12 of the greatest Bruce Springsteen songs "Racing in the Street"

One of many Springsteen songs about small-timers hoping to escape to something bigger and better, “Racing in the Street” is one of the best, from (arguably) his best album: Darkness on the Edge of Town. It's about that fear of driving away from the familiar and into the unknown, with no certainty of what you’ll find. He twists his formula of upbeat songs with darker meaning – at first the song just sounds like a detailing of a souped-up racer. But he sings about it like you would a eulogy at a funeral – low and mournful. Combine that with a twist on Martha and the Vandella’s joyfully innocent “Dancing in the Street” on the closing lines and you’re left with the lasting impression that this is about the loss of innocence. Because a car, however fast, can only take you so far. (Roisin O'Connor)

Danny Clinch