The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Bruce Springsteen: ‘Thunder Road’ lyrics to be corrected after 46 years
Does The Boss say ‘sway’ or ‘wave’?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A debate over the lyrics to Bruce Springsteen’s 1975 anthem “Thunder Road” may have finally been settled.
For 46 years, there has existed some confusion over whether Springsteen sings “Mary’s dress sways” or “Mary’s dress waves” in one of the song’s most well-known lines.
Finally, thanks to Springsteen’s long time manager and producer, the issue has been settled.
Jon Landau, in conversation with The New Yorker, has confirmed the actual lyrics to the song.
“The word is ‘sways,’” Landau said. “That’s the way he wrote it in his original notebooks, that’s the way he sang it on Born to Run in 1975, that’s the way he has always sung it at thousands of shows, and that’s the way he sings it right now on Broadway.”
Fans have long debated the actual lyrics of the track because of a misprint on the liner notes in the initial 1975 release.
It is a mistake that has been replicated in the decades since, also appearing on official lyric sheets on Springsteen’s website.
The Boss himself has also refused to be drawn on his lyrics in the past, preferring to let fans interpret as they wish.
Landau confirmed: “Any typos in official Bruce material will be corrected.” The website has since been amended to reflect this.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments