“Ain’t Good Enough for You” is a song by Bruce Springsteen included in the album The Promise (2010), a collection of tracks recorded during the Darkness on the Edge of Town sessions but not released at the time. The song stands out for its contagious energy and classic rock & roll style, evoking the sound of the 1960s with a lively and carefree performance. Its lyrics reflect Springsteen’s characteristic humor and irony, telling a love story where the protagonist, despite all his efforts, never seems to be good enough for his partner.
Musically, the song is marked by an upbeat rhythm and vibrant instrumentation, with dynamic piano, rhythmic bass, and driving percussion that propel the melody forward. The production maintains a spontaneous tone, almost as if it were a live recording, reinforcing the sense of fun and lightness. Additionally, Springsteen’s vocals sound relaxed and playful, steering away from the darker and more melancholic themes of Darkness on the Edge of Town to deliver a lighter, more accessible piece.
Regarding its lyrical content, the song tells the story of a man who does everything he can to impress his partner—from changing his style to improving his behavior—but nothing seems to be enough for her. With sarcastic lines and a carefree attitude, Springsteen captures both the frustration and humor of an unbalanced relationship. Despite the seemingly hopeless message, the song remains optimistic and fun, making it a gem within the Boss’s repertoire, especially appreciated by fans who enjoy his more lighthearted and festive side.
Technical Details of “Ain’t Good Enough for You” – Bruce Springsteen
- Song Title: Ain’t Good Enough for You
- Artist: Bruce Springsteen
- Album: The Promise
- Release Date: November 16, 2010
- Recording Period: 1977–1978 (Darkness on the Edge of Town sessions)
- Genre: Rock & Roll, Heartland Rock
- Length: 4:04
- Label: Columbia Records
- Songwriter: Bruce Springsteen
- Producer(s): Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau
- Instrumentation:
- Lead vocals: Bruce Springsteen
- Piano: Roy Bittan
- Guitar: Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt
- Bass: Garry Tallent
- Drums: Max Weinberg
- Organ: Danny Federici
- Backing vocals: Members of the E Street Band
- Musical Characteristics:
- Upbeat tempo with a playful, classic rock & roll feel
- Prominent piano riff and energetic rhythm section
- Sarcastic and humorous lyrical theme
- Spontaneous, live-like production style
- Context: Originally recorded during the sessions for Darkness on the Edge of Town (1978) but remained unreleased until The Promise compilation in 2010.
Lyrics
“Well you don’t like, don’t like the way I walk
And you don’t like, don’t like the way I talk
You criticize about me endlessly
Logic defies how you get stuck with me
And you complain about the clothes I wear
And you explain there’s other boys out there
You complain my car makes too much noise
And you cry I’m always out with the boys
Whoa whoa (whoa whoa whoa whoa)
I give up little darling (whoa whoa little darling)
Yeah no matter what I do, girl you know it’s true
Ain’t good enough for you
You complain the way I love you at night
You explain I’m really not your type
If we go out, you say I’m such a bore
If we stay in, you say what are we living for
I don’t understand, there’s nothing I can do
There ain’t no way I can satisfy you
End of the night I lean in for a kiss
Here comes the pitch, a swing and a miss
Whoa whoa whoa whoa (whoa whoa whoa whoa)
I quit little darling (whoa whoa little darling)
Yeah no matter what I do, well you know it’s true
Ain’t good enough for you, hey!
Hey!
(Come on boys!)
Whoa whoa whoa whoa (whoa whoa whoa whoa)
Hey hey little darling (whoa whoa little darling)
No matter what I do, girl you know it’s true
Ain’t good enough for you
I tried to change, I got a job in sales
I bought a shirt uptown in Bloomindales
And babe I tried to make the latest scene
Hitting cool just like Jimmy Iovine
I bought a record with all the latest grooves
A book of love with all the latest moves
I bought some flowers and I waited at your door
And you came out, didn’t want to see me no more
Whoa whoa whoa (whoa whoa whoa whoa)
I quit little darling (whoa whoa little darling)
Yeah no matter what I do, girl you know it’s true
Ain’t good enough for you
Hey! Hey! Hey!
No matter what I do, girl you know it’s true
Ain’t good enough for you
Aww no matter what I do, girl you know it’s true
Ain’t good enough for you
Whoaaa!”
LP. Format Vinyl. Click on the image to buy
Access all the information about Bruce Springsteen’s songs at the following link of Bruce Springsteen Radio: https://brucespringsteenradio.com/category/songs/
We remind you that you can also listen to Bruce Springsteen Radio 24 hours on your mobile phone by downloading our free applications for Android in the Play Store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brucespringsteenradio , and for iPhone in your Apple Store https://apps.apple.com/es/app/springsteen-radio-24h/id6593687572. Thank you very much!!…
