Spare Parts (song)

"Spare Parts" is a song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen. It was originally recorded during the sessions for his 1982 album Nebraska, but it was not released until it appeared on his 1984 album, Born in the U.S.A.

The song tells the story of a young, impoverished woman who is pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend. Facing desperate circumstances, she considers abandoning the child herself. The lyrics explore themes of desperation, economic hardship, and the struggle for survival in the face of adversity. Musically, the Born in the U.S.A. version is significantly more upbeat and rock-oriented than the starker, acoustic Nebraska outtake. This difference in arrangement contributes to the song's contrasting interpretations, with the album version sometimes criticized for undermining the bleakness of the narrative.

The song is notable for its raw and unflinching portrayal of a difficult situation, a hallmark of Springsteen's songwriting. While not one of his biggest hits, "Spare Parts" remains a frequently discussed song due to its poignant subject matter and its evolution between the Nebraska and Born in the U.S.A. eras. The song has been performed live on numerous occasions throughout Springsteen's career.