In 1984, Bruce Springsteen made it obvious why they call him “The Boss.” Springsteen and his E Street Band found worldwide success with Born In The U.S.A. The album peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200, as well as hitting No. 1 on charts around the world. This celebratory time for the E Street Band suddenly turned into a farewell following the album’s creation. Guitarist Steven Van Zandt announced that he’d be leaving the band just months before the release. He sought to focus on a solo career as “Little Steven”, with a debut album already released in 1982.
During this time, Bruce Springsteen penned a farewell track to his old pal. The two have been friends since they were 16 years old, playing in local New Jersey groups. Springsteen was wedged between his achievements and a disconnect with an old friend who had been a close ally.
“Bobby Jean” is dedicated to his friendship with Steven Van Zandt. He changed the name to Bobby Jean so that it would be universally accessible. The song is about their shared experiences together, what they mean to Springsteen, and regret for not saying a proper goodbye to an old friend.
Well, I came by your house the other day / Your mother said you went away
She said there was nothing that I could have done / There was nothing nobody could say.
Me and you, we’ve known each other / Ever since we were 16
I wished I would have known / I wished I could have called you
Just to say goodbye, Bobby Jean.
“The Wildest Things We’d Ever Seen”
The second verse is incredibly emotional and personal. You can feel the same passion Springsteen felt as he penned the lyrics. He’s vividly reflective as he details why the two get along so well. They were different, and the two bonded over that. They liked the same bands, and they liked the same clothes. This was a much simpler time for a young Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt. Now, they are stars and moving in different directions.
Now you hung with me when all the others / Turned away turned up their nose
We liked the same music, we liked the same bands / We liked the same clothes.
Yeah, we told each other / That we were the wildest
The wildest things we’d ever seen / Now I wished you would have told me
I wished I could have talked to you / Just to say goodbye, Bobby Jean.
Springsteen Says a Final Goodbye
Well, maybe you’ll be out there on that road somewhere / In some bus or train travelling along
In some motel room, there’ll be a radio playing / And you’ll hear me sing this song.
Well, if you do, you’ll know I’m thinking of you / And all the miles in between
And I’m just calling one last time / Not to change your mind
But just to say I miss you, baby /Good luck, goodbye
Bobby Jean.
It’s a tear-jerking dedication that reminds anyone of a friendship such as theirs. A decade and a half later, the two reunited.
In 1999, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band reunited for a tour and subsequently released Live In New York City. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band had disbanded in 1989. This 1999 reunion was extra special, as it marked the return of “Little Steven.” Steven Van Zandt continues to tour as a member of the E Street Band to this day.
Photo by Ron Pownall/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images