You Can Look (But You'd Better Not Touch)

Album: The River (1980)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was recorded in 1979 for The Ties That Bind, an album Springsteen never released. He rerecorded this and along with 6 others from Ties, put it on the double album The River in 1980. It was an energetic song that balanced off the ballads on the album.
  • A live favorite, this was included on the box set Live 1975-1985.

Comments: 2

  • Landon from Winchester, OhThis song was sampled in Trace Adkins's hit "Honkytonk Badonkadonk."
  • Johnny from Los Angeles, CaThis song is to fast paced. It would be much better with some darker lyrics and a slower beat.
see more comments

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.