I remember making the drive several times a year from Vermont to my parents’ house in New Jersey. Long drives like that are most tedious when you’re alone. I’d stop as little as possible, desperate to make good time. I’d ignore the numbness of my butt and try my best not to be hypnotized by the white lines on the highway.

One year, I bought a Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen cassette for a buck at a thrift store. Once I acquired that tape I started a driving tradition that I didn’t change, even if someone else happened to be in the car with me. Once I passed the Asbury Park exit (exit 102) on the Garden State Parkway–my parents’ house was at exit 36–I’d play my Born in the USA cassette full blast and sing along. I’d also roll down all the windows no matter what the temperature was outside. This kept me awake.

I always sang the loudest for the song Glory Days. That was my favorite on the cassette. I also always loved the dancing in the video for Dancing in the Dark. It’s classic. I usually only post videos on Wednesday, but I just couldn’t resist.