This Is Your Sword

Welcome to Day 8 of our 12-day examination of the 12 songs on Bruce Springsteen's new album, High Hopes. As we indicated at the start, rather than a straight review, we're having a running dialogue based around each song as we listen to it. 

So. Day 8, Song 8: "This Is Your Sword."

***

Dan Tapper

Shall we move onto "This Is Your Sword?"

Scott Peterson

I guess.

Dan Tapper

Best Bruce fake porn song title?

Scott Peterson

Ha! "This Is Your Sword (the Ron Jeremy Story)."

Dan Tapper

Along with "The Big Muddy" and, oddly, "My Father's House."

Scott Peterson

"Open All Night."
All right, no more of that. You'll ruin everything for me.

Dan Tapper

Seriously. I could go on all day. And yes! I do ruin everything!
Let's do this thing.

Scott Peterson

Irish!

Dan Tapper

Pretty! Like an Irish "Free Fallin'!"

Scott Peterson

Jeez, he actually does sound like Tom Petty vocally. 

Dan Tapper

I do not lie.

Now this sounds like something that didn't make the cut on Wrecking Ball.

Scott Peterson

He does love Elvis.

Dan Tapper

That is not Max on the drums. I wonder why?

Scott Peterson

And horses.

Dan Tapper

Pretty Celtic fill on the violin there.

Scott Peterson

Everyone wants to be the Replacements these days.

Again with Ron instead of Garry.

And another fake ending!

Dan Tapper

Followed by the "Ben Stiller as Bruce Springsteen" countoff.

Scott Peterson

So. That happened.

Dan Tapper

It did. Very spot on. Way moreso than stuff that worked better, like "Death to My Hometown" and "Shackled and Drawn."

And again, like "Heaven's Wall," I wouldn't be surprised if this gets to be appreciated more in concert.

Scott Peterson

By far one of my two least faves so far.

Both have very much overtly religious lyrics, which is something I just almost never enjoy.

Never have.

Dan Tapper

Easily my least fave. I don't think it's bad. Just too on the nose. For those critics who falsely accuse Bruce of being preachy these days, this song would be Exhibit A.

Scott Peterson

Not unless the singer's an African-American woman. Maybe an African-American man. But even there, I really only like religious lyrics in gospel, and I only like black gospel and I much prefer female voices. What do you think that says about me? 

Dan Tapper

YOU DON'T LIKE THE RELIGIOSITY OF "MARY QUEEN OF ARKANSAS?"

Scott Peterson

I'm afraid this reminds me of the thankfully few times I was played Christian rock as a kid. Like "hey, you like the rock music! Well, dig THIS righteous rockin'! It kicks tushie AND it praises Our Lord and Savior™!"

I mean even the way he goes up on the second line of the chorus just sounds like...ugh.

Dan Tapper

"Who here want to give it up for the Big G? Let's give it up for the big G.O.D.!"

Scott Peterson

"Who's down with G.O.D.?" "Yeah, you know me!"

Dan Tapper

I think it's very catchy and melodic. Just too...I dunno...strident?

Scott Peterson

It's got the lyrical depth of "Surprise" with the...ah, hell, I dunno. (There's another "Surprise" allusion.)

Now I wanna hear that fonky blues from Working on a Dream. 

All right, I'm done with this song.

Hey. Another interesting thing? He put the sweet but lightweight "Frankie Fell" at the very top of Side 2. Interesting place for it, no?

Dan Tapper

You know one track on Working that no one ever talks about but brings it in terms of power? "Good Eye."

Scott Peterson

Is that the blues I just talked about?

Dan Tapper

Yes it is. Oops.

Scott Peterson

s'allright

I get it.

I'm literally "no one."

I'm Keyzer Soze. 

I'm Tyler Durden. 

Dan Tapper

I am Tiger Woods.

Scott Peterson

I am Scott's Disappointed Alter-Ego

You're Tiger Woods? Man, I knew your game had gone downhill, Tiger, but jeez, man...

Dan Tapper

My name is on the street? My name is my name.

Scott Peterson

My name is all I have.

Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, Is the immediate jewel of their souls: Who steals my purse steals trash; ’tis something, nothing; ’twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands; But he that filches from me my good name Robs me of that which not enriches him, And makes me poor indeed.

(I just made that up. Just now. Right on the spot.) 

Dan Tapper

I...am skeptical. 

***

COMING TOMORROW—TRACK 9 FROM HIGH HOPES: "Hunter of Invisible Game"