Springsteen Anger in New Orleans, Dedicates Song to ‘President Bystander’

[kerrygoddess]

Springsteen Vocalizes Anger in New Orleans, Dedicates Song to ‘President Bystander’
April 30th, 2006 @ 10:40 pm

Bruce Springsteen, aka “The Boss” was in New Orleans today for the annual Jazz & Heritage Festival. AP News reports that “New Jersey’s favorite son was adopted by New Orleans,” as Springsteen — “through speeches and song — vocalized the anger, frustration, pain and resilience of this hurricane-battered city at the annual Jazz & Heritage Festival.”



Decrying what he called “criminal ineptitude” in Hurricane Katrina’s wake, Springsteen jabbed at the political powers he deemed responsible for New Orleans’ slow recovery.

Perhaps the most pointed moment came as he prepared to sing an old song that he had rewritten lyrics to for New Orleans. Noting that he visited the city’s ninth ward, perhaps the most devastated area in the city, Springsteen said: “I saw sights I never thought I’d see in an American city,” and added: “The criminal ineptitude makes you furious.”

With that, he launched into a song titled “How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?” and dedicated the song to “President Bystander.” Its lyrics included the lines: “There’s bodies floatin’ on Canal and the levees gone to hell … them who’s got out of town, and them who ain’t got left to drown, tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?”

MORE, LINKS including AUDIO OF “How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?” - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=2826

[saltpoint]

1. Bruce Springsteen is a democracy-maker. I love the way he allows

the music to thrash him around, as if he were a leaf in a torrent.

The compositions are outstanding but he just gets those songs delivered.

Damn I'm glad he's on our side!

[kerrygoddess]

6. LOL!

I'm glad he's on our side too. I almost bought tickets for his upcoming show here in L.A. and decided against it. Now I regret I did not.

[saltpoint]

10. You'll catch him next time, kerrygoddess. He's the real deal also.

[kerrygoddess]

11. Yes he is!

I actually caught two shows on the Rising tour. He was in L.A. for the beginning of the tour and then again at the end of the tour. The 2nd show I saw was astounding - my teenage daughter was in awe.

[Hekate]

2. Powerful stuff. Hope he puts out a CD from this performance.

Hekate

[bklyncowgirl]

3. Make sure you listen to the track. It's an awesome song.

Bruce makes damn sure you hear every word of that song loud and clear.

[kerrygoddess]

9. Here's the link

http://www.sonymusic.com/clips/selection/fu/BruceSpringsteen/PoorMan_01_01_full.ram

[BoneDaddy]

4. I have had the privlege of living near

Bruce in New Jersey, seen a ton of his shows and have met and spoke to him on several occasions. The guy is a multi-gazillionaire yet he comes across as a regular guy and a great person. Rock on Brotha

[JerseygirlCT]

18. I can vouch for that, as well.

Not personally, alas, but people close to me have had many dealings with him and his family, and they've always been lovely.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

5. He reminds me more and more of Woody Guthrie.

I wonder which immigration march he's attending today.

[kerrygoddess]

7. He sounds a bit like

Tom Waitts on this latest CD. It's very powerful stuff.

[many a good man]

15. His new album is full of Pete Seeger tunes

called "Seeger Sessions."

[kerrygoddess]

17. They are actually

all folk standards that Seeger and others have covered. Inspired by Seeger says Springsteen - http://www.brucespringsteen.net/site.html

[Uncle Joe]

8. Bruce rocks!

:yourock: :patriot:

[ginnyinWI]

12. K&R for the Boss. n/t

[Kurovski]

13. K&R. He's got hisself a high place in Rock & Roll heaven.

[intheflow]

14. I was there! Here're a few of my photos of the Boss:

He totally rocked the house! And the band kicked some serious ass. :bounce:

[kerrygoddess]

16. NICE!

Up close and personal... got more?

[intheflow]

19. I have a few more...

I should mention I wasn't really this close to him. But a telephoto lens is a beautiful thing. :D

[kerrygoddess]

20. These are great!

Thanks for sharing them. Even with a telephoto lens you had to been closer than the back! ;)