BADLANDS

Album version

Lights out tonight, trouble in the heartland
Got a head-on collision smashing in my guts man
I'm caught in a crossfire that I don't understand
But there's one thing I know for sure
Girl, I don't give a damn for the same old played out scenes
Baby, I don't give a damn for just the in-betweens
Honey, I want the heart, I want the soul, I want control right now

You better listen to me baby, talk about a dream, try to make it real
You wake up in the night with a fear so real
You spend your life waiting for a moment that just don't come
Well don't waste your time waiting

Badlands, you gotta live it every day
Let the broken hearts stand as the price you've gotta pay
We'll keep pushing till it's understood
And these badlands start treating us good

Working in the field till you get your back burned
Working 'neath the wheels till you get your facts learned
Baby, I got my facts learned real good right now
You better get it straight, darling
Poor man wanna be rich, rich man wanna be king
And a king ain't satisfied till he rules everything
I wanna go out tonight, I wanna find out what I got

Well I believe in the love that you gave me
I believe in the faith that could save me
I believe in the hope and I pray that some day it may raise me above these

Badlands, you gotta live it every day
Let the broken hearts stand as the price you've gotta pay
Keep pushing till it's understood
And these badlands start treating us good
Awhoa whoa whoa whoa

[Guitar instrumental]
[Saxophone instrumental]

Mmmmmmmmm
Mmmmmmmmm
Mmmmmmmmm
Mmmmmmmmm
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
I wanna find one face that ain't looking through me
I wanna find one place, I wanna spit in the face of these

Badlands, you gotta live it every day
Let the broken hearts stand as the price you've gotta pay
Keep moving till it's understood
And these badlands start treating us good
Awhoa whoa whoa whoa
Badlands, awhoa whoa whoa whoa
Badlands, awhoa whoa whoa whoa
Badlands, awhoa whoa whoa whoa
Badlands, awhoa whoa whoa whoa
Badlands, awhoa whoa whoa whoa
Badlands...
[Fades out]

PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Info

BADLANDS is a song written by Bruce Springsteen and released on his 1978 album Darkness On The Edge Of Town. The song was also the album's second single. The above lyrics are for Bruce Springsteen's album version of BADLANDS as released in 1978.

The album version of BADLANDS was included on the Greatest Hits (1995 edition) compilation album, The Essential Bruce Springsteen (both 2003 and 2015 editions) compilation album, the Greatest Hits (2009 editions) compilation album, the Collection: 1973-2012 compilation album, the Chapter And Verse compilation album, the Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits- compilation album, and the Best Of Bruce Springsteen compilation album.

Writing and Recording

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The line "I wanna go out tonight, I wanna find out what I got" was also used in ICEMAN.

Circulating Studio Versions

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Darkness On The Edge Of Town

Despite the marvelous reception received by both Born To Run and the tour which followed, the relationship between Bruce Springsteen and his now former manager and producer Mike Appel was deteriorating. In July 1976 the storm broke; Mike Appel wrote to Springsteen saying that he would not allow Jon Landau (Springsteen's friend and co-producer of Born To Run) to produce the next album, citing a particular paragraph from their original agreement. Bruce replied on 27 Jul 1976 by firing manager Mike Appel and suing him and his management company Laurel Canyon Ltd. in Federal Court in Manhattan, claiming fraud, breach of trust, and undue influence. Appel countersued on 29 Jul 1976 in New York State Supreme Court, asking the court to prohibit Springsteen and Jon Landau from working together in studio. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band were slated to enter the studio that year for the recording of a new album, except that on 15 Sep 1976 the judge in the lawsuits case ruled that Springsteen was enjoined from any further recording with Columbia Records until Appel's suit was resolved. This would drag for about a year.

Meanwhile, Springsteen continued gigging, and in the process broke his self-imposed rule of not playing the larger arenas. This was basically because he was not able to put a record out, and it was the only way his fans would be able to hear him at all.

Bruce Springsteen reached a final settlement in his yearlong litigation with Mike Appel on 28 May 1977. Effectively this meant that for the first time in a year Springsteen was able to go into a studio and record. The Darkness On The Edge Of Town recording sessions kicked off in early June 1977 at Atlantic Studios in New York City, NY, and later shifted to The Record Plant in New York City, NY. Springsteen had a considerable amount of new material, but the songs were in various stages of writing completion. Consequently many of the songs were shaped over the course of numerous sessions spanning several months.

The sessions at Atlantic Studios were only two or three weeks old when problems surfaced. Springsteen didn't like the sound he was getting from the studio, particularly the drums. On top of that Atlantic Studios did not offer a particularly comfortable or livable environment for the musicians. A decision was taken to shift operations to the nearby Record Plant where most of the Born To Run album had been recorded. However financial commitments to Atlantic Studios were already made, and on such short notice it was hard to find un-booked studio time at the popular Record Plant. Consequently the Jul-Aug 1977 period saw Springsteen and the band recording at both studios, but mostly Atlantic Studios. From September to late December, all the recording seems to have taken place at The Record Plant, where all the recordings issued on the original album emanate from.

The actual recording sessions for Darkness On The Edge Of Town were completed by early January 1978. The mixing sessions began in early January 1978 and dragged on until late March. There was a tremendous amount of different mixes considered, with Springsteen changing his mind on the mix of THE PROMISED LAND as late as early April.

Darkness On The Edge Of Town was released on Columbia Records on 02 Jun 1978. It was produced by Bruce Springsteen and Jon Landau.

Bruce Springsteen -- Darkness On The Edge Of Town

The album features 10 new Springsteen compositions and clocks at 42:55.

Single Release

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Bruce Springsteen -- Badlands

7" single - CBS / Sony (06SP 356) - Japan, 1978

Comes with a picture insert. Promotional copies are identical to the commercial ones with the exception of "NOT FOR SALE / SAMPLE" (in Japanese) imprint above the catalogue number on the labels and the labels are white instead of orange.

A1- BADLANDS
B1- STREETS OF FIRE

Bruce Springsteen -- Born To Run

7" single - CBS / Sony (06SP 363) - Japan, 1979

Comes with a picture insert.

A1- BORN TO RUN
B1- BADLANDS

Greatest Hits 1995 Edition

Greatest Hits (1995 edition) is a collection of some of Bruce Springsteen's hit singles and popular album tracks through the years, in addition to four previously unreleased songs, three of which were recorded with the E Street Band in 1995 — Springsteen's first release with his backing band since the late eighties. Some of the songs on Greatest Hits are shorter versions of the original album releases.

In 1994, Bruce Springsteen recorded an album with members of the 1992-1993 touring band. His manager Jon Landau wasn't a fan of the project and recommended shelving it and focusing more on a "career overview". This lead to the Greatest Hits sessions with the E Street Band in 1995. Springsteen called the band in early January to record some new songs for the album and they assembled for the recording sessions on 09 Jan 1995 at The Hit Factory in New York City, NY. The sessions, which lasted about ten days, were the band's first studio reunion in 11 years (since the Born In The U.S.A. sessions) and their first ever with Nils Lofgren.

Bruce Springsteen -- Greatest Hits

Greatest Hits was released on 27 Feb 1995 on Columbia Records. It was commercially successful, debuting at #1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 where it stayed on the chart for 32 weeks. It also peaked at #1 in Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many European countries. By 2008 the album had sold more than four million copies in the United States.

In 2013, Sony Music reissued the album in Venezuela as part of its Star Collection series, which was made exclusively for the Venezuelan market via Sony Music Venezuela in 2013. The album is titled after the series and features totally different artwork. Just like on Greatest Hits, the songs are shorter versions of the original album releases.

Bruce Springsteen -- Star Collection

CD - Sony Music (001) - Venezuela, 2013

The Essential Bruce Springsteen

The Essential Bruce Springsteen is a compilation album released as part of Sony BMG'S (previously Sony Music Entertainment) series of "Essential" sets. According to Springsteen's liner notes comments, the collection was intended as an introduction to his music for new fans who attended shows on The Rising Tour.

The collection is fundamentally a 2-disc set (clocking at 153:37) compiling songs from all of Springsteen's studio albums to date plus his Live In New York City release. A 3-disc limited edition (clocking at 201:04) was also released. It includes a bonus third disc comprising of a selection of rarities and previously unreleased recordings.

The Essential Bruce Springsteen was released on 11 Nov 2003 on Columbia Records. It debuted and peaked at #14 on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart where it spent 13 weeks. It also reached #28 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was awarded certified gold and platinum records by the RIAA on 16 Dec 2003.

Bruce Springsteen -- The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2003 edition)

The Essential Bruce Springsteen was reissued on 16 Oct 2015, this time as a 2-disc set (clocking at 156:25) with an updated track list, compiling songs from all of Springsteen's studio albums to date plus his Greatest Hits (1995 edition) collection. This 2015 reissue features remastered tracks not found in that form on other Springsteen releases.

Bruce Springsteen -- The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2015 edition)

Greatest Hits 2009 Edition

Greatest Hits (2009 edition) is a compilation album released by Columbia Records on 13 Jan 2009 in the United State where it was sold exclusively through Wal-Mart retailers. The album was also released (but non-exclusively) in Canada. Unlike the 1995 Greatest Hits release and The Essential Bruce Springsteen in 2003, this compilation was billed to "Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band" instead of just "Bruce Springsteen". The album contains 12 previously released studio tracks and clocks at 53:08.

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Greatest Hits (2009 USA edition)

On 01 Jun 2009, Columbia Records released a European edition of the compilation album with an alternative track listing to promote Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's European leg of the Working On A Dream Tour. The European edition was also released in Israel and Mexico, and in Australia in August 2009. The album comes in a standard jewel case, but a limited digipack edition was also released in Europe. Greatest Hits (2009 European edition) contains 16 previously released studio tracks and 2 live bonus tracks taken from the Live/1975-85 box set. It clocks at 79:03.

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Greatest Hits (2009 Europe edition)

The album charted in several countries, but only made it to # 1 in Sweden. In general, the album did much better in Europe than in North America.

Collection: 1973-2012

Collection: 1973-2012 is a Bruce Springsteen compilation album released on Columbia Records in 2013. It was released on 08 Mar 2013 in Australia and 15 Apr 2013 in Europe. The compilation was not released commercially in the United States. Instead, a promotional version was given out exclusively to $1,500 ticket holders at the "MusiCares Person Of The Year" tribute event held in Los Angeles, CA, on 08 Feb 2013. The event honoured Springsteen for both his artistic achievements and philanthropic efforts. The compilation consists of 18 previously released studio tracks.

Bruce Springsteen -- Collection: 1973-2012

Chapter And Verse

Chapter And Verse is a Bruce Springsteen compilation album released on Columbia Records on 23 Sep 2016 in the U.S. It was officially announced on 28 Jul 2016. The album is an audio companion to Springsteen's autobiography Born To Run, which was published four days later, on 27 Sep 2016, by Simon & Schuster.

The album is a career retrospective consisting of 18 tracks. It spans almost half a century of Springsteen's career, from as early as 1966. According to the press release, Springsteen selected the songs to reflect the themes and sections of the autobiography. The first five tracks have not been previously released.

Tracks 1 and 2 are from The Castiles era, track 3 is from the Steel Mill era, and track 4 is from The Bruce Springsteen Band era. Tracks 5 and 6 are Springsteen solo, from around the time he signed his record deal with CBS. The remaining 12 tracks are compiled from 12 different Bruce Springsteen studio albums, from 1973 to 2012. All song were written by Bruce Springsteen, except tracks 1 (co-written by Bruce Springsteen and George Theiss) and track 2 (written by Willie Dixon). Track 2 is only song on the album recorded live.

Bruce Springsteen -- Chapter And Verse

Chapter And Verse is available as a single-disc CD and as a double-disc LP, as well as digital download and streaming.

Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits-

Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits- is a Bruce Springsteen compilation album released by Sony Music Japan in 2023. The compilation, which was exclusively released in Japan, consists of previously released 35 audio tracks and 62 video tracks. The collection is part of a 26-title reissue campaign to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen's debut album. The series, issued in three waves (25 Oct 2023, 22 Nov 2023, and 20 Dec 2023), includes 25 albums originally released between 1973 and 2014 plus a new compilation album that includes all of Springsteen's singles released in Japan from 1975 to 1999. All audio CD's were manufactured using Sony Japan's Blu-spec CD2 format.

Bruce Springsteen -- Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits-

Best Of Bruce Springsteen

Best Of Bruce Springsteen is a compilation album released on Columbia Records on 19 Apr 2024. The album is collection of original songs spanning Springsteen's entire career, from 1973 to 2020. The release was officially announced on 01 Mar 2024.

Two variants of the album were released: the 18-track physical releases and an expanded 31-track download-only version. The physical releases include a single-disc CD and as a two-disc LP set. Four editions of the vinyl release were issued: a regular edition on black vinyl, an Atlantic Blue vinyl exclusive to Europe, a Highway Yellow vinyl exclusive to independent retailers, and a Jersey Devil Red vinyl exclusive to Amazon Music.

Bruce Springsteen -- Best Of Bruce Springsteen

Other Official Releases

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Bruce Springsteen -- As Requested Around The World

LP - Columbia (AS 978) - USA, 1981

US-only promotional LP sampler issued to celebrate the conclusion of The River Tour.

As Requested Around The World track list

A1- SHERRY DARLING
A2- THE RIVER
A3- CADILLAC RANCH
A4- HUNGRY HEART
A5- OUT IN THE STREET
B1- BORN TO RUN
B2- BADLANDS
B3- PROVE IT ALL NIGHT
B4- ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT)

Bruce Springsteen -- The Future Of Rock'n'Roll / 70's To 80's

2xCD - CBS/Sony (XADP 90009~10) - Japan, 1988

Japan-only promotional 2-CD set sampler compiling 28 tracks from Bruce Springsteen's first nine albums plus two 1988 live B-sides.

The Future Of Rock'n'Roll / 70's To 80's track list

Disc 1: (70's)
01- THUNDER ROAD [Live 18 Oct 1975 (early show) version]
02- BLINDED BY THE LIGHT
03- RACING IN THE STREET
04- KITTY'S BACK
05- BADLANDS
06- GROWIN' UP
07- PROVE IT ALL NIGHT
08- 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY)
09- BACKSTREETS [Live 07 Jul 1978 version]
10- FOR YOU
11- TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT
12- THE PROMISED LAND
13- ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) [Live 07 Jul 1978 version]
14- BORN TO RUN

Disc 2: (80's)
01- BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 30 Sep 1985 version]
02- BRILLIANT DISGUISE
03- DANCING IN THE DARK
04- CADILLAC RANCH [Live 06 Jul 1981 version]
05- WALK LIKE A MAN
06- WAR [Live 30 Sep 1985 version]
07- JOHNNY 99
08- HUNGRY HEART [Live 28 Dec 1980 version]
09- I WANNA MARRY YOU
10- MY HOMETOWN [Live 30 Sep 1985 version]
11- THE RIVER
12- GLORY DAYS
13- OUT IN THE STREET
14- TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 27 Apr 1988 version]
15- SPARE PARTS [Live 09 Jul 1988 version]
16- THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND [Live 29 Dec 1980 version]

Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest

CD - Columbia (XPCD 192) - UK, 1992

UK-only promotional CD sampler issued in limited quantities to tie in with the 1992 Wembley shows and contains 16 tracks from Springsteen's albums up to 1992.

Tougher Than The Rest (1992 UK sampler) track list

01- HUMAN TOUCH
02- LUCKY TOWN
03- BRILLIANT DISGUISE
04- FOR YOU
05- HUNGRY HEART [Live 28 Dec 1980 version]
06- 57 CHANNELS (AND NOTHIN' ON)
07- BADLANDS
08- BORN IN THE U.S.A.
09- DANCING IN THE DARK
10- INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET
11- BETTER DAYS
12- GLORY DAYS
13- BORN TO RUN
14- ATLANTIC CITY
15- TOUGHER THAN THE REST
16- THE RIVER

Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest

CD - Columbia (BOSS1) - Sweden, 1992

Sweden-only promotional CD sampler used for both radio promotion and as a VIP giveaway item at the opening shows of Springsteen's 1992 tour in Stockholm. It contains 14 tracks from the first nine albums only. Two different pressings exist: the first comes in a standard jewel case with title front inlay and back insert (cover art on the left), and the second comes in a plain slimline case with no inlays.

Tougher Than The Rest (1992 Sweden sampler) track list

01- ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT)
02- THE E STREET SHUFFLE
03- GROWIN' UP
04- BORN TO RUN
05- THE PROMISED LAND
06- BADLANDS
07- HUNGRY HEART
08- THE RIVER
09- OPEN ALL NIGHT
10- I'M ON FIRE
11- DANCING IN THE DARK
12- JERSEY GIRL [Live 09 Jul 1981 version]
13- BRILLIANT DISGUISE
14- TOUGHER THAN THE REST

Bruce Springsteen -- Bruce Springsteen

CD - Sony (XDDP 93084) - Japan, 1992

Japan-only promotional CD sampler compiling 16 tracks from Springsteen's studio albums up to 1992.

Bruce Springsteen (1992 Japan sampler) track list

01- HUMAN TOUCH
02- BORN TO RUN
03- DANCING IN THE DARK
04- HUNGRY HEART
05- ROLL OF THE DICE
06- BOBBY JEAN
07- BRILLIANT DISGUISE
08- THE RIVER
09- LUCKY TOWN
10- BORN IN THE U.S.A.
11- BADLANDS
12- THUNDER ROAD
13- ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT)
14- COVER ME
15- NO SURRENDER
16- BETTER DAYS

Bruce Springsteen -- Rocks Vol. 1 (1973 - 1982)

CD-R - Sony (no catalog number) - Japan, 2005

Japan-only promotional "Digest" CD-R advance sampler tying in with the release of the first six Japanese 2005 "mini-LP"-style Springsteen CD album reissues. This disc comes in a plain slimline jewel case with no artwork.

Rocks Vol. 1 (1973 - 1982) track list

01- BORN TO RUN
02- HUNGRY HEART
03- BLINDED BY THE LIGHT
04- ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT)
05- THUNDER ROAD
06- BACKSTREETS
07- JUNGLELAND
08- BADLANDS
09- THE PROMISED LAND
10- DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN
11- SHERRY DARLING
12- CADILLAC RANCH
13- OUT IN THE STREET
14- ATLANTIC CITY

BADLANDS was also included on some various artists albums.

Various artists -- Super Disco Sound

CD - CBS/Sony (YAPN 23) - Japan, 1978

Promotional album.

Various artist -- Nice Price Retail Sampler

LP - CBS (NICEONE) - Australia, 1988
CD - CBS (NICEONECD) - Australia, 1988

Australia-only sampler promoting the CBS "Nice Price" album catalogue. It contains an edited version of BADLANDS clocking at 3:12 — the last verse is edited out and the song fades out during Springsteen's "humming" part.

Various artist -- Quality At A Nice Price

LP - CBS (NICE1) - Australia, 1988

Consisting of the same tracks as the above sampler, this promotional release was given away exclusively as a competition prize by domestic magazine "TV Week".

Various artists -- Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol3 - Awesome Mix Vol3

2xLP - Hollywood Records / Marvel (D004162001) - Europe, 2023
CD - Hollywood Records / Marvel (D004276702) - USA, 2023

Other versions of BADLANDS were also officially released.

The live 01 Jul 1978 version of BADLANDS was released on the Berkeley, July 1, 1978 official live download in 2021.

The live 07 Jul 1978 version of BADLANDS was released on The Roxy July 7, 1978 official live download in 2018.

The live 09 Aug 1978 version of BADLANDS was released on The Agora, Cleveland 1978 official live download in 2014.

The live 19 Sep 1978 version of BADLANDS was released on the September 19, 1978 official live download in 2019.

The live 20 Sep 1978 version of BADLANDS was released on the Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ September 20, 1978 official live download in 2017.

The live 30 Sep 1978 version of BADLANDS was released on the September 30, 1978 official live download in 2020.

The live 08 Dec 1978 version of BADLANDS was released on The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story box set in 2010.

The live 15 Dec 1978 version of BADLANDS was released on the Winterland 12/15/78 official live download in 2019.

The live 16 Dec 1978 version of BADLANDS was released on the Winterland 12/16/78 official live download in 2019.

The live 21 Sep 1979 version of BADLANDS was released on the No Nukes 1979 official live download in 2018.

The live 22 Sep 1979 version of BADLANDS was released on the No Nukes 1979 official live download in 2018.

The live 05 Nov 1980 version of BADLANDS was first released on the Live/1975-85 box set in 1986.

