We Take Care of Our Own
"We Take Care of Our Own" is a song written and recorded by American musician Bruce Springsteen. It is the first single from his album Wrecking Ball. The single was released for download through amazon.com and iTunes on January 18, 2012.[1] The song made its live debut on February 12, 2012, at the 54th Grammy Awards, where it was nominated for Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song.[2]
"We Take Care of Our Own"
January 19, 2012
2011
3:53
Bruce Springsteen
Ron Aniello, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau (executive prod.)
Rolling Stone named the song the 32nd best song of 2012.[3] Music critic Robert Christgau named it the best single of 2012.[4]
Music videos[edit]
Springsteen was spotted in New Jersey on January 13, 2012, filming what was believed to be a new music video. On January 19, 2012, the date the single was released, Springsteen's official website released a music video for the song containing various black and white images of Springsteen interspersed with text of the song's lyrics.
On February 10, 2012, a second official music video premiered, this time featuring Bruce performing in abandoned buildings and on rooftops in an urban setting. Various images of working class Americans are shown as lyrics flash by. As Springsteen sings the song's emotional resolution ("Wherever this flag is flown/We take care of our own"), the image transforms from black and white to color, climaxing as Springsteen joins a crowd of everyday Americans walking together in daylight, in unison.
The video was filmed in and around Asbury Park, including the roof of the Savoy Theatre and inside of Frank's Deli.[9]
Use in politics[edit]
This song was played throughout Barack Obama's 2012 presidential campaign and after his victory speech at his headquarters in Chicago. Sales of the song rose 409% following Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention.[10]
The song was played at Joe Biden's victory speech after he had won the 2020 presidential election.[11]