INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET

Spanish Johnny drove in from the underworld last night
With bruised arms and broken rhythm and a beat-up old Buick but dressed just like dynamite
He tried sellin' his heart to the hard girls over on Easy Street
But they said, "Johnny, it falls apart so easy and you know hearts these days are cheap."
And the pimps swung their axes and said, "Johnny, you're a cheater."
Well the pimps swung their axes and said, "Johnny, you're a liar."
And from out of the shadows came a young girl's voice
Said "Johnny don't cry."
Puerto Rican Jane, oh won't you tell me what's your name
I want to drive you down to the other side of town
Where paradise ain't so crowded and there'll be action goin' down on Shanty Lane tonight
All the golden heeled fairies in a real bitch-fight pull thirty-eights and kiss their girls goodnight

Goodnight, it's alright, Jane
Now let them black boys in to light the soul flame
We may find it out on the street tonight, baby
Or we may walk until the daylight, maybe

Well like a cool Romeo he made his moves, oh she looked so fine
Like a late Juliet she knew he'd never be true but then she didn't really mind
Upstairs a band was playin' and the singer was singin' something about going home
She whispered, "Spanish Johnny, you can leave me tonight, but just don't leave me alone."
And Johnny cried, "Puerto Rican Jane,
Word is down the cops have found the vein."
Well them bare foot boys, they left their homes for the woods
And them little barefoot street boys, they said their homes ain't no good
They left the corners, threw away all their switchblade knives
And kissed each other goodbye

Johnny was sittin' on the fire escape watchin' the kids playin' down in the street
He called down, "Hey little heroes, summer's long but I guess it ain't very sweet around here anymore."
Janey sleeps in sheets damp with sweat, Johnny sits up alone and watches her dream on, dream on
And the sister prays for lost souls then breaks down in the chapel after everyone's gone
Jane moves over to share her pillow but opens her eyes to see Johnny up and putting his clothes on
She says, "Those romantic young boys (those romantic young boys), all they ever want to do is fight"
Those romantic young boys (those romantic young boys), they're callin' through the window:
"Hey, Spanish Johnny, you want to make a little easy money tonight?"
And Johnny whispered, "Goodnight, it's all tight Jane,
I'll meet you tomorrow night on Lover's Lane.
We may find it out on the street tonight, baby,
Or we may walk until the daylight, maybe."
Ahhh, goodnight, it's alright Jane
I'm gonna meet you tomorrow night on Lover's Lane
Ah we can find it out on the street tonight, baby
Or we may walk until the daylight, maybe
Ahhh, goodnight, it's alright Jane
I'll meet you tomorrow night on Lover's Lane
Now we may find it out on, on the street tonight, baby
Or we may have to walk out to the morning light, maybe
(Goodnight, it's alright Jane)
(Goodnight, it's alright Jane)
(Goodnight, it's alright Jane)
(Goodnight, it's alright Jane) [fades]

This The Wild, The Innocent, And The E Street Shuffle gem was played in various versions on a regular basis until 1976, then a few times during the 1977 and the Darkness On The Edge Of Town tours (4 times, in Sep 1978). Then, a single appearance during the The River tour (on 29 Dec 1980, Nassau Coliseum Uniondale, NY). Forgotten for quite 20 years, comes back on 25 Sep 1999 in Philadelphia during the Reunion tour (4 performance on that tour). At the last two Convention Hall shows (07 and 08 Dec 2001) the song was played in the 'Solo piano' version that was last played in 1975. Also appeared during The Rising and Devils & Dust tours.

Arguably the best song off The Wild, The Innocent, And The E Street Shuffle, this street opera stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of JUNGLELAND and RACING IN THE STREET. The story of Spanish Johnny and Puerto Rican Jane lives in the hearts of many Bruce fans.

Thanks Paul for the lyrics corrections.