The live 29 Dec 1980 version of BADLANDS was released on the Nassau Coliseum, New York 12/29/80 official live download in 2019.

The live 31 Dec 1980 version of BADLANDS was released on the Nassau Coliseum, New York 1980 official live download in 2015.

The live 05 Jun 1981 version of BADLANDS was released on the Wembley Arena June 5, 1981 official live download in 2018.

The live 09 Jul 1981 version of BADLANDS was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena 1981 official live download in 2020.

The live 05 Aug 1984 version of BADLANDS was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena, New Jersey 1984 official live download in 2015.

The live 06 Aug 1984 version of BADLANDS was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena August 6, 1984 official live download in 2020.

The live 20 Aug 1984 version of BADLANDS was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena, NJ August 20, 1984 official live download in 2015.

The live 27 Sep 1985 version of BADLANDS was released on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Sept 27, 1985 official live download in 2019.

The live 25 Jul 1992 version of BADLANDS was released on the Meadowlands July 25, 1992 official live download in 2019.

The live 13 Dec 1992 version of BADLANDS was released on the Boston 13/12/92 official live download in 2021.

The live 24 Jun 1993 version of BADLANDS was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena, New Jersey June 24, 1993 official live download in 2018.

The live 25 Sep 1999 version of BADLANDS was released on the First Union Center, Philadelphia September 25, 1999 official live download in 2020.

The live 30 Sep 1999 version of BADLANDS was released on the Chicago September 30, 1999 official live download in 2018.

The live 23 Oct 1999 version of BADLANDS was released on the Los Angeles October 23, 1999 official live download in 2019.

The live 27 Jun 2000 version of BADLANDS was released on the Madison Square Garden, New York 06/27/2000 official live download in 2021.

The live 29 Jun 2000 version of BADLANDS was released on the Live In New York City album and home video in 2001.

The live 01 Jul 2000 version of BADLANDS was released on the Madison Square Garden, New York 07/01/2000 official live download in 2017.

The live 16 Jun 2003 version of BADLANDS was released on the Helsinki June 16, 2003 official live download in 2018.

The live 19 Nov 2007 version of BADLANDS was released on the TD Banknorth Garden, Boston 11/19/07 official live download in 2018.

The live 22 Apr 2008 version of BADLANDS was released on the St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL, April 22, 2008 official live download in 2019.

The live 28 Apr 2008 version of BADLANDS was released on the Greensboro, North Carolina April 28, 2008 official live download in 2020.

The live 23 Aug 2008 version of BADLANDS was released on the Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO 8/23/2008 official live download in 2017.

The live 04 May 2009 version of BADLANDS was released on the Nassau Coliseum 05.04.09 official live download in 2020.

The live 29 Oct 2009 version of BADLANDS was released on The 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Concerts album and home video in 2010.

The live 08 Nov 2009 version of BADLANDS was released on the MSG Nov 08, 2009 official live download in 2018.

The live 13 Dec 2010 version of BADLANDS was released on The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story box set in 2010.

The live 09 Mar 2012 version of BADLANDS was released on the Apollo Theater 03/09/12 official live download in 2014.

The live 28 Jul 2012 version of BADLANDS was released on the Gothenburg July 28, 2012 official live download in 2020.

The live 31 Jul 2012 version of BADLANDS was released on the Olympiastadion, Helsinki July 31, 2012 official live download in 2017.

The live 22 Sep 2012 version of BADLANDS was released on the East Rutherford, NJ 09.22.12 official live download in 2019.

The live 12 Nov 2012 version of BADLANDS was released on the St. Paul, MN Nov 12, 2012 official live download in 2020.

The live 11 Jul 2013 version of BADLANDS was released on the Ippodromo Delle Capannelle, Rome 2013 official live download in 2015.

The live 24 Jul 2013 version of BADLANDS was released on the Leeds July 24, 2013 official live download in 2018.

Live History: on-tour

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Live History: off-tour

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BADLANDS was performed off-tour on 21 and 22 Sep 1979 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY, during the MUSE Concerts For A Non-Nuclear Future. The live 21 Sep 1979 version and the live 22 Sep 1979 version of BADLANDS were released on the No Nukes 1979 official live download in 2018.

