Born To Be Wild

Steppenwolf

About Born To Be Wild

"Born to Be Wild" is a song written by Mars Bonfire and first performed by the band Steppenwolf. The song is often invoked in both popular and counter culture to denote a biker appearance or attitude. It is sometimes described as the first heavy metal song, and the second verse lyric "heavy metal thunder" marks the first use of this term in rock music (although not as a description of a musical style).


Year:
2010
3:30
31 
#1

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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

I 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 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

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

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Steppenwolf

Steppenwolf is a North Americanrock group that was prominent in the late 1960s. The group was formed in 1968 in Los Angeles by vocalist John Kay, guitarist Michael Monarch, bassist Rushton Moreve, keyboardist Goldy McJohn and drummer Jerry Edmonton after the dissolution of Toronto group The Sparrows, formed by John Kay in the early 60s, of which only Moreve was not a member. more »

4 fans

Written by: Mars Bonfire

Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Information
"Born to Be Wild" was released as a single in 1968 by Steppenwolf, a rock band formed in late 1960s. It was released from their debut album titled "Steppenwolf".
Chart Performance
This single reached to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 1 on the Cashbox chart. It was also a top 10 hit in the UK.
Heavy Metal Term Origin
"Born to Be Wild" is often cited as the first instance where the term "Heavy Metal" is used in reference to music in its lyrics "heavy metal thunder".
Movie Connection
The song was prominently used in the 1969 movie "Easy Rider", further cementing its identity as a counterculture anthem.
Song’s Theme
The song's lyrics are reflective of rebellion and freedom, typical of the era in which it was produced. It has since become an iconic anthem of the 1960s counterculture movement.
Song's Structure
The song has a simple, yet powerful structure. It starts with an iconic guitar riff, followed by strong, masculine vocals, a soaring organ solo and ends with a hard-driving finish.
Cover Versions and Adaptations
The song has been covered by numerous artists, most notably by Slayer, AC/DC, and The Cult. It also has been adapted in various television shows and commercials symbolizing road adventure and freedom.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
This song was listed in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll".
Cultural Impact
"Born to Be Wild" still continues to be used in various media and pop culture references, further indicating its huge cultural impact and timeless appeal. It was used in TV shows like "The Wonder Years", "Sesame Street", and movies like "Dr. Dolittle 2" and "Scooby-Doo".
Songwriting Credits
The song was written by Mars Bonfire, who was a former member of The Sparrows, the predecessor band to Steppenwolf. Despite not being a part of Steppenwolf, Bonfire’s contribution to the band’s success is significant through "Born to be Wild".
Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2020, "Born To Be Wild" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, acknowledging its significant cultural impact for over 50 years.

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    Born To Be Wild

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1968

    Billboard #2


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