"Cover Me" was one of the first songs recorded for the lengthy set of sessions that produced the album, and in fact was recorded as a demo, as the song was to be given to disco queen Donna Summer. However, Springsteen's manager Jon Landau heard the result and decided the combination of Springsteen's rock impulse, fierce guitar solo, and a strong (if unsubtle) dance beat had hit potential, and so kept the song for the upcoming Springsteen album, not even bothering to re-record it. Donna Summer was given "Protection" instead. Springsteen even recorded a duet with Summer, but it was never released. Springsteen was still unsure about "Cover Me", and Landau had to constantly argue to keep it included on the album.
The song peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles charts in late summer 1984. It was the second of a record-tying seven Top 10 hit singles to be released from Born in the U.S.A.
No music video was made for the song.
Continuing the club play goal started with "Dancing in the Dark", Arthur Baker created the 12-inch "Undercover Mix" of "Cover Me". This was a large-scale transformation: a new bass line was cut, an unused backing vocal by industry legend Jocelyn Brown was restored, and reggae and dub elements were introduced. It was released on October 15, 1984.
As with the previous effort, the result displeased some of Springsteen's more strait-laced fans, but did gain actual club play: the remix went to number 11 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.
Springsteen was unsure of how to play "Cover Me" in concert, and initially it appeared irregularly in the 1984-1985 Born in the U.S.A. Tour. Then, inspired by Arthur Baker's remix, he rearranged it to open and close with a quiet, ominous, extended, echoing segment as new E Street backup singer Patti Scialfa wailed a snippet of Martha & the Vandellas' "Nowhere to Run" (in her one spotlight role of the show) while her future husband reverbed "Cuh ... vuh ... me-ee-ee", after which the song ramped up into showcase guitar work for Springsteen and Nils Lofgren. "Cover Me" thus became a featured song on the tour, often opening the second set; such a performance was included on the 1986 Live/1975-85.
"Cover Me" continued as a regular selection on the 1988 Tunnel of Love Express and Human Rights Now! Tours, and the 1992 leg of the "Other Band" Tour (now without Scialfa's part). After December 1992 it was dropped. and as of May 2007 has never been heard in a regular Springsteen concert again. The song was played on Springsteen's first concert of two in Oslo the 7th of July and most recently in St. Louis on August 23, 2008. The song has been performed 300 times through 2008. The song has turned up as a semi-regular on the Working On A Dream Tour.
Cover Me
Bruce Springsteen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This whole world is rough, it's just getting rougher
Cover me, come on baby, cover me
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Now promise me, baby, you won't let them find us
Hold me in your arms, let's let our love blind us
Cover me, shut the door and cover me
Hey
Outside's the rain, the driving snow
I can hear the wild wind blowing
Turn out the light, bolt the door
I ain't going out there no more
This whole world is out there just trying to score
I've seen enough I don't wanna see anymore
Cover me, come on in and cover me
I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Yeah
Outside's the rain, the driving snow
I can hear the wild wind blowing
Turn out the light, bolt the door
I ain't going out there no more
This whole world is out there just trying to score
I've seen enough I ain't gonna see anymore
Cover me, wrap your arms around me, cover me
Well, I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Ah, looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Yeah, I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Come on baby
Come on baby
Oh no, no, no
Come on baby
Cover me
In "Cover Me" by Bruce Springsteen, the lyrics express a desire for protection and shelter from the harshness of the world. The opening lines "The times are tough now, just getting tougher / This whole world is rough, it's just getting rougher" set the tone for a weary, uncertain perspective. The repetition of "cover me" throughout the song reinforces this desire, as the singer seeks out a lover who can provide refuge and safety: "I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me."
The imagery in the song highlights the harshness of the outside world, with rain, snow, and wild wind creating a chaotic and unpredictable atmosphere. The singer doesn't want to venture out into this world any longer, instead seeking the comfort of a lover's embrace: "Outside's the rain, the driving snow / I can hear the wild wind blowing / Turn out the light, bolt the door / I ain't going out there no more."
Overall, "Cover Me" is a plea for protection and security in a world that often feels hostile and unforgiving. The singer isn't looking for a savior or a miracle, but simply someone who can offer the warmth and safety of a loving embrace.
Line by Line Meaning
The times are tough now, just getting tougher
The current situation is difficult and it is likely to become more challenging.
This whole world is rough, it's just getting rougher
The world is harsh and it seems to have become even more hostile recently.
Cover me, come on baby, cover me
Please provide me with support and protection from the challenges and difficulties of the world.
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
I am searching for a partner who will offer me care and protection against the harsh realities of the world.
Now promise me, baby, you won't let them find us
Please make a commitment to hide us from harm and danger.
Hold me in your arms, let's let our love blind us
Let us cherish our love and allow it to protect us against the harshness of the world.
Cover me, shut the door and cover me
Provide me with shelter from the hazards of the world and secure that shelter.
Hey
An interjection used by the artist to add emphasis to what he has just said.
Outside's the rain, the driving snow
There is harsh weather outside, characterized by heavy rain and snowfall.
I can hear the wild wind blowing
The artist can hear the wind blowing heavily, indicating that there is a storm outside.
Turn out the light, bolt the door
The singer wants to shut himself off from the outside world and keep himself safe.
I ain't going out there no more
The artist is comfortable with staying inside and does not want to face the dangers outside.
This whole world is out there just trying to score
The world is very competitive, and everyone is trying to win even at the expense of others.
I've seen enough I don't wanna see anymore
The singer has witnessed enough harshness in the world and does not want to see anymore.
Cover me, come on in and cover me
Please come in and offer me protection from the world's harsh realities.
I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
I desire to find a partner who will care for me and offer me protection from the harsh realities of the world.
Yeah
An interjection used by the artist to show enthusiasm and agreement with what he has just said.
Cover me, wrap your arms around me, cover me
Please provide me with comfort and protection by embracing me physically.
Well, I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
I desire to find a partner who will care for me and offer me protection from the harsh realities of the world.
Ah, looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
I am eagerly searching for a partner who will offer me care, support and protection against the harshness of the world.
Come on baby
A request to the lover to come forward and offer care and protection to the artist.
Oh no, no, no
An exclamation used by the artist to express concern or disapproval.
Cover me
A request for protection and care from the lover.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bruce Springsteen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind