HELD UP WITHOUT A GUN

Live 31 Dec 1980 version

Well I was out driving, just taking it slow
Look at my tank it was reading low
Pulled in an Exxon station out on Highway One
Look out!
Held up without a gun
Held up without a gun

Some damn fool with a guitar walks in off the street
Ain't got nowhere to go, ain't got nothing to eat
Man with a cigar says "sign here son"
Look out!
Held up without a gun
Held up without a gun

Now it's a sin and it oughta be a crime
You know it happens buddy all of the time
Try to make a living, try to have a little fun
Held up without a gun
Held up without a gun
Held up without a gun
Held up without a gun

The River outtake recorded during the album's recording sessions at The Power Station, New York City, NY, between Apr 1979 and Aug 1980. It is a short and fast track.

The first live appearance of the song was during The River tour on 31 Dec 1980 at the Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY, waiting for midnight. The second, and last, live performance of song was on 28 Sep 2004 at the Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ, during the Vote For Change tour rehearsals.

The live 31 Dec 1980 version was used as B-sides of HUNGRY HEART in 1980 worldwide, and included on a 12" single in Europe in 1985 with I'M GOIN' DOWN, and JANEY DON'T YOU LOSE HEART. Also appeared on a US 12" promo single in 1981 with FADE AWAY and BE TRUE, and on a South African double 7" promo single in 1987 with FIRE (16 Dec 1978), BECAUSE THE NIGHT (28 Dec 1980), and HUNGRY HEART. Later included on The Essential Bruce Springsteen bonus disc.

The lyrics refer to the officially released live 31 Dec 1980 version. Check also take #1, take #2, take #3, take #4, take #5, take #6, take #7, take #8, and the home demo.

Liner notes by Bruce Springsteen from The Essential Bruce Springsteen booklet:

Alive and raucous in Uniondale, NY on New Year's Eve 1980. Go..Stevie...Go! Sing...Stevie...Sing!