Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen " HEY SANTA ANA " early-show performance at The Main Point

24 Apr 1973 Bryn Mawr, PA.

Spoken intro to HEY SANTA ANA

This is, this is a newer song that I went down to uh, last winter, I went to California and went down to Mexico... That's a funny place, Mexico is, 'cause uh, we drive across the border, and we all see all these bumps in the road goin' khrrr khrrr khrrr, we're driving down the street... And the Mexicans are smart, they like I said, I was telling these people last night they got all these, they got all these old cars, you know, and they drive like maniacs, they just, driving all over the place. And the big thing, the big rage right now is, was, is they've auto body shops, I mean more auto body shops than you've ever seen in your life. And, and the whole thing is metal flake upholstery, you know, do some of the best work you've ever seen. And the funniest thing about it is soon as you drive across the border, there's cats waving you into these places, these auto body shops, we're driving a brand-new car, my father bought this new car, I was, I was going down to Mexico with my father. And here we drive across the border and all these cats are waving us in these auto body shops, I think they hire cats to smash into you, in Tijuana. Really I think, I think they do. You know, ready, shhh shhh shhh, I think, but... I don't know, anyway, I was able to strike off the reality of the situation [chuckles], as usual [chuckles], and, and uh, and I romanticized myself into writing a tune down there [chuckles]. This is uh, I think this is it.

Comments

10 years ago

the iLSTER

this is the first version of Santa Ana i ever heard , long time Before "tacks" came out .... its still my favorite version .... and still one of my fav songs .

11 years ago

teenybeaudrie

this song always hits me hard. I love how you have the introduction in the begining. Bruce seems so shy when he talks about his experiences but once he puts it to music, he opens up like a flower. My favorite line is "they say cancer has taken to the streets of this town, but sandy eats her candy and then lays the money down". For me, it's a sentiment that reminds me there is so much bad in this world and even the good things will eventually bring you harm (cancer) but you should do them anyway!

12 years ago

The Fishman Firm

Friend had this in college & I became obsessed. Haven't heard it in years but still love it. And, I grew up right around the corner from the point. Thanks for the post.

12 years ago