The song made its live debut on March 9, 2012, during Springsteen and the E Street Band's performance at the Apollo Theatre.
A music video for the song was first teased on Facebook and Twitter on May 24, 2012, and released the following day on May 25, 2012. The music video features the lyrics being written down on paper in sync with the song, interchanging this with a series of urban and suburban imagery.
On June 15, 2012, a video for the "Modern Mix" of the song was released. The remixed version was produced by Ron Aniello and Matthew Koma.
The song is heavy with a religious theme and features a gospel choir backing Springsteen. Singer Michelle Moore provides backing vocals along with rapping, a first for a Springsteen album. Springsteen has stated he originally attempted to do the rapping himself but was not satisfied with the sound.[citation needed]
"Rocky Ground" contains excerpts of "I'm a Soldier in the Army of the Lord", a traditional gospel song performed by Congregation of the Church of God in Christ and recorded by Alan Lomax in 1942.[6]
Track listing
"Rocky Ground": 4:40
"The Promise (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band live from the Carousel, Asbury Park)": 5:59[7]
Personnel
Bruce Springsteen – lead vocal, guitars, percussion and loops