Lyrics

TOUGHER THAN THE REST

Album version


Well it's Saturday night, you're all dressed up in blue
I been watching you a while, maybe you been watching me too
So somebody ran out, left somebody's heart in a mess
Well if you're looking for love, honey I'm tougher than the rest

Some girls they want a handsome Dan or some good looking Joe
On their arm, some girls like a sweet talking Romeo
Well 'round here baby, I learned you get what you can get
So if you're rough enough for love, honey I'm tougher than the rest

The road is dark and it's a thin thin line
But I want you to know I'll walk it for you any time
Maybe your other boyfriends couldn't pass the test
Well if you're rough and ready for love, honey I'm tougher than the rest

Well it ain't no secret I've been around a time or two
Well I don't know baby, maybe you've been around too
Well there's another dance, all you gotta do is say yes
And if you're rough and ready for love, honey I'm tougher than the rest
If you're rough enough for love, baby I'm tougher than the rest

Hoo hoo hoo
Hoo-hoo

PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Info

TOUGHER THAN THE REST is a song written by Bruce Springsteen and released on his 1987 album Tunnel Of Love. The above lyrics are for Bruce Springsteen's album version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST as released in 1987.


The album version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was included on The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2015 edition) compilation album and the Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits- compilation album.

Writing and Recording

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

Single Releases

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest
Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest

12" EP - CBS (651641 6) - Holland, 1988

A1- TOUGHER THAN THE REST
A2- TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 27 Apr 1988 version]
A2- BE TRUE [Live 28 Mar 1988 version]
B2- BORN TO RUN [Live 27 Apr 1988 version]
Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest
Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest

12" EP - CBS (651641 6) - Spain, 1988

A1- TOUGHER THAN THE REST
A2- TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 27 Apr 1988 version]
A2- BE TRUE [Live 28 Mar 1988 version]
B2- BORN TO RUN [Live 27 Apr 1988 version]
Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest
Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest

12" EP - CBS (BRUCE Q3) - UK, 1988

Limited edition, comes in a poster fold-out sleeve.

A1- TOUGHER THAN THE REST
A2- ROULETTE
B1- TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 27 Apr 1988 version]
B2- BORN TO RUN [Live 27 Apr 1988 version]

Tunnel Of Love

Tunnel Of Love is Bruce Springsteen's eighth studio album. It was released on 06 Oct 1987 on Columbia Records. It was recorded between January and July 1987 at Thrill Hill East, Springsteen's home studio in Colts Neck, NJ.

Bruce Springsteen -- Tunnel Of Love
Bruce Springsteen -- Tunnel Of Love

The album features 12 tracks and clocks at 46:25. It is produced by produced by Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, and Chuck Plotkin.

The Essential Bruce Springsteen

The Essential Bruce Springsteen is a compilation album released as part of Sony BMG'S (previously Sony Music Entertainment) series of "Essential" sets. According to Springsteen's liner notes comments, the collection was intended as an introduction to his music for new fans who attended shows on The Rising Tour.

The collection is fundamentally a 2-disc set (clocking at 153:37) compiling songs from all of Springsteen's studio albums to date plus his Live In New York City release. A 3-disc limited edition (clocking at 201:04) was also released. It includes a bonus third disc comprising of a selection of rarities and previously unreleased recordings.

The Essential Bruce Springsteen was released on 11 Nov 2003 on Columbia Records. It debuted and peaked at #14 on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart where it spent 13 weeks. It also reached #28 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was awarded certified gold and platinum records by the RIAA on 16 Dec 2003.

Bruce Springsteen -- The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2003 edition)
Bruce Springsteen -- The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2003 edition)

The Essential Bruce Springsteen was reissued on 16 Oct 2015, this time as a 2-disc set (clocking at 156:25) with an updated track list, compiling songs from all of Springsteen's studio albums to date plus his Greatest Hits (1995 edition) collection. This 2015 reissue features remastered tracks not found in that form on other Springsteen releases.

