Video
About The Song
Background
“Born To Be Wild” is a rock and roll anthem released in 1968 by the Canadian-American rock band Steppenwolf. It appeared on their self-titled debut album, becoming their most recognizable song and propelling them to stardom. Though not the first single released by the band, “Born To Be Wild” quickly became a cultural phenomenon, perfectly capturing the rebellious spirit of the late 1960s.
The song’s origins lie with songwriter Mars Bonfire (born Dennis Edmonton). Initially, Bonfire offered the song to other bands, including The Human Expression. However, it wasn’t until Steppenwolf got their hands on it that the track truly came alive. They rearranged and sped up the tempo, transforming it into a “roaring anthem of turbo-charged riff rock” as described by AllMusic’s Hal Horowitz. This new version became synonymous with Steppenwolf’s sound and a timeless representation of 1960s counterculture.
Musical Style
“Born To Be Wild” is a prime example of hard rock and garage rock, genres that emerged in the mid-1960s. It’s characterized by a driving, distorted guitar riff played by John Kay and bass player Rushton Moreve. The rhythm section lays down a powerful foundation, propelling the song forward with a relentless energy. Over this, Kay’s vocals snarl with a raw, rebellious attitude, perfectly embodying the song’s message.
The song’s structure is simple yet effective. It opens with the iconic guitar riff, instantly grabbing the listener’s attention. This riff remains the backbone of the song, repeated throughout with variations. The verses are short and to the point, driven by Kay’s forceful vocals. The chorus is a powerful declaration of freedom, featuring the now-famous line “Born to be wild!” A brief guitar solo explodes in the middle of the song, showcasing the band’s technical prowess and adding another layer of excitement. The song then returns to the main riff and concludes with a final, emphatic shout of “wild!”
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
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 dieBorn to be wild
Born to be wildGet 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