The following is not a hero’s story. It’s actually quite the contrary.

Rather, it’s one of love. Tough love, but in the end, love nonetheless.

It’s the first-person account of singer/songwriter and global rock icon (and proud New Jersey native) Bruce Springsteen, retelling of growing up with a tough, military-influenced father, and the repercussions his 18-year-old self faced after purposely (as he recalls it) failing his physical exam at his induction, given a 4F by the Selective Service, and being excluded from entering the United States Army to fight in the Vietnam War.

It was recorded live at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 30, 1985, as an introductory allegory to what many call his most powerful and poignant song, “The River”.