Lyrics

FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD)

Album version


Where the road is dark and the seed is sowed
Where the gun is cocked and the bullet's cold
Where the miles are marked in blood and gold
I'll meet you further on up the road

Got on my dead man's suit and my smiling skull ring
My lucky graveyard boots and a song to sing
I got a song to sing to keep me out of the cold
And I'll meet you further on up the road

Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Where the way is dark and the night is cold
One sunny morning we'll rise I know
And I'll meet you further on up the road

Now I been out in the desert just doing my time
Searching through the dust looking for a sign
If there's a light up ahead, well brother I don't know
But I got this fever burning in my soul
So let's take the good times as they go
And I'll meet you further on up the road

Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
One sunny morning we'll rise I know
And I'll meet you further on up the road
One sunny morning we'll rise I know
And I'll meet you further on up the road

Info

FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) is a song written by Bruce Springsteen and released on his 2002 album The Rising. The above lyrics are for Bruce Springsteen's album version of FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) as released on The Rising.

Writing and Recording

FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was probably written in early 1999; the song first appeared during the private rehearsals that took place in March 1999 in Asbury Park in preparation for The Reunion Tour. The line "Where the road is dark and the seed is sowed" would later appear in ALL I'M THINKIN' ABOUT and the lines "Got on my dead man's suit and my smiling skull ring / My lucky graveyard boots and a song to sing" would later appear in MARIA'S BED.

The album version of FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was recorded between January and March 2002 at Southern Tracks in Atlanta, GA, although an earlier studio version with the E Street Band from March 2001 may exist in the vaults.

The Rising

The Rising is Bruce Springsteen's 12th studio album, released on 30 Jul 2002 on Columbia Records. It's Springsteen's first studio album in seven years and his first with the E Street Band in 18 years. The album was produced and mixed by Brendan O'Brien and recorded with the E Street Band between January and March 2002 at Southern Tracks in Atlanta, GA. It won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2003, and was also nominated for the Album Of The Year award.

Bruce Springsteen -- The Rising
Bruce Springsteen -- The Rising

The album features 15 new Springsteen compositions and clocks at 72:52.

Other Official Releases

Other versions of FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) were also officially released.

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Madison Square Garden, New York 07/01/2000
The live 01 Jul 2000 version of FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was released on the Madison Square Garden, New York 07/01/2000 official live download in 2017.
Bruce Springsteen -- Schottenstein Center, Ohio 2005
The live 31 Jul 2005 version of FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was released on the Schottenstein Center, Ohio 2005 official live download in 2015.
Bruce Springsteen -- Van Andel Arena, Michigan 2005
The live 03 Aug 2005 version of FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was released on the Van Andel Arena, Michigan 2005 official live download in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen -- Sovereign Bank Arena, Trenton, NJ 2005
The live 22 Nov 2005 version of FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was released on the Sovereign Bank Arena, Trenton, NJ 2005 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen with The Sessions Band -- Live In Dublin
The live 17 Nov 2006 version of FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was released on the Live In Dublin album and home video in 2007.

Live History: on-tour

In preparation for The Reunion Tour, FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) is known to have been practiced during at one of the private rehearsals that took place in March 1999 in Asbury Park prior to the tour's first leg.

List of The Reunion Tour rehearsals performances

  1. 11 Mar 1999 at Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ (private rehearsal)

FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was performed 8 times during what is known as The Reunion Tour (132 dates, April 1999 to July 2000), all in the tour's last month. Note that the song was practiced several times during the sound-checks earlier in the tour (starting from 08 Apr 2000 in St. Louis, MO, as far as it's known) before it made its public world debut.

List of The Reunion Tour performances

  1. 04 Jun 2000 at Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA
  2. 12 Jun 2000 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
  3. 15 Jun 2000 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
  4. 17 Jun 2000 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
  5. 20 Jun 2000 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
  6. 22 Jun 2000 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
  7. 26 Jun 2000 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
  8. 01 Jul 2000 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY

In preparation for The Rising Tour, FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) is known to have been practiced during at least one of the private rehearsals that took place in July 2002 in Asbury Park prior to the tour's first leg.

List of The Rising Tour rehearsals performances

  1. 23 Jul 2002 at Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ (private rehearsal)

FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was performed X times during The Rising Tour (120 dates, August 2002 to October 2003). Note that the song was practiced several times during the sound-checks earlier in the tour (starting from 15 Aug 2002 in Auburn Hills, MI, as far as it's known) before it made its public tour debut.

List of The Rising Tour performances

  1. 30 Sep 2002 at Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, MN
  2. 06 Oct 2002 at First Union Center, Philadelphia, PA
  3. 07 Oct 2002 at HSBC Arena, Buffalo, NY
  4. 14 Oct 2002 at Palais Omnisports De Paris-Bercy, Paris, France
  5. 03 Nov 2002 at American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
  6. 10 Jun 2003 at Olympiastadion, Munich, Germany
  7. 06 Aug 2003 at PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
  8. 07 Sep 2003 at Fenway Park, Boston, MA

In preparation for the Devils & Dust Solo Acoustic Tour, FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was performed during two of the tour's two public warm-up rehearsal shows that took place in April 2005 in Asbury Park. The song is also known to have been practiced during at least two of the private rehearsals that took place in March and April 2005 in Asbury Park prior to the tour's first leg.

