One of Springsteen’s most iconic songs, “Born in the U.S.A.” is about the troubled return home of a Vietnam veteran. It’s original working title was “Vietnam Blues”.

On January 3, 1982, Bruce recorded the demos that would become the Nebraska album. Born In the U.S.A. was downbeat and somber – a straightforward fit sonically for the song’s sad story.

On April 27, 1982, Springsteen and the E Street Band recorded the hard-rocking version that was released in 1984 as the third single from its namesake album, infused with a sense of bitter sarcasm that’s at the center of what makes it such a classic.

It was internationally successful, reaching the top 20 in nine countries including the US and the UK.