About the song
“Born to Be Wild,” an iconic anthem of rebellion and freedom, epitomizes the spirit of a generation seeking liberation from societal norms. Penned by Mars Bonfire and immortalized by the band Steppenwolf, this electrifying track transcends its origins to become a cultural touchstone.
Originally conceived as a ballad, “Born to Be Wild” underwent a transformation under Steppenwolf’s rendition, evolving into what AllMusic’s Hal Horowitz describes as “a roaring anthem of turbo-charged riff rock.” Released in 1968 as part of Steppenwolf’s debut album, the song quickly soared to fame, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Its gritty vocals and pulsating rhythms captured the essence of a burgeoning counterculture, resonating deeply with audiences seeking an escape from convention.
The song’s impact extended beyond mere music charts. It famously featured in the landmark 1969 film “Easy Rider,” a cinematic emblem of the rebellious spirit of the era. The lyrics, notably the phrase “heavy metal thunder,” are often cited as one of the earliest references to heavy metal in rock music history, albeit in the context of motorcycles rather than music style.
Over the years, “Born to Be Wild” has garnered numerous accolades, solidifying its place in music history. Rolling Stone ranked it at No. 129 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004, underscoring its enduring popularity and cultural significance. The American Film Institute recognized it in its “100 Years…100 Songs” survey for its impact on American cinema, cementing its status as a quintessential soundtrack piece.
In 2018, “Born to Be Wild” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in a special category celebrating influential singles. Its legacy continues to inspire generations of fans who embrace its message of independence and adventure. As a symbol of rebellion and the pursuit of freedom, “Born to Be Wild” remains a timeless anthem that resonates with listeners around the world, embodying the unyielding spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
Video
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 space
I like smoke and lightnin’
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
We’re 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