The song "Spare Parts" by Bruce Springsteen tells the story of a young couple, Bobby and Janey, who were set to marry but Bobby ran away when Janey became pregnant. Janey moves in with her mother, feeling like her life is a mistake, and gives birth to their son. Bobby hears about the birth but decides not to go back. Janey, struggling as a single mother, learns about a woman who abandoned her baby in a river and contemplates doing the same. In the end, Janey decides against it, takes her engagement ring and wedding dress to a pawn shop for money, and carries on with her life.

Meaning of "Spare Parts" by Bruce Springsteen

"Spare Parts" delves into the themes of broken relationships, abandonment, and the struggle of single motherhood. The song captures the emotional journey of Janey, who is left alone to raise her child while Bobby escapes his responsibilities. It explores the consequences of Bobby's decision to run away and the impact it has on Janey's life. Janey's feeling of being a mistake and her consideration of abandoning her child emphasize the despair she experiences as a single mother. However, the song ultimately offers a glimmer of hope and resilience as Janey chooses to keep her child and find her own way forward. The act of pawning her engagement ring and wedding dress symbolizes her letting go of the past and embracing her new reality. Overall, "Spare Parts" portrays the challenges faced by single mothers and highlights the strength and determination required to overcome them.