Inspired by Jeep’s “Reunited States of America” Super Bowl ad, this is my peek into America through a handful of songs. Each track is dedicated to one of the states. Here’s Part 5.

Springsteen made “Jersey Girl” famous through his frequent live renditions. Coming from a Jersey guy, in many ways it feels like a quintessential Boss anthem. But this song is written by Tom Waits and it belongs to Tom Waits. It’s the beauty and the beast. One of Waits’ most tender, beautiful songs. But it’s still emotionally delivered with that signature voice that sounds like he just rinsed his mouth out with a bucket of gravel. Without Waits’ gripping vocals, this song loses some of its swagger.

“Down the shore everything's all right. You with your baby on a Saturday night.”