4 of the Best Female Covers of Bruce Springsteen Classics

Women have long been socially separated from the blue-collar worker, drafted soldier, rough-and-tumble universe Bruce Springsteen established much of his career writing in, but we’d argue that these female covers of Springsteen classics offer an even more interesting color, perspective, and overall mood to songs by the Boss and his E Street Band.

From contemplative harmonies to soulful rock, here are some of the best female-led versions of Bruce Springsteen hits.

“I’m On Fire” by The Staves

Bruce Springsteen said it himself in Nebraska’s “Highway Patrolman,” nothin’ feels better than blood on blood. Sibling duo the Staves proves just how true that sentiment can be with their captivating blood harmony. Their rendition of “I’m On Fire,” the fourth single from Springsteen’s 1985 record, Born in the U.S.A., makes this classic track even moodier and more ethereal as they harmonize the refrain, Oh, oh, oh, I’m on fire.

“Dancing in the Dark” by Lucy Dacus

Another iconic cut from Born in the U.S.A., “Dancing in the Dark,” was Bruce Springsteen’s lead single off the album that would go on to define his career. Springsteen famously wrote the song after producer Jon Landau told the musician his album needed a single. But this female cover of a Springsteen classic sounds just as appropriate, mirroring the discontent that can be so pervasive in the female experience.

I check my look in the mirror, wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face. Man, I ain’t getting nowhere, I’m just living in a dump like this. There’s something happening somewhere, baby, I just know there is.

“Fire” by The Pointer Sisters

Bruce Springsteen wrote “Fire” while creating material for his album Darkness on the Edge of Town. After the monumental success of his previous records, Springsteen wasn’t on the hunt for a hit. In fact, he had another artist in mind altogether to perform the track: Elvis Presley. Springsteen, like so many other young musicians in the 1950s, idolized Elvis. He sent a demo to the King of Rock and Roll for his consideration, but sadly, he died before it ever arrived.

The Pointer Sisters ended up recording a highly successful version of “Fire,” peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. (Interestingly, this chart position beat Springsteen’s personal record of No. 23.)

“Born to Run” by Melissa Etheridge

In 2009, the Boss was among the esteemed Kennedy Center Honors recipients, including Mel Brooks, Dave Brubeck, and Robert DeNiro. Melissa Etheridge performed in honor of Bruce Springsteen, performing the title track off his third studio album and first international release, Born to Run. (This track garnered Springsteen that “personal record” chart position of No. 23.)

Etheridge and her full band, complete with horns and backup singers, performed a rousing rendition of Springsteen’s classic, leaving everyone in the audience smiling and bobbing their heads.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images