Bruce Springsteen Opens 1st Post-Election Concert With ‘Fighting Prayer’ For America

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band returned to the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Wednesday, the same day it was announced the Springsteen-endorsed Kamala Trump was defeated by Donald Trump in the U.S. Presidential Election. “This is a fighting prayer for my country,” The Boss told the audience before leading the group through a “Long Walk Home” opener.

“Long Walk Home” is featured on Springsteen’s 2007 album, Magic, which has lyrics dealing with the tenor of the country at the time during President George W. Bush’s second term. “Last night I stood at your doorstep, Trying to figure out what went wrong,” Bruce began the song. The main figure in “Long Walk Home” deals with witnessing changes all around but comes to realize:

“Your flag flyin’ over the courthouse
Means certain things are set in stone.
Who we are, what we’ll do and what we won’t”

Bruce Springsteen went with the hopeful “Land Of Hope And Dreams” in the two-slot. “Leave behind your sorrows/ Let this day be the last/ Tomorrow there’ll be sunshine/ And all this darkness past,” The Boss sang in a song about the American Dream with themes of inclusion.

While “Long Walk Home” had been played regularly in 2024, Wednesday marked the first time the song kicked off one of Springsteen’s shows this year. The ensuing “Land Of Hope And Dreams” featured a “People Get Ready” outro.

Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band took the stage late due to plane issues. The group turned in a 29-song performance at their second of two shows in Toronto.

The other surprises in the setlist were the inclusions of “Better Days” and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town.” Each were played in response to signs from audience members.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band now head to Ottawa for a concert on Saturay at the Canadian Tire Centre. Stops in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver follow. Official recordings will be available on nugs.net.