The Ghost of Tom Joad (song)

"The Ghost of Tom Joad" is a song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen. It was released as the title track of his eleventh studio album of the same name in 1995.

The song is a folk ballad inspired by John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath and Woody Guthrie's Dust Bowl-era ballads. It directly references the character of Tom Joad, the protagonist of Steinbeck's novel, and examines themes of poverty, social injustice, and the plight of the marginalized in American society.

Lyrically, the song draws heavily from the novel, quoting Tom Joad's famous speech about being everywhere people are struggling. Springsteen updates this message for the 1990s, focusing on the experiences of the homeless, the unemployed, and those living on the fringes of society. The song uses stark and evocative imagery to paint a picture of hardship and despair.

Musically, "The Ghost of Tom Joad" is characterized by its minimalist arrangement, typically featuring acoustic guitar, harmonica, and spare percussion. Springsteen's vocals are often delivered in a somber and understated manner, emphasizing the song's serious subject matter.

The song has been covered by numerous artists, most notably by Rage Against the Machine, whose heavier, rock-oriented version brought the song to a wider audience. Springsteen himself frequently performs the song in concert, often with a more elaborate arrangement.

"The Ghost of Tom Joad" is widely considered one of Springsteen's most politically charged and socially conscious songs. It has been praised for its powerful storytelling, its empathetic portrayal of the downtrodden, and its enduring relevance to contemporary social issues. The song has received critical acclaim and is considered a staple of Springsteen's discography.