Many of Bruce Springsteen’s songs express both humanitarian concern and calls to civic action.

“We Take Care of Our Own” asks the listener to look closely at the gap between the American dream and the reality of modern life. There is an implied “Do we?” in response to whether we or our government actually take care of our own. The song points to failures such as the victims of Hurricane Katrina, asking where the “promise from sea to shining sea” has gone.

Before that, we’ll hear an empowering song of resilience: “This Is Your Sword.” The lyrics speak to the despair of challenging times and acts as a reminder to remain open and lean into the reality of love.

This is your sword, this is your shield
this is the power of love revealed
Carry them with you wherever you go
and give all the love that you have in your soul

As a prelude, we open with an instrumental on Springsteen’s “Streets of Philadelphia.”

In addition to his outspoken support for humanitarian, left-leaning politics, Bruce Springsteen is also a “quiet” philanthropist, frequently making donations without fanfare to support many causes, including hunger relief, homeless shelters, housing, Amnesty International, and environmentalism.

 

—Chris