In a Culture War Over the Military, Bruce Springsteen Stands Alone

Some musicians make songs praising troops, like Toby Keith ("American Soldier") and Kid Rock ("Warrior"). Others rail against war, like M.I.A. ("P.O.W.A.") and Neil Young ("Let's Impeach the President"). Then there's Bruce Springsteen, who does both.

In a career spanning five decades, Springsteen has lent a credible voice to many activist causes, decrying poverty, racism and corporate greed. But one topic that he consistently and passionately comes back to is the soldier returning from war.

Some musicians make songs praising troops, like Toby Keith ("American Soldier") and Kid Rock ("Warrior"). Others rail against war, like M.I.A. ("P.O.W.A.") and Neil Young ("Let's Impeach the President"). Then there's Bruce Springsteen, who does both. In a career spanning five decades, Springsteen has lent a credible voice to many activist causes, decrying poverty, racism and corporate greed. But one topic that he consistently and passionately comes back to is the soldier returning from war.