Bruce Springsteen -- The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2015 edition)
Bruce Springsteen -- The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2015 edition)

Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits-

Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits- is a Bruce Springsteen compilation album released by Sony Music Japan in 2023. The compilation, which was exclusively released in Japan, consists of previously released 35 audio tracks and 62 video tracks. The collection is part of a 26-title reissue campaign to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen's debut album. The series, issued in three waves (25 Oct 2023, 22 Nov 2023, and 20 Dec 2023), includes 25 albums originally released between 1973 and 2014 plus a new compilation album that includes all of Springsteen's singles released in Japan from 1975 to 1999. All audio CD's were manufactured using Sony Japan's Blu-spec CD2 format.

Bruce Springsteen -- Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits-
Bruce Springsteen -- Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits-

Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits- track list

Disc 1: (audio CD)

  1. BORN TO RUN
  2. TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT
  3. PROVE IT ALL NIGHT
  4. BADLANDS
  5. HUNGRY HEART
  6. I WANNA MARRY YOU
  7. SANTA CLAUSE IS COMIN' TO TOWN [Live 12 Dec 1975 version]
  8. ATLANTIC CITY
  9. DANCING IN THE DARK
  10. COVER ME
  11. BORN IN THE U.S.A.
  12. I'M ON FIRE
  13. GLORY DAYS
  14. I'M GOIN' DOWN
  15. MY HOMETOWN
  16. WAR [Live 30 Sep 1985 version]
  17. FIRE [Live 16 Dec 1978 version]

Disc 2: (audio CD)

  1. BRILLIANT DISGUISE
  2. TUNNEL OF LOVE
  3. ONE STEP UP
  4. TOUGHER THAN THE REST
  5. SPARE PARTS
  6. HUMAN TOUCH
  7. BETTER DAYS
  8. 57 CHANNELS (AND NOTHIN' ON)
  9. ROLL OF THE DICE
  10. STREETS OF PHILADELPHIA
  11. SECRET GARDEN
  12. THE GHOST OF TOM JOAD
  13. DEAD MAN WALKIN'
  14. BLOOD BROTHERS [Alternate studio version]
  15. I WANNA BE WITH YOU
  16. CHIMES OF FREEDOM [Live 03 Jul 1988 version]
  17. AMERICAN BEAUTY
  18. I'LL STAND BY YOU

Disc 3: (DVD)

  1. ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) [Live 08 Jul 1978 version]
  2. BORN TO RUN [Live 19 Aug 1985 version]
  3. TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT [Live 05 Nov 1980 version]
  4. THUNDER ROAD [Live 05 Nov 1980 version]
  5. PROVE IT ALL NIGHT [Live 08 Jul 1978 version]
  6. BADLANDS [Live 05 Nov 1980 version]
  7. HUNGRY HEART [Live 09 Jul 1995 version]
  8. I WANNY MARRY YOU [Live 05 Nov 1980 version]
  9. THE RIVER [Live 21 Sep 1979 version]
  10. ATLANTIC CITY
  11. HIGHWAY PATROLMAN
  12. DANCING IN THE DARK
  13. COVER ME [Live 30 Jun 2013 version]
  14. BORN IN THE U.S.A.
  15. I'M ON FIRE
  16. GLORY DAYS
  17. I'M GOIN' DOWN [Live 30 Jun 2013 version]
  18. MY HOMETOWN [Live 30 Sep 1985 version]
  19. WAR [Live 30 Sep 1985 version]
  20. FIRE [Live 13 Oct 1986 version]
  21. BRILLIANT DISGUISE
  22. TUNNEL OF LOVE
  23. ONE STEP UP
  24. TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 27 Apr 1988 version]
  25. SPARE PARTS [Live 10 Jul 1988 version]
  26. VIGILANTE MAN [Live Feb 1988 version]
  27. HUMAN TOUCH
  28. BETTER DAYS
  29. 57 CHANNELS (AND NOTHIN' ON)
  30. ROLL OF THE DICE [Live 22 Sep 1992 version]
  31. LEAP OF FAITH [Live 06 Aug 1992 version]
  32. IF I SHOULD FALL BEHIND [25 Sep 1999 sound-check version]

