Today is Bosses Day. If you knew that before you read it here, chances are your boss informed you of this fact when you arrived at work this morning. Unless your first name is Max and you have Conan O'Brien on speed dial, your boss is probably not the Boss. In all actuality, the untouchable Bruce Springsteen might make a terrible employer. His office might be one filled with self-doubt and sexual harassment, where all employees are constantly told they deserve better or coaxed into spending the night in Bruce's arms. But, as with all places, the corner office could use a little more influence from the Boss. Below, the six Springsteen lyrics we'd most want our bosses to say to us.
6. "Long Walk Home" from Magic
"Here everybody has a neighbor/Everybody has a friend/Everybody has a reason to begin again"
It's rare for a combination of words to work as a rock song and a caption on a motivational poster. The "neighbor/friend" sentiment is more Mr. Rogers than Mr. Springsteen, yes. It's still a comforting thought for a workplace. Imagine slinking to your desk on Monday morning, dreading another monotonous week. Your boss comes up behind you, one hand on your shoulder, the other hooking the handle of a coffee mug, crooning in a Jersey growl so passionate it must be convincing — "Everybody has a reason to begin again." What a morale booster!
5. "Across The Border" from The Ghost of Tom Joad
"For you I'll build a house/High up on a grassy hill"
The ideal boss should make you feel special, wanted, valued. He/she is your indirect link to the American dream. Bruce wants to cut out the middleman and build you that house on the hill with the white picket fence and 2.3 children all by himself. Maybe a bit clingy for a professional relationship — think of the potential "I made you a house with my bare hands, the least you could do is get me that expense report in time" guilt trips — but such is life when you're working for the Boss.
4. "I'm A Rocker" from The River
"I got a Batmobile so I can reach ya' in a fast shake/When your world's in crisis of an impendin' heartbreak"
It's good to know your boss will be there for you when needed in your personal life. It's even better when said boss owns a Batmobile.
