'Johnny 99' is a song written and recorded by rock musician Bruce Springsteen, which first appeared on Springsteen's 1982 solo album Nebraska.
Nov 14, 2013 50+ videos Play all Mix - Bruce Springsteen - You Never Can Tell (Leipzig 7/7/13) (Official Video) YouTube Chuck Berry With Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - Johnny B. Jun 13, 2019 A friend of mine, a semi professional singer, heard all three of the new songs today and said quite unequivocally that Bruces voice has been tweaked and highlighted and no doubt had been thru the autotune process. She was quite disappointed as she.
Performance and themes[edit]
In 'Johnny 99' Springsteen sings about an auto worker who gets laid off in Mahwah, New Jersey and shoots and kills a night clerk while drunk and distraught.[1] As a result, he is apprehended and is sentenced to 99 years in prison, but requests to be executed instead.[1] On the song, Springsteen is accompanied only by his acoustic guitar,[1] although he doubles on harmonica as well. Despite the bleakness of the song's themes - including unemployment, poverty, robbery, murder and possibly execution - the tune is ironically jaunty,[2] with a shuffling rockabilly beat.[3]
Like several other songs on the Nebraska album, 'Johnny 99' is a song about complete despair.[4] It has direct links with certain songs on Nebraska: the protagonist in 'Johnny 99' notes that he has 'debts no honest man could pay,' repeating a line used by the protagonist in 'Atlantic City',[1][5] and, like the title song, 'Johnny 99' is about a murderer[1] — though rather than being a psychopath like the protagonist in the title song, 'Johnny 99' is motivated by his economic circumstances.[2]
History[edit]
Like the rest of the Nebraska album, 'Johnny 99' was recorded in January 1982 in a no-frills studio set up in Springsteen's home in Colts Neck, New Jersey.[6] Most likely it was recorded on January 3, 1982, when most of the album tracks were recorded.[6]
The background of the song is based on a real-life incident, the closing in 1980 of a Ford Motor Company plant in Mahwah, which had been open since 1955.[3] The song also has antecedents in two folk songs that appeared on the box set Anthology of American Folk Music: Julius Daniels' '99-Year Blues' and Carter Family's 'John Hardy Was a Desperate Little Man.'[3]
Despite its bleak themes, it has been a reasonably popular song in concert, with 379 live performances through May 2014.[7] A live version was released on the album Live/1975–85.[1][8] During a September 22, 1984 Born in the U.S.A. Tour concert in Pittsburgh, Springsteen used the introduction to 'Johnny 99' to respond to President Reagan referencing the message of hope in Bruce Springsteen's songs, stating 'The president was mentioning my name the other day, and I kinda got to wondering what his favorite album musta been. I don't think it was the Nebraska album. I don't think he's been listening to this one.'[9]
Other artists have recorded 'Johnny 99.' Most famously, Johnny Cash recorded it along with another Nebraska song, 'Highway Patrolman' for an album Cash entitled Johnny 99.[1][2] The song has also been recorded for Bruce Springsteen covers albums by John Hiatt and Los Lobos.[1]Punk rock band The Loved Ones covered the song on their EP, Distractions. Mark Erelli and Jeffrey Foucault also covered the song for Seven Curses, an album of murder ballads. The band Shovels & Rope covered the song as well and perform it occasionally live. It was also released as B-side of a 2006 single by UK rock band Mystic Knights of The Sea. The A-side of this single was an earlier Springsteen tune, 'Cadillac Ranch.'
Critical reception[edit]
In praising the album Nebraska, 'Johnny 99' is one of the songs that was singled out by Mikal Gilmore of the Los Angeles Herald Examiner.[10] In discussing Springsteen's growth as a writer, he stated that 'When Springsteen tells Charlie Starkweather and Johnny 99's tales, he neither seeks their redemption nor asks for our judgment. He tells the stories about as simply and as well as they deserve to be told - or about as unsparingly as we deserve to hear them - and he lets us feel for them what we can, or find in them what we can of ourselves.'[10]
Though never released as a single anywhere, 'Johnny 99' garnered enough album oriented rock airplay to reach #50 on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.[11]
External links[edit]
References[edit]
^ abcdefgh'Allmusic Johnny 99'. Retrieved 2007-07-22.
^ abcPatrick Humphries (1996). Bruce Springsteen. p. 53. ISBN0-7119-5304-X.
^ abcJune Sawyers (2006). Tougher Than the Rest: 100 Best Bruce Springsteen Songs. pp. 79–80. ISBN978-0-8256-3470-3.
^Dave Marsh (1996). Glory Days. p. 87. ISBN1-56025-101-8.
^Dave Marsh (1996). Glory Days. p. 119. ISBN1-56025-101-8.
^ ab'Brucebase, On the Tracks: Nebraska'. Retrieved 2007-07-22.
^'Johnny 99 by Bruce Springsteen Concert Statistics'. Retrieved 2014-06-18.
^Dave Marsh (1996). Glory Days. p. 385. ISBN1-56025-101-8.
^Cullen, Jim (2005). Born in the U.S.A.: Bruce Springsteen and the American Tradition. Wesleyan University Press. pp. 19–20. ISBN0-8195-6761-2.
^ abDave Marsh (1996). Glory Days. p. 130. ISBN1-56025-101-8.
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Johnny_99_(song)&oldid=934351728'
Though it's difficult to narrow down ten, this list is as good as anyone can submit. Vote for/add your favorites! Keep on rockin'!
The Top Ten Bruce Springsteen Songs
1Born to Run
Just listen to the words. That says it all. Was my favorite in high school(73 to 76)still mine at age 53!
The Greatest Artist of Mankind's Magnum Opus
The signature song of a great songwriter/singer.
This is more a vote for the album then the song.. Like Jungleland and Thunder road just as much.. I just feel so fortunate to have grown up in a time when these Classic albums were released. 60's 70's. I feel so bad for the kids today.. The auto tunes canned crap that is out there is so pathetic. It is not a generational thing because the music my parents listened to was damn good to!
2Thunder Road
I have listened to a lot of music in my years. I probably know the lyrics of every great song written by the great ones in rock n' roll, Rolling Stones, U2, Beatles, Iron Maiden, CCR, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, I could go on forever. There has been so many good songs in history but this song, this song is the best song I have every heard in my entire life, I love every single second of it. I would rather not ever have an orgasm again than having to not ever hear this song again. This one IS the best, I would rank it as #1 in history every day, before Stairway to heaven, before Hallowed be thy name, before Satisfaction, Gimme Shelter or Sultans of Swing, Hey Jude or whatever. I would rank it before every one of them, Born to Run as well. Long live Rock N' Roll and LONG LIVE THUNDER ROAD!
The lyrics are incredible,. they tell a story that you can smell feel taste and touch. For example, 'roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hair'. Not only do you feel that wind, but liberation and excitement as well. When Bruce writes about the 'amusement park', the music changes to the sounds of a merry go- round, which is just one of the was that he links the music and lyrics together, which shows his genius. The music standing alone is a masterpiece. It creates a feeling of excitement, optimism, risk taking, and that anything is possible. I could go on and on with this song. I think it has all of the ingredients and then some for a perfect song. Can you tell I'm a fan?
How to use auto tune on mixcrat 5. Thunder Road is probably my favorite song period, even though I'm a 17 year old metalhead I can still appreciate the raw emotion and honesty The Boss pours into all of his songs. 'You ain't a beauty but, hey, you're alright Oh, and that's alright with me' is my favorite part of the song, not sure why but it is. Bruce's lyrics speak for everyone and everyone can relate to at least one song
Arguably one of the greatest classic rock songs ever. Why you must ask? This starts off at a slow pace, yet gradually builds up. The lyrics are amazing, signifying a desire for change. It is in fact, 'a town full of losers and I'm pulling out of here to win.'
3Born in the U.S.A.
The most misunderstood song of the 80's.
I like how it disses the Vietnam War, and it is also a giant 'Go America! ' A must-hear for anybody who calls himself patriotic. And also one of my personal favorite songs of all time, gets me pumped up
Born in the U.S. A is one of the gratest song ever. Max Weinberg has unbelievable drum solo.
It's really funny, that lot of people don't realize, that this is actually satirical song. Powerful and awesome satirical song. Halion the vst sampler download.4Dancing in the Dark
I love this song, so catchy and it gets inside you and makes you want to dance!
Nothing nicer than that syth riff all through this song, such a great tune, I remember hearing this when I was younger, and I was born in 2003, this song has been around forever.
Like born in the usa the lyrics are lost in the catchy beat buy they are very deep, one his greatest songs
The lyrics really spoke to me, and it stuck to me for a really long time. I find this line especially impactful 'you can't start a fire, worrying about your little world falling a part. ' Step outside your comfort zone. That's how you live.5The River
Awesome story of being a part of a family, falling in love, and being a young man in America.
In my opinion this is one of the best songs ever. The lyrics are just awesome, and the music fits the lyrics perfectly. And then Springsteen's voice which makes it even better!
I don't understand how people can vote for another song than the river! Have you guys even heard of bruce springsteen!? Ask bruce which song's the greatest he have done, and he will say the river!
Incredibly deeply meaningful song. Springsteen's best by far. Tells a story of his life and puts it into the words of his song.6Jungleland
Greatest song ever recorded! I remember cruising as a teenager, the windows down and Jungleland playing full blast!
Unfortunately the most complete Boss song is not even among the top 5: in my opinion, in Jungleland there is everything you could ask for the Boss music: piano, sax (oh the sax, orgasm! ), poetry, r'n'r guitar and 1 divine voice; come on, run to this land of jungle! R.I.P. Clarence
Jungleland and Thunder Road is the best example of storytelling in Music. I Think that Jungleland is better in someways then Jungleland. First of all the story and Words no one has ever Heard, but know what it means. like Cherry tops. and of course the wonderful Saxophone solo that you just don't want the song to end. that's why this is the best Bruce springsteen song out there.
The sax solo in this song is beautiful. On top of that, the coda gives me goosebumps every time. R.I. P Clarence.7Streets of Philadelphia
Streets of Philadelphia number 23?.. This is nuts! Should be in the top 5 at least! Come on, get voting people Personally it is my favourite song of Springsteens
I can't say that I'm the biggest Bruce fan, but I sure as hell love this song. The story, the beat, the strings.. Everything. Traktor pro 3 free download. Bruce can paint a beautiful painting with his words.
Oh come on, this has got to be amongst top 5 AT LEAST! This is the song that made me a Springsteen fan! More Votes Guys! Please!
His best song - the lyrics say much more than their words. If it doesn't move you, you haven't got a heart.8Glory Days
I had a friend was a big baseball player back in high school he could throw that speed ball wild, make you look like a fool boy, saw him at this roadside bar I was walking in he was walking out we went back inside sat down had a few drinks but all he kept talking about GLORY DAYS
This is one of Bruce's best songs behind Born To Run and Born in the U.S.A. Great up beat song and very catchy. Good to dance to
It tells a great story! And in my opinion it is one of the best Bruce Springsteen songs maybe behind Born in the USA and Thunder Road
Seriously, this song should at least be in the top 3. Its an amazing song. Reminds me of Glory days! They'll pass you by, glory days! In the wink of a young girl's eyes glory days. Glory days.9I'm on Fire
I heard this song on the radio, and it just stuck with me ever since. One of my favorites from The Boss.
Its got taste, tune, beats and most of all its got Bruce!
Can't believe this is so low down.seriously people?!
Leave it up to umericans to get his best songs wrong this one should be top 10 for sure, I also like cover me. don't like this list at all, except dancing in the dark and born to run10Badlands
Great lyrics of being in a country you love, but needs to change.
Lyrically, my favorite Boss song. It really changed my life and opinion about the world.
Badlands hits hard, no bones about it. There's a kind of loving pain in it.
The second best Bruce Springsteen song, a powerful awesome song!
The Newcomers
The Contenders
11Racing in the Street
Per Bruce himself, this is one of this top 5, nothing more need be said..incredible lyrics with music that simply does not leave your head
The final part of this song in every concert, is simply the best music a band can play. Roy and Max are wonderful on this one.
No other song moves me like this one. The music of racing in the street is a gift from god. You just hope it does not end.
The highlight of every concert where it's played. Lyrics are powerful, but the music is just the most beautiful I've er heard. The extended coda is something you wish it never ends12Backstreets
What's this No. 25? This should be in 7th place at least. In my opinion one of my favourite songs on the album 'Born To Run' along with 'Thunder Road' 'Jungleland' ' and his signature song 'Born To Run'. Just listen to the Lyrics in this song, they're so meaning, and listen to the instrumental, you'll realise how emotionally good the song is.
Geez Backstreets is his best song. Most people end up 'hiding on the Backstreets of life'. Sad but true. Dickens said 'most men live lives of quiet desperation.. ' Great song.
To learn how to be the hero's we thought we had to be.. Growing up was a real challenge, but Bruce captured so many feelings and touched so many memories here. Killer great song. My #1.
Wait up. This is usually one of the bad songs13Hungry Heart
It's impossible to choose a favorite Springsteen song (not just for me, I guess) but I chose this one now because it's the song that ALWAYS makes me feel a little better when I'm sad and when I'm not sad, I listen to this song and it makes me feel super happy, haha! I don't know, it's just an outstanding positive song
Always loved this one.. hard to choose between this one and Glory Days, because I love them both so much! They are so different, but there is just something.. something about them..
AMAZINGLY AMAZING! Just can't help dancing, closing my eyes and dreaming when this song start.. so beautiful, deserves at least the 2nd place!
Best song ever by Springsteen. The tunage first must catch the ear before the lyrics!14Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)
Rosalita should be listed at top of this list. It should also be listed as a top ten love song. An excellent, aggressive 'Rock and Roll' love story. When listening to the Springsteen lyrics, it's not only the content but the way he vocalizes them. You know he's crazy about her and he wants her to know it. Not all song writers can tell a exceptional story and harmonize it with great rock and roll.
This track is Springsteen's best song bar none! Clements sax is truly wonderful.
The perfect song. There's not a single flaw, and everything is very delightful.
I do not think there is anything more fun then watching Clarence and Bruce perform Rosalita live. No that is wrong. Clarance and Bruce had more fun performing Rosalita.15Atlantic City
Bruce always opens a window to a different point of view. The narrator is planning to do something bad at the same time he reminds his girl to keep warm. The little guy is playing a part in a much bigger world and trying to take control of his life in any (desperate)way he can. I work for a man on the Forbes billionaire list and as I drive to the workplace I pass day labor companies and immigrants waiting for the bus and blast this song. Play this when you don't get picked for the promotion!
A powerful song riddled with pain. Definitely up there.
The best Nebraska song top 10 at THE VERY LEAST
Free vst plugins download. Sucha great song, love the harmonica16Waitin' On a Sunny Day
I can remember dancing to this when I was three. Saw Bruce on November 11, 2012 and he killed it. Brings back so many memories. This song is so inspirational too. Long live Bruce, the E-Street band, and long live Rock N' Roll.
Pure Heartland Rock, and 100% Springsteen!
What a great happy song! Brilliant to play on a sunny day!
Really underrated song17The Promised Land
The dogs on main street howl 'cause they understand If I could take one moment into my hands Mister I ain't a boy, no I'm a man And I believe in a promised land!
Such a great song, the best song on the album darkness in my opinion. This song should be in the top 10 with born to run and thunder road
Great song. The best song on 'darkness on the edge of town' bar 'Badlands'. The lyrics are fantastic and the sax, piano and harmonica combine really well.
Harmonica, piano, sax, guitar, fantastic chorus and backing vocals. This is Bruce and the ESB in full flow. Nearly always played live and a definitive song in trying to explain what the live experience is all about. Must be top 10 surely!18Radio Nowhere
Such a good riff! Keeps you excited the whole way through and its not to hard to play either! A great song with really skilful music :) Definitely my favourite keeps my days exciting!
Catchy and contemporary.. That is why Springsteen has remained relevant and somewhat mainstream. He doesn't stay in the past, his sound evolves with the years. Radio Nowhere is one of his best!
real rock19Darkness on the Edge of Town
This easily makes the top 10 How it’s currently at 24 is beyond me ‘cause this is my top 10 10. “The Promised Land” 9. “Jungleland” 8. “Darkness On The Edge Of Town” 7. “Atlantic City” 6. “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)” 5. “The River” 4. “Badlands” 3. “Racing In The Street” 2. “Thunder Road” 1. “Born To Run”20Brilliant Disguise
This song took balls to write, and should be in the top 10. It's a wonderful glimpse into his personal life with a ton of powerful lyrics. A very sad song, but a fantastic song as well.
You'll know why after listening to it after a breakup. It takes the sting out of it like no other song out there. What more can you ask of music when going through one of the strongest emotions.
My favorite of him at the moment!21Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
Great joy filled song about how the band got together. They play it all of the time.
How is this so low? It's a classic and worthy of at least a top 5 nod!
New Bruce Springsteen Songs
22Human Touch
My most favorite Bruce song, ever! It pertains to society, an individual love, and self-actualization. Thank you, Bruce, so much for writing this beautiful song.
Why is this song so down on the list? I can't believe that.. this songs is so lovely, great, cute, so beautifully written.. it just does not stop being playing in my head..
This is just the best
Yes, this song really needs to be moved up. Forget the meaning, the feelings, the message..this song just flat out ROCKS! Every time I hear this song, it does go on and on..but I don’t want it to end! “so you’ve been broken and been hurt.show me somebody who ain’t”..love it!23I'm Goin' Down
Brilliant song. I haven't been a Bruce fan (mainly due to the fact that I haven't been very familiar with his music-- I'm more of a punk rock gal) but I ADORE this song & make everyone listen to it.
