1982 Hit Became a Rock Anthem—But Its Origin Is ‘Truly Terrifying’
1982 Hit Became a Rock Anthem—But Its Origin Is ‘Truly Terrifying’
Nicole MooreSat, April 11, 2026 at 8:14 PM UTC
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While most Bruce Springsteen fans wouldn't consider his music to be scary, one of his tracks recently took home the title of a "truly terrifying" song.
In October 2025, Rolling Stone magazine released a list of "25 songs that are truly terrifying." The list included spooky songs like Leonard Cohen's “Avalanche” from 1971, The Doors' 1967 hit, "The End," “Careful With That Axe, Eugene” byPink Floyd, “I Love the Dead” by Alice Cooper, "Day of the Lords" by Joy Division from 1979, Slayer's "Dead Skin Mask," and Sufjan Stevens' 2005 classic, “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.”
Springsteen's 1982 song, "Nebraska," off the album of the same name, was also featured on Rolling Stone's ranking. According to the publication, "Nebraska" made it on the list because it's based on 1950s murderer Charles "Charlie" Starkweather.
Bruce Springsteen Explained How He Came Up With 'Nebraska'
Springsteen opened up about writing the song in the persona of Starkweather during a 2005 episode of VH1 Storytellers. He noted that the 1982 song is an example of his "narrative songwriting." He also noted that the stark, dark lyrics juxtapose the light, almost childlike quality to the music.
"It's spooky because I'm singing in the voice of the dead. The music is pretty childlike and mystical," said Springsteen while on stage before an audience.
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In addition, he said that he was influenced by the 1955 thriller, TheNight of the Hunter, while writing "Nebraska."
"I don't know if you're familiar with the Robert Mitchum film Night of the Hunter, which is kind of this horror story told from a child's perspective. And I was interested in an oral projection of that idea," said the "Born in the U.S.A." singer.
He also said he has to have something in common with the characters in his songs, "no matter who they are or what they did."
"So 'Nebraska' is a song written with the premise that everyone knows what it's like to be condemned. Which they do, of course," said the musician, now 76.
This story was originally published by Parade on Apr 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
