Engineer Toby Scott recorded "Tunnel of Love" in late June thru early July 1987, with Springsteen on all instruments, at his home studio in Rumson, New Jersey.

[2] Roy Bittan played synthesizers, Nils Lofgren lead guitar, Max Weinberg drums, and Patti Scialfa provided backing vocals.

"Tunnel of Love" became the title track of the album, replacing "Lucky Man", which was released as the b-side of the first single, "Brilliant Disguise".

[4] The singer feels that marriage should be simple ("man meets woman and they fall in love"), but recognizes that along the way the ride can become difficult and unpredictable.

Between the Tunnel of Love Express Tour that supported the initial release of the album through July 2005, the song received 71 live performances in concert.

[13][failed verification] It received renewed attention on the 2007–2008 Magic Tour as a showcase for Patti Scialfa's singing and Nils Lofgren's guitar work.