Roll Of The Dice

Even if you've been throwing snake eyes, there's always a chance your next roll will be a seven. That's the gambling metaphor Springsteen evokes in this song, where he just knows his luck will turn and better days are ahead. As in many of his songs, there's a girl involved, and their love is just a roll away.

Springsteen had disbanded his mighty E Street Band by this point, but he kept working with their pianist, Roy Bittan, who wrote the music to this song, with Springsteen filling in the lyrics. It was the first song Springsteen wrote with another writer. Bittan also co-wrote another song from the Human Touch album, "Real World."

Roy Bittan recorded this with Bruce in Springsteen's apartment. After completing the basic tracks, they brought in other musicians to finish the song: Tim Pierce - rhythm guitar Randy Jackson - bass Jeff Porcaro - drums Bobby King - backing vocals Jackson was one of the original judges on American Idol; Porcaro was in Toto.