Bruce Springsteen opens up about his view on morality and his birthplace New Jersey

In a candid conversation with George Stephanopoulos for the ABC special “Bruce Springsteen: Backstage and Backstreets,” rock legend Bruce Springsteen opened up about the profound themes of aging, loss, and the enduring connection to his New Jersey roots. The preview of the special, set to air soon, offers an intimate look at Springsteen as he reflects on the passage of time and how it has shaped both his personal life and storied career.

Bruce Springsteen on his cultural roots:

Now 74, Springsteen has long been regarded as a voice of the working class and a cultural icon, with songs that speak to the struggles, dreams, and resilience of everyday Americans. As he faces the realities of aging, the Boss doesn’t shy away from discussing mortality and the inevitable changes that come with it.

“When you get older, you’re forced to take a long look at the fact that time is not unlimited,” Springsteen shared during the interview. He described the process of confronting the losses that accompany aging, from close friends to bandmates. For Springsteen, these experiences have deepened his understanding of life’s fragility and fueled his creativity, inspiring his recent music to explore these weighty themes with a sense of urgency.

Despite his fame, the singer-songwriter has remained closely tied to his roots in New Jersey, the place that inspired many of his greatest hits. Springsteen spoke fondly of the Garden State, where he grew up in a working-class family, and where he continues to live today. “New Jersey is home,” he said. “It’s always been the center of my universe, and it still is.” This sense of place, he emphasized, is integral to his identity and artistry.

The special, which includes rare backstage footage and moments from his live performances, also highlights Springsteen’s reflections on the unchanging nature of certain aspects of life, despite the passage of time. He discussed how his relationships with family, bandmates, and fans have kept him grounded, even as the world around him has shifted.

As Springsteen continues to perform for sold-out crowds, the ABC special offers viewers a window into the mind of an artist still evolving, grappling with universal truths, and finding meaning in the twilight of his career.