DEAD MAN WALKIN' 
Official studio version
There's a pale horse coming
And I'm gonna ride it
I'll rise in the morning
My fate decided it
I'm a dead man walking
I'm a dead man walking
In Saint James Parish
I was born and Christened
Now I've got my story
Mister, ain't no need for you to listen
It's just a dead man talking
Once I had a job, I had a girl
Between our dreams and actions lies this world
Hey in the deep forest
Their blood and tears rushed over me
All I could feel was the drugs and the shotgun
And my fear up inside me
Like a dead man talking
'Neath the summer sky my eyes went black
Sister I won't ask for forgiveness, my sins are all I have
Now the clouds above my prison
Move slowly 'cross the sky
There's a new day coming
And my dreams are full tonight
PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Info
SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED
DEAD MAN WALKIN' is a song written by Bruce Springsteen for the 1995 movie Dead Man Walking and first released on the film's soundtrack album in 1996. The above lyrics are for Bruce Springsteen's official studio version of DEAD MAN WALKIN' as released in 1995.
The official studio version of DEAD MAN WALKIN' was included on The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2003 3-disc edition) compilation album and the Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits- compilation album.
Writing and Recording
SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED
Writer-producer-director Tim Robbins and actress Susan Sarandon sent a letter to musicians they admired asking for contributions to the project. After viewing a screening in New York, Springsteen agreed, as did Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Suzanne Vega, Tom Waits, Patti Smith, and Johnny Cash. "All these people have in some way inspired me to write, to make up stories," Robbins, the son of folk singer Gil Robbins, told the Los Angeles Times. "Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska is a big inspiration. [...] So all these people writing for this film, it's like completing a circle."
Music Video
SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED
The music video for DEAD MAN WALKIN' was included on the The Complete Video Anthology / 1978-2000 home video and the Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits- compilation album. It was posted on Bruce Springsteen's VEVO YouTube channel in October 2009.
Single Release
SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED
Bruce Springsteen -- Dead Man Walkin'
7" single - Columbia (663190 7) - Holland, 1996
Never available in stores, but distributed directly by employees of Columbia/Sony Holland's Haarlem offices to private collectors and fan clubs.
A1-
DEAD MAN WALKIN'
B1-
THIS HARD LAND [Live 09 Dec 1995 version]
Bruce Springsteen -- Dead Man Walkin'
CD EP - Columbia (663190 1) - Austria, 1996
Austrian pressing for the European market.
01-
DEAD MAN WALKIN'
02-
THIS HARD LAND [Live 09 Dec 1995 version]
Video Anthology Home Video
Video Anthology / 1978-88 is a collection of 18 Bruce Springsteen music videos and concert performances, released on VHS on 31 Jan 1989. The home video was also released on LaserDisc.
Bruce Springsteen -- Video Anthology / 1978-88 (USA VHS cover art)
Bruce Springsteen -- Video Anthology / 1978-88 (USA LaserDisc cover art)
Bruce Springsteen -- Video Anthology / 1978-88 (Japan LaserDisc cover art)
- ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) [Live 08 Jul 1978 version] — originally released in 1978, directed by Arnold Levine
- THE RIVER [Live 21 Sep 1979 version] — originally released in 1980, directed by Danny Goldberg, Julian Schlossberg, Anthony Potenza
- THUNDER ROAD [Mix of live 21 Sep 1979 version and live 22 Sep 1979 version] — originally released in 1980, directed by Danny Goldberg, Julian Schlossberg, Anthony Potenza
- ATLANTIC CITY — originally released in 1982, directed by Arnold Levine
- DANCING IN THE DARK — originally released in 1984, directed by Brian De Palma
- BORN IN THE U.S.A. — originally released in 1984, directed by John Sayles
- I'M ON FIRE — originally released in 1985, directed by John Sayles
- GLORY DAYS — originally released in 1985, directed by John Sayles
- MY HOMETOWN [Live 30 Sep 1985 version] — originally released in 1985, directed by Arthur Rosato
- WAR [Live 30 Sep 1985 version] — originally released in 1986, directed by Arthur Rosato
- FIRE [Live 13 Oct 1986 version] — originally released in 1986
- BORN TO RUN [Live 19 Aug 1985 version] — originally released in 1987, directed by Arthur Rosato
- BRILLIANT DISGUISE — originally released in 1987, directed by Meiert Avis
- TUNNEL OF LOVE — originally released in 1987, directed by Meiert Avis
- ONE STEP UP — originally released in 1988, directed by Meiert Avis
- TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 27 Apr 1988 version] — originally released in1988, directed by Meiert Avis
- SPARE PARTS [Live 10 Jul 1988 version] — originally released in 1988, directed by Carol Dodds
- BORN TO RUN [Live 27 Apr 1988 version] — originally released in 1988, directed by Meiert Avis
Sonny reissued the video on DVD on 16 Jan 2001. Titled The Complete Video Anthology / 1978-2000, the new expanded release added a second disc with 15 additional music video, concert performances, and television appearances.
