Everyone who has heard that song “Blinded by the Light” and wondered what the line about a douche is, here is your answer.
Blinded by the Light was originally written by Bruce Springsteen and was his first single off the album Greetings from Asbury Park N.J. A version of the song recorded by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band was a major hit, reaching #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 on 19 February 1977. Interestingly enough, as of 2008, the Manfred Mann’s Earth Band recording of “Blinded by the Light” is still Springsteen’s only Number 1 single as a songwriter on the Hot 100.
Okay here’s the big question, so what’s up with the “wrapped up like a douche” line in the chorus. The original Springsteen lyrics for the chorus are He was just blinded by the light, Cut loose like a deuce another runner in the night…
In Manfred Mann’s version, the chorus is Blinded by the light, revved up like a deuce another runner in the night…
The contentious word is “deuce”, which Springsteen clearly pronounces. However, Manfred Mann pronounces “deuce” with a little flourish at the end making it sound like douche, which is French for “shower”. In addition, once you know that “wrapped” is actually “revved” it make’s more sense.
Alright, so what the hell is a “deuce”?!?
Although there really is no definitive answer, Springsteen nor Mann have ever commented on it, most folks, including myself, believe that it is a reference to the 1932 Ford Coupe beloved of hotrodders, nicknamed the Deuce Coupe ala the Beach Boys’ hit, “Little Deuce Coupe”. However, in a song that mentions, go-kart Mozarts checkin’ out the weather charts, and some kidnapped handicap was complainin’ that he caught the clap from some mousetrap he bought last night, who knows what the eff it means.
A 1932 Ford “Deuce” Coupe hotrod
Have a listen to both versions and see what you think.
Blinded by the Light – Bruce Springsteen – Greetings from Asbury Park N.J. – 1973
Blinded by the Light -Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – 1977
“Now you know….and knowing is half the battle!”
More Music Mysteries Revealed to come! I’ll answer such hard hitting questions such as “Who was the first pop singer to change his name to a symbol, decades before Prince?”, “What does the “L.L.” in “L.L. Cool J” stand for?, “Is it true that you can hear a woman being murdered in the song “Love Rollercoaster” by the Ohio Players?
As well as plenty of other musical urban legends, and downright perplexing shit! Stay Tuned!!