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Bruce Springsteen’s breakout album was his 3rd, “Born to Run,” in 1975. But surprisingly, Springsteen didn’t have a hit single until he released his 5th album, “The River,” in 1980.

The song was “Hungry Heart,” which reached number five on the pop charts.

Initially, Springsteen wrote the song at the request of Joey Ramone, who wanted The Ramones to record it. But Springsteen’s manager was convinced the song was too good to give away. He talked Springsteen into keeping it.

Thank goodness. I can imagine “Hungry Heart” being covered by a lot of bands, but The Ramones isn’t one of them.

Hungry Heart

By Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, 1980
Written by Bruce Springsteen

Got a wife and kids in Baltimore, Jack.
I went out for a ride, and I never went back.
Like a river that don’t know where it’s flowin’,
I took a wrong turn and I just kept goin’.

Everybody’s got a hungry heart.
Everybody’s got a hungry heart.
Lay down your money and you play your part.
Everybody’s got a hungry heart.

I met her in a Kingstown bar.
We fell in love — I knew it had to end.
We took what we had and we ripped it apart.
Now here I am down in Kingstown again.

Everybody’s got a hungry heart.
Everybody’s got a hungry heart.
Lay down your money and you play your part.
Everybody’s got a hungry heart.

Everybody needs a place to rest.
Everybody wants to have a home.
Don’t make no difference what nobody says.
Ain’t nobody likes to be alone.

Everybody’s got a hungry heart.
Everybody’s got a hungry heart.
Lay down your money and you play your part.
Everybody’s got a hungry heart.