Disc 4: (DVD)

  1. STREETS OF PHILADELPHIA [1993 music video version]
  2. MURDER INCORPORATED
  3. SECRET GARDEN
  4. THE GHOST OF TOM JOAD [Live 27 Nov 1995 (NBC Studios) version]
  5. DEAD MAN WALKIN'
  6. LONESOME DAY
  7. WAITIN' ON A SUNNY DAY [Live 16 Oct 2002 version]
  8. DEVILS & DUST
  9. RADIO NOWHERE
  10. LONG WALK HOME
  11. WORKING ON A DREAM
  12. THE LAST CARNIVAL
  13. A NIGHT WITH THE JERSEY DEVIL
  14. SAVE MY LOVE
  15. WE TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN
  16. ROCKY GROUND
  17. HIGH HOPES
  18. JUST LIKE FIRE WOULD
  19. HELLO SUNSHINE
  20. TUCSON TRAIN
  21. WESTERN STARS
  22. I'LL STAND BY YOU
  23. LETTER TO YOU
  24. GHOSTS
  25. THE POWER OF PRAYER
  26. I'LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
  27. DO I LOVE YOU (INDEED I DO)
  28. NIGHTSHIFT
  29. DON'T PLAY THAT SONG
  30. TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

Other Official Releases

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

Bruce Springsteen -- Bruce Springsteen Sampler
Bruce Springsteen -- Bruce Springsteen Sampler

CD - Columbia (CDNK 677) - Canada, 1992

Canada-only promotional CD sampler compiling 10 tracks from Springsteen's albums up to 1987, plus the 1988 acoustic live version of BORN TO RUN. Comes in a plain white die-cut cardboard sleeve.

Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest
Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest

CD - Columbia (XPCD 192) - UK, 1992

UK-only promotional CD sampler issued in limited quantities to tie in with the 1992 Wembley shows and contains 16 tracks from Springsteen's albums up to 1992.

Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest
Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest

CD - Columbia (BOSS1) - Sweden, 1992

Sweden-only promotional CD sampler used for both radio promotion and as a VIP giveaway item at the opening shows of Springsteen's 1992 tour in Stockholm. It contains 14 tracks from the first nine albums only. Two different pressings exist: the first comes in a standard jewel case with title front inlay and back insert (cover art on the left), and the second comes in a plain slimline case with no inlays.

Bruce Springsteen -- Interview With Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen -- Interview With Bruce Springsteen

2xCD - Columbia (SAMPCD 3184 9) - Germany, 1996

Germany-only promotional 2-CD set featuring 16 Springsteen tracks interspersed with segments from an exclusive interview for German radio station "Radio Eins" conducted in Los Angeles in February 1996.

Interview With Bruce Springsteen track list

Disc 1:
01- Interview
02- IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY
03- Interview
04- 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY)
05- Interview
06- THE RIVER
07- Interview
08- NEBRASKA
09- Interview
10- TOUGHER THAN THE REST
11- Interview
12- BORN IN THE U.S.A.
13- Interview
14- MY HOMETOWN
15- Interview
16- HIGHWAY 29
17- Interview
18- TUNNEL OF LOVE
19- Interview
20- SINALOA COWBOYS [Live 08 Dec 1995 version]

Disc 2:
01- Interview
02- HUNGRY HEART [Live 09 Jul 1995 version]
03- Interview
04- STRAIGHT TIME
05- Interview
06- HUMAN TOUCH
07- Interview
08- ACROSS THE BORDER
09- Interview
10- THE GHOST OF TOM JOAD
11- Interview
12- DEAD MAN WALKIN'

The album version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was included on some various artists albums.

Various artists -- CBS - The Sound Of Summer '88
Various artists -- CBS - The Sound Of Summer '88

MiniCD - CBS (PROC 1238) - Austria, 1988

Austria-only various artists promotional EP sent to selected record stores.
Various artists -- Good - Nouveautés CBS Printemps/Été 88
Various artists -- Good - Nouveautés CBS Printemps/Été 88

2xCD - CBS (SAMPCD 1217) - France, 1988

France-only various artists promotional sampler.
Various artists -- Hits 9 Album
Various artists -- Hits 9 Album

2xLP - CBS / WEA (HITS 9) - Holland, 1988
MC - CBS / WEA (HITSC 9) - Holland, 1988
Various artists -- Hits 9 - Volume 1
Various artists -- Hits 9 - Volume 1

CD - CBS / WEA (HITSCD 9-1) - Holland, 1988
Various artists -- Kuschelrock 16
Various artists -- Kuschelrock 16

2xCD - Sony Music Media (SMM 508453 2) - Germany, 2002
2xCD - Sony Music Media (SMM 508453 9) - Germany, 2002
2xCD - Sony BMG (88697 27181 2) - Germany, 2008
2xCD - Sony Music Media (SMM 509459 2) - Switzerland, 2002
Various artists -- KuschelRock 16 Geschenk-Edition
Various artists -- KuschelRock 16 Geschenk-Edition

2xCD - Sony Music Media (SMM 508453 6) - Germany, 2002
Various artists -- Knuffelrock 14
Various artists -- Knuffelrock 14

2xCD - Sony Music Media (SMM 5096922) - Belgium, 1997
Various artists -- Χρυσές Μπαλλάντες 9
Various artists -- Χρυσές Μπαλλάντες 9

2xCD - Columbia (COL 510523 2) - Greece, 2002

Other versions of TOUGHER THAN THE REST were also officially released.

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit 1988
The live 28 Mar 1988 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the Joe Louis Arena, Detroit 1988 official live download in 2020.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- LA Sports Arena, California 1988
The live 23 Apr 1988 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the LA Sports Arena, California 1988 official live download in 2015.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Los Angeles, April 1988
The live 28 Apr 1988 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the Los Angeles, April 1988 official live download in 2021.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Madison Square Garden 1988
The live 23 May 1988 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the Madison Square Garden 1988 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Stockholm Stadion, Sweden 1988
The live 03 Jul 1988 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the Stockholm Stadion, Sweden 1988 official live download in 2017.
Bruce Springsteen -- The Christic Shows, November 16 & 17, 1990
The live 17 Nov 1990 version of TOUGHER HAN THE REST was released on The Christic Shows, November 16 & 17, 1990 official live download in 2016.
Bruce Springsteen -- Meadowlands July 25, 1992
The live 25 Jul 1992 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the Meadowlands July 25, 1992 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen -- Springsteen On Broadway
The live July 2018 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the Springsteen On Broadway album in 2018.

Live History: on-tour

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

In preparation for Springsteen On Broadway, TOUGHER THAN THE REST was performed during all of the tour's three known private rehearsal shows that took place in September 2017 in West Long Branch, NJ, and New York City, NY, and during both of the tour's known private rehearsal shows that took place in June 2021 in New York City, NY.

List of Springsteen On Broadway rehearsals performances

  1. 19 Sep 2017 at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ (private rehearsal)
  2. 22 Sep 2017 at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ (private rehearsal)
  3. 29 Sep 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY (private rehearsal)
  4. 24 Jun 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY (private rehearsal)
  5. 25 Jun 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY (private rehearsal)

TOUGHER THAN THE REST was performed 241 times during Springsteen On Broadway (268 dates, October 2017 to December 2018 and June to September 2021). On this tour, the song was played on piano with special guest Patti Scialfa on backing vocals. The live July 2018 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the Springsteen On Broadway album in 2018.

