A poetic and hopeful ballad about longing, escape, and the dream of a better life. The song paints a vision of crossing into a promised land – both literal and symbolic – where pain is left behind and peace awaits.
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Genre: Folk / Americana
Length: Approximately 5 minutes, 24 seconds
The song is recorded in 1995.
Studio: Thrill Hill Recording, Los Angeles, CA.
The song features a gentle, acoustic-driven arrangement with violin and soft harmonies, enhancing its dreamlike and emotional tone.
Musicians: Bruce Springsteen (vocals, guitar), Soozie Tyrell (violin, backing vocals), Garry Tallent (bass), and Gary Mallaber (drums).
Additional musicians contributed to the rich, acoustic arrangement.
Producers: Bruce Springsteen and Chuck Plotkin.
Album: The Ghost of Tom Joad.
Release Date: November 21, 1995.
Label: Columbia Records.
Track number: 10 of 12.
This album marked a return to Springsteen’s folk roots, with socially conscious storytelling and stripped-down instrumentation. Across the Border stands out as one of the more tender and optimistic tracks on an otherwise somber record.
‘Across the Border’ is a lullaby for the soul – where hope whispers through the dust, and love dares to dream of a place where sorrow ends and peace begins.
Across The Border
Tonight my bag is packed
Tomorrow I’ll walk these tracks
That will lead me across the border
Tomorrow my love and I
Will sleep ‘neath auburn skies
Somewhere across the border
We’ll leave behind my dear
The pain and sadness we found here
And we’ll drink from the Bravo’s muddy waters
Where the sky grows grey and white
We’ll meet on the other side
There across the border
For you I’ll build a house
High up on a grassy hill
Somewhere across the border
Where pain and memory
Pain and memory have been stilled
There across the border
And sweet blossoms fills the air
Pastures of gold and green
Roll down into cool clear waters
And in your arms ‘neath the open skies
I’ll kiss the sorrow from your eyes
There across the border
Tonight we’ll sing the songs
I’ll dream of you my corazon
And tomorrow my heart will be strong
And may the saints’ blessing and grace
Carry me safely into your arms
There across the border
For what are we
Without hope in our hearts
That someday we’ll drink from God’s blessed waters
And eat the fruit from the vine
I know love and fortune will be mine
Somewhere across the border