Springsteen releases new single, ‘Don’t Play That Song’ (WATCH VIDEO)

by JAY LUSTIG
springsteen don't play that song video

Bruce Springsteen has his cover of the classic song, “Don’t Play That Song.”

Bruce Springsteen has released a third song, “Don’t Play That Song,” from his upcoming Only the Strong Survive soul covers album, sharing the video on YouTube and other social media. It’s an intriguing recording, with a genial, good-time vibe to the music but convincing pain in the vocals.

Springsteen also adds a spoken word part that kind of explains how the song can be so sad and fun at the same time. It goes: “I remember those summer nights down by the Shore as the band played, with you in my arms, and we moved across that floor. Then, darling, you went away. But all I’ve got to say is, I don’t care if you lied. Let’s dance.”

You can watch the Thom Zimny-directed video for it below.

Co-written by Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun and Betty Nelson (Ben E. King’s wife), “Don’t Play That Song” — usually called “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” — was first recorded by King in 1962, and reached the Top 20. It was the first track of King’s Don’t Play That Song! album that year, which, more famously, included his all-time classic, “Stand by Me.”

Aretha Franklin had similar success when she recorded the song in 1970.

You can listen to both previous versions of the song, below.

The other two tracks released from Springsteen’s Only the Strong Survive were “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do),” on Sept. 29; and “Nightshift,” on Oct. 14.

Only the Strong Survive will be released on Nov. 11.

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1 comment

Barbara Enke October 29, 2022 - 2:43 am

loved it, so chill

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