that recorded "We Are the World". Mann, who appeared on the Sonny and Cher show shortly after the success of the song, claimed: "Me and the band didn't really see the song ending. We wanted to keep rocking, so we did. Interestingly enough though, we painted ourselves into a proverbial corner. It was at that point I realized I didn't know how to end the song." Lyrics Manfred Mann's Earth Band's recording of the song changes the lyrics. The most prominent change is in the chorus, where Springsteen's "cut loose like a deuce" is replaced with "revved up like a deuce." The lyric is a reference to the 1932 V8-powered Ford automobile, which enthusiasts dubbed the "deuce coupe" (the "deuce" coming from the 2 in 1932, the first year the V8 was available). Springsteen was fond of classic hot rods in his youth, hence the line "cut loose like a deuce, another runner in the night". As the line is frequently misheard as "wrapped up like a douche", Springsteen has joked about confusion over the lyrics, claiming that it was not until Manfred Mann rewrote the song to be about a feminine hygiene product that it became popular. According to Manfred Mann, it was the idea of drummer Chris Slade to use the chords of "Chopsticks" (the tune had at that point already been integrated into the arrangement) as a transition between song parts. The "deuce"/"douche" confusion stems from technical problems (which can be confirmed by comparing to live recordings). Chart performance Weekly charts Year-end charts Personnel According to authors Philippe Margotin and Jean-Michel Guesdon: Original version Bruce Springsteen – vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, bass Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez – drums Clarence Clemons – saxophone, backing vocals Harold Wheeler – piano Unknown musicians – organ, tambourine Manfred Mann's Earth Band cover Manfred Mann – organ, piano, Minimoog, backing vocals, lead vocals Chris Hamlet Thompson – lead vocals, rhythm guitar Dave Flett – lead guitar Colin Pattenden – bass Chris Slade – drums, backing vocals with Doreen Chanter – backing vocals Irene Chanter – backing vocals Susanne Lynch – backing vocals See also Blinded by the Light (2019 film) – a 2019 British comedy-drama about an aspiring writer inspired by Bruce Springsteen songs. References 1973 debut singles 1976 singles 1977 singles Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles Cashbox number-one singles RPM Top Singles number-one singles Bruce Springsteen songs Manfred Mann songs