Straight Time

Album: The Ghost Of Tom Joad (1995)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Straight Time" is a lamentful song about an ex-con who gets married, gets a job, has a family, and tries to live the sanctioned American life. The world will never stop judging him though - even his wife questions his intentions and actions. It seems like just a matter of time before a violent outcry arrives. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Willy - Winchester, MA
  • This song is part of Springsteen's The Ghost Of Tom Joad album, a somber set he recorded without the E Street Band, which he broke up in 1989. When he toured for the album, he did so solo acoustic, and he talked about the songs between sets. At a show in New York City, he explained this one:

    "This is a song about a fellow who gets out of prison and comes home and is trying to find out how he can find a way to integrate himself back into the world, back into his family. You know, old habits, they die really hard, because those are the things that somehow give us a feeling of who we are no matter how destructive or harmful they may be. Everybody's laid awake at night and had the worst of them feel like their only hope sometimes, like their only chance, only breath of fresh air."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Zac Hanson

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in Songs

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in SongsSong Writing

Elvis, Little Richard and Cheryl Cole have all sung about Teddy Bears, but there is also a terrifying Teddy song from 1932 and a touching trucker Teddy tune from 1976.

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith

Steven Tyler of AerosmithSongwriter Interviews

Tyler talks about his true love: songwriting. How he identifies the beauty in a melody and turns sorrow into art.

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.