Bruce Springsteen‘s handwritten lyrics to three songs from the ’70s are going on the auction block at the end of the month.
“For You” off his debut album, 1973’s Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., and “Thunder Road” and “Night” off 1975’s Born to Run, are being offered by Bonhams in Los Angeles on on October 28th.
They belong to Michael Batlan, who was Springsteen’s instrument technician from 1973 to 1985. He was one of two former employees that sued Bruce in 1987 over claims he was thousands in overtime pay. The matter was settled in 1991.
The “Thunder Road” lyrics are written in pen on four ruled notebook pages with the last page having two different versions of the opening verse. However, the opening line clearly states that Mary’s dress “waves,” which should once and for all put to rest the debate over whether he sings “waves” or “sways.” It’s estimated to sell for between $50 and $70,000.
The “For You” lyrics just about match up with the final version minus the line, “but you did not need my urgency” and has the word “your” instead of “my” in the line “don’t give me my money, honey.” It’s estimated to go for $25,000 to $30,000.
And the lyrics to “Night” are spread over three pages with an estimate of $25,000 to $30,000.
Also included in the sale are two harmonicas. One was used on the recording of “Thunder Road” and that’s expected to go for between $5,000 and $7,000. The other one was used on “Johnny 99” off the Nebraska album and that has a pre-sale estimate of $2,000 to $2,500.
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