Comments on: Bruce Springsteen’s “Meeting Across the River”

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:16:28 +0000

Narrator is a drug addict looking to go through the tunnel from NJ to NY to meet up with a stolen car parts front man and/or major drug dealer. Narrator is using or manipulating his friend or brother to help him either get drugs or major drug money to satisfy his habit. The narrator probably steals cars, then parts them out through the man across the river. Cherry is most likely a whore whom narrator pays for drug induced sex. Hense the reference lay the money on the ‘bed’. Two grand to the narrator will solve all his problems because he can get high for a long period of time. Just my thoughts and/or imagination on the song. I listen to it about 2 times a day for 30 years. I dont know why. Altough Ive never taken drugs and never stole and I have good job and a family – I can relate to it somehow.

By: Derek

Derek — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:51:22 +0000

I loved reading this! You really nailed it.

With so many exciting, powerful songs on Born to Run, it’s easy to understand how this song is often overlooked—yet, it’s clearly not a filler track. On the contrary, it’s as poignant an illustration as any of his other tracks from any of his other albums.

I’ve always imagined that the meeting across the river goes well, but it doesn’t really matter. This guy’s a loser. So’s Eddie for hanging around him and being his subordinate. So’s Cherry for only threatening to leave a guy that pawns radios.

After he throws that money on the bad, things aren’t going to get better. It’s not a celebration or or turning point. It’s just vindication.

He’s going to remain being the eight-ball—all he can hope for are fleeting moments of glory (again, another theme in Springsteen’s work).

By: mark starr

mark starr — Tue, 04 May 2010 01:11:12 +0000

My mom bought me this album when it first came out. I listened to it over and over. It means so much to me. An excellent interpretation by the author if you asked me.

By: Jim Jones

Jim Jones — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:24:17 +0000

I’ve always loved this song – I can’t think of any songwriter who writes better short stories than Springsteen. The unreliable narrator is trying to talk himself into feeling confident. He keeps telling Eddie – and I agree with one of your correspondents, he’s really telling himself – of what is going to happen. Whenever he uses the future tense, he’s presenting his hopes as facts. He does this more as the song goes on, so that by the time we reach the last verse it’s all there, the perfect picture of success. Cherry? She’s so wrong, because he’s no loser, he’s practically got $2000 to throw arrogantly on her bed. Except he hasn’t got it. The quiet last line reminds us – and him – that he hasn’t even got a ride through the tunnel yet.

I didn’t know about the book of short stories based on the song. I don’t feel any need to read it, because I can’t imagine anyone improving on what Springsteen achieves in little more than 200 words.

By: jb23

jb23 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:48:45 +0000

Go see the Movie, The Pope of Greenwich Village. Pure coincidence, but the narrator would be Mickey Rourke (Charlie) and Eddie would be Eric Roberts (paulie)

By: David Louis Edelman

David Louis Edelman — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:53:52 +0000

MK: No real reason. It’s always been one of my favorite Springsteen songs too.

By: MK

MK — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:26:34 +0000

What made you pick this song? I think it’s one of the best Springsteen songs ever…

By: Barb Radmore

Barb Radmore — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 20:25:51 +0000

I ran across your analysis of this song when researching for a book review. You would enjoy “Meetig Across the River”, a book of short stories all based on this song. Interesting interpretations.

By: Arie

Arie — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 04:40:02 +0000

hey there
good analysis

one thing i disagree with is the relationship with eddie – i see eddie as being merely a vehicle for the narrator – what he says to eddie he’s really saying to himself – ‘don’t screw up – this thing’s serious’. You get the sense that he’s trying to convince himself as much as eddie
great song