Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” is not racist. It critiques America’s treatment of working-class citizens and Vietnam veterans, often misunderstood due to its patriotic-sounding chorus.

Psalm 68:4 contains the phrase:
“Sing to God, sing praises to His name; exalt Him who rides on the clouds—His name is the Lord—and rejoice before Him!”

This verse refers to God as a majestic and powerful presence, often interpreted as a warrior or protector.

The connection to Vietnam War helicopters in 1968 likely stems from the evocative imagery of helicopters flying through the skies, symbolizing power, speed, and an almost divine command of the air. During the Vietnam War, helicopters like the Bell UH-1 Iroquois (“Huey”) became iconic, transporting troops, evacuating the wounded, and serving in combat roles. These machines transformed the battlefield and, in a poetic sense, could be seen as “riders of the clouds.”

In 1968, a significant year in the Vietnam War, helicopters were at the heart of operations like the Tet Offensive. Some soldiers and observers might have associated their airborne presence with divine or apocalyptic imagery, blending scriptural references like Psalm 68 with the surreal experience of modern warfare.