Bruce Springsteen's music has had a huge impact on America and its politics. From the presidential elections until September 11, 2001, Springsteen's music was referenced and appreciated when needed. His ability to write from experiences and events makes Springsteen's music ring true to Americans. Even those who don't really listen to his music regularly can see the influence of politics on his music and, in turn, on Americans across the country. Bruce Springsteen was born in Freehold, New Jersey on September 23, 1949. He viewed his school life with hatred and bitterness. He spent eight years in a parochial school. Springsteen always felt like an outsider at school and was ignored by his classmates. He discovered music to escape loneliness and the “pain of a solitary existence” (Halbersberg, 1984, p. 12). His first lightbulb moment came at the age of nine when he saw Elvis Presley in concert. His mother bought him a guitar but he was too small to play, so he waited five years to realize his dream of becoming a great musician. Her parents, Adele and Douglas Springsteen, were lower-middle-class workers. His mother was a secretary while his father had many jobs. His father worked in factories, in taxis and as a prison guard. On numerous occasions, the family had to stay with Springsteen's mother's parents. When Springsteen was old enough to play guitar, he became obsessed with it. His parents were not happy that he became a musician. Even today, he made his listeners understand the tension that existed between him and his father. His religious education was limited to being forced to attend Catholic schools. In class he smiled, then the nuns took him to the first grade classroom to sit...... middle of paper...... music from experiences and problems whom he knew well. Coincidentally, the issues that Springsteen writes about have occurred repeatedly throughout history, making his songs seem relevant to each event, over and over again. Springsteen never fell into the rock star image and kept a level head, giving respected credence to his down-to-earth image and knowledge. Works Cited Cullen, Jim. Born in the United States New York: HarperCollins Publishers Inc., 1997. Creighton, Therese. Personal interview. February 13, 2011. Halbersberg, Elianne. Bruce Springsteen. Cresskill, NJ: Sharon Publications Inc., 1984. Gambaccini, Peter. Bruce Springsteen. New York, NY: The Putnum Publishing Group, 1979. Springsteen, Bruce. Bruce Springsteen. 2010. February 13, 2011. Backstreets.com. 2011. February 13. 2011 .