song...it somehow strikes a profound cord in my endless quest.

 
What do you mean by "commerciality?" 
Posted 10 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
part of a series of his commentary on america starting with new jersey, where he originated.
Posted 10 years ago by KaraokeVox    [ Reply ]
 sandpebble wrote:
 This is probably the only Springsteen song I PSD on. It's not a bad song....just too depressing.

 
This is nothing... have you heard Nebraska?  It is a simply incredibly album, but by the end it is difficult to keep from slitting ones wrists.
Posted 11 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
Breaks my heart, and I think that's what he was aiming for.
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
I like it because it is one of the few  songs I can understand what he's saying ! and it's not a piece of fluff
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
Brilliant. 
Posted 11 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
 This is probably the only Springsteen song I PSD on. It's not a bad song....just too depressing.
Posted 11 years ago by sandpebble    [ Reply ]
Have to say about him, can't take most of his stuff, but this and Tunnel of Love are fantastic songs - when he does something good, it is great
Posted 11 years ago by jocelynsart    [ Reply ]
Great great song!

 
Posted 11 years ago by omersegev    [ Reply ]
 John_Carter wrote:
If I had a penny for every time someone wrote, "Everybody in my hotel room loves..."

SPAM

romeotuma wrote:


Everybody in my hotel room loves this brilliant classic...

 
 

 

Everybody in my church loves this brilliant classic...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Haunting and beautiful - 10!
Posted 11 years ago by mbriner    [ Reply ]
I found the movie to be profoundly moving (altho I knew no one with AIDS). Particularly the scene with Hanks and the drip line and Callas.  It made a Hanks fan out of me.
Posted 11 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
A very important composition by one of the most influential artists of our time.

 
Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 jberko wrote:
Over rated and little-talent.  A garage band got lucky.
 
WTF??{#Beat}
Posted 12 years ago by linzie    [ Reply ]
If I had a penny for every time someone wrote, "Everybody in my hotel room loves..."

SPAM

romeotuma wrote:


Everybody in my hotel room loves this brilliant classic...

 
 

Posted 12 years ago by John_Carter    [ Reply ]
One of his very best
Posted 12 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
As much as I don't care for the commerciality of this song...it somehow strikes a profound cord in my endless quest.
Posted 12 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
 Bargamon wrote:


The haunting Neil Young song form the sound track is largely overlooked while typically Bruce is over rated in much of his work.

This song included.

Its not hate, just perspective.

 
No hate, just opinion? Great, that's what we are here for. {#Notworthy}  I still find this song powerful and demanding of attention.I appreciate the entire soundtrack, with Peter Gabriel, Sade, the great Maria Callas and of course the legendary Mr Young. No clunkers in the bunch, but Bruce speaks to me the loudest here.  Peace.     
Posted 12 years ago by voodoodaddy    [ Reply ]
One of the reasons I love Bruce Springsteen is because his music forces me to confront my own prejudices.

Case in point: I have no trouble going after low hanging fruit when I comment about music here, but I wouldn't think of attacking established or long-running niche acts (leonard cohen comes to mind) for fear of sounding like a musical neophyte.

As for Mr. Springsteen, his fans are legion and as loyal a bunch as any group, ever. So, keep the negative comments coming, sooner or later even he might expose your prejudices, if you let him.
Posted 12 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]


The haunting Neil Young song form the sound track is largely overlooked while typically Bruce is over rated in much of his work.

This song included.

Its not hate, just perspective.


Posted 12 years ago by Bargamon    [ Reply ]
 jberko wrote:
Over rated and little-talent.  A garage band got lucky.
 

so far off the mark I can hardly believe I felt the need to correct you. This stands as a perfect example of why he is such a respected songwriter.
Posted 12 years ago by djengs    [ Reply ]
 jberko wrote:
Over rated and little-talent.  A garage band got lucky.
 
Fail.
Posted 12 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 jberko wrote:
Over rated and little-talent.  A garage band got lucky.
 
Yeah, lucky for about 40 years.
Posted 12 years ago by listen_n_sf    [ Reply ]
 jberko wrote:
Over rated and little-talent.  A garage band got lucky.
 

Well I am not crazy about this song either, but I wouldn't go that far!{#Eek}
Posted 12 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 Tippster wrote:

I will bet you everything I own that the vocal track you hear in the video was not recorded on location, thus by definition he was lip-synching.
 
But then you'd lose everything!
Posted 12 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Oddly, this is one of his songs I actually enjoy.
Posted 12 years ago by Ears_of_Stone    [ Reply ]
I am no Springsteen fan but have to admit this cut is simply excellent...

Posted 12 years ago by macpeck    [ Reply ]
Not big Bruce fan at all - but this sure cuts to the root - awesome.
Posted 12 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 Derecho wrote:
The video for this is remarkable too, if for no other reason than Mr. Springsteen does not lip-sync in it.  He sings the lyrics on location as the video was shot.
 
I will bet you everything I own that the vocal track you hear in the video was not recorded on location, thus by definition he was lip-synching.

Posted 12 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
Over rated and little-talent.  A garage band got lucky.
Posted 12 years ago by jberko    [ Reply ]
Never liked this song, sometimes simplicity works and sometimes it doesn't. IMO, it didn't in this case.{#No}
Posted 12 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 cayenne wrote:
Before Bruce started to sing, I seriously thought this was going to be Moby. It would be a good combination! Really!
 
exactly what I thought...
Posted 13 years ago by dpvest    [ Reply ]
 Beinte wrote:
Love this song, brings back sweet memories, had SoPh on cassette, in my car, in the early 90s, driving across Holland, my dear wife next to me, two small sons in the back ...
 

Yeah.  Depressing the shit out of the whole family.  Just kidding - I love this song and can see it work well as calm background music for the kids.
Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
The video for this is remarkable too, if for no other reason than Mr. Springsteen does not lip-sync in it.  He sings the lyrics on location as the video was shot.
Posted 13 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
 Jedzz wrote:
This is a great song. And yet, unbelievably, it's not even the best song on the "Philadelphia" soundtrack album, thanks to Peter Gabriel's ("Love Town") and (especially) Neil Young's ("Philadelphia") contributions.
 

Exactly right.
Posted 13 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
Brought me to tears first time I'd heard it and for many times thereafter. 
Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]

Bruce Springsteen by ~MarkosTheGreat
Mark Kannell  ©2009-2010 ~MarkosTheGreat

The Boss

Graphite on Paper - 9 x 12
2009



Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]

Bruce Springsteen - "Streets of Philadelphia" Live (1994)

Springsteen & the E-Street Band - "Streets of Philadelphia" Live 

I was bruised and battered, I couldn't tell what I felt.
I was unrecognizable to myself.
I saw my reflection in a window, I didn't know my own face.
Oh brother are you gonna leave me wastin' away
On the Streets of Philadelphia.

I walked the avenue, 'til my legs felt like stone,
I heard the voices of friends vanished and gone,
At night I could hear the blood in my veins,
Black and whispering as the rain,
On the Streets of Philadelphia.

Ain't no angel gonna greet me.
It's just you and I my friend.
My clothes don't fit me no more,
I walked a thousand miles
Just to slip this skin.

The night has fallen, I'm lyin' awake,
I can feel myself fading away,
So receive me brother with your faithless kiss,
Or will we leave each other alone like this
On the Streets of Philadelphia
Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 nigelr wrote:you can't understand why....... its like riding a Harley..If you have to ask,you don't understand !!!!!
I keep saying I'm not a Bruce fan, but I seem to be giving 10's every now and again..............this is one such occasion.
Visceral.

 


Posted 16 years ago by gooseandmav    [ Reply ]
I keep saying I'm not a Bruce fan, but I seem to be giving 10's every now and again..............this is one such occasion.
Visceral.
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
This could possibly be the saddest, most desolate song of all time. Following Ray LaMontagne - Be Here Now, it's kinda like having a life preserver tossed to you then snatched away as you raised yourself up out of the depths
Posted 16 years ago by colleen    [ Reply ]
I concur 1wolfy wrote:
I feel that this is the best song he ever did
Posted 16 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
one of the only Springsteen songs I can actually listen to.
Posted 16 years ago by red5_bc    [ Reply ]
Jedzz wrote:
This is a great song. And yet, unbelievably, it's not even the best song on the "Philadelphia" soundtrack album, thanks to Peter Gabriel's ("Love Town") and (especially) Neil Young's ("Philadelphia") contributions.
Yeah, that soundtrack is a pantheon of "10's"
Posted 16 years ago by FlamingLotus    [ Reply ]
Nice, please play this tomorrow for the Pennsylvania primary!
Posted 16 years ago by mmoyer    [ Reply ]
Love this song, brings back sweet memories, had SoPh on cassette, in my car, in the early 90s, driving across Holland, my dear wife next to me, two small sons in the back ...
Posted 16 years ago by Beinte    [ Reply ]
1wolfy wrote:
I feel that this is the best song he ever did
it's hard to pick one. I think yea Bruce isn't bad.Then before I know it, he's blowing me away
Posted 16 years ago by dogpound    [ Reply ]
This is a great song. And yet, unbelievably, it's not even the best song on the "Philadelphia" soundtrack album, thanks to Peter Gabriel's ("Love Town") and (especially) Neil Young's ("Philadelphia") contributions.
Posted 16 years ago by Jedzz    [ Reply ]
Oh!.. what are you doing dj? I was just getting used to Magic...
Posted 16 years ago by Candela    [ Reply ]
This... is how Bruce Springsteen is (his style) when I think of his music. ''Magic'' is like as if made by somebody else..(genre) (Only me thinking so?) :P:P) Both Ok, thou:)
Posted 16 years ago by Candela    [ Reply ]
Hannio wrote:
Bruce without bombast is so much better.
Wow, so true! Hadn't thought about it like that but you're totally right.
Posted 16 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
Bruce without bombast is so much better.
Posted 16 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
I've never been a lover of Bruce's work, but this song is magic.
Posted 17 years ago by madaxeman    [ Reply ]
I feel that this is the best song he ever did
Posted 17 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
BillnDollarBaby wrote:
This song has haunted me from the very first time I heard it. A true masterpiece.
Amen
Posted 17 years ago by Verpeiler    [ Reply ]
Before Bruce started to sing, I seriously thought this was going to be Moby. It would be a good combination! Really!
Posted 17 years ago by cayenne    [ Reply ]
Meaningful lyrics, thoughtful music, haunting voice...wonderful!
Posted 17 years ago by danagraves    [ Reply ]
Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in a while...he found one.
Posted 17 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
I don't like all of his work, but this song is beyond good and bad. And it fits the movie so well (you can't tell this of all soundtracks)!
Posted 17 years ago by ulibcn    [ Reply ]
Probably my favorite piece from Bruce.
Posted 17 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
A totally awesome song! And very addictive. Another similar great song of his is "Paradise" on The Rising album
Posted 17 years ago by RTK    [ Reply ]
chasech5 wrote:
Really one of my favorite Springsteen songs of all time. So well done, with pacing, reverb and production. Really gets to the aloneness of the narrator's experience.
Love it.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
musikalia wrote:
I usually don't like Bruce Springsteen, but this song is pretty good. Only thing: the drum machine in the background is really awful!
You mean that's NOT Max Weinberg??
Posted 17 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
MtnGoat wrote:
Sure smells like spam. Looking at it's other posts confirms. Bill!
I was just thinking the same thing... all of his posts are advertising. I smell a RAT!
Posted 17 years ago by lild    [ Reply ]
This song absolutely slays me every time. So very, very sad.
Posted 17 years ago by liser    [ Reply ]
chasech5 wrote:
Really one of my favorite Springsteen songs of all time. so well done, with pacing, reverb and production. Really gets to the aloneness of the narrator's experience.
Ditto.
Posted 17 years ago by dixiedeb    [ Reply ]
I usually don't like Bruce Springsteen, but this song is pretty good. Only thing: the drum machine in the background is really awful!
Posted 17 years ago by musikalia    [ Reply ]
I think this is such a lovely song.
Posted 17 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
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)
Sure smells like spam. Looking at it's other posts confirms. Bill!
Posted 17 years ago by MtnGoat    [ Reply ]
Darlington wrote:
Was just about to post the same thing....
Same here. ?
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
Really one of my favorite Springsteen songs of all time. so well done, with pacing, reverb and production. Really gets to the aloneness of the narrator's experience.
Posted 17 years ago by chasech5    [ Reply ]
IMGoph wrote:
hmmmm....thought there was no advertising on RP??
Was just about to post the same thing....
Posted 17 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
hmmmm....thought there was no advertising on RP?? 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)
Posted 17 years ago by IMGoph    [ Reply ]
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)
Posted 18 years ago by FotoBruce    [ Reply ]