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In 2007, Bruce Springsteen was growing disillusioned. Four words from a folk icon set him back on track
Bruce Springsteen said Pete Seeger’s question about what a song is for helped renew his enthusiasm for making music in 2007. The prompt encouraged Springsteen to value both the feeling of pop music and the purpose and substance associated with folk, a balance the article presents as central to his songwriting.
Springsteen made *Magic* with the E Street Band, returning to the group after five years and to the pop charts. He described becoming “re-infatuated with pop music” while also carrying Seeger’s advice with him. The article links that renewed interest to Springsteen’s later work and notes that his 2006 album *We Shall Overcome* featured interpretations of Seeger compositions.
In short
- Pete Seeger’s question renewed Springsteen’s focus on songwriting.
- Springsteen returned to the E Street Band for *Magic*.
- His approach blended pop feeling with folk purpose.