About the song
**”The Pusher”** is a seminal rock song that has resonated through the decades, notably gaining prominence through its association with the groundbreaking 1969 film *Easy Rider*. Written by Hoyt Axton, the song offers a stark and poignant commentary on drug culture, contrasting the relatively benign nature of marijuana dealers with the menacing presence of heroin pushers. While the former is depicted as someone who might “sell you lots of sweet dreams,” the latter is characterized as a “monster” indifferent to the life or death of their clients.
The song’s raw and powerful lyrics provide a deep and often unsettling insight into the harsh realities of drug addiction and the people who perpetuate it. This powerful narrative made it a fitting choice for the opening scenes of *Easy Rider*, which depicted drug trafficking and the counterculture of the 1960s.
Steppenwolf, the rock band known for their contributions to the genre, made “The Pusher” widely known with their version, featured on their 1968 self-titled album. The band, particularly organist Goldy McJohn, played a pivotal role in shaping the song’s sound. The performance at the Matrix in 1967, which was a precursor to their definitive version, was a spontaneous creation that came about when singer John Kay and drummer Jerry Edmonton were delayed. McJohn, along with bandmates Nick St. Nicholas and Mars Bonfire, crafted a lengthy and powerful rendition of the track, which was refined at the “Arc” in Sausalito.
Hoyt Axton himself did not release his version of “The Pusher” until 1971, on his album *Joy to the World*. Initially, the song was part of a various-artists mail-order album in 1969. The song was also recorded by Nina Simone for her 1974 album *It Is Finished*, adding a soulful layer to the track. Other notable versions include those by Blind Melon, released in 1996, and a collaboration between The Flaming Lips and Deap Vally in 2020. These renditions illustrate the song’s versatility and enduring appeal.
The song’s impact extends beyond its musical arrangements. It was noted that Axton’s mother, Mae Boren Axton, had initially refused to publish the song due to its explicit language. However, after Axton’s explanation of the song’s context, it was eventually published, reflecting the sometimes contentious relationship between artistic expression and commercial viability.
In addition to these interpretations, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Cowboy Mouth, Monkeywrench, and Slash, among others, reflecting its profound influence across different musical genres and eras. As a cultural touchstone, “The Pusher” continues to be celebrated for its unflinching portrayal of drug culture and its impactful musical legacy.
Video
Lyrics
You know I smoked a lot of grass.
Oh Lord! I popped a lot of pills.
But I’ve never touched nothin’
That my spirit couldn’t kill.
You know I’ve seen a lot of people walking ’round
With tombstones in their eyes.
But the pusher don’t care
If you live — or if you die.
God Damn! The pusher.
God Damn! The pusher.
I said God Damn! God damn the pusher man.
You know the dealer, the dealer is a man
With a lump of grass in his hand.
But the pusher is a monster
Not a natural man.
The dealer for a nickel
Goin to sell you lots of sweet dreams.
Ah…but the pusher will ruin your body;
Lord he’ll leave your mind to scream.
God Damn! The pusher.
God Damn! God damn the pusher.
I said God Damn! God damn the pusher man.
Well now if I were the president of this land
You know I’d declare total war on the pusher man.
I’d cut him if he stands, and I’d shoot him if he run,
And I’d kill him with my bible, and my razor and my gun….
GOD DAMN! The pusher
God damn the pusher.
I said God damn! God damn the pusher man!