WXPN has been a fan of singer-songwriter Chuck Prophet that predates his solo work, going back to his days with alt-country pioneers Green On Red. Chuck’s new record is called ¡Let Freedom Ring! an album he calls a “collection of political songs for non-political people,” which features some great musicians including the legendary Ernest “Boom” Carter, once of the E Street Band. Chuck takes over the XPN blog this week and while we’re on the subject of The Boss, Chuck’s first post this week is aptly titled “Springsteen’s Lifeboat.” And check out the video trailer for Chuck’s new album below his post.

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We’ve been playing the Springsteen song “For You” lately.

It just floated its way into the set and stayed there.

I remember the first time I really heard Springsteen. I was playing guitar for the comedian Barry Sobel [long story!] and we were dead-heading back from a gig at some casino in Reno. Barry crashed in the back and I took over the wheel– cranked the cassette in the player to stay awake. It was Bruce and the E Street Band live at the Roxy.

Not a bad way, in how it turned out.

And it hit me. “Princess cards she sends me.”

Springsteen put a lifeboat out there for everyone. It didn’t exclude anyone. I bought into it. And it hit me hard. I was right there at the adolescent/adult crossroads and he was speaking right to me.

All he wanted was his own gang. The gang was more important than any one woman or his family. I could relate.

Living alone in that shack. Hurling himself into myth.

I hear this now and it makes me sad. Blue sad. Who doesn’t get Michigan and Ohio confused when you’re trying to snooze with dirty clothes and sweaty guitars in a brand used tour van?

We look at Bruce and he makes us look back at ourselves. And when I sing the song, it all comes flooding back. Every last lost weekend. Bruce is still out there too. Running from gig to gig. Standing over steaming manholes.

Born to run. Well, long may you run amigo. Long may you run.