About the song
“Crazy on You,” an iconic track by American rock band Heart, has solidified its place in music history since its release as the third single from their debut studio album, Dreamboat Annie (1975). Initially launched in March 1976 in Canada and subsequently in the United States, the song quickly gained recognition, climbing to the top 25 in Canada and the top 35 in the US. However, its true resonance extended beyond North America, achieving notable success in the Netherlands and Belgium, peaking at numbers 2 and 13 respectively in early 1977.
The song’s distinctive opening, featuring an evocative acoustic guitar instrumental reminiscent of Heart’s earlier acoustic piece “Silver Wheels,” segues seamlessly into a spirited rock anthem that defined the band’s early sound. What set “Crazy on You” apart was its innovative blend of acoustic and electric guitars, with Nancy Wilson’s proficient acoustic guitar work standing out as a rarity in rock music, especially during the 1970s.
Lyrically, the song speaks to a yearning for escape from worldly troubles through a night of passion—an emotional refuge during a tumultuous era marked by the Vietnam War and social unrest in the United States. This thematic depth, combined with Ann Wilson’s powerful vocals, resonated deeply with audiences and contributed to the song’s enduring popularity.
Beyond its initial release, “Crazy on You” continued to captivate listeners through various mediums. Its inclusion in notable film soundtracks such as “Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle,” Demolition, Captain Marvel, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 further cemented its cultural impact, ensuring its recognition across generations.
The song’s journey is also intertwined with Heart’s own narrative—the band penned “Crazy on You” while residing in a modest A-frame cottage on the Canada–United States border, reflecting the humble beginnings from which their musical journey flourished. Over the years, “Crazy on You” has remained a staple on classic rock radio stations, affirming its status as one of Heart’s signature compositions.
In 2013, the band’s original lineup reunited for a momentous performance of “Crazy on You” during their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, marking a poignant return after over three decades apart. This reunion underscored the song’s enduring legacy and its profound impact on both Heart’s career and the broader landscape of rock music.
With its infectious energy, innovative musical arrangement, and poignant lyrics, “Crazy on You” continues to resonate as a timeless classic—an anthem of passion and resilience that transcends generations and borders, solidifying its place among the greats in rock music history.
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Lyrics
If we still have time, we might still get by
Every time I think about it, I wanna cry
With bombs and the Devil, and the kids keep comin’
No way to breathe easy, no time to be young
But I tell myself that I was doin’ all right
There’s nothin’ left to do at night
But go crazy on you
Crazy on you
Let me go crazy, crazy on you, oh
My love is the evenin’ breeze touchin’ your skin
The gentle, sweet singin’ of leaves in the wind
The whisper that calls after you in the night
And kisses your ear in the early moonlight
And you don’t need to wonder, you’re doing fine
My love, the pleasure’s mine
Let me go crazy on you
Crazy on you
Let me go crazy, crazy on you, oh
Wild man’s world is cryin’ in pain
What you gonna do when everybody’s insane?
So afraid of one who’s so afraid of you
What you gonna do?
Ooh, crazy on you
Crazy on you
Let me go crazy, crazy on you
I was a willow last night in a dream
I bent down over a clear running stream
Sang you the song that I heard up above
And you kept me alive with your sweet flowing love
Crazy
Yeah, crazy on you
Let me go crazy, crazy on you, oh
Crazy on you
Crazy on you
Let me go crazy, crazy on you, yeah
Crazy on you
Crazy on you