List of Devils & Dust Solo Acoustic Tour rehearsals performances

  1. 15 Apr 2005 at Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park, NJ (private rehearsal)
  2. 20 Apr 2005 at Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park, NJ (private rehearsal)
  3. 21 Apr 2005 at Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park, NJ (public rehearsal)
  4. 22 Apr 2005 at Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park, NJ (public rehearsal)

FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was performed 39 times during the Devils & Dust Solo Acoustic Tour (72 dates, April to November 2005). The song was played in a solo acoustic guitar arrangement. The live 31 Jul 2005 version of FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was released on the Schottenstein Center, Ohio 2005 official live download in 2015. The live 03 Aug 2005 version of FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was released on the Van Andel Arena, Michigan 2005 official live download in 2018. The live 22 Nov 2005 version of FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was released on the Sovereign Bank Arena, Trenton, NJ 2005 official live download in 2019.

List of Devils & Dust Solo Acoustic Tour performances

  1. 25 Apr 2005 at Fox Theatre, Detroit, MI
  2. 28 Apr 2005 at Nokia Live At Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie, TX
  3. 30 Apr 2005 at Glendale Arena, Glendale, AZ
  4. 02 May 2005 at Pantages Theatre, Hollywood, CA
  5. 03 May 2005 at Pantages Theatre, Hollywood, CA
  6. 05 May 2005 at Oakland Paramount Theatre, Oakland, CA
  7. 07 May 2005 at Colorado Convention Center Lecture Hall, Denver, CO
  8. 10 May 2005 at Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, MN
  9. 11 May 2005 at Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont, IL
  10. 14 May 2005 at Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA
  11. 15 May 2005 at Wolstein Center At Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH
  12. 17 May 2005 at Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA
  13. 19 May 2005 at The Theater At Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
  14. 20 May 2005 at Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA
  15. 24 May 2005 at Point Theatre, Dublin, Ireland
  16. 27 May 2005 at Royal Albert Hall, London, England
  17. 28 May 2005 at Royal Albert Hall, London, England
  18. 30 May 2005 at Forest National, Brussels, Belgium
  19. 01 Jun 2005 at Pavelló Olímpic De Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
  20. 02 Jun 2005 at Palacio De Deportes De La Comunidad De Madrid, Madrid, Spain
  21. 04 Jun 2005 at Palamalaguti, Bologna, Italy
  22. 13 Jun 2005 at Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany
  23. 15 Jun 2005 at Festhalle, Frankfurt, Germany
  24. 16 Jun 2005 at Philipshalle, Dusseldorf, Germany
  25. 19 Jun 2005 at Sportpaleis Ahoy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  26. 20 Jun 2005 at Palais Omnisports De Paris-Bercy, Paris, France
  27. 22 Jun 2005 at Forum København, Copenhagen, Denmark
  28. 14 Jul 2005 at Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Canada
  29. 24 Jul 2005 at Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, NC
  30. 31 Jul 2005 at Value City Theatre, Columbus, OH
  31. 03 Aug 2005 at Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
  32. 06 Oct 2005 at Blue Cross Arena At The War Memorial, Rochester, NY
  33. 13 Oct 2005 at United Center, Chicago, IL
  34. 15 Oct 2005 at Dane County Arena At Alliant Center, Madison, WI
  35. 30 Oct 2005 at TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, MA
  36. 08 Nov 2005 at Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
  37. 13 Nov 2005 at Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ
  38. 16 Nov 2005 at Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
  39. 22 Nov 2005 at Sovereign Bank Arena, Trenton, NJ

In preparation for The Seeger Sessions Tour, FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) is also known to have been practiced during at least one of the private rehearsals that took place in Mar-Apr 2006 in Asbury Park prior to the tour's first leg, and during at least two of the private rehearsals that took place in September 2006 in Asbury Park prior to the tour's second European leg.

List of The Seeger Sessions Tour rehearsals performances

  1. 20 Mar 2006 at Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park, NJ (private rehearsal)
  2. 19 Sep 2006 at Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park, NJ (private rehearsal)
  3. 20 Sep 2006 at Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park, NJ (private rehearsal)

FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was performed 15 times during The Seeger Sessions Tour (56 dates, April to November 2006). The song was played in a radically revamped full-band arrangement. The live 13 Jun 2006 version features several unique lyrics including an extra verse. The live 17 Nov 2006 version of FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was released on the Live In Dublin album and home video in 2007.