List of Springsteen On Broadway performances

  1. 03 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  2. 04 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  3. 05 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  4. 06 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  5. 07 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  6. 10 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  7. 11 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  8. 12 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  9. 13 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  10. 14 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  11. 17 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  12. 18 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  13. 19 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  14. 20 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  15. 21 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  16. 24 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  17. 25 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  18. 26 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  19. 27 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  20. 28 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  21. 31 Oct 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  22. 01 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  23. 02 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  24. 03 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  25. 04 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  26. 07 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  27. 08 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  28. 09 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  29. 10 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  30. 11 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  31. 14 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  32. 15 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  33. 16 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  34. 17 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  35. 18 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  36. 21 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  37. 22 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  38. 24 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  39. 25 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  40. 26 Nov 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  41. 05 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  42. 06 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  43. 07 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  44. 08 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  45. 09 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  46. 12 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  47. 13 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  48. 14 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  49. 15 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  50. 16 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  51. 19 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  52. 20 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  53. 21 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  54. 22 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  55. 23 Dec 2017 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  56. 09 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  57. 10 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  58. 11 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  59. 12 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  60. 13 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  61. 16 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  62. 17 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  63. 18 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  64. 19 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  65. 20 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  66. 23 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  67. 24 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  68. 25 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  69. 26 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  70. 27 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  71. 30 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  72. 31 Jan 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  73. 01 Feb 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  74. 02 Feb 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  75. 03 Feb 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  76. 01 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  77. 02 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  78. 03 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  79. 06 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  80. 07 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  81. 08 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  82. 14 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  83. 15 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  84. 16 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  85. 17 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  86. 20 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  87. 21 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  88. 22 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  89. 23 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  90. 24 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  91. 27 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  92. 28 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  93. 29 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  94. 30 Mar 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  95. 10 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  96. 11 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  97. 12 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  98. 13 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  99. 14 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  100. 17 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  101. 18 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  102. 19 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  103. 20 Apr 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  104. 02 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  105. 03 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  106. 04 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  107. 05 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  108. 08 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  109. 09 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  110. 10 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  111. 11 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  112. 12 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  113. 16 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  114. 17 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  115. 18 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  116. 19 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  117. 22 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  118. 23 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  119. 24 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  120. 25 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  121. 26 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  122. 30 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  123. 31 May 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  124. 01 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  125. 02 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  126. 05 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  127. 06 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  128. 07 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  129. 08 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  130. 09 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  131. 13 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  132. 14 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  133. 15 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  134. 16 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  135. 19 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  136. 20 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  137. 21 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  138. 22 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  139. 23 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  140. 27 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  141. 28 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  142. 29 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  143. 30 Jun 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  144. 11 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  145. 12 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  146. 13 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  147. 14 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  148. 17 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  149. 18 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  150. 20 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  151. 21 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  152. 24 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  153. 25 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  154. 26 Jul 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  155. 08 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  156. 09 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  157. 10 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  158. 11 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  159. 14 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  160. 15 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  161. 16 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  162. 17 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  163. 18 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  164. 22 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  165. 23 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  166. 24 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  167. 28 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  168. 29 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  169. 30 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  170. 31 Aug 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  171. 04 Sep 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  172. 05 Sep 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  173. 06 Sep 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  174. 07 Sep 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  175. 26 Sep 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  176. 02 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  177. 03 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  178. 10 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  179. 11 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  180. 12 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  181. 13 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  182. 16 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  183. 17 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  184. 18 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  185. 19 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  186. 20 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  187. 24 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  188. 25 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  189. 26 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  190. 27 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  191. 30 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  192. 31 Oct 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  193. 01 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  194. 07 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  195. 08 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  196. 09 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  197. 13 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  198. 14 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  199. 15 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  200. 16 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  201. 17 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  202. 29 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  203. 30 Nov 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  204. 01 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  205. 04 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  206. 06 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  207. 07 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  208. 08 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  209. 12 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  210. 13 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  211. 14 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  212. 15 Dec 2018 at Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City, NY
  213. 26 Jun 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  214. 29 Jun 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  215. 30 Jun 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  216. 01 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  217. 02 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  218. 03 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  219. 06 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  220. 07 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  221. 08 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  222. 09 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  223. 10 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  224. 13 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  225. 14 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  226. 15 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  227. 16 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  228. 17 Jul 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  229. 17 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  230. 18 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  231. 19 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  232. 24 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  233. 25 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  234. 26 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  235. 27 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  236. 28 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  237. 31 Aug 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  238. 01 Sep 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  239. 02 Sep 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  240. 03 Sep 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY
  241. 04 Sep 2021 at St. James Theatre, New York City, NY

Live History: off-tour

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

Bruce Springsteen has been performing on almost all the annual Stand Up for Heroes benefits since 2007. TOUGHER THAN THE REST was performed during the sixth (2012) annual benefit. The song was played solo acoustic.

