Meaning of "Breakaway" by Bruce Springsteen

"Breakaway" by Bruce Springsteen seems to tell the story of individuals who are tired of their current situations and make the bold decision to break away from it all, even if it means leaving behind their past lives and the people they know. Each character is seen abandoning a certain aspect of their lives - Sonny leaves his car behind, Janie quits her job, and Bobby watches as his old life fades away under a shooting star. The repetitive reference to promises and lies hint at the sacrifices one must make in order to break away, suggesting that freedom often comes at a cost. The song captures the bittersweetness of chasing dreams and the struggles that come with letting go of the familiar. It speaks to the universal desire for liberation and the courage it takes to pursue it.