Last Man Standing Lyrics
Faded pictures in an old scrapbook
Faded pictures that somebody took
When you were hard and young and proud
Backed against the wall, running raw and loud
[Verse 2]
Snakeskin vest and a sharkskin suit
Cuban heels on your boots
You kick in the band and side-by-side
You take the crowd on their mystery ride
[Verse 3]
Knights of Columbus and the Fireman's Ball
Friday night at the Union Hall
Black-leather clubs all along Route 9
You count the names of the missing as you count off time
[Chorus]
Rock of ages lift me somehow
Somewhere high and hard and loud
Somewhere deep into the heart of the crowd
I'm the last man standing now
I'm the last man standing now
[Saxophone Solo]
Out of school and out of work
Thrift-store jeans and flannel shirts
The lights go down and you face the crowd
The last man standing now
[Verse 4]
Lights come up at the Legion Hall
Pool cues go back up on the wall
Pack your guitar and have one last beer
With just the ringing in your ears
[Chorus]
Rock of ages lift me somehow
Somewhere high and hard and loud
Somewhere deep into the heart of the crowd
I'm the last man standing now
I'm the last man standing now
I'm the last man standing now
About
Second song on the album, along with Ghosts dedicated to the beginning of Bruce’s musical career in his first professional band: The Castiles.
And it was the 2018 death of the handsome, charismatic Theiss, who was there with Springsteen, singing and playing in the parking lot 55 years ago, that sparked this new record into being. When Theiss died after a long struggle with cancer, Springsteen says, “this left me as the last living member of my first band — this very significant and meaningful group of young men with whom I had this enormous experience as a teenager.” — AARP
The Castiles in New York City in 1967.
(Left to right: Vinnie Maniello, George Theiss, Curt Fluhr, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Popkin)
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
That particular song was directly due to George’s passing and me finding out that out of that group of people, I’m kind of here on my own, honouring the guys that I learned my craft with between the ages of 14 and 17 or 18. Those were some of the deepest learning years of my life—learning how to be onstage, learning how to write, learning how to front the band, learning how to put together a show, learning how to play for all different kinds of audiences at fireman’s fairs, at union halls, at CYO [Catholic Youth Organization] dances, and just really honing your craft.
- 5.Last Man Standing
- 8.Rainmaker
- 10.Ghosts
- 11.Song for Orphans
