Inspired by John Steinbeck's classic "The Grapes of Wrath" and Woody Guthrie's "The Ballad of Tom Joad" This song was inspired by Tim Joad's farewell to Ma Joad. Written by Bruce and was famously covered by Rage Against the Machine, Bruce is in his 40s in this video. Today is his birthday, he turns 73. He's a good man. Happy Birthday Bruce Springsteen.