Born to Be Wild

Get your motor runnin' with Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild," the definitive 1968 hard rock anthem! A quintessential cruisin' classic, its raw energy, iconic riff, and reference to "heavy metal thunder" defined a generation and foreshadowed a new genre, becoming a roar for freedom.

Released in 1968 by Canadian-American band Steppenwolf on their self-titled debut album, "Born to Be Wild" instantly established itself as a hard rock standard. Penned by Mars Bonfire, its driving beat, John Kay's gritty vocals, and distorted proto-metal guitar sound created an electrifying experience. This ultimate cruisin' classic captured the restless spirit of the late 60s, blending psychedelic influences with a powerful, heavier sound that resonated globally.

Immortalized by its inclusion in the 1969 counterculture film Easy Rider, "Born to Be Wild" became inextricably linked with motorcycle culture and rebellion. Released as a single around June 05, 1968, the song's famous "heavy metal thunder" lyric is often cited as an early use of the term in music. This hard rock and proto-metal masterpiece remains a timeless anthem celebrating independence and the call of the open road.

SONG MEANING: "Born to Be Wild" is fundamentally a song celebrating freedom, the thrill of adventure, and the liberation found on the open highway, particularly through the lens of motorcycle culture. Written by Mars Bonfire, the lyrics urge listeners to "Get your motor runnin'" and embrace adventure ("Lookin' for adventure / And whatever comes our way"), embodying a spirit of breaking free from conventions and embracing the wildness within.