Springsteen's 'Forward'-looking song for Obama

In campaigning for President Obama on Thursday, Bruce Springsteen performed such classics as "Thunder Road" and "Promised Land."

He also dedicated a new song to the incumbent.

Sadly, it will not rank with the classics -- but the tune "Forward, And Away We Go" is kind of amusing.

Before enthusiastic audiences in Parma, Ohio, and Ames, Iowa, Springsteen said Obama called him up -- we're not sure whether he was joking -- and said he wanted to close the "campaign song gap" with Republican rival Mitt Romney.

The musician said the president suggested that the new song be based on the Obama campaign slogan, which is, of course, Forward.

"That's not a lot to go with right there," Springsteen joked to the crowd in Ames.

Springsteen said he "had a few problems with it," but came up with Forward, and Away We Go, complete with audience participation -- the crowd yells "forward" after each verse.

Here are the lyrics from Springsteen's Ohio gig, courtesy of The Washington Post:

"I kissed your sister then I kissed your mamma

"[crowd: Forward!]

"Usually this time of day I'm in my pajamas

"[Forward!]

"Well, let's vote for the man who got Osama

"[Forward!]

"Forward! And away we go.

"I came to Ohio looking for a date

"[Forward!]

"We kissed and I said it's a hell of a state.

"[Forward!]

"We made love, but it wasn't so great

"[Forward!]

"Forward! And away we go.

"Smiling Joe, he really brought the drama

"[Forward!]

"Tuesday, Romney was schooled by Obama

"[Forward!]

"Forward! And away we go."