“Born In The USA” original title was supposed to be “Vietnam.” Bruce Springsteen wrote the song about the struggles that the Vietnam veterans were encountering upon returning the country.
The Vietnam War was the first war that the US didn’t win, and the veterans who fought the war didn’t receive any hero’s welcome. They were mostly ignored or discriminated in such a disrespectful manner to their homeland.
Most listeners have misinterpreted the songs as a patriotic song showcasing an American pride due to its title. The title was changed to “Born In The USA” when director Paul Schrader sent Springsteen a script a movie called Born In The U.S.A. which gave him the idea for the new title of the song.
The song was opening title track to one of the most albums ever recorded – Born In The U.S.A. It sold over 18 million copies worldwide.
Bruce Springsteen often composed songs that reflected the Vietnam War. But he never served and had always dodged being draft by pretending to be a misfit and being high on LSD. With his works, he expressed guilt, knowing that someone else has taken his place, and may have died in the war.
“Born In The U.S.A.,” tells a tragic event not just for the soldiers who didn’t receive a warm welcome when they returned from the Vietnam War, but it’s also about the soldiers who fought the war and may not have returned.
Keep going below and listen to Born In The U.S.A.: