Tougher Than The Rest: Bruce Springsteen’s Unstoppable Journey (2024)

Tougher than the rest, Bruce Springsteen's iconic song that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with people from all walks of life. Its lyrics speak to us about love, perseverance and strength in difficult times.

The Boss' gravelly voice coupled with his soulful harmonica playing sets the tone for a song that tells a story of two lovers facing challenges together. The raw emotion in his words can be felt by anyone who has ever gone through tough times in their relationship or personal life.

But what makes this song so powerful is how it speaks not only to individuals, but also as an anthem for communities and nations going through hardships. It reminds us that we are all capable of being tougher than our struggles – if only we have faith in ourselves and those around us.

If you're looking for inspiration or just want to relive one of Bruce Springsteen's greatest hits, keep reading on!

Bruce Springsteen’s hit song “Tougher Than The Rest” from his album “Tunnel Of Love” has become a fan favorite due to its catchy tune and relatable lyrics. The song speaks about resilience, strength, and the need for acceptance while facing life’s challenges. With an eclectic mix of rockabilly, punk rock, soul music & traditional folk music styles like Celtic or Appalachian ballads – Bruce Springsteen’s unique style is evident in this track. Listening to this classic song can provide several benefits such as mood regulation and inspiration to overcome obstacles in life making it a must-listen track from one of the greatest musicians of our time.

Table of Contents

Tougher Than The Rest: Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen is a well-known American singer-songwriter, who has been active in the music industry for more than five decades. His music showcases his unique style of combining rock and roll with elements of folk, blues, and country. Over the years, his work has garnered critical acclaim from both fans and critics alike.

One of Bruce Springsteen's most popular songs is "Tougher Than The Rest". It was released in 1987 as part of his album "Tunnel Of Love". This song quickly became a fan favorite due to its catchy tune and relatable lyrics.

What Does "Tougher Than The Rest" Mean?

The song talks about a man who describes himself as being tougher than the rest. He acknowledges that he might not be perfect, but he believes that he can handle whatever comes his way. He also admits that he needs someone by his side who understands him and accepts him for who he is.

This song resonates with people because it speaks to their desire to be strong enough to face life's challenges on their own terms while still having someone they can count on when times get tough.

Bruce Springsteen's Unique Style

Bruce Springsteen has always been known for blending different genres together to create something new entirely. His unique sound incorporates elements from rockabilly, punk rock, soul music as well as traditional folk music styles like Celtic or Appalachian ballads – resulting in an eclectic mix that defies classification but ultimately feels familiar all the same.

In "Tougher Than The Rest," we hear this signature mix at its best – combining driving guitar riffs with country-style harmonica solos over a steady drumbeat; it’s easy enough rhythmically without ever feeling simplistic or formulaic thanks largely due again emphasizing lyrics focused around resilience & fortitude (not uncommon themes throughout much of Bruce’s oeuvre).

Comparisons: "Tougher Than The Rest" vs Other Springsteen Songs

Bruce Springsteen has written many great songs throughout his career, but "Tougher Than The Rest" stands out as one of his most memorable. This song is often compared to some of Bruce's other hits like "Born in the USA," "Dancing in the Dark," and "Thunder Road."

While these songs are all excellent examples of Bruce's musical skill, they each have a unique sound and meaning. Whereas “Thunder Road” draws on gospel influences for its uplifting chorus with an undercurrent of disillusionment (“It’s a town full of losers / And I’m pulling outta here to win”), “Dancing In The Dark” is built around synthesizers & electronic drums that give it an almost danceable quality – something very different than what you'll find on any other tracks from Nebraska or Born To Run.

In contrast, “Tougher Than The Rest” doesn't rely on any flashy production tricks; instead, it’s rooted firmly in traditional Americana motifs like harmonicas & acoustic guitars that create an intentionally stripped-down sound. As such this track can be seen as more authentic (in terms either emotionally or sonically) than many others found within Bruce's discography.

Benefits Of Listening To Bruce Springsteen

Listening to music can have several benefits for our mental health and well-being – including improved mood regulation, reduced stress levels.
Here are some reasons why you should consider listing to 'tougher than the rest' by Bruce:

  • Mood Boosting: Music has been shown time again through various studies making us better able to manage negative emotions & increase positive ones
  • Relaxation: Listening before bed along w/ deep breathing exercises help calm down your mind/body creating optimal conditions facilitating restful sleep.
  • Inspiration : he lyrics may inspire listeners who seek motivation overcoming obstacles whether physical or emotional

Conclusion

"Tougher Than The Rest" by Bruce Springsteen is a classic song that has stood the test of time. It's a testament to Bruce's unique style and ability to blend different genres together. This song is relatable, catchy, and has resonated with fans for many years.

Whether you are looking for inspiration or just want to listen to some great music, "Tougher Than The Rest" is a must-listen track from one of the greatest musicians of our time.

FAQs

What is the meaning behind Bruce Springsteen's song "Tougher Than The Rest"?

"Tougher Than The Rest" is a classic rock ballad by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen. Released as a single from his album "Tunnel of Love" in 1988, the song narrates the story of two lovers who are trying to stay strong in their relationship despite facing challenges and hardships.

Springsteen uses powerful lyrics and an emotional delivery to convey a message about resilience and strength in love. He sings about how being tough doesn't always mean showing physical strength but also standing up for one another when times get rough. In essence, it's a tribute to all those couples who have been through thick and thin together.

The song has become somewhat of an anthem for people going through tough times or experiencing heartache as they find comfort in knowing that they are not alone.

How did "Tougher Than The Rest" influence Bruce Springsteen's career?

"Tougher Than The Rest", along with other songs from his album "Tunnel Of Love", marked somewhat of a departure from some of Springsteen's earlier music which had been more politically charged and focused on working-class struggles.

The success of this album allowed him to showcase his romantic side, both lyrically and musically, marking him as more than just another rocker but also an accomplished songwriter capable of tackling different themes with equal skill.

Furthermore, it showed that he was willing to take musical risks by experimenting with new sounds while staying true to himself – something that has continued throughout his illustrious career.

Was there any controversy surrounding the release or reception of "Tougher Than The Rest"?

There wasn't much controversy surrounding this particular song; however, some fans were disappointed when they realised that it differed significantly from some of Springteen’s previous work like Born To Run or Darkness on the Edge Of Town

Some critics were sceptical of Springsteen's new direction, accusing him of selling out or going too mainstream. Many fans were also concerned that he might be moving away from his roots in rock and roll, but the longevity of his career proves otherwise.

Despite some initial reservations, "Tougher Than The Rest" went on to become one of Springsteen's most popular ballads and remains a fan favourite to this day.

How has "Tougher Than The Rest" impacted its listeners?

Springsteen's music has always resonated with audiences across generations. However, "Tougher Than The Rest", in particular, struck a chord with many people who have gone through tough times in their relationships or personal lives.

The song encapsulates the idea that love is not always easy but if you stick together and remain strong; it can withstand any challenge thrown at it. It’s something many couples can relate to as they face ups and downs together throughout their journey

The emotional delivery combined with powerful lyrics makes for an uplifting listening experience that encourages us all to keep pushing forward despite adversity.

What other songs by Bruce Springsteen explore similar themes as "Tougher Than The Rest"?

Springteen is known for being one of America’s greatest songwriters ever – With every album he releases telling different stories about different parts of American Life.
There are several songs from Bruce springteen which explores similar themes as “toughest than the rest”. Some examples include:

  1. Brilliant Disguise
  2. One Step Up
  3. If I Should fall Behind
  4. Human Touch

These tracks showcase his talent when it comes to writing about love while exploring its complexities from various angles – whether dealing with unrequited love or heartbreaks

His ability to write such relatable lyrics while still retaining authenticity has made him a beloved musician among millions worldwide.

Tougher Than The Rest: Bruce Springsteen’s Unstoppable Journey (2024)

FAQs

What does tougher than the rest means? ›

“Tougher Than the Rest” is a song about falling in love as an adult, when the heart has already been bruised. The narrator is alone in a bar on a Saturday night, when he spots someone else in the same situation.

How do I message Bruce Springsteen? ›

Fans interested in writing to Springsteen can visit LetterToBruce.net where you can scroll through a variety of letters from fans around the world. Letter To You is out now and is available via all major digital platforms here.

Who wrote tougher than the rest? ›

Image of Who wrote tougher than the rest?
Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen is an American singer and songwriter. He has released 21 studio albums during a career spanning six decades, most of which feature his backing band, the E Street Band.
Wikipedia

Who wrote if I should fall behind? ›

Springsteen has said he wrote “If I Should Fall Behind” soon after Evan's birth. “It took me a long time to write this song,” said Springsteen when introducing it at a show at the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio, in August 1992.

What is the other meaning of tougher? ›

vigorous; severe; violent: a tough struggle. vicious; rough; rowdyish: a tough character;a tough neighborhood. practical, realistic, and lacking in sentimentality; tough-minded.

What does it mean to be tougher? ›

not easily influenced, as a person; unyielding; stubborn:a tough man to work for. hardened; incorrigible: a tough criminal. difficult to perform, accomplish, or deal with; hard, trying, or troublesome: a tough problem. hard to bear or endure (often used ironically): tough luck.

How much does it cost to hire Bruce Springsteen? ›

An example fee to book Bruce in the USA is in the starting range of $7,500-$14,999. However, any recent popularity change would cause a price fluctuation well beyond this example. Also, their speaking fee might be different than the fee shown for the cost to perform or to just appear.

What are Bruce Springsteen fans called? ›

Bruce Tramps

Did Elvis know about Bruce Springsteen? ›

2. But Presley reportedly knew of Springsteen and his music. As one of his childhood friends, George "GK" Klein, recounted on SiriusXM's Elvis Radio, "He liked Springsteen. ... [Springsteen] came on the scene real quick and hard and heavy, and Elvis liked [him] because he was a rock 'n' roller."

What year was tougher than the rest released? ›

Who has covered tougher than the rest? ›

Cover versions

A cover by Chris LeDoux peaked at number 67 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in 1995. Other cover versions have been recorded by Title Tracks, Everything but the Girl, The Mendoza Line, Darren Hayes, Travis Tritt, Shawn Colvin, Angel Olsen and Camera Obscura.

Did Dolly Parton write most of her songs? ›

Dolly Parton estimates that she has written close to 3,000 songs throughout her illustrious seven-decade career. While 450 of those songs have been recorded, Parton hasn't always been the artist to sing them: Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Jr.

Who wrote Lose Yourself riff? ›

Lose Yourself
"Lose Yourself"
LabelShady Interscope
Composer(s)Marshall Mathers Jeff Bass Luis Resto
Lyricist(s)Marshall Mathers
Producer(s)Eminem Jeff Bass Luis Resto
16 more rows

Who wrote listen the snow is falling? ›

"Listen, the Snow Is Falling" is a song written by Yoko Ono and recorded by Ono and the Plastic Ono Band that was first released as the B-side of John Lennon's 1971 single "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." A version of the song was later released on a reissue of Lennon and Ono's Wedding Album and was covered by Galaxie 500.

Who wrote if I fell in love? ›

What do you call a tough person? ›

synonyms for tough guy

On this page you'll find 31 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to tough guy, such as: hooligan, thug, bozo, bruiser, dope, and gorilla.

What does life is tougher mean? ›

It means knowing that there are going to be situations in life that will be stressful, traumatic, and hard. Instead of curling up inside of ourselves and giving up, tough is fighting and refusing to back down.

What word can replace tough? ›

  • difficult.
  • challenging.
  • hard.
  • rigorous.
  • formidable.
  • demanding.
  • rough.
  • complicated.

How can I be tougher in life? ›

5 Ways to become more MENTALLY TOUGH
  1. Do the hard things first. Pick your weakest spot and work on it first every practice. ...
  2. Be specific. If you want to work on upper body strength, write down the specific number of push-ups you will do. ...
  3. Be accountable. ...
  4. Deal with problems. ...
  5. Guard your thoughts.

What makes people tougher? ›

Emotional intelligence is the cornerstone of mental toughness. You cannot be mentally tough without the ability to fully understand and tolerate strong negative emotions and do something productive with them. Moments that test your mental toughness are ultimately testing your emotional intelligence (EQ).

What is a tough person like? ›

A tough person is strong and determined, and can tolerate difficulty or suffering. She built up a reputation as being a tough, but fair businesswoman. Synonyms: strong, determined, aggressive, high-powered More Synonyms of tough. toughness uncountable noun.

Who is the most expensive singer to hire? ›

Taylor Swift

She is arguably one of the most famous and successful artists in the world and is reportedly worth $365million. It is easy to see why she charges $1million pounds per performance!

How much does Springsteen make in royalties? ›

In a year of limited touring, all but three of music's top ten earners last year enjoyed their status on the list because of rights deals with record labels and private equity firms. Rolling Stone's list includes five famous rockers, among hip-hop, country and pop royalty: Bruce Springsteen - $590 million.

How much does Bruce Springsteen make per concert? ›

Based on the ticket price, Springsteen stands to earn about $4 million per show – and as much as $120 million for the U.S. leg of the tour.

Who is the biggest Bruce Springsteen fan? ›

Bruce Springsteen's biggest fan – 91-year-old Jeanne Heintz – was rewarded for her loyalty this week when she pulled on stage by the singer. Jeanne, who could give Directioners a run for their money, has been to over 100 of Bruce's shows over the years, starting in 1988.

What is the average age of Bruce Springsteen fans? ›

AVERAGE DEMOGRAPHIC: While he is a true icon to millions of middle-aged white men, Springsteen's broader fan base is made up of both men and women between the ages of 35 to 60 who've followed his career for some time, or at least since 1984's Born in the USA.

Did Bruce Springsteen like the Beatles? ›

Nothing was ever the same for him from that point, and The Beatles were his musical drug of choice. Springsteen has been fortunate enough to share the stage with Paul McCartney throughout his career and now calls him a friend but, in terms of creative preference, he was always more of a John Lennon fan.

Who did Elvis think was the king of rock? ›

He invited Domino to the press conference and when one reporter referred to him as “The King of Rock 'n' Roll,” Elvis pulled the room's focus to Fats Domino, insinuating that he was the true King. “[Domino] was one of my influences from way back,” said Presley.

What did Bruce Springsteen say about Elvis? ›

He later recalled: “I remember later, when a friend of mine called to tell me that he'd died, it was so hard to understand how somebody whose music came in and took away so many people's loneliness and gave so many people a reason and a sense of the possibilities of living could have, in the end, died so tragically.”

What is the oldest heavy song? ›

Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild (1968)

The first song to actually feature the words “heavy metal” in it (although not in the context we are used to) has become phenomenally popular right from the start. It had all the “metal” elements in it that can be later heard in bands like Judas Priest or Iron Maiden.

What was the longest song in 1968? ›

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.

When was the oldest song in the world released? ›

Seikilos Epitaph

Although there are pieces of music older than the Seikilos Epitaph, it is the oldest complete song ever found. The song's lyrics and melody are complete and were found engraved on a funerary stele. The date of the song ranges between 200 BCE to 100 CE, but the first century is the more accepted date.

Who is the most covered band in history? ›

The Beatles has one of the most copied catalogs in music history, so it's perhaps no surprise that this one made the Guinness Book of Records at a staggering 7 million covers. Joan Baez, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Liberace, En Vogue, Boyz II Men, and…

What is the most covered song in history Guinness Book of Records? ›

According to Guinness World Records, “Yesterday” has the most cover versions of any song ever written. The song remains popular today with more than 1,600 recorded cover versions. Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) asserts that it was performed over seven million times in the 20th century alone.

What rock band has the most covers? ›

And while Presley may not top the list with the most covers, the King of Rock and Roll does sit near the top. The Beatles are at the top of the list with the most covers. Many many artists over the years, from all over the world, covered as many as 200 Beatles songs, with a total of 20,185 covers.

What is Dolly Parton's favorite song that she wrote? ›

Parton has often cited “Coat of Many Colors” as one of her favorite songs that she has ever written. “My favorite, favorite song from a very personal level is 'Coat of Many Colors,'” shared Parton, who added that the song is often used to teach grammar in schools in Tennessee as well as anti-bullying.

Does Dolly Parton have tattoos? ›

The short answer is yes. However, Dolly admitted in 2020 that her designs are "tasteful" and "little". "I do have some tattoos, that's true. But they're tasteful.

What is Dolly Parton's real first name? ›

Dolly Rebecca Parton is born to Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Parton near Sevierville, Tennessee.

Who did Van Halen sue for stealing a riff? ›

In 1989, Van Halen sued rap group The 2 Live Crew for stealing the riff from this for their song "The F--k Shop" (The Clean Version was called "The Funk Shop."). The 2 Live Crew ended up selling millions of albums with the song when they became involved in a censorship controversy over their lyrics.

Who is Eminem married to now? ›

Is 8 Mile the movie based on a true story? ›

The film, which contains autobiographical elements from Eminem's life, follows white rapper Jimmy Smith Jr. aka B-Rabbit (Eminem) and his attempt to launch a career in hip hop, a music genre dominated by African-Americans.

Who wrote Happy Xmas war is over? ›

Who wrote cold rain and snow? ›

What do the lyrics of Let It Snow mean? ›

It's about making the most of a snowy day by spending it with a loved one by the fire, even though Christmas is not mentioned in the lyrics. Instead of going to the beach, they stayed at wrote a winter song!

Who wrote I'm happy just to dance with you? ›

Who wrote If I Fell Lennon or McCartney? ›

Who wrote to make you feel my love Bob Dylan? ›

"Make You Feel My Love", also known as "To Make You Feel My Love", is a song written by Bob Dylan for his album Time Out of Mind, released in September 1997. It was first released commercially in August 1997 by Billy Joel for his compilation album Greatest Hits Volume III.

What is the word for being better than the rest? ›

Some common synonyms of exceed are excel, outdo, outstrip, surpass, and transcend.

How do you use tougher in a sentence? ›

Tougher Sentence Examples. He couldn't help thinking his mama had been a little tougher when she found out about the Immortals. She's tougher than Cynthia Byrne used to be. In metal bridges wrought iron has been replaced by mild steel - a stronger, tougher and better material.

What is another word for better than rest? ›

Synonyms
  • surpass. verb. to be better or greater than something else.
  • outdo. verb. to be better than someone else at doing something.
  • rise above. phrasal verb. to be better than other things of the same type.
  • beat. verb. ...
  • outshine. verb. ...
  • overtake. verb. ...
  • be more than a match for someone. phrase. ...
  • be in a class of your/its own. phrase.

What does better than the rest mean? ›

much better than other similar people or things.

What is it called when someone acts like they are better? ›

adjective. someone who is arrogant thinks they are better or more important than other people and behaves in a way that is rude and too confident.

What do you call someone who always tries their best? ›

There are a couple of words that basically mean the same thing as sedulous but are a little more common, namely assiduous, painstaking, and diligent.

What is it called when you have to be better than everyone? ›

A superiority complex is a belief that your abilities or accomplishments are somehow dramatically better than other people's.

What kind of word is tougher? ›

Tougher is an adjective - Word Type.

Do we say tougher or more tough? ›

The adjective tough becomes tougher in the comparative, and toughest in the superlative. The associated noun is toughness. Sometimes, tough is a verb.

What is an example of a simple sentence? ›

Simple Sentences

A simple sentence has the most basic elements that make it a sentence: a subject, a verb, and a completed thought. Examples of simple sentences include the following: Joe waited for the train. The train was late.

What do you call someone that thinks they know everything? ›

Definitions of know-it-all. someone who thinks he knows everything and refuses to accept advice or information from others. synonyms: know-all. type of: egoist, egotist, swellhead. a conceited and self-centered person.

What do you call someone who thinks they are smarter than everyone else? ›

One of the most common words to describe someone who thinks they are better than someone else is arrogant. Another very common word to describe such a person is proud. I can't stand how arrogant he is! Don't be too proud to admit you're wrong. The opposite of arrogant is humble.

What is the word for thinking you are superior? ›

arrogance. noun. behaviour that shows that you think you are better or more important than other people.

What is the meaning of do your best and leave the rest to God? ›

so finally, it means that you want something then you do your part but god will decide whether to give it to you or not or give you something else. so you have to leave that part to God, you should not be worried about that and should trust God.

What is the meaning of rest in the Bible? ›

Rest is defined as “peace, ease or refreshment.” the Bible speaks quite highly of rest. Its repeated all throughout Scripture, beginning with the creation story in Genesis 1 and 2. We see that God created for six days straight and then he rested on the seventh.

What words mean rest in the Bible? ›

anesis, "relaxation" ( 2 Thessalonians 1:7 ). Gr. sabbatismos, a Sabbath rest, a rest from all work ( Hebrews 4:9 ; RSV, "sabbath"), a rest like that of God when he had finished the work of creation. These dictionary topics are from.

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