ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part explores the "soul-stirring, spine-tingling, epic" heterosexuality of Bruce Springsteen's early songs where "love and desire between a man and a woman is scorching and overpowering, hushed and sacred, both intimate and universal". It offers perspective as a "queer, working-class feminist punk" obsessed with trying to understand a fandom that seems to be at odds with her sexual and punk identities. The part discusses how Springsteen's female fans understand and appreciate his music and illuminates critical differences between how academics and fans approach interpretation. Springsteen's gender-neutral characters gave her access to his lyrics, which she appropriated and queered to suit her needs and desires.
