Meaning of "I'll Work For Your Love" by Bruce Springsteen

The lyrics of "I'll Work For Your Love" by Bruce Springsteen convey a deep sense of devotion and desire. The speaker is addressing someone named Theresa, asking her to pour him a drink, which symbolizes their connection and intimacy. The line "the bones in your back like the stations of the cross" suggests that the speaker sees Theresa as a sacred and spiritual figure, highlighting her strength and endurance. He compares the sun haloing around her hair to an ethereal crown, but also mentions a crown of thorns at her lips, which alludes to her duality and the pain and sacrifice that love can entail.

The speaker acknowledges that there may be other contenders vying for Theresa's affection, but he is resolute in his dedication to her, willing to work for her love, in contrast to those who may take it for granted. This speaks to the idea of putting effort and commitment into a relationship, rather than expecting love to come easily or without effort.

There is also a sense of nostalgia and loss in the lyrics. The dust of civilizations and the remains of past loves slipping off Theresa's fingers represent the passage of time and the fading of previous relationships. The mention of the open pages of Revelation in her eyes suggests deeper meaning and a search for spiritual or emotional truth within their connection.

The lyrics continue to explore the theme of faith, as the speaker watches Theresa comb her hair, making a promise. This could symbolize a commitment to facing the challenges of life together or a vow to support and care for her. The tears filling the rosary and the temple of bones at her feet evoke religious imagery, suggesting that the speaker sees Theresa as both a source of spirituality and a possible path to redemption. Their relationship seems to exist in a state of perdition, suggesting that it may be fraught with difficulty or hardship, but they persevere nonetheless.

As the song progresses, the speaker reflects on the crumbling city of peace and the tossed book of faith, alluding to larger societal and moral decay. In the midst of this chaos, he is searching for his own piece of the cross, perhaps implying a personal quest for salvation or meaning in an uncertain world.

The final verse describes the late afternoon sun filling the room, reminiscent of the garden before the fall of Adam and Eve in the biblical story of temptation. This imagery suggests a sense of longing, and the seven drops of blood falling as Theresa smooths her blouse could symbolize sacrifice or the burdens she carries. The speaker's commitment to working for her love remains unwavering, reinforcing the depth of his devotion and the lengths he is willing to go for their relationship.