Springsteen, Bruce - The Wall Lyrics






Cigarettes and a bottle of beer, this poem that I wrote for you
This black stone and these hard tears are all I got left now of you
I remember you in your Marine uniform laughin', laughin' at your ship out party
I read Robert McNamara says he's sorry

Your high boots and striped T-shirt, Billy you looked so bad
You and your rock-n-roll band, you were best thing this shit town ever had
Now the men who put you here eat with their families in rich dining halls
And apology and forgiveness got no place here at all at the wall

I'm sorry I missed you last year, I couldn't find no one to drive me
If your eyes could cut through that black stone, tell me would they recognize me
For the living time it must be served, the day goes on
Cigarettes and a bottle of beer, skin on black stone

On the ground dog tags and wreaths of flowers, with ribbons red as the blood
Red as the blood you spilled in the Central Highlands mud
Limousines rush down Pennsylvania Avenue, rustling the leaves as they fall
And apology and forgiveness got no place here at all
Here at the wall





Other Lyrics by Artist

Rand Lyrics

Last Posts

Springsteen, Bruce The Wall Comments
  1. P.... C....

    Respect for all veterans and all who gave their lifes. Let the world be a peaceful place in the future. Springsteen at his best.

  2. E.... F....

    Toccante, grazie Springsteen per le bellissime emozioni che non smetti mai di regalare 💓💓💓

  3. W.... C....

    That horn...

  4. A.... F....

    Bruce EU TE AMO!!!💕❤música linda

  5. a.... d....

    Come sempre Bruce riesce a toccare il cuore!!! 😢😢😕😀😍😘😘🎶🎶🎶💎💎♥️♥️🎸💋

  6. r.... ....

    WE all know why WE love Bruce ... He has Inspired me to be a Better Human Being ...I am 70 like Bruce ... failed at Everything in life ... Jobs / Marriage .... and in the End " it don't matter anymore " but what resides in OUR Inner CORE BEING ... Watching / Listening to the Boss keeps that Inner Voice ALIVE within me .... YOU MATTER

    r.... ....

    nice words bro ! bruce is 70 th to . but still young in his mind , i hope he tour soon , so i can meet him in holland .

  7. a.... d....

    Emozionante toccante Bruce !!! In questo brano!! Ti amo immensamente!!😍😍💓♥️💗💔💞💞😢💎💎🎶🎶🎶🎶🎸💋

  8. f.... ....

    You're still the best. Sigues siendo el mejor.

  9. f.... ....

    That heart that this man puts. Ese corazón que pone este hombre.

    f.... ....

    100% agreed!!!

  10. g.... ....

    Wake up, man!!!

  11. C.... F....

    Meu amor @springsteen ♥ meu namorado. Amo demais

  12. a.... d....

    Struggente Bruce in questa canzone!! Mi ha fatto commuovere!! 😪😪💎💎🤗🤗👏💎😚❤️❤️❤️

  13. C.... E....

    Encantada.

  14. I.... A....

    That strong emotion at the end of the video do me in. Too much greatness. Tears are welling up in my eyes

    I.... A....

    is true.

  15. C.... M....

    ❤👐LOVE YOU BRUCE BOSS YOU ARE DIVINE HUMAN BEEN😇👏✌❤💙🌞

  16. J.... ....

    Tulsi 2020.

  17. H.... 7....

    Je me la refais... C'est vraiment à pleurer cette chanson. Ce mec est un véritable génie.

    H.... 7....

    i have an request can you help me ?for translate an old french song in englisch?

    H.... 7....

    hello herve , i mean the song from mort shuman , le lac majeur , can you translate it for me in englisch , becoz i think its a good old song , i remember it from an album , when i was age 13 .... thank you in advance ...

    H.... 7....

    @roy bollo Sorry, but it seems too much hard for me...

    H.... 7....

    @Hervé 76 ok no problem

  18. G.... P....

    So sad and touching. You can see a tear in his eyes.

  19. V.... B....

    Muiiiiiiito emocionante chorei aos 8:14😥 Bruce é incrível,insubstituível 💞💞💞

  20. V.... B....

    Belo Bruce Springsteen 💘um imenso prazer em te ver...e te ouvir 🎸🎤🎷🎹🎼🎼loveeeeeee💓💓💓💓

  21. m.... h....

    RIP L/CPL Barton.E.Haynes USMC.Semper Fi.

  22. J.... H....

    If i met this guy i wouldent want anymore in my life

  23. V.... B....

    Love Bruce💘🎸🎤💎 forever 💘

  24. V.... B....

    AMOOOOOO💓💓💓💓💓💓💓🎸VC Bruce é como o Sol que brilha💎💎💎💎

  25. o.... f....

    great musician but as he gets older i think he talks too much trying to explain everything shut up bruce and let the music be what it is. Like most artistic people he lives his life through others and makes money out of it, but dont forget, and you can say what you want you dodged the draft so sing all ya want you aint lived it fraud

    o.... f....

    Bruce flunked his physical (motorcycle wreck) but he reported to his draft board. That is NOT dodging the draft...

  26. D.... F....

    I think this song most of all means more to our generation, the one that was Vietnam. That’s not too say that is doesn’t mean as much to our generation, for we feel as sad for the things our Veterans of today face but we were mostly teenage kids back then and it was Tuesday nights we used to dread because the Australian Government had reintroduced National Sevice. On Tuesday nights if you were coming up to your 20th birthday you’re fate was determined on the drop of a ball. There were 31 balls in what looked like a Bingo machine and down would come the numbers, I’m not sure how many now but if you’re birth date come down you were in the Army with only enough time to quite your job, do 6weeks basic training and then on a ship to Vietnam. We were fortunate in my group of friends not too lose many although 1 is too many. It was what they come home with that was the biggest kick up the Arse. PTSD back then they were all put on Antidepressants and a pension that was the quick fix back then. What did they get when they were all bought home because we had a new Government who’d put an end too the Call Up. So they were all loaded on a boat and brought home. As they marched through the city streets there were no cheers or flag waving instead there were protesters chucking buckets of pigs blood on them and getting yelled at and called Baby killers. I guess that’s why Nam sticks in my head still today.🎼♥️🇦🇺

  27. T.... ....

    I am a former British Soldier. Now in my 50's I find myself reflecting more and more on the 22 years I served and of things I saw and can't unsee. I lost good friends serving; I have lost more to suicide since leaving. Family and newer friends think I'm something special for serving but I know it is all just tears and rain and I am far from the man they perceive me to be but I cannot regret my life as I think that would finish me too... Bruce; you have touched me deeply with your words and although you have forced me to travel back to places I would rather not visit right now, the once proud man in me knows I should not forget. Thank you.

  28. V.... S....

    For all who served and who gave their lives for America, and for all the family members and friends who love and miss them

  29. R.... L....

    Poor guy is in tears he can barely sing the song a true heart of a master

  30. A.... A....

    My grandfather just happens to be Walter cichon

  31. J.... S....

    5:11 fire that fucking light tech. kthx. -OIF/OEF Veteran.

  32. C.... C....

    Meninao lindo! Te amo te amo te amo, amor da minha vida, hoje eu te amo mais do que ontem! Bruce

  33. a.... p....

    Thanks Bruce. You lift my heart, every time.

  34. W.... H....

    You have no idea how much i wish those vocals at the end would last longer!

  35. M.... G....

    Wow. That voice crack at 6:23...really shows what kind of man Bruce is. I've seen him in concert 4 times, and each time is a whole new experience. He shows us that it's okay for anyone to cry and for anyone to be proud of their country. Thank you, Bruce.

  36. A.... T....

    Americas conscience

  37. f.... ....

    More heart can not be. Mas corazón no se puede.

  38. f.... ....

    con mas de 60 años y aún hace preciosidades.

  39. 9.... ....

    He was ashamed he didn't make it like all the friends in his negborhood who went

  40. M.... A....

    78 thumbs down! Must be 77 defence contractors plus DJT.

  41. r.... b....

    awsome!!!! geweldig !

  42. S.... S....

    TE AMO BRUCE !!!! VIDA LONGAAAA!!!

  43. p.... s....

    great!!

  44. r.... b....

    ohhh my god !! that trumpet!!! love it !!

  45. L.... F....

    musicas lindas demaisss amoooo!

  46. f.... ....

    8:23 inevitably the tears appear.... and Bruce I love you so much.

    f.... ....

    fxx1 get’s me every time. True hero!

  47. f.... ....

    this man is pure heart, Greetings from Perú.

  48. E.... A....

    Oi Bruce! vc é magnifico! Sempre surpreende é como Se o visse bem perto como o vi no ESPAÇO DÁS AMÉRICAS.BRASIL. amooooo! !#####

    E.... A....

    Q glória poder estar próximo d Bruce Springsteen 💘

  49. R.... B....

    Bruce never forgets his roots, where he came from and the people and memories that helped him along his journey, its one thing ive always liked about Bruce ...

  50. M.... B....

    💜💜💜💜

  51. R.... L....

    This blows me away. I served right after Viet Nam on Okinawa in 76. They had a wing in the Hospital for Veterans from the War not ready to go home... When stationed on the East Coast used to go up to the Wall hang out with the Vets take pics. and just talk...

  52. N.... D....

    Well, I am war veteran from Balkan wars and this song makes me cry every time I hear it.. God bless the Boss!!!

  53. N.... J....

    This is just beyond belief in its emotion

  54. S.... P....

    read the book BORN TO RUN straight from the bosses heart he worked so hard to get where he is today

  55. Z.... ....

    incredible song ! nobody except Bruce is able to tell stories like this. Straight to the heart .

  56. S.... ....

    "Dedicated to Ray and Walter Cichon along with my drummer from The Castiles, Bart Haynes." God bless them.

  57. S.... H....

    Thanks Bruce for opening ours of the price of Freedom. Thanks to all of our vets!

  58. E.... V....

    God Bless You, Bruce Springsteen

  59. G.... S....

    "It was a tremendous loss to our neighborhood, to our town, to that thing inside of you that feels somehow the best should get their shot." So perfectly authentic . . . we love you bruce

  60. C.... R....

    I love the trumpet solo. Curt is just so good. ♥️

  61. A.... M....

    I'm no american, I have luckily never lost someone at war, but every time I listen to this beautiful song, the lyrics... Damn they give me those shivers and bring tears to my eyes
    I think about those families that sent their boys away, in a war many of them didn't want. And this version, you can feel how tough it is for Bruce to dwell on his past and think about his fallen friends
    This is truelly a masterpiece

  62. D.... ....

    Thank you for this...for Devils and Dust...for the Rising. For all of it. We love you. Your music helped me through all my time in Afghanistan and now back in new york city tryin to make it.

  63. M.... D....

    Vietnam is a stunning country with beautiful kind people. What do are politicians think they are doing with our lives.

  64. W.... S....

    " I hear Robert McNamara says he's sorry."

    The despair in his voice...

    It's so... so, so, so beautiful.

  65. Z.... ....

    thanks mister springsteen !

  66. G.... ....

    Masterpiece

  67. j.... ....

    Brilliant song...Brilliant artist

  68. H.... 7....

    Fantastic trumpet solo...

  69. L.... M....

    Thank you Bruce and all our veterans.

  70. H.... J....

    American Hero

  71. D.... M....

    true legend total respect for the Boss.

  72. M.... S....

    Ich liebe seine❤Stimme

  73. A.... D....

    Wow! What a great performance. The man is simply the BEST!!!

  74. t.... c....

    who the heck has any thin" to do
    with war! know i surely don't
    only why questioned while
    being sent lots of postcards
    to be an officer for the
    air force with college degree
    given heralding stature
    yet only had to ask myself
    while flying high up above
    all the rest and ask myself
    the question: can i kill from
    way up here and no
    1 of the 10 commandments
    is "Thou shall not kill"
    so made a decision right
    there and when

  75. A.... D....

    This just hit me watching this today, Bruce is calling out two the Cichon brothers as a survivor, he made at as a big rock star and these guys probably would have never guessed that 50 years later...

  76. K.... S....

    well done as usaul

  77. M.... H....

    Can a song be so beautiful and so sad at the same time?

  78. j.... d....

    pure emotion in that performance . those 2 lads he knew and the countless thousands who gave all for his country would be proud .

  79. f.... ....

    in sprigsteens euology its unfortunate that he makes no mention of the millions of victims of american aggression over the last 70 years, he chooses only to mention american vets

    f.... ....

    fizywig True, but he sings for a group that thinks Trump is a good idea...even being as intelligent as he is is brave.

  80. P.... R....

    Bruce at his best.......enough said.

  81. L.... ....

    So moving, here's to The Boss

  82. S.... S....

    Thanks to all the men woman who served and Bruce for this song.
    Amazing

  83. T.... ....

    MASTERPIECE

  84. G.... T....

    struggente la parte finale con la sezione dei fiati e il coro!pelle d'oca e brividi per tutto il corpo!

  85. T.... 1....

    Amazing, this man will be recognized for his years of being relevant. I can't think of any song writer that could be so effective year after year.

