"Born To Run" marked Bruce Springsteen's entry into mainstream recognition despite charting at No. 23, following years of commercial disappointment with earlier releases. The breakthrough accelerated when an unreleased recording reached Philadelphia radio in late 1974 and circulated among Northeast stations through informal channels, building audience awareness months before the full album arrived in August 1975.

Several behind-the-scenes contributions influenced the single's final character. Steven Van Zandt, not yet a formal member of the E Street Band, affected the recording by mishearing a guitar riff's tonality, prompting Springsteen to reconsider his original approach. Drummer Ernest "Boom" Carter's fusion-influenced technique produced distinctive instrumental sections that later bandmate Max Weinberg found impossible to replicate faithfully during live performances. Meanwhile, Allan Clarke of The Hollies had recorded his own version earlier, but delayed release timing allowed Springsteen's version to reach audiences first.