What!? I was expecting to come on this and see I'm going' down at least in the top ten and I see it at 112!24Cover Me
Seriously?! Cover me is No. 56?!
One of his BEST EVER!26My Hometown
Tells a great story with intriguing lyrics, should be ranked higher.
Awesome song should be higher
I think this is number 1
Favourite song!27The Rising
Whenever I think about Bruce Springsteen, I think about the indomitable force of music to make our spirits rise. The Rising surely is one of his bests.
One of his 5 best songs without any doubt. I wonder why it's ranked 20th..
Springsteen touched our hearts with this song. It should be in the top 10, without a doubt
Come on, this has got to be top 20 at least! This is one of his iconic songs!28Adam Raised a Cain
Brilliant guitar.. there’s a reason this was the last song heard in Sons Of Anarchy29Girls in Their Summer Clothes
The melody is beautiful and all the warm references to the small towns in its lyrics just make it an enjoyable peice of music. Magic (2007) was a great album too!
A nice peice of art. It's a beautiful song and Springsteen sounds great in it. It is one of Bruce's most artistic works.
Love it! Another muddy recording. FRUSTATING..30Prove It All Night
Simply beautiful with a fantastic guitar riff. Excellent sound; almost a cry for a new chance. Last verse gets me every time. The underdog trying in desperation to make something of himself for his girl. Fine tune.
Great song. Guitar, sax, piano, great lyrics and dchorus31No Surrender
It's just so beautiful, full of raw emotion. It makes me cry. I considered 'the river' my favourite song of all time for years, till I heard this one. Now it might as well be a tie..
In my opinion this should be in the top 10, a moving classic! 'Like soldiers on a winters night with a vow to defend, no retreat baby no surrender.'
It's a song about freedom, love, and rebellion. It's the ultimate song for anyone young or anyone trying to break away.
Surely has to be one of his better track 'No retreat, no surrender'33The Ghost of Tom Joad
HOW IS THIS NOT IN THE TOP 10?!?!? 1 Most underrated song about the falsehood of the American dream ever made
One of the most beautiful songs with amazing lyrics.
Should be muuch higher..! Great song, great lyrics, great music!
What 114?34Downbound Train
Heartbreaking lyrics, great melody. Typically Springsteen.
Well, this 0.3 % got it right. Blows those country songs away as far as the hopelessness of love lost and the struggle to carry on.35
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Candy's Room
Why do I have to scroll so far down to find this one, come on not No. 50, it's Top 5 easily like come on people
The most particular song ever compsed: a crescendo of sound until reaching the peak of the extasy of love for a woman. Incredibile and unique. No song like this has ever got the same emotion!37Youngstown
'Youngstown' is a great song. One of my favorites with The Boss. It's sad in some way, but I can't explain it. Maybe you know what I mean. Why is it placed so low on this list?
MASTERPIECE. ' Smokestacks reaching like the arm's of God, into a beautiful sky of soot and clay'.
A clasic, who is Bob Dylan?38The Promise
Probably his most underrated song ever. To me, his 2nd after 'The River'.39Cadillac Ranch
A fun song about dating, racing, and the famous Cadillac Ranch on Route 66.41Spirit In the Night
Amazing song - classic Bruce!42We Take Care of Our Own
Great song combined with the new elements of music with classic springsteen quality. Doubtfully the best song ever
This song is the most catchy song of his and surely doesn't deserve to be 21st in the rankings. Definitely in the top 10.
Gotta take care of this. Vote it up!
The most modern of the most modern instances with classic mellodious tunes, first song I heard of bruce springstee!43Long Walk Home
Love this song. Too bad it is recorded so poor.
One of the best song I ever heart44Tunnel of Love
Not a big Sprigsteen fan but the lyrics of this one deserve a higher ranking
46Blood Brothers
48New York City Serenade
Walk tall.. Or better don't walk at all. Great song. Diamond Jackie is what I named my cat cause of this song.
Surprising melody with a lot of style variations. Very beatiful the first passage with the piano.49Mary's Place
Amazing song, the saxophone in this song just gives you goosebumps. It is one of the best songs the E street Band can perform and it really should be in the top 20!
I love the line 7 picture's of Buddha50Bobby Jean
Great song, great lyrics, really emotional. One of the best in the Born in the USA album
One of the best songs written about a lost love you'd wish to meet again. Not as heartbreaking as 'Martha' by Tom Waits but certainly the same leauge.
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