BADLANDS was performed off-tour on 13 Dec 2009 at Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, NJ, during the taping of Darkness On The Edge Of Town, Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park 2009 homes video, which was included on The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story box set in 2010. See the live 13 Dec 2010 version for more details.

Appearance in Movies

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Mask

It was used in the 1985 film Mask, directed by Peter Bogdanovich and starring Cher, Sam Elliott, and Eric Stoltz. The song was not included in the film's soundtrack album.

The movie originally featured extensive use of Springsteen's music in the soundtrack, including: BADLANDS, THUNDER ROAD, THE PROMISED LAND, THE RIVER, and BORN IN THE U.S.A.. The music was used to set a timeline for the story, and Springsteen is a favorite of Roy "Rocky" Dennis, about whom the story is based. By the time the movie was released to theaters, the Springsteen element had to be stripped down (against the director's will) and replaced by Bob Seger songs. A new director's cut was released on DVD from Universal Studios in September 2004, and is seven minutes longer with the original Bruce Springsteen songs score restored. "Now it exists in the form it should have been 20 years ago," Bogdanovich told ESPN. "I think you'll find it a much better picture." Bogdanovich also discusses the Springsteen element in a commentary track on the DVD.

Kurt Cobain About A Son

It was used in the 2006 documentary film Kurt Cobain About A Son, directed by AJ Schnack. The song was not included in the film's soundtrack album.

Five songs from Bruce Springsteen's Darkness On The Edge Of Town album were used in the film, and none of them was included on the film's soundtrack album. These are: SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT, BADLANDS, CANDY'S ROOM, THE PROMISED LAND, and RACING IN THE STREET. Very brief snippets of each are played in the background and they can barely be heard.

Blinded By The Light

It was used in the 2019 film Blinded By The Light, directed by Gurinder Chadha and starring Viveik Kalra. The song was also included in the film's soundtrack album.

See I'LL STAND BY YOU (the "Blinded By The Light" section) for more details.

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3

It was used in the 2023 film Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3, directed by James Gunn and starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, and Pom Klementieff. The song was also included in the film's soundtrack album.

Covers

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At least 33 artists have recorded and released Bruce Springsteen's BADLANDS.

American Boys -- Bruce Springsteen - Coverversion

CD - Azzurra (TBP 1113) - Italy, 2000

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It was reissued in 2003 under the title Bruce Springsteen: The Best - Cover 100%, with catalog number TBP 1152 and with a different artwork.

Richard Coleman -- I Can't Believe It's Not... Bruce Springsteen

CD - Pegasus (ICBINCD 047) - Germany, 2001

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Studio 99 -- Born In The USA: Springsteen - A Tribute

CD - Going For A Song (GFS402) - UK, 2001

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Session musicians featuring David West -- Pickin' On Springsteen Volume 2

CD - CMH (CD-8463) - USA, 2003

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Various artists -- Light Of Day: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen

2xCD - Schoolhouse Records / Big Daddy (SHR0022-2) - USA, 2003
2xCD - Good Sounds / DiscMedi Blau (DM 797E-02) - Spain, 2003
3xCD - Good Sounds / DiscMedi Blau (DM 797-02) - Spain, 2003
2xCD - Schoolhouse Records / Revolver (REV XD244) - UK, 2004
2xCD - Revolver / Sony (MHCP 928-9) - Japan, 2005

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. There are five issues of this album (with three track configurations) and this track was included on all five issues listed above. BADLANDS is performed by Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan.

New Jersey All Stars -- A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen

CD - Cedar (1402) - Europe, 2004

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Bosstime -- 12 Tracks Live

CD - no label (no catalog number) - Germany, 2005

This is a live Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Studio Group -- A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol 1

Digital album - Charly Records (no catalog number) - unknown country, 2006

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

The Blankket -- Be Your Own Boss

MiniCD EP - Blocks Recording Club (040) - Canada, 2007

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute EP.

The Pop Royals -- Sing The Hits Of Bruce Springsteen

Digital album - Marathon Media (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2009

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Various artists -- Play Some Pool, Skip Some School, Act Real Cool: A Global Pop Tribute To Bruce Springsteen

2xCD - Where It's At Is Where You Are (WIACD20) - UK, 2009

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BADLANDS is performed by Boy Genius.

