Discover the story of the song > The Ghost of Tom Joad – Bruce Springsteen

The song tells of the hardships of people living in poverty, as seen through the eyes of Tom Joad's ghost. It describes people walking along the railroad tracks, families sleeping in cars and having no homes or jobs. The chorus speaks of a living road and the search for Tom Joad's ghost. Tom's words bring hope to people fighting for freedom. The song ends with the singer waiting for the ghost of Tom Joad, sitting by the light of a campfire.