I was at that show in Anaheim and saw that performance. It was jaw dropping, stunning, amazing. There’s not a strong enough adjective to describe how incredible seeing that performance was. Tom Joad is a fictional character from the book “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck. Springsteen was influenced not only by Steinbeck’s book, but also the film starring Henry Fonda as Tom Joad, and Woodie Guthrie’s “The Ballad of Tom Joad”. It’s a song about economic depression, financial devastation, unemployment, homelessness. The lyrics are straightforward. Sadly, the song is timeless.

This is the typical Bruce and the E Street Band setup - piano, organ (one of whom can play accordian) drums, bass, violin and guitars. The Ghost of Tom Joad is a Springsteen original (from the book :The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck) that was later covered by Morello's band Rage Against the Machine. Morello was asked to join Bruce on stage in LA? and he laid this solo on them. He blew them away and was later asked to join them on tour. They later re-recorded this song with Morello as a rock song. It was originally a solo acoustic.

"The Ghost of Tom Joad" is a song written by Bruce Springsteen and was first released as the title track of his 1995 album. The song draws its inspiration from John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath," which was published in 1939. Steinbeck's novel tells the story of the Joad family, displaced by the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression, as they travel west in search of a better life. Bruce Springsteen's "The Ghost of Tom Joad" explores similar themes of social justice, economic hardship, and the struggles of the working class. The song's protagonist, like Tom Joad in Steinbeck's novel, becomes a symbol of those who face economic injustice and hardship. Springsteen's lyrics highlight the challenges and inequalities faced by marginalized individuals in contemporary society. The context of the song reflects Springsteen's concern for the plight of the working class and the disenfranchised. The character of Tom Joad becomes a symbol of resilience and resistance against social and economic injustice. Springsteen's "The Ghost of Tom Joad" is a powerful commentary on the ongoing struggles of individuals facing adversity and serves as a reflection on the timeless issues of poverty and inequality. "Whenever they's a fight so hungry people can eat, I'll be there," says Tom Joad in the book. "Whenever they's a cop beatin' up a guy, I'll be there... I'll be in the way guys yell when they're mad an'-I'll be in the way kids laugh when they're hungry an' they know supper's ready. An' when our folks eat the stuff they raise an' live in the houses they build-why, I'll be there." This soliloquy reflects Tom Joad's commitment to social justice and his determination to fight for the rights and well-being of the common people during difficult times, which is a central theme in "The Grapes of Wrath."

The story here is from the Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck, FYI. But updated for today.

Greetings from Canada eh!! Great reaction and welcome to E Street!! Been on board since 1973, been to around 30 shows, which are 3 to 4 hours of the best time of your life!!!! Dive into Bruce's music, you will find messages of life, with all the pain and love it can bring. Bruce's words have always been the poetry of the generation. Play Jungleland, Incident on 57th Street or New York Serenade. HIs beautiful ballad Thunderoad, his invitation to come join him on the journey of life or his Masterpiece, Born to Run, about exploring yourself and personal freedom. Bruce has many songs about social justice, you just experienced one, however, listen to American Skin 41 shots. It's a true story about Amadou Diallo, an French Guinean student who was shot 41 times by police in his doorway. There is so much to delve into with Bruce and the band. Two members have passed away, Danny Federici on the Hammond organ and the one, the legend, the BIG Man himself, Clarence Clemons on the saxophone!!! Rock On!!

So many Bruce songs with meaning and poetry and politics. American Skin (41 Shots) being the pinnacle. Born in the USA as well. Both well misunderstood songs. Depends on what you want. Ghost of Tom Joad.

As a lifelong Bruce fan and later a Rage Against The Machine fan, when I first heard that Rage had done a cover of the low-key acoustic track 'The Ghost of Tom Joad' from the similarly low-key album, I thought it was going to be very strange, and it was, but in a beautiful way. It therefore made sense that when Bruce teamed up with Tom Morello for some of his touring, that they would draw on the spirit of that cover to craft this absolute masterpiece. Tom definitely shows the old guys how it's done, but he also drew inspiration from them. His work under the name 'The Nightwatchman' was originally ispried by (among other things) the Ghost of Tom Joad album, and has a real folk protest vibe.

Love the movie.... The Grapes of Wrath Amazing sad but truthful story of Tom Joad and family as they travel west for a better life or just a life ! Henry Fonda stars as ( Tom Joad ) after just getting out of jail for murder finds that his family and all of the families have been kicked off the land after years of dust storms ( Dust Bowl ) pack up everything they own and head west. ( ....and yes i know the novel but i'm more familiar with the movie ) Bruce and Tom both capture Toms speech to his mother as he leaves the family again for a 2nd time this hopefully staying ahead of the law. Great song, and they both nail the song 150% ! That's Rock-n-Roll Man on any given night.... you could be witness to one of the greatest performances in music history. ( that might be overstating it abit but its a wild and memorable performance )

Pedals doing all the work buddy!

another brain surgeon who's never read The Grapes of Wrath

Yeah dude you are crazy…Bruce is far from being Mellencamp! John pales in comparison other than similar vocals. I recommend you dive in to Mr Springsteen! And Tom Morello uses gadgets smoke and mirrors