List of Stand Up For Heroes benefit shows performances

  1. 08 Nov 2012 at Beacon Theatre, New York City, NY (during the sixth annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit)

Covers

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

At least 31 artists have recorded and released Bruce Springsteen's TOUGHER THAN THE REST.

Emmylou Harris -- Brand New Dance
Emmylou Harris -- Brand New Dance

CD - Reprise Records (9 26309-2) - USA, 1990
The Songrise Orchestra -- The Music Of Bruce Springsteen - 17 Instrumental Hits
The Songrise Orchestra -- The Music Of Bruce Springsteen - 17 Instrumental Hits

CD - Hits 'N' Hits (3831CD) - UK, 1995

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It was reissued in 2011 by the Pyramid Music label as a download-only digital album titled Greatest Hits From The Superstars - Born In The USA credited to Gary Tesca Orchestra. It was again reissued in 2014 by the Bringins Music label as a download-only digital album titled Memories Are Made Of These - The Best Of Bruce Springsteen credited to Twilight Orchestra.
Various artists -- For You: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Various artists -- For You: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen

CD - Totem Records (TTM 480499 2) - Italy, 1995

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. TOUGHER THAN THE REST is performed by Luca Barbarossa and Alexi Lalas.
Richard Coleman -- I Can't Believe It's Not... Bruce Springsteen
Richard Coleman -- I Can't Believe It's Not... Bruce Springsteen

CD - Pegasus (ICBINCD 047) - Germany, 2001

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Studio 99 -- Born In The USA: Springsteen - A Tribute
Studio 99 -- Born In The USA: Springsteen - A Tribute

CD - Going For A Song (GFS402) - UK, 2001

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- Born To Run 2003 Volume One
Various artists -- Born To Run 2003 Volume One

CD - Uncut (2003 04A) - UK, 2003

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It's a free CD (volume 1 of 2) issued exclusively with the April 2003 issue of Uncut magazine. TOUGHER THAN THE REST is performed by The Mendoza Line.
New Jersey All Stars -- A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
New Jersey All Stars -- A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen

CD - Cedar (1402) - Europe, 2004

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Studio Group -- A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol 2
Studio Group -- A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol 2

Digital album - Charly Records (no catalog number) - unknown country, 2006

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
East Blues Experience -- V10
East Blues Experience -- V10

CD - AMA Verlag / Mara Records (AMA 626667) - Germany, 2007
Mark Wright -- Real World: The Bruce Springsteen Project
Mark Wright -- Real World: The Bruce Springsteen Project

CD - Revolver (REV XD 271) - UK, 2008

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Andrew Nicholson -- Driving All Night: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Volume II
Andrew Nicholson -- Driving All Night: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Volume II

CD - no label (no catalog number) - UK, 2009

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Camera Obscura -- The Sweetest Thing
Camera Obscura -- The Sweetest Thing

7" single - 4AD (AD2926) - UK, 2009
The Pop Royals -- Sing The Hits Of Bruce Springsteen
The Pop Royals -- Sing The Hits Of Bruce Springsteen

Digital album - Marathon Media (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2009

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Wave Pictures -- Play Some Pool
The Wave Pictures -- Play Some Pool

CD-R - Where It's At Is Where You Are (no catalog number) - UK, 2009

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It's a free disc included with the label's "Girls In Their Summer Clothes / If I Should Fall Behind" 7-inch single.
The Hit Co. -- A Tribute To The Best Of Bruce Springsteen Box Set
The Hit Co. -- A Tribute To The Best Of Bruce Springsteen Box Set

Digital album - Planet Music (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2010

