Melodic Trinity

A new friend introduced me to an appreciation of the songs/music of Bruce Springsteen.

U2 is still my favorite band and I know that Springsteen had a duet with them in singing "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" at a time when he introduced the band to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in March 2005.

I am familiar with some Springsteen songs but familiarity is different from attentiveness.

My friend suggested that I listen to the songs "Backstreets" and "Trapped." Listening went beyond just hearing the music but also reading the lyrics.

Deep and profound.

Those two are now part of the repertoire of Springsteen songs that I attentively listen to whenever I get the chance.

My friend then suggested that I listen to "Born in the USA" (BIT-USA) for a beginner's introduction to Springsteen.

Wow!

BIT-USA has a very youthful and invigorating effect on me. The songs are lyrical and exclamatory, of what I can only describe as Springsteen's passion, depth and intuitiveness about relationships, dreams, life and a sense of place and belonging.

I have a trinity of favorite songs from BIT-USA. They're the middle tracks: 6-7-8:

* I'm on Fire -- The music is mesmerizing. It's very sensual in a dreamlike way.

* No Surrender -- Very inspiring and uplifting. I always smile and feel like dancing whenever I hear this.

* Bobby Jean -- I like the rhythm and the expressiveness of the lyrics -- nostalgic, poignant, yet with well-wishes as paths diverge and life goes on. As my friend said, it's a song of a gentle goodbye.

It's fun to listen and appreciate artists who share their talent and gift of music, song and performance to those who are able to find a piece of solace, hope, remembered youth and simple joy for being touched by them.

Although my friend isn't Bruce Springsteen, I will always make the association whenever I listen to Bruce's music and songs.

Besides, he told me that he had seen Bruce in concert 25 times!!