The Meaning Behind The Song: The Last Carnival by Bruce Springsteen
The Last Carnival is a beautiful song by Bruce Springsteen that was released as a bonus track on his 2009 album “Working on a Dream.” The song was dedicated to The Big Man, Clarence Clemons, the saxophonist who had worked side by side with Bruce for more than four decades. He passed away in 2011, and this song is now considered to be a fitting tribute to him.
The song starts with Bruce remembering a carnival of his childhood where he had first seen his beloved Big Man play. He talks about the void that was left behind when his friend passed away and how he feels like he is “running behind” ever since. The lyrics are very emotional and resonate with anyone who has lost someone dear to them.
The Last Carnival also has a unique sound to it, with Springsteen’s voice taking on a wistful, melancholic tone as he sings and Clemons’ saxophone perfectly complementing the hauntingly beautiful melody. The song’s arrangement is quite simple, using minimal drums, piano, and saxophone solos to add an emotional depth to the lyrics.
FAQs
Q. Who was Clarence Clemons, and how did he become a part of Bruce Springsteen’s band?
A. Clarence Clemons was a saxophonist who had worked with Bruce Springsteen for more than forty years. He first met Bruce in 1971 and joined his E Street Band the following year. The Big Man, as he was lovingly called, remained a vital part of the band till his death in 2011.
Q. When was The Last Carnival released, and was it a popular song?
A. The Last Carnival was released in 2009 as a bonus track on Bruce Springsteen’s “Working on a Dream” album. It received a lot of critical acclaim but wasn’t released as a single.
Q. What is the song’s main theme?
A. The main theme of The Last Carnival is remembering the good times and cherishing the memories of loved ones who have passed away. It also highlights the impact that Clarence Clemons had on Bruce and their fans.
Q. Why is this song so special to Bruce Springsteen’s fans?
A. The Last Carnival is a unique and touching tribute to Clarence Clemons, who had been an integral part of Bruce’s music and life for more than four decades. It resonates with fans because it captures the sadness, loss, and love that many of them feel when they think about their own loved ones who have passed away.
Q. What inspired Bruce Springsteen to write The Last Carnival?
A. The song was inspired by Bruce’s memories of a carnival from his childhood. The carnival was where he had seen his friend and bandmate Clarence Clemons play for the first time. After his death, Bruce felt the need to honor him with this beautiful song.
Q. Did Clarence Clemons get to hear The Last Carnival before he passed away?
A. Yes, Clarence Clemons heard the song before he passed away in June 2011. In an interview, Springsteen shared that he had sent the song to the Big Man and that he “loved it.”
Q. What is the meaning behind the lyrics, “We’re running now but I’m running behind.”
A. Bruce Springsteen’s lyrics in The Last Carnival refer to the feeling of loss and void that was left behind when Clarence Clemons passed away. He feels like he can never catch up with the memories and the times he had with his friend.
Q. How did Bruce Springsteen and Clarence Clemons meet?
A. Bruce Springsteen and Clarence Clemons met in a small bar in Asbury Park, NJ, in 1971. Clemons had been playing in various bands in the area when he was invited to see Springsteen play. The two hit it off immediately and soon became lifelong friends.
Q. Who else was a part of the E Street Band, and how did they contribute to The Last Carnival?
A. The E Street Band formed in 1972 and has had many members over the years. The Last Carnival features minimal drums, keyboard, and saxophone solos to highlight the emotional depth of the lyrics.
Q. Was The Last Carnival played at Clarence Clemons’ memorial?
A. Yes, The Last Carnival was played at Clarence Clemons’ memorial service in 2011. It was an emotional tribute to the saxophonist, with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band playing the song in his honor.
Q. What does the phrase, “the last carnival” mean in the context of the song?
A. In the song, the “last carnival” refers to the memories of Bruce’s childhood and the moment when he first saw Clarence Clemons play. It has now become a way to remember the loved ones who have passed away and cherish the precious moments spent with them.
Q. How did fans react to The Last Carnival?
A. Fans and critics alike praised The Last Carnival for its emotional depth and haunting melody. The song quickly became a fan favorite and is now considered to be a fitting tribute to Clarence Clemons.
Q. Was The Last Carnival a part of the regular setlist in Bruce Springsteen’s concerts?
A. No, The Last Carnival was never played live, but it remains a fan favorite and is often played during radio broadcasts and on live bootlegs.
Q. What is the instrumentation used in The Last Carnival?
A. The Last Carnival features minimal instrumentation, with a piano, saxophone solos, and drums used to highlight the emotional depth of the lyrics. It has a haunting melody that perfectly complements the wistful, melancholic tone of Bruce’s voice.
