From American Songwriter · Gayle Thompson · · 1m 10s
Bruce Springsteen's 1976 One-Hit Wonder
Bruce Springsteen wrote a 1976 hit that became Manfred Mann's Earth Band's only No. 1 single.
In brief
Bruce Springsteen wrote a 1976 hit that became Manfred Mann's Earth Band's only No. 1 single. Bruce Springsteen wrote 'Blinded By The Light' which became Manfred Mann's Earth Band's only No. 1 hit in 1976. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Bruce Springsteen's Debut Single
Bruce Springsteen released 'Blinded By The Light' as his 1973 debut single on his album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.
Springsteen's Early Radio Struggles
Neither 'Blinded By The Light' nor 'Spirit In The Night' did well at radio for Springsteen before 'Born To Run' in 1975.
Manfred Mann's Earth Band's Hit
Manfred Mann's Earth Band released 'Blinded By The Light' in 1976, becoming their only No. 1 single.
Springsteen's Song Origin
Springsteen said the song started with his youthful ideologies and was a 'litany of adventures' he wanted to create.
“i was 23 years old; i wanted to create my own ridiculous language”
Mann's Misunderstanding of Lyrics
Mann admitted he never fully understood the lyrics and made errors in the song's recording process.
“with blinded by the light i didn't really know what it all meant”
The Song's Legacy
The song became Manfred Mann's Earth Band's only No. 1 hit despite Mann's confusion over the lyrics.
What it means
Bruce Springsteen wrote 'Blinded By The Light' which became Manfred Mann's Earth Band's only No. 1 hit in 1976.
