Bruce Springsteen has released a new song in response to the unrest in Minneapolis. The song, titled Streets of Minneapolisdropped on Wednesday January 28th.
The 76-year-old musician said the song was written and recorded within days and described it as a response to what he called state violence in the city. Springsteen dedicated the song to the people of Minneapolis, immigrant communities and the memory of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
He announced the release on Instagram with black and white cover art showing a crowd of protest signs reading “ICE OUT.” In the caption, Springsteen said the song was created in response to events happening in the city. He ended his message with: “Stay free.”
The lyrics paint a bleak picture of Minneapolis as Springsteen sings about smoke-filled streets and clashes between protesters and authorities. He refers to rubber bullets, gunfire and heavy law enforcement presence.
ICE is also referred to as an extension of federal power, and its mission is openly questioned in the song.
While the chorus revolves around resistance and memory, Springsteen sings about standing up for the city and the immigrants who live there. He swears that the names of the dead will not be forgotten. The lyrics refer directly to Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse whose death has fueled public anger.
The song also echoes lines from the American national anthem, which Springsteen cited as a show of protest rather than celebration.
