About the song
“Born to Be Wild” is a defining anthem of the late 1960s, penned by Mars Bonfire and first brought to life by the rock band Steppenwolf. Released in 1968, the song rapidly became emblematic of a rebellious spirit, particularly after its prominent feature in the 1969 film *Easy Rider*. While the lyrics themselves make no direct mention of motorcycles, the song’s association with biker culture is undeniable, cemented by its iconic line, “heavy metal thunder.” This phrase, though originally referring to a motorcycle, is often credited as one of the earliest uses of “heavy metal” in rock music, and it is frequently cited in discussions about the origins of the heavy metal genre.
Initially written as a ballad, “Born to Be Wild” underwent a dramatic transformation when Steppenwolf recorded it. The band, including members who were formerly with the Sparrows, gave the song a high-energy, fast-paced rock arrangement that contributed significantly to its enduring appeal. AllMusic’s Hal Horowitz aptly describes it as a “roaring anthem of turbo-charged riff rock,” encapsulating the essence of the 1960s counterculture movement while establishing Steppenwolf’s signature sound.
As Steppenwolf’s third single from their self-titled debut album, “Born to Be Wild” quickly soared to prominence, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It narrowly missed the top spot, held by “People Got to Be Free” by The Rascals. Its popularity and impact were recognized by Rolling Stone magazine, which ranked it No. 129 on its list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2004. The American Film Institute also acknowledged the song’s cinematic significance by placing it at No. 29 on their “100 Years…100 Songs” list, celebrating its role in American cinema.
The song’s influence extends beyond its initial success. In 2018, it was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in a special category for singles, a testament to its enduring legacy. “Born to Be Wild” has also been covered by a diverse array of artists, including Australian rock band Rose Tattoo, whose 1985 version reached No. 25 in Australia, and Kim Wilde, who released a cover in 2002 that made the charts in Germany and Switzerland. Other notable covers include those by artists such as Etta James, Bruce Springsteen, and even Ozzy Osbourne with Miss Piggy.
The track’s widespread acclaim is reflected in its various accolades and recognitions, including VH1’s ranking of it as the 53rd greatest hard rock song of all time in 2009, and its ranking of 40th in VH1’s “100 Greatest Songs of Rock and Roll” list. Over the decades, “Born to Be Wild” has remained a symbol of freedom and rebellion, forever etched in the annals of rock history.
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