Great Songs: "Further On Up the Road" by Bruce Springsteen

Several years ago I was at the library and came across Springsteen’s 2002 album The Rising and checked it out on a whim. I knew he had been around for a while, and the only thing I could remember about his music was his song “Born in the U.S.A.” from the 80′s. Once I started listening to the CD, I was hooked. I have since listened to much more of his music and have a great appreciation for the gritty, real-life music and great storytelling. I put him in the same category as Johnny Cash and John Mellencamp–guitar players who just kind of tell it like it is. After putting out so much great music over the years, it’s easy to see Why Springsteen is called “The Boss.”

“Further On Up the Road” is a great song because of it’s simple yet driving beat, poetic imagery and its allusions to the afterlife. It’s hard to tell exactly where Springsteen is coming from spiritually, but he seems to have a strong belief that there’s “something” out there beyond the grave. This goes right along with the rest of contemporary culture in its interest in the supernatural and afterlife. I’m thankful that as a Christian my hope for the afterlife is secure in Christ.

Here are a couple of versions of this song for your listening pleasure. The first is Springsteen’s album version. He also released another version of the song that has a more Irish feel, but I don’t care for it much. The second clip below is Johnny Cash’s version, which has a totally different feel, but I like equally as well.

And the fact that Mr. Springsteen plays a Telecaster just adds to the coolness…

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4.6-8)