Bruce Springsteen -- The Complete Video Anthology / 1978-2000 (DVD cover art)
Disc 1:
- ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) [Live 08 Jul 1978 version] — originally released in 1978, directed by Arnold Levine
- THE RIVER [Live 21 Sep 1979 version] — originally released in 1980, directed by Danny Goldberg, Julian Schlossberg, Anthony Potenza
- THUNDER ROAD [Mix of live 21 Sep 1979 version and live 22 Sep 1979 version] — originally released in 1980, directed by Danny Goldberg, Julian Schlossberg, Anthony Potenza
- ATLANTIC CITY — originally released in 1982, directed by Arnold Levine
- DANCING IN THE DARK — originally released in 1984, directed by Brian De Palma
- BORN IN THE U.S.A. — originally released in 1984, directed by John Sayles
- I'M ON FIRE — originally released in 1985, directed by John Sayles
- GLORY DAYS — originally released in 1985, directed by John Sayles
- MY HOMETOWN [Live 30 Sep 1985 version] — originally released in 1985, directed by Arthur Rosato
- WAR [Live 30 Sep 1985 version] — originally released in 1986, directed by Arthur Rosato
- FIRE [Live 13 Oct 1986 version] — originally released in 1986
- BORN TO RUN [Live 19 Aug 1985 version] — originally released in 1987, directed by Arthur Rosato
- BRILLIANT DISGUISE — originally released in 1987, directed by Meiert Avis
- TUNNEL OF LOVE — originally released in 1987, directed by Meiert Avis
- ONE STEP UP — originally released in 1988, directed by Meiert Avis
- TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 27 Apr 1988 version] — originally released in1988, directed by Meiert Avis
- SPARE PARTS [Live 10 Jul 1988 version] — originally released in 1988, directed by Carol Dodds
- BORN TO RUN [Live 27 Apr 1988 version] — originally released in 1988, directed by Meiert Avis
Disc 2:
- HUMAN TOUCH — originally released in 1992, directed by Meiert Avis
- BETTER DAYS — originally released in 1992, directed by Meiert Avis
- 57 CHANNELS (AND NOTHIN' ON) — originally released in 1992, directed by Adam Bernstein
- LEAP OF FAITH [Live 06 Aug 1992 version] — originally released in 1992, directed by Meiert Avis
- STREETS OF PHILADELPHIA — originally released in 1993, directed by Jonathan Demme and Ted Demme
- MURDER INCORPORATED — originally released in 1995, directed by Jonathan Demme
- SECRET GARDEN — originally released in 1995, directed by Peter Care
- HUNGRY HEART [Live 09 Jul 1995 version] — originally released in 1995, directed by Rudi Dolezal and Hannes Rossacher
- DEAD MAN WALKIN' — originally released in 1196, directed by Tim Robbins
- THE GHOST OF TOM JOAD — originally released in 1996, directed by Arnold Levine
- THE GHOST OF TOM JOAD [Live 27 Nov 1995 version] — from The Tonight Show With Jay Leno
- HIGHWAY PATROLMAN — previously unreleased, directed by Sean Penn
- IF I SHOULD FALL BEHIND [25 Sep 1999 sound-check version] — previously unreleased, directed by Jonathan Demme
- BORN IN THE U.S.A. [Live 20 Nov 1998 version] — from The Charlie Rose Show
- LIFT ME UP — audio only, plays over end credits
- SECRET GARDEN [with Strings] — previously unreleased, directed by Peter Care
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)
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-
Other Official Releases
SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED
Other versions of DEAD MAN WALKIN' were also officially released.
Live History
SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED
Appearance in Movies
SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED
Covers
SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED
At least 8 artists have recorded and released Bruce Springsteen's DEAD MAN WALKIN'.
Starlite Singers -- Glory Days (In The Style Of Bruce Springsteen)
Digital album - Starlite / Suite 102 (unknown catalog number) - Canada, 2010
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
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.
Various artists -- Greatest Movie Themes: Drama
Digital album - Countdown Media / CHV Music Factory (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2010
This is a download-only digital album. DEAD MAN WALKIN' is performed by Movie Sounds Unlimited.
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.
Ameritz Tribute Club -- Working On The Highway - A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - Ameritz Music (unknown catalog number) - UK, 2012
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Catch This Beat -- Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - Talking Clive (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2012
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.
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.
Available Versions
List of available versions of DEAD MAN WALKIN' on this website:
DEAD MAN WALKIN' [Official studio version]
DEAD MAN WALKIN' [Live 27 Nov 1995 version]
DEAD MAN WALKIN' [Live 05 Dec 1995 version]
DEAD MAN WALKIN' [Live 25 Mar 1996 version]
DEAD MAN WALKIN' [Live 23 Jun 2000 version]
Page last updated: 02 Sep 2007
