Streets of Philadelphia

Bruce Springsteen

About Streets of Philadelphia

"Streets of Philadelphia" is a song written and performed by American rock musician Bruce Springsteen for the film Philadelphia (1993), an early mainstream film dealing with HIV/AIDS. Released as a single in 1994, the song was a hit in many countries, particularly Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland and Norway, where it topped the singles charts. The song was a critical triumph and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song and four Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Best Rock Song, Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo, and Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television. In 2004 it finished at #68 on AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs survey of top tunes in American cinema. 


Year:
1995

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I was bruised and battered, I couldn't tell what I felt
I was unrecognizable to myself
I saw my reflection in a window, I didn't know my own face
Oh brother are you gonna leave me wastin' away
On the Streets of Philadelphia

I walked the avenue, 'til my legs felt like stone
I heard the voices of friends vanished and gone
At night I could hear the blood in my veins
Just as black and whispering as the rain
On the Streets of Philadelphia

Ain't no angel gonna greet me
It's just you and I my friend
My clothes don't fit me no more
I walked a thousand miles
Just to slip this skin

The night has fallen, I'm lyin' awake
I can feel myself fading away
So receive me brother with your faithless kiss
Or will we leave each other alone like this
On the Streets of Philadelphia

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949), nicknamed "The Boss", is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who records and tours with the E Street Band. Springsteen is widely known for his brand of heartland rock, poetic lyrics, Americana sentiments centered on his native New Jersey and his lengthy and energetic stage performances, with concerts from the 1970s to the present decade running up to an uninterrupted 250 minutes in length. more »

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Written by: Bruce Springsteen

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
Bruce Springsteen wrote the song "Streets of Philadelphia" exclusively for the 1993 film "Philadelphia," which addressed the topic of AIDS discrimination.
Critical Acclaim
The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1994, which marked a significant achievement in Springsteen's career.
Chart Success
"Streets of Philadelphia" reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, making it one of Springsteen's higher-charting songs.
Song Theme
The song's lyrics discuss the experience and the feelings of a man dying from AIDS, reflecting the main theme of the film it was written for.
Grammy Recognition
In 1995, the song won four Grammy Awards including Song of the Year. It's one of the few songs ever to win both an Oscar and multiple Grammys.
Cultural Impact
The song was ranked #68 on NPR's list of the 100 most important American musical works of the 20th century.
Collaborations
The studio version features backing vocals by E-street Band member Patti Scialfa.
Music Video
The music video of the song, directed by Jonathan Demme and Ted Demme, features Bruce Springsteen walking the streets of Philadelphia, interspersed with footage from the film.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including David Gray and Ray LaMontagne, indicating its enduring popularity.
Historical Significance
"Streets of Philadelphia" is widely considered a landmark song in the popular cultural reaction to the AIDS epidemic in the United States.

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