Working on a Dream: The P...

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David Masciotra

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Working on a Dream: The Progressive Political Vision of Bruce Springsteen

by David Masciotra (Goodreads Author)

3.58 · rating details · 12 ratings · 5 reviews

For almost four decades, Bruce Springsteen's music has directly inspired, influenced, and uplifted millions of devoted fans, who hold a special place in their hearts and minds for his work. Springsteen's rise to the top of American music coincided with the triumph of American conservatism, and the veneration of marketplace values above democratic principles and humanistic ...moreFor almost four decades, Bruce Springsteen's music has directly inspired, influenced, and uplifted millions of devoted fans, who hold a special place in their hearts and minds for his work. Springsteen's rise to the top of American music coincided with the triumph of American conservatism, and the veneration of marketplace values above democratic principles and humanistic priorities. Springsteen has consistently summoned his creative power and artistic vision to indict these political developments and demand the cultivation of a more compassionate and progressive society. And yet his often harsh critique of the status quo and radical ideas for reform have either been ignored or misunderstood, as a result of his "All American" image and his narrative storytelling style. On nearly every major issue poverty, racism, urban decay, war, and peace Springsteen's music has offered a unique vision for moving forward with the agenda of creating the "country we carry in our hearts" as he called it in an op-ed for the New York Times." Filled with provocative analysis of Springsteen's best known hits and his most obscure songs, comparisons to other important works of American culture ranging from The Sopranos "to Edward Hopper and a wealth of information about the last fifty years of American politics, culture, and society, Working On a Dream "is a powerful and engaging study of this songwriter and performer's art.David Masciotra shows how Springsteen's music darkly comments on the increased isolation of Americans, and calls for a return to community living and values, based on compassion, empathy, and tolerance. He illustrates how Springsteen has forced listeners to wrestle with the facts of rising poverty rates in the world's richest nation, of wars with questionable justification, and of the continued mistreatment of racial minorities, arguing that Springsteen does this by emphasizing the suffering that everyday people -- usually ignored in mainline political discussions -- endure on a daily basis.By using Springsteen's life and music to shine a light on the dark recesses of America's most important political and social trials and conflicts race, religion, and working class hardship Working on a Dream "connects readers with the power, purpose, and promise of Springsteen's extraordinary and enduring music.(less)

Paperback, 288 pages

Published by Continuum

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Jan 11, 2012

Phil Mc rated it

It’s rare that I read non-fiction for pleasure (notwithstanding my last read) and rarer still that I care enough about music for that to be the topic; however, Springsteen’s music and lyrics have always been on my favourites list not least because of his overtly humanist left-wing politics. Masciotra’s book combines two of the three things that lead me to non-fiction: left wing idealism and the Boss. How could I not read this?

The book takes a thematic rather than chronological look t...moreIt’s rare that I read non-fiction for pleasure (notwithstanding my last read) and rarer still that I care enough about music for that to be the topic; however, Springsteen’s music and lyrics have always been on my favourites list not least because of his overtly humanist left-wing politics. Masciotra’s book combines two of the three things that lead me to non-fiction: left wing idealism and the Boss. How could I not read this?

The book takes a thematic rather than chronological look through Springsteen’s back catalogue considering his music as a vehicle to expose inner-city decay, the loss of community, American foreign policy and a number of other interesting and pertinent issues. Masciotra conveys his understanding of the interplay between music and lyrics in delivering a message and is keenly aware of Springsteen’s frequent juxtaposition of the two but he excels when relating the music to politics both contemporary and over the course of Springsteen’s career.

If there is a note of caution for anyone considering this book it would be that (and not being American I appreciate by lack of immediate knowledge on this subject) it paints an unescapably bleak picture of American decline over the last forty years and lays the blame entirely at the feet of the right wing agenda. Far be it from me to defend the Right, especially the terrifying American Right, but I wonder how a more balanced consideration of this subject might illuminate the Boss’ work further. Additionally, as interesting as the socio-political links are, I’d really like someone to write a study of Springsteen that considers but is not entirely dominated by politics as Masciotra does, at times, wander into political grandstanding: A book that focuses more on Springsteen’s imagery and language use. I perhaps should point out that Masciotra feels equally betrayed by an apathetic and weak Left that shy away from the values he espouses.

Ultimately, this is as much a book of political, extremist, idealism as it is about Springsteen. This can, at times, be uncomfortable reading (even for a lefty like me), not entirely what I was expecting or both of these things.
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Nov 29, 2010

Jason Pettus rated it

(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being reprinted illegally.)

To tell you the truth, before reading David Masciotra's Working on a Dream, I had never really given much thought to the work of Bruce Springsteen; I mean, yes, I liked Born in the USA as much as any other teen in the '80s, and then later in my alt-country phase I became briefly obsessed with his...more(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being reprinted illegally.)

To tell you the truth, before reading David Masciotra's Working on a Dream, I had never really given much thought to the work of Bruce Springsteen; I mean, yes, I liked Born in the USA as much as any other teen in the '80s, and then later in my alt-country phase I became briefly obsessed with his '82 album Nebraska, but it had never really occurred to me that the man's total oeuvre might in fact be an amazingly dense and prescient look at both the past and future of the far-liberal Progressive movement, a school of thought that originated with Teddy Roosevelt and his peers over a century ago and that encompasses such diverse communities as the folk artists of the Great Depression, the Beat poets of the '50s, the hard-rockers of the '70s and the sophisticated indie sounds of today. But as Masciotra shows here in this thoughtful collection of essays, Springsteen has both been influenced by all of these communities and has commented on all of them in his own finished work, crafting a career that has morphed and adapted with the times, but that has never strayed far from the core Progressive values of peace, tolerance, fair practices, human rights, and the struggle against isolation and alienation. In fact, about the only complaint I have about this book has more to say about me than it, I think -- that as someone with a low tolerance for academic-style writing, I found myself often zoning out on these formal and analytical essays long before finishing them, always interesting theses but ones that for the most part went on just way too long for my tastes. Those with a bigger enjoyment for this type of writing, though, are sure to love this very smart albeit admittedly highly biased book (hint -- Tea Partiers should stay well away), and it comes recommended to those who enjoy astute if not overly wordy looks at the current culture around us.

Out of 10: 8.0 (less)

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Mar 25, 2010

Emily rated it

While I prefer fiction to non-fiction on most days, I enjoyed David's “epic” presentation of Springsteen’s progressive political writings. Epic is the most appropriate term to describe David’s book, because it is extremely thorough, well-written and researched, and not a light read. Like any politically-themed book, the author’s viewpoints are very clear, and they heavily influence the interpretation of Springsteen’s work. I assume most readers of this book will share the same political ideol...more

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Oct 29, 2010

Caroline rated it

I always enjoy hearing others' interpretations of His songs. But I health care! felt that the author was pollution! just making too much economy! of an opportunity homosexuality! to throw social issues racism! in our faces. Could've been more focused.

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Mar 14, 2010

Ben rated it

David Masciotra is the bastard love child of Lester Bangs and William Julius Wilson.

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About David Masciotra

David Masciotra is an author and cultural critic. His first book, published by Continuum Books, is called Working On a Dream: The Progressive Political Vision of Bruce Springsteen. It is an informative, provocative, and stimulating blend of music analysis, political commentary, and cultural criticism. Masciotra has written for Z Magazine, The Humanist, The Catholic Worker, and PopMatters. He has a...more

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