About the song
**”Magic Carpet Ride”** is a quintessential rock anthem that captured the spirit of the late 1960s and continues to resonate with fans of classic rock. Written by John Kay and Rushton Moreve of the Canadian-American hard rock band Steppenwolf, the song was released in 1968 as the lead single from their album *The Second*. Its infectious riff and vibrant energy propelled it to number three on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for 16 weeks—longer than any other Steppenwolf single. The song’s enduring popularity is reflected in its heavy rotation on FM radio and its frequent inclusion in classic rock compilations and popular media.
The genesis of “Magic Carpet Ride” began with bassist Rushton Moreve’s creation of a distinctive “bouncy riff,” which laid the groundwork for the track. Mars Bonfire, Jerry Edmonton’s brother, contributed his guitar skills, further shaping the song. Guitarist Michael Monarch added a unique touch by creating feedback that was spliced into the recording, setting an electrifying tone for the introduction.
John Kay, inspired by his recent purchase of a high-quality stereo system, wrote lyrics that initially celebrated the superior sound of his new equipment. However, the lyrics soon evolved into a more fantastical narrative, incorporating imagery of wish-making and a magical carpet ride. Despite the song’s upbeat and somewhat whimsical feel, Kay later hinted that the track’s inspiration was influenced by a relaxed, possibly drug-enhanced, creative environment.
The recording process saw Kay overdubbing a falsetto and sound engineer Bill Cooper adding an extra chorus, which contributed to the track’s dynamic and memorable sound. Although the 45 rpm single featured a different vocal take on the first verse and an edited version of the album track, the full-length album version remained the favored choice for FM radio and classic rock enthusiasts.
Billboard hailed the single as a “pulsating rocker,” drawing comparisons to Steppenwolf’s earlier hit “Born to Be Wild.” Record World predicted strong appeal among young audiences, affirming the song’s potential as a major hit. “Magic Carpet Ride” stands as a testament to Steppenwolf’s innovative approach to rock music and their ability to craft songs that capture the imagination and energy of their time.
Video
Lyrics
I like to dream, yes, yes
Right between the sound machine
On a cloud of sound I drift in the night
Any place it goes is right
Goes far, flies near
To the stars away from here
Well, you don’t know what we can find
Why don’t you come with me, little girl
On a magic carpet ride
Well, you don’t know what we can see
Why don’t you tell your dreams to me
Fantasy will set you free
Close your eyes, girl
Look inside, girl
Let the sound take you away
Last night I hold Aladdin’s lamp
And so I wished that I could stay
Before the thing could answer me
Well, someone came and took the lamp away
I looked around, a lousy candle’s all I found
Well, you don’t know what we can find
Why don’t you come with me, little girl
On a magic carpet ride
Well, you don’t know what we can see
Why don’t you tell your dreams to me
Fantasy will set you free
Close your eyes, girl
Look inside, girl
Let the sound take you away
You don’t know what we can find
Why don’t you come with me, little girl
On a magic carpet ride
Well, you don’t know what we can see
Why don’t you tell your dreams to me
Fantasy will set you free