Bruce Springsteen - 12 parenting advice tips from lyrics

The other day I saw this photo on Facebook:

I immediately saw what was WRONG with it - that was my friend Chris Joseph with Bruce, not me! I'm one of those fans that goes to every single concert of his (around 40 so far) and knows all the lyrics to most of the songs. I'm glad Chris got to meet him, but dang, I wish I would have.

To be honest - since discovering that there is almost no chance of me being able to afford a ticket to his upcoming concert (well it will be at least a year from now) I feel let down by The Boss. I don't think he has much to do with the pricing of the tickets, but this time around you're looking at $1,000 for a decent seat - I can't imagine how much a GOOD seat will be. It just doesn't sit right with me since he's all about the working-class people. He's been very generous with his philanthropic donations to food banks, etc. but what about his fans? Without us, he'd be washed up by now. But no - we are still there for him with our gray hair and walking canes raising our fists during Born to Run, Badlands, etc . So, Bruce, if you see this - can't you protest this price gouging crap?

If you're read this far, here is my post for today. It's not from me, the original author is cited here. I just didn't have it in me to come up with something original to say today. I inadvertently ran across Keven's autopsy today and it was a kick in the gut. I shouldn't have read it again, but I did.

There are very few things that have provided me as much comfort and inspiration as the music and lyrics of Bruce Springsteen has from my childhood through adulthood.

And I should know. Something of a "super groupie," I've attended over 50 of The Boss's concerts, including two trips to watch the Jersey poet and his E Street Bandmates work their magic on their latest tour.

As also the parent of two beautiful daughters, I am often reminded of those life lessons built into the music and lyrics that are so engrained in me and have been a constant source of companionship and reference throughout out the many phases of my life. The common theme of overcoming obstacles and believing in yourself are a central theme in most.

Here, I’ve shared my interpretation of some of Bruce Springsteen’s words and wisdom that I’m working to incorporate into my own children’s lives for “this part of the ride.”

- Michael Dub

1. New York City Serenade

“So walk tall, or baby don't walk at all."

Whatever you choose to do in life, do it with pride and confidence. Others will respond to the positive manner in which you carry yourself.

2. Long Time Coming

“But if I had one wish kids … that your mistakes would be your own.”

As difficult as it may be, I’m determined to let you make your own choices and decisions and hope that you learn from those that don’t work out. This reminds me that I’m now also judged as someone’s father and not just an individual.

3. Lucky Town

"When it comes to luck you make your own.”

Quite simple - the harder you work at something, the luckier you will get. Put yourselves in positions to succeed and good things will happen.

4. No Surrender

“Well, we made a promise we swore we'd always remember…No retreat, baby, no surrender.”

You will encounter many obstacles in life. You can meet them head on or change paths and divert them. No matter what path you choose, you can never give up. This ties in nicely to our current house rule of not using the word “can’t.”

5. Darkness on the Edge of Town

“Tonight I'll be on that hill 'cause I can't stop … I'll be on that hill with everything I've got.”

Make sure that your determination is always unyielding and unstoppable for the most important people and things in your life.

6. The Promised Land

“Blow away the dreams that tear you apart, Blow away the dreams that break your heart, Blow away the lies that leave you nothing but lost and brokenhearted.”

It’s too easy to buy into the negativity and harsh words and expectations others will have for you. Ignore them, deny them and follow the dreams you are now developing as kids and make them a reality.

7. For You

“And your strength is devastating in the face of all these odds.”

My hope is that your inner strength, which you have already shown at such a young age, will always carry you beyond any obstacles or setbacks.

8. Nothing Man

“You want courage? I'll show you courage you can understand.”

Try your best to be fearless in all your endeavors. Don’t be afraid to get hurt or knocked down. I know you will get up, better than before. Let others see your confidence.

9. Backstreets

“Remember all the movies, Terry, we'd go see, Trying to learn how to walk like the heroes we thought we had to be.”

Experience as much art and culture as you can. Don’t be afraid to dream and aspire to whatever you want to be and don’t be dictated by what movies, TV, or – most importantly – what others want you to be.

10. Land of Hope and Dreams

“Leave behind your sorrows, let this day be the last, tomorrow there'll be sunshine and all this darkness past.”

The moment you let go of whatever ails you is the beginning of something new and more promising. Tomorrow is filled with opportunity, sunshine and a new train coming down the track.

11. The Promise

“Inside I felt like I was carrying the broken spirits of all the other ones who lost.”

There will be those around you who fail and may not have your strength and try to bring you down. Don’t let them and never feel guilty for your success or any of the great things I know you will achieve.

12. Land of Hope and Dreams

“I will provide for you and I'll stand by your side.”

I PROMISE! ALWAYS!

If you're read THIS FAR you're amazing and I thank you.