<P> In his 1996 book Songs, Springsteen relates that while the beginning of the song was written on guitar around the opening riff, the song's writing was finished on piano, the instrument that most of the Born to Run album was composed on . The song was recorded in the key of E major . </P> <P> In the period prior to the release of Born to Run Springsteen was becoming well - known (especially in his native northeast) for his epic live shows . "Born to Run" joined his concert repertoire well before the release of the album, being performed in concert by May 1974, if not earlier . </P> <P> The first recording of the song was made by Allan Clarke of the British group The Hollies, although its release was delayed, only appearing after Springsteen's own now - famous version . </P> <P> In recording the song Springsteen first earned his noted reputation for perfectionism, laying down as many as eleven guitar tracks to get the sound just right . The recording process and alternate ideas for the song's arrangement are described in the Wings For Wheels documentary DVD included in the 2005 reissue Born to Run 30th Anniversary Edition package . </P>

Who is wendy in springsteen's born to run