List of The Seeger Sessions Tour performances

  1. 13 Jun 2006 at First Midwest Bank Amphitheater, Tinley Park, IL
  2. 14 Jun 2006 at Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI
  3. 17 Jun 2006 at DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
  4. 19 Jun 2006 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY
  5. 02 Oct 2006 at Palaisozaki, Torino, Italy
  6. 07 Oct 2006 at Arena Santa Giuliana, Perugia, Italy
  7. 22 Oct 2006 at Plaza De Toros De Granada, Granada, Spain
  8. 25 Oct 2006 at Pabellón Deportivo, Santander, Spain
  9. 29 Oct 2006 at Oslo Spektrum, Oslo, Norway
  10. 30 Oct 2006 at Globe Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
  11. 07 Nov 2006 at Sportpaleis, Antwerp, Belgium
  12. 09 Nov 2006 at The NEC Arena, Birmingham, England
  13. 12 Nov 2006 at Wembley Arena, London, England
  14. 17 Nov 2006 at Point Theatre, Dublin, Ireland
  15. 19 Nov 2006 at Point Theatre, Dublin, Ireland

Live History: off-tour

FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was performed off-tour on 19 Dec 2004 at Harry's Roadhouse in Asbury Park, NJ, during both holiday jam shows that took place that day.

List of off-tour performances

  1. 19 Dec 2004 (early show) at Harry's Roadhouse, Asbury Park, NJ
  2. 19 Dec 2004 (late show) at Harry's Roadhouse, Asbury Park, NJ

Between 2002 and 2011, Bruce Springsteen played private benefit shows for schools and colleges that his kids attended ─ Rumson Country Day School of Rumson, NJ, and Ranney School of Tinton Falls, NJ, and Boston College of Chestnut Hill, MA. FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was performed at 5 of these fundraisers, always at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ, and backed by Bobby Bandiera and his band.

List of 2002-2011 private school benefit shows performances

  1. 10 Apr 2005 at The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ (during a private fundraiser for Rumson Country Day School)
  2. 02 May 2006 at The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ (during a private fundraiser for Rumson Country Day School)
  3. 17 Sep 2006 at The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ (during a private fundraiser for Ranney School)
  4. 29 Apr 2007 at The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ (during a private fundraiser for Ranney School)
  5. 17 Oct 2009 at The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ (during a private fundraiser for Boston College)

Bruce Springsteen appeared at a total of six Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers concerts at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, in 2010, 2011, and 2014. FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) was performed on 23 May 2014. The song was played in a solo acoustic arrangement.

List of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum performances

  1. 23 May 2014 at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, Pittsburgh, PA

Covers

At least 13 artists have recorded and released Bruce Springsteen's FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD).

Red Velvet Stereo -- Some Things Never Change
Red Velvet Stereo -- Some Things Never Change

CD - no label (mrr 04-0317001-01) - USA, 2004
Miami & The Groovers -- Dirty Roads
Miami & The Groovers -- Dirty Roads

CD - no label (unknown catalog number) - Italy, 2005
Johnny Cash -- American V: A Hundred Highways
Johnny Cash -- American V: A Hundred Highways

LP - American Recordings / Lost Highway (B0002769-01) - USA, 2006
CD - American Recordings / Lost Highway (B0002769-02) - USA, 2006
Big Fat Teddy -- Hurt
Big Fat Teddy -- Hurt

CD - Back Seat Vinyl (no catalog number) - USA, 2008
Big Fat Teddy -- Hurt
Big Fat Teddy -- Hurt

CD - Back Seat Vinyl (no catalog number) - USA, 2008

Include three Bruce Springsteen covers: FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD), HIGHWAY PATROLMAN, and STATE TROOPER.
The Outliers -- It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time
The Outliers -- It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time

CD - The Outliers (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2008
Andrew Nicholson -- Driving All Night: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Volume II
Andrew Nicholson -- Driving All Night: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Volume II

CD - no label (no catalog number) - UK, 2009

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Michael Reed -- Way Round Trip
Michael Reed -- Way Round Trip

CD - Only The Hunter (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2009
Tom Brooksby -- Brooksby Does Bruce
Tom Brooksby -- Brooksby Does Bruce

CD - unknown label (unknown catalog number) - UK, 2009

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Broken Circle Breakdown Bluegrass Band -- The Broken Circle Breakdown
The Broken Circle Breakdown Bluegrass Band -- The Broken Circle Breakdown

CD - Universal (unknown catalog number) - Belgium, 2012

This is a soundtrack album for the Belgian film The Broken Circle Breakdown. FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) does not appear in the movie.
Karsten Holm & Cash Trioen -- Ring Of Fire
Karsten Holm & Cash Trioen -- Ring Of Fire

CD - no label (unknown catalog number) - Denmark, 2013
Beards'N'Hats -- Whispers From The Past
Beards'N'Hats -- Whispers From The Past

Digital album - Moonshine Media Lab (unknown catalog number) - Sweden, 2014

This is a download-only digital album.
Various artists -- Bruce Springsteen Tribute (Rauch Auf Dem Wasser - Edition)
Various artists -- Bruce Springsteen Tribute (Rauch Auf Dem Wasser - Edition)

CD - Coaast TMP (no catalog number) - Germany, 2014

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) is performed by Bad Penny.

Available Versions

List of available versions of FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) on this website:

FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) [Album version]
FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) [Live 14 Oct 2002 version]
FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) [Live 31 Jul 2005 version]
FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) [Live 13 Jun 2006 version]
FURTHER ON (UP THE ROAD) [Live 17 Nov 2006 version]
Page last updated: 13 Oct 2015