About the song
Ricky Van Shelton, a name synonymous with country music’s golden age, released “Wild Man” in 1990. This soulful ballad, penned by Tom Shapiro and Mark D. Sanders, quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing Shelton’s powerful vocals and emotional range.
“Wild Man” is a heartfelt exploration of a man’s struggles with inner turmoil and the pressures of fame. Shelton’s delivery is both vulnerable and intense, capturing the raw emotion behind the lyrics. The song’s opening lines, “I’m a wild man, lost in the night/Searching for something, something that’s right,” immediately set the stage for a tale of a troubled soul yearning for peace.
The song’s melody is both haunting and uplifting, perfectly complementing the lyrical themes. The instrumentation is sparse, allowing Shelton’s vocals to take center stage. The guitar riff, simple yet effective, provides a steady foundation for the song’s emotional journey.
As the song progresses, Shelton delves deeper into the protagonist’s inner conflicts. He sings of loneliness, isolation, and the desire for human connection. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, painting a picture of a man struggling to find his place in the world.
The bridge of the song is particularly poignant, as Shelton expresses his longing for a simpler time. He yearns for the days when he was free from the burdens of fame and the pressures of society. The lines, “I just wanna be a kid again/Running barefoot through the fields of green,” evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing.
The final chorus of “Wild Man” is a powerful statement of defiance. Shelton sings of his determination to overcome his struggles and find peace within himself. The lyrics, “I’m gonna break these chains that bind me/Gonna set my spirit free,” are a testament to the human spirit’s resilience.
“Wild Man” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Shelton’s heartfelt performance and the song’s powerful message have ensured its enduring popularity. It is a testament to the healing power of music and the ability of artists to connect with their listeners on a deep emotional level.
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Lyrics
Running down the road, same old, same old
Oh, I know it so well, I think I can drive it blind
I’m steady as a wall
But underneath it all
I’m gonna blow the roof off one of these nights
I can’t deny that
Somewhere inside
There’s a wild man
Momma always said, “Son, don’t you let it get out of hand”
If I go crazy
Now and then, baby
You’ve got to understand
Oh, I’m a wild man
Yeah, that’s what I am
I’m a wild man
Coming through the door
I know what it’s all for
Why I’m walking the line as far as the line will go
Wound up so tight
But I know tonight
I don’t have to hold back when I’m holding you close
I can’t deny that
Somewhere inside
There’s a wild man
Momma always said, “Son, don’t you let it get out of hand”
So if I go crazy
Now and then, baby
You’ve got to understand
Oh, I’m a wild man
Yeah, that’s what I am
I’m a wild man
I can’t deny that
Somewhere inside
There’s a wild man
Momma always said, “Son, don’t you let it get out of hand”
So if I go crazy
Now and then, baby
You’ve got to understand
Oh, I’m a wild man
Yeah, that’s what I am
Oh, I’m a wild man
I’m a wild man