The Hit Co. -- A Tribute To The Best Of Bruce Springsteen Box Set

Digital album - Planet Music (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2010

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It was also released the same year as three separate volumes: Long Live The Boss: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol. 1 1973-1985, Long Live The Boss: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol. 2 1980-1989, and Long Live The Boss: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol. 3 1990-2009. A Tribute To The Best Of Bruce Springsteen Box Set however includes two tracks not found on the three separate volumes. In 2012, the same tracks found on A Tribute To The Best Of Bruce Springsteen Box Set were distributed over three download-only digital Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp tribute albums: Working Class Heroes: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, Vol. 1, Working Class Heroes: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, Vol. 2, and Working Class Heroes: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, Vol. 3.

The Boss Band -- The Ultimate Tribute To Bruce Springsteen

Digital album - Big Eye Music (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2011

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Déjà Vu -- Tribute To Working Class Hero Bruce Springsteen - Vol. 2

Digital album - Zulu (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2012

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Roy Orbitron -- Darkness On The Edge Of Town

Digital EP - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 2012

This is a free download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute EP.

The Boss Tribute To Springsteen -- Jelling Musikfestival 2012

Digital album - Next2Live (unknown catalog number) - Denmark, 2012

This is a download-only digital live Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Martyn Joseph -- Tires Rushing By In The Rain

CD - Pipe Records (PRCD023) - UK, 2013

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Rock Riff Tones -- We Love (A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen)

Digital album - Devoted Music (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2013

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

The Joy Formidable -- A Minute's Silence

12" single - Canvasback / Atlantic (0-535011) - USA, 2013
12" single - Canvasback / Atlantic (7567-99548-4) - Europe, 2013

This is a Record Store Day exclusive release. BADLANDS is a live version.

Laptop Instrumental -- The Bruce Springsteen Instrumental Collection

Digital album - Loudr (no catalog number) - USA, 2014

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

New Tribute Kings -- World Allstars - Bruce Springsteen Tribute Hits

Digital album - Legacy Records (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2014

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Various artists -- Rock Made In USA

Digital album - Open Records (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2014

This is a download-only digital album. 13 of the 20 tracks are covers of Bruce Springsteen songs. BADLANDS is performed by Larry Jones.

Hungry Hearts -- Darkness Night

Digital album - no label (no catalog number) - Italy, 2015

This is a download-only digital live Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Lullaby Teddy -- Easy Listening Tribute To Bruce Springsteen

Digital album - Lullaby Teddy (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2015

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Moa Holmsten -- Bruised Arms & Broken Rhythm

CD - Fill In The Blank Records (no catalog number) - USA, 2015

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Relaxing Piano Covers -- Tribute To Bruce Springsteen

Digital album - Relaxing Piano Covers (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2015

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

The Cheap Dates -- Loose Springsteen

Digital album - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 2015

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Blue Lane Frontier / Jack's Smirking Revenge -- Folk Punk Is Dead

MC EP - Casket Collective (CC005) - USA, 2016

This is a Blue Lane Frontier and Jack's Smirking Revenge split 6-track EP. BADLANDS is titled "Ladbands" on this release and is performed by Jack's Smirking Revenge.

Greg Von Teig -- The Prisoner Of His Dreams: Greg Von Teig Plays Bruce Springsteen

CD - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 2016

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album, available in downloadable digital form and on CD. The digital version contains two tracks not found on the CD issue: DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN and IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY.

Rock The Cradle -- Lullaby Versions Of Bruce Springsteen

Digital album - Rock The Cradle (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2018

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

The Bruceband -- 40th Anniversary - Bruce Springsteen's Darkness On The Edge of Town

CD - no label (no catalog number) - Holland, 2018

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Heaven Is Shining -- Born In The USA

Digital album - Rosenklang (unknown catalog number) - Germany, 2021

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

The Boss Brothers -- Live

Digital album - 729285 Records DK (no catalog number) - The Netherlands, 2023

This is a download-only digital live Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Credits / References

Thanks Mark Bahlen for the Nice Price Retail Sampler scan and information.

Some of the above info about the studio recording and the live performances is taken from Brucebase. Scans and info for the some of the above official Springsteen releases are taken from the Lost In The Flood website.

Available Versions

List of available versions of BADLANDS on this website:

Page last updated: 10 Jan 2016