Wrapped up like a deuce?
And, what the hell do they mean?
When in doubt, check with Cecil.
ETA: Hmmmm, he only confirms the lyric, but blows off the rest of the question. The question’s still open!
Full lyrics and a LOT of guessing at SongMeanings.
I always thought it was “revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night”?
And after reading the link in the previous post, it seems I was right. Which would make it an automobile metaphor, or something, wouldn’t it?
What everybody fails to mention is that the Manfred Mann version was a cover of the Bruce Springsteen original.
The original lyrics are “Cut loose like a deuce”.
Deuce coupe, ie. a car?
Yes.
Deuce? Ah! I always thought it was “wrapped up like a douche” and assumed it was the first, or one of the first usages of “douche” as an insult. Not that I listened to the lyrics of the rest of the song to know that it was an insult in context.
Cecil claims the line is “wrapped up like a deuce,” not “revved up like a deuce” (which is what I thought the more plausible non-“douche” interpretation would be.) For the longest time, I really thought there was no way the singer on the Manfred Mann version was singing “deuce.” It was clearly, unmistakably, “douche.” Now, after careful listening, I guess I do hear “deuce” and not “douche.”
It’s Bruce trying to be Bob. Lots of “deep” meaning and allusion wrapped up in an automotive metaphor.
Complete lyrics here. “Cut loose like a deuce.”
Yep, a '32 Ford coupe, immortalized by The Beach Boys in the song Little Deuce Coupe, and seen being driven by John Milner in “American Graffiti”.
I never understood why that part of the song got so much attention when later he’s singing about some dude giving his anus curl a whirly. That shit is messed up.
and pumping his way into his hat? I don’t think he’ll ever wear that hat again.
I came into this thread just to see if anyone had posted this video.
And what about the whatnot in her hand? 
I still maintain that the Silicone Sisters would make a great name for a band…
The lyrics were actually printed on the original LP gatefold.
I’ve seen a video where Springsteen actually explained when the words meant, though only for the first verse.
Which was roughly as satisfying as having Jimmy Webb explain that MacArthur Park was in Los Angeles but not saying what the hell the cake was supposed to mean.