  86. b.... ....

    this is incredibly emotional

  87. W.... H....

    song starts 4:11

  88. P.... C....

    Cigarettes and a bottle of beer, this poem that I wrote for you
    This black stone and these hard tears are all I got left now of you
    I remember you in your Marine uniform laughing, laughing at your ship out party
    I read Robert McNamara says he's sorry

    Your high boots and striped t-shirt, ah, Billy you looked so bad
    Yeah you and your rock and roll band, you were the best thing this shit town ever had
    Now the men that put you here eat with their families in rich dining halls
    And apology and forgiveness got no place here at all, here at the wall

    Well I'm sorry I missed you last year, I couldn't find no one to drive me
    If your eyes could cut through that black stone, tell me would they recognize me
    For the living time it must be served as the day goes on
    Cigarettes and a bottle of beer, skin on black stone

    On the ground dog tags and wreaths of flowers, with the ribbons red as the blood
    Red as the blood you spilled in the Central Highlands mud
    Limousines rush down Pennsylvania Avenue, rustling the leaves as they fall
    And apology and forgiveness got no place here at all, here at the wall

  89. W.... C....

    Godspeed to our veterans

  90. b.... ....

    I was at this show and had forgotten about this. It's best remembered as one of those crazy fun Saturday night Bruce concerts but it had nice quieter moments like this. Thanks for sharing.

  91. K.... M....

    Hey Bruce! Ray Cichon (Jr) is a very good friend of mine...he's told me about his dad & you :) I just sent him this video.. you should definitely get in touch with him! He's a bass player & has 2 bands now down in Florida. I'm sure if you met him he would remind you if his dad.. he's an awesome guy & a great musician! Let me know if you want his contact info! 😊

    K.... M....

    http://www.app.com/story/news/local/2014/08/18/walter-cichon-springsteen-connection/14268653/

    "It kind of just blew us away," Cichon said. "After we heard that song, my brother and I both tried to reach out to him." It took awhile, but in 2008, Springsteen invited the Cichon boys to his concert in Orlando. Bryan Cichon lives in Jacksonville, and David flew down to meet him and attend the concert. Afterward, the brothers met Bruce.

    "It was just basically him reminiscing about those days," David Cichon said. "He said to us, 'Your father was one of the best frontman I ever saw.' This coming from one of the very best frontmen there is, it was just amazing."

    They thanked him for writing the song. "We need to get that on an album one day," Springsteen said.

    The Cichon boys didn't know if he was serious, but they left their meeting with Springsteen believing that their father had star power after all.

    K.... M....

    So nice

  92. K.... B....

    thank you Tommy

  93. S.... H....

    Well, Bruce I love you but you never did anything for a cause. No shoe leather lost by you.

    S.... H....

    Sam Hill so going to fight makes them cowards, I agree the wars were for corporations but still they thought what they were doing was right and they deserve more than to be called cowards and traitors

    S.... H....

    They should have known what they were fighting for, so lets limit service to 25 years or older- and knock off the hero propaganda. Seriously , you want to continue to rationalize illegal wars. The main reason Congress has not declared war since WWII is to escape charges of treason , as members of Congress can not be tried for treason without a declaration of war.

    S.... H....

    Sam Hill What's wrong with you?
    I guess those benefit shows he does every year doesn't count?
    Now I understand why people like Springsteen and McCartney have bodyguards.
    Springsteen played a beautiful song and you attack him verbally? Because he's not sing what you think he should be singing about.
    The question still stands... What's wrong will you?

    S.... H....

    That is not true. He has played rows after rows of benefit concerts. From 1977 to 1984 he paid all costs of the Vietnam Veteran Association (from 1984 the government chipped in) and still pays a large part of it. Since the late 70-es he also donates an amountt to the homeless in each city, he ever plays in. He has allowed his music to be used - even written new - for plays to support causes of various kinds: Parkinsons, human rights, children in Africa, Sandy Hook, school for autistic children, 9/11-heroes, bridge benefit..... You name it...he is there ...

    I think that he has done a lot of good, compared to what good it would have done getting killed in Vietnam.

    S.... H....

    Bruce ti voglio bene!!!!!😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

  94. K.... B....

    thank you for the warm thoughts Tommy mas

  95. p.... b....

    WAR What IS IT GOOD FOR , ABSOLUTLY NUTHIN , SAY IT AGAIN ,

  96. t.... ....

    This song is heartbreaking, especially this particular live performance.

  97. P.... 7....

    Bruce, you are the best