STREETS OF PHILADELPHIA

I was bruised and battered and I couldn't tell what I felt
I was unrecognizable to myself
Saw my reflection in a window I didn't know my own face
Oh brother are you gonna leave me wastin' away
On the streets of Philadelphia

I walked the avenue 'til my legs felt like stone
I heard the voices of friends vanished and gone
At night I could hear the blood in my veins
Just as black and whispering as the rain
On the streets of Philadelphia

Ain't no angel gonna greet me
It's just you and I my friend
And my clothes don't fit me no more
I walked a thousand miles
just to slip this skin

The night has fallen, I'm lyin' awake
I can feel myself fading away
So receive me brother with your faithless kiss
or will we leave each other alone like this
On the streets of Philadelphia

Bruce Springsteen composed STREETS OF PHILADELPHIA, the emotionally charged title track for the movie Philadelphia in 1994. The song won 1995 Grammy awards for Song Of The Year, Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, Best Rock Song, and Best Song Written Specially For A Motion Picture Or Television. It was also nominated for Record Of The Year. Was later included on Greatest Hits, played during the The Ghost Of Tom Joad and Reunion tour, plus some off-tour performances.

Also included on singles in 1994, 1995, and 1997 with IF I SHOULD FALL BEHIND (22 Sep 1992), GROWIN' UP (22 Sep 1992), THE BIG MUDDY (22 Sep 1992), ATLANTIC CITY (22 Sep 1992), LIGHT OF DAY (22 Sep 1992), HUNGRY HEART, HUNGRY HEART (09 Jul 1995), THUNDER ROAD (05 Apr 1995), MURDER INCORPORATED (05 Apr 1995), SECRET GARDEN, BLOOD BROTHERS, and others...

Available on:

1. Greatest Hits (track 14)
2. The Essential Bruce Springsteen (disc 2- track 9)
3. The Soundtrack of the motion picture: Philadelphia - 1993 (track 1)
4. Tribute 1997: One Step Up / Two Steps Back: The Songs Of Bruce Springsteen (disc 2- track 14), performed by Richie Havens

Liner notes by Bruce Springsteen in the Greatest Hits booklet:

Jonathan Oemme asked me for a song for his movie. (I'd like to thank the Academy!!)

Liner notes from the One Step Up / Two Steps Back: The Songs Of Bruce Springsteen tribute booklet:

I have always loved the depth of Bruce's writing. He has a special ability few writers have. He's a "Great writer" - having the ability to chronicle our life and times, in an incredible clear and accessible way - I call him the Carl Sandberg of our generation... each song an entire novel.

-Richie Havens