Bruce Springsteen has unveiled a new song paying homage to the residents of Minneapolis, voicing dissent against the ongoing federal immigration enforcement activities overseen by the Trump administration in that area. The track, titled "Streets of Minneapolis," was released on a Wednesday and lyrically depicts a city grappling with turmoil and tension, describing it as "a city aflame fought fire and ice 'neath an occupier's boots," with the phrase "King Trump's private army" reflecting his portrayal of the federal enforcement agents.
Springsteen revealed that the song was both written and recorded over a weekend span, intending it as a direct response to a second fatal shooting conducted by federal immigration officials in Minneapolis. He dedicated the song explicitly to Minneapolis residents, emphasizing solidarity with "our innocent immigrant neighbors," while commemorating Alex Pretti and Renee Good, the victims of these actions.
Musically, the song commences with a sparse arrangement featuring only acoustic guitar accompaniment and vocals. It gradually incorporates a full band ensemble, including a harmonica solo, building atmosphere before concluding with a chant of "ICE Out!" that underlines the song's message.
Within the lyrics, Springsteen sings, "Oh our Minneapolis, I hear your voice," followed by the lines, "Singing through the bloody mist/We'll take our stand for this land/And the stranger in our midst," showcasing a call for unity and resistance.
The title of the track is an intentional echo of Springsteen's earlier composition "Streets of Philadelphia," famously known as the soundtrack for the 1993 film "Philadelphia" starring Tom Hanks. This parallel suggests a thematic connection centered on urban struggle and social issues represented by these cities.
Springsteen has historically been vocal in his criticism of President Donald Trump. The president has dismissed the musician's stance, labeling him "overrated." Their exchanges publicly intensified in a prior incident during Springsteen's tour in England, when the artist described the current U.S. government as "corrupt, incompetent and treasonous." Trump retorted by derogatorily calling Springsteen a "dried out prune of a rocker."