The cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Wrecking Ball” album.
This list is not a popularity contest. I realize, as I write these posts, that many people will disagree with me including certain songs, and leaving others off.
I know that “You’ve Got It” is not a favorite among Springsteen fans, or, probably, of Springsteen himself (or else he would perform it in concert more often). And I realize that it’s not his most complex or ambitious work. Its placement on the generally more serious and substantial Wrecking Ball album may make it seem particularly lightweight, and its ending is frustratingly abrupt: The music fades out just when it seems to be catching fire.
But I still love it. Its slinky rhythm reminds me a little of Springsteen’s “Fire.” Like that song, it shows, like few other Springsteen compositions, the strong influence of Elvis Presley’s early recordings on him.
What is it about? I think it’s basically a song of seduction. The singer is telling a woman that he can see through to her essence (“your reckless love”) and that even though she may not be aware of it, “You’ve got it in your bones and blood.” He’s also, of course, trying to establish some kind of connection with her (“come on and give it to me”).
It’s not the deepest song concept. It’s actually a pretty primitive one, by Springsteen’s standards. But it’s deep enough for rock ‘n’ roll, and sometimes that’s all you need.
Background facts: “You’ve Got It” is from Springsteen’s 2012 album, Wrecking Ball. Backing musicians include Marc Muller, on pedal steel guitar; Muller also played pedal steel and lap steel on Springsteen’s 2019 Western Stars album.
According to Brucebase, Springsteen has performed “You’ve Got It” in concert just once, in Bergen, Norway, in 2012.
On each of the 70 days leading up to Bruce Springsteen’s 70th birthday (on Sept. 23, 2019), NJArts.net will do a post on one of The Boss’ best songs of the last 30 years. We’re starting with No. 70 and working our way up. For more on the project, click here.
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