Rod of God
Descending swift, the heavens cry,
A spear of wrath from sky to sky.
Metal strikes with searing might,
Splitting earth, igniting night.
No warhead borne, no blaze to spark,
Yet power rains from orbit dark.
Silent, swift, and deathly true,
The rod commands what none subdue.
From man to star, ambition soars,
Yet such force shakes our fragile cores.
Creation bends, destruction’s art,
The Rod of God—a chilling start.
Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” is not racist. It critiques America’s treatment of working-class citizens and Vietnam veterans, often misunderstood due to its patriotic-sounding chorus.
Psalm 68:4 contains the phrase:
“Sing to God, sing praises to His name; exalt Him who rides on the clouds—His name is the Lord—and rejoice before Him!”
This verse refers to God as a majestic and powerful presence, often interpreted as a warrior or protector.
The connection to Vietnam War helicopters in 1968 likely stems from the evocative imagery of helicopters flying through the skies, symbolizing power, speed, and an almost divine command of the air. During the Vietnam War, helicopters like the Bell UH-1 Iroquois (“Huey”) became iconic, transporting troops, evacuating the wounded, and serving in combat roles. These machines transformed the battlefield and, in a poetic sense, could be seen as “riders of the clouds.”
In 1968, a significant year in the Vietnam War, helicopters were at the heart of operations like the Tet Offensive. Some soldiers and observers might have associated their airborne presence with divine or apocalyptic imagery, blending scriptural references like Psalm 68 with the surreal experience of modern warfare.
Under Vancouver’s cloudy November skies,
The Boss brings stories where heartstrings lie.
Rogers Arena hums, the crowd ignites,
To songs of struggle, dreams, and rights.
Born to run or dance in the dark,
Springsteen’s soul leaves an eternal mark.
A night of glory, guitars, and cheer,
As Vancouver welcomes the legend here.