No Surrender (song)

For song by Eisler, see Hangmen Also Die!

"No Surrender"
Song

"No Surrender" is a song from Bruce Springsteen's album Born in the U.S.A. A pop influenced rocker, it was only included on the album at the insistence of Steven Van Zandt, but has since become a concert staple for Springsteen, usually in a low-key, acoustic arrangement. It became prominent worldwide in 2004 when John Kerry, the Democratic candidate in that year's presidential election in the United States and a fan of Springsteen, used this theme song as the main theme song for his campaign. Though it was not one of the seven Top Ten hits of the album, "No Surrender" nevertheless charted on the Mainstream Rock Charts, peaking at # 29.

Live performances

During the Born in the U.S.A. Tour, "No Surrender" was rarely played, instead of having a full band version the song was a slow acoustic guitar and harmonica version.

The song was played occasionally in the Reunion Tour, The Rising Tour and later tours, including the Magic Tour. The song has been performed about 230 times through 2008.

It appears on Springsteen's London Calling: Live in Hyde Park DVD, performed with Brian Fallon of fellow New Jersey band The Gaslight Anthem as special guest.

Cover versions

In 2008, Hot Water Music recorded the song on their B-sides and rarities album Til The Wheels Fall Off.

In 2009, Jill Johnson from Sweden recorded the song on the cover album Music Row II.

In 2009 Two Cow Garage recorded the song for the A side of Vol. 9 of Subruban Home Records' "Under the Influence" 7" covers series. Side B of the 7" features Jr. Juggernaut covering "Trouble" by Cat Stevens.

In 2013, Mark Salling recorded a cover of the song for the TV show Glee as a tribute to cast member Cory Monteith who died suddenly earlier in the year. His version of the song was featured in the season 5 episode "The Quarterback", a tribute to Monteith and his character Finn Hudson who had recently died.

References

• Lyrics & Audio clips from Brucespringsteen.net