During today’s Super Bowl game, I’ll be rooting for the Cardinals (Kurt Warner’s comeback story is just to inspiring to ignore) but I’m expecting the Steelers to win their sixth Super Bowl title. But what I’m really interested in is Bruce Springsteen’s halftime show. What will the setlist be? (In case you haven’t heard, The Boss is the latest in a line of geezer rockers to perform at halftime. He follows in the footsteps of Tom Petty, Prince and the Strolling Bones — er, the Rolling Stones.)
Here’s my prediction for Springsteen’s playlist:
Born in the USA
Glory Days
Working on a Dream (from the new album)
Born to Run
While I’m betting on the “Born” bookends, I wouldn’t doubt that “The Rising” might make in into the set. I’m expecting all of the tunes to be upbeat, because it’s the Super Bowl, but that’s too bad because some of Springsteen’s best work has been more sublime, ballady and even downright depressing.
Here are some other playlist predictions. What is your prediction — either for halftime or for the game itself?
Higher Ed Marketing 
Ok, I’m betting NOT on Born in the USA because he doesn’t have enough time in his set to explain to most of America what that song is REALLY about. I have a bet riding on “The Promised Land”, actually, as well as any mention of politics in between songs.
I am not rooting for anyone in this contest. I can’t bring myself to do it. It’s just another Sunday here in Boston.
You’re right that Bruce won’t have time to explain what the song’s all about, but it’s still a great song and one of his more popular, so we’ll see. Two minutes till halftime.
Well, I got three out of four, and Courtney, you were correct: “Born in the USA” was not one of them.
For those who missed it, the lineup was:
Tenth Avenue Freezeout (the one I didn’t pick, but a fantastic tune)
Born to Run
Working on a Dream
Glory Days
And the Steelers won in a terrific match-up.