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It was also released the same year as three separate volumes: Long Live The Boss: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol. 1 1973-1985, Long Live The Boss: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol. 2 1980-1989, and Long Live The Boss: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol. 3 1990-2009. A Tribute To The Best Of Bruce Springsteen Box Set however includes two tracks not found on the three separate volumes. In 2012, the same tracks found on A Tribute To The Best Of Bruce Springsteen Box Set were distributed over three download-only digital Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp tribute albums: Working Class Heroes: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, Vol. 1, Working Class Heroes: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, Vol. 2, and Working Class Heroes: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, Vol. 3.
The Boss Band -- The Ultimate Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
The Boss Band -- The Ultimate Tribute To Bruce Springsteen

Digital album - Big Eye Music (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2011

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- It's Boss Time
Various artists -- It's Boss Time

10" EP - Badlands Record Company (bad10012) - UK, 2011

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute EP. It's a limited edition release sold exclusively at independent stores that participated in the 4th annual "Record Store Day" campaign (16 Apr 2011). TOUGHER THAN THE REST is performed by Danny & The Champions Of The World.
Déjà Vu -- Tribute To Working Class Hero Bruce Springsteen - Vol. 1
Déjà Vu -- Tribute To Working Class Hero Bruce Springsteen - Vol. 1

Digital album - Zulu (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2012

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Rock Riff Tones -- We Love (A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen)
Rock Riff Tones -- We Love (A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen)

Digital album - Devoted Music (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2013

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Boo Hoo & The Burning Hell -- Sing For The Lonely
Boo Hoo & The Burning Hell -- Sing For The Lonely

CD - no label (no catalog number) - Germany, 2014

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo -- Songs Beneath The River
Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo -- Songs Beneath The River

10" EP - Everyone Sang (ES141V) - UK, 2014

This is a Record Store Day exclusive release.
New Tribute Kings -- World Allstars - Bruce Springsteen Tribute Hits
New Tribute Kings -- World Allstars - Bruce Springsteen Tribute Hits

Digital album - Legacy Records (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2014

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Moa Holmsten -- Bruised Arms & Broken Rhythm
Moa Holmsten -- Bruised Arms & Broken Rhythm

CD - Fill In The Blank Records (no catalog number) - USA, 2015

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Rob Hirsch -- A Tribute To The Boss
Rob Hirsch -- A Tribute To The Boss

CD - no label (no catalog number) - Austria, 2015

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- Las Vaquitas Son Ajenas: Visión Social y Politica de Bruce Springsteen
Various artists -- Las Vaquitas Son Ajenas: Visión Social y Politica de Bruce Springsteen

CD EP - no label (no catalog number) - Argentina, 2016

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute EP. TOUGHER THAN THE REST is performed by Untoke.
Various artists -- Songs Of Springsteen: A Covers Collection From 105.7 The Hawk's Bruce Brunch
Various artists -- Songs Of Springsteen: A Covers Collection From 105.7 The Hawk's Bruce Brunch

10" EP - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 2016

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute EP. TOUGHER THAN THE REST is a live version performed by Emily Grove.
Alyssa Hankey -- Springsteen Covers
Alyssa Hankey -- Springsteen Covers

CD - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 2018

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Kevin Heider -- Ohio: A Tribute To Springsteen
Kevin Heider -- Ohio: A Tribute To Springsteen

Digital album - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 2019

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Sweet Little Band -- Babies Go Bruce Springsteen
Sweet Little Band -- Babies Go Bruce Springsteen

Digital album - RGS Music (unknown catalog number) - Argentina, 2020

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Heaven Is Shining -- Born In The USA
Heaven Is Shining -- Born In The USA

Digital album - Rosenklang (unknown catalog number) - Germany, 2021

This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Boss Brothers -- Live
The Boss Brothers -- Live

Digital album - 729285 Records DK (no catalog number) - The Netherlands, 2023

This is a download-only digital live Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Available Versions

List of available versions of TOUGHER THAN THE REST on this website:

TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Album version]
TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 27 Apr 1988 version]
TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 28 Apr 1988 version]
TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live July 2018 version]
Page last updated: 17 Sep 2017