About The Song
“Born to Be Wild” is a rock song performed by the Canadian-American band Steppenwolf. Here’s an overview:
Background:
- Release: “Born to Be Wild” was released in 1968 as part of Steppenwolf’s debut self-titled album.
- Composition: The song was written by Mars Bonfire, a pseudonym used by Dennis Edmonton, the brother of Steppenwolf’s drummer Jerry Edmonton.
- Genre: “Born to Be Wild” is often regarded as one of the defining songs of the psychedelic rock and hard rock genres of the late 1960s.
Musical Style:
- Guitar-Driven: The song features a powerful guitar riff that drives the rhythm and energy of the track.
- Vocals: Lead vocalist John Kay delivers a gritty and rebellious vocal performance, perfectly complementing the song’s themes.
- Instrumentation: Alongside the prominent guitar work, the song also features driving drums, pulsating basslines, and organ accents.
Lyrics and Themes:
- Rebellion and Freedom: The lyrics of “Born to Be Wild” celebrate the spirit of rebellion, adventure, and the open road. The iconic opening line “Get your motor runnin’, head out on the highway” sets the tone for the song’s themes of freedom and independence.
- Counterculture Anthem: The song became an anthem for the counterculture movement of the 1960s, embodying the spirit of youthful defiance and nonconformity.
- Biker Culture: “Born to Be Wild” is often associated with the biker culture of the time, owing to its inclusion in the soundtrack of the classic 1969 film “Easy Rider,” which depicted the motorcycle counterculture.
Impact and Legacy:
- Cultural Significance: “Born to Be Wild” is considered one of the most iconic rock songs of all time, with its rebellious attitude and driving energy resonating with generations of listeners.
- Popularity: The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and has remained a staple of classic rock radio playlists.
- Influence: “Born to Be Wild” has been covered and referenced by numerous artists and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, solidifying its place in popular culture.
Conclusion:
“Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf is a timeless rock anthem that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. With its powerful guitar riffs, rebellious lyrics, and enduring popularity, the song remains a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and the untamed spirit of rock and roll.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Get your motor runnin’
Head out on the highway
Lookin’ for adventure
And whatever comes our way
Yeah Darlin’ go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once
And explode into spaceI like smoke and lightning
Heavy metal thunder
Racin’ with the wind
And the feelin’ that I’m under
Yeah Darlin’ go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once
And explode into spaceLike a true nature’s child
We were born, born to be wild
We can climb so high
I never wanna die
Born to be wild
Born to be wild
Get your motor runnin’
Head out on the highway
Lookin’ for adventure
And whatever comes our way
Yeah Darlin’ go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once
And explode into space
Like a true nature’s child
We were born, born to be wild
We can climb so high
I never wanna die
Born to be wild
Born to be wild
