About the song
**”Born to Be Wild”** is a song that has left an indelible mark on rock music and popular culture since its release in 1968. Written by Mars Bonfire and first performed by Steppenwolf, the track has become synonymous with the spirit of rebellion and freedom. Despite the lyrics not explicitly mentioning motorcycles, the song’s association with biker culture was cemented by its prominent feature in the 1969 film *Easy Rider*. Its influence and popularity have led to its recognition as a defining anthem of the era, and it is often hailed as one of the earliest examples of heavy metal, thanks to its iconic lyric “heavy metal thunder,” which was the first use of the term in rock music.
Originally conceived as a ballad by Mars Bonfire, who was previously a member of The Sparrows (the precursor to Steppenwolf), the song was initially offered to other bands before Steppenwolf recorded it in a more energetic and sped-up version. This rendition transformed the track into a “roaring anthem of turbo-charged riff rock,” as described by AllMusic’s Hal Horowitz. This version not only became Steppenwolf’s signature song but also marked their entry into mainstream success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was narrowly edged out of the top spot by “People Got to Be Free” by The Rascals.
The song’s impact was recognized in 2004 when it was placed at No. 129 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It also featured prominently in AFI’s 100 Years…100 Songs survey of top American cinema tunes. In 2009, VH1 ranked it as the 53rd greatest hard rock song of all time, highlighting its enduring legacy. The track was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, solidifying its place as a landmark in rock history.
“Born to Be Wild” achieved significant chart success internationally, with notable positions including No. 1 on the Canadian Top Singles chart and Top 10 placements in countries like the UK and New Zealand. The song has also been certified gold in several regions, including the United States, where it has sold over a million copies.
Overall, “Born to Be Wild” remains a timeless classic, embodying the spirit of adventure and defiance that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
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