We have made much of the Bruuuuce in these pages, and now I am going to make a little more. Because when he wakes up with the sheets soaking wet and a freight train running through the middle of his head, I get a funny feeling. In my pants.

Seriously, that song just — well, it cuts a six-inch valley through the middle of my soul.

It was five short minutes ago that I learned he is saying “soul” there. I always thought he said “skull.” Which makes it a very different lyric indeed.

Anyhow, besides imaginary, er, relations with Bruce Springsteen, that song makes me think of two other things: the version sung by Johnny Cash (with whom I’ve never had imaginary relations), and his amazing series of covers late in life. I still remember the first time I played one of those CDs, and my roommate called out from another room, disbelieving, “Is that Johnny Cash singing Depeche Mode?” Oh yes it is, my friend. Yes it is.

The other thing I think of is Elmer Fudd. Also no imaginary relations there. And also two tiny revelations, to wit: All I knew, when having this random association, was that my fella used to reference Elmer Fudd singing “Fire.” Today’s revelations are: “Fire” and “I’m on Fire” are not the same song! And the Elmer Fudd joke comes from Robin Williams (no imaginary relations, although … hm …).

Old and grainy, but a nice diversion for a rainy Friday: