Blues, rock, protest songs all have come from his pen as a writer, and his solo albums reflect his eclectic musical influences such as Patrick Sky.
Born to Be Wild
John Kay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 lightning
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 want to die
Born to be wild
Born to be wild
The lyrics of "Born to Be Wild" by John Kay & Steppenwolf depict a sense of rebellion and freedom. The singer encourages the listener to "get your motor runnin'" and "head out on the highway," suggesting that the open road is a place of adventure and excitement. The idea of searching for something and being open to whatever comes your way is expressed through the line "Lookin' for adventure / And whatever comes our way." The use of the word "Darlin'" at the beginning of each verse implies a sense of closeness and camaraderie between the singer and the listener.
The chorus of the song features the repeated line "Born to be wild," suggesting that some people are inherently predisposed to a life of freedom and rebellion. The line "Like a true nature's child / We were born, born to be wild" reinforces this idea, highlighting the connection between humans and the natural world. The idea of living life to the fullest is expressed through the line "We can climb so high / I never want to die," suggesting that the thrill of adventure is worth any risks that may be involved.
Line by Line Meaning
Get your motor runnin'
Prepare yourself for a wild ride
Head out on the highway
Make your way to the open road
Lookin' for adventure
Seek excitement, novelty, and stimulation
And whatever comes our way
Embrace whatever challenges and opportunities you encounter
Yeah Darlin' go make it happen
Take charge of your life and make your dreams a reality
Take the world in a love embrace
Embrace the world and its wonders fully, with love and enthusiasm
Fire all of your guns at once
Give it your all with unbridled enthusiasm and energy
And explode into space
Go beyond your limits and reach new heights
I like smoke and lightning
I enjoy things that are intense and exciting
Heavy metal thunder
Loud and intense music that stirs the soul
Racin' with the wind
Going fast with the freedom and excitement of the wind rushing by
And the feelin' that I'm under
The intense sensation of excitement and adventure
Like a true nature's child
I am at one with nature and the universe
We were born, born to be wild
We have a desire for adventure and excitement that is innate and instinctive
We can climb so high
We can achieve great things and scale new heights
I never want to die
I want to live life to the fullest and experience all that it has to offer
Born to be wild
Inherent, natural desire for adventure, excitement, and living life to the fullest
Born to be wild
Inherent, natural desire for adventure, excitement, and living life to the fullest
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARS BONFIRE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Justice For All
I didn't know John had continued with Steppenwolf. Amazing sound! Great song! Good for you John! Good for you!
Bill Franz
My wife and I were there! It was the show of a lifetime for me. John Kay looked and sounded just as amazing as he did back in the day. I found us in the crowd in this video, at 5:27, rockin' with John on Born to be Wild. What a great souvenir for us! Thank you for posting this video!
NELSON X
This really looked like a great concert. No old timers day here, Johnny Kay was showing the kids how to do it. Rock and Roll!
FreeCandyGuy
Were you the guy that gave two middle fingers to the camera?
Rex Hutto
Two of my sons and I were right down front. Cameraman was in our faces numerous times. I have looked on several songs here on YouTube and haven't found us yet. LOL
ShAnE
@NELSON Xshowing the generation x and millennials how it’s done for sure at that year of 2000 😅
luckysmusic
For my money, this is the best video and version of this song on Youtube. Awesome.
Jeffrey McKenney
One of the greatest rock singers ever. This video clip is proof of that and the great music his band produced. The keyboardist in this video is incredible.
Lee Baker
and . . . heavy metal thunder . . .
Robin Parker
Excellent, the music is extraordinary, amazing...words cannot describe the incredible experience of this man...thank you from the bottom of my heart❤💕❤