Sander L Nelson was born on 1 December 1938 in Santa Monica, California. He attended high school with Jan Berry, Dean Torrence (who together became Jan and Dean), and Kim Fowley. After gaining respect as a session drummer, he played on such well-known songs as "To Know Him Is To Love Him" (Phil Spector's Teddy Bears, 1958), "Alley-Oop" (The Hollywood Argyles, 1960), "A Thousand Stars" (Kathy Young and the Innocents, 1960) and more.
Nelson continued to record into the early 1970s.
The Wild Side of Life
Sandy Nelson Lyrics
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You asked me not to call you on the phone
There's something I've been waiting for to tell you
So I wrote it in the words of this song
You never knew there were honky tonk angels
Or you might have known I'd never make a wife
You walked out on the only one who ever loved you
Now the glamor of the good life always lead me
To the places where the wild liquor flows
I tried to be your one and only angel
But I'm not that kind of angel, heaven knows
I cried so hard the day you went and left me
'Cause some things you said, they cut me like a knife
What you wanted was another kind of angel
And you should be back to the wild side of life
No, well, I guess I'm just a honky tonk angel
I might have known I'd never make a wife
Well, you left the only one who ever loved you
And I'm back here on the wild side of life
I'm only a honky tonk angel
I might have known I'd never make a wife
You walked out on the only one who ever loved you
And you left me here on the wild side of life
"The Wild Side of Life" by Sandy Nelson is a poignant expression of heartbreak and the painful realization that two people may not be meant for each other. The song describes the singer's attempts to hold onto a relationship that was doomed from the start. Despite the fact that the singer tried to be the woman's "one and only angel," the lyrics reveal that she "liked the wild life," and was never going to settle down.
The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song: "You wouldn't read my letters if I wrote you / You asked me not to call you on the phone / There's something I've been waiting for to tell you / So I wrote it in the words of this song." From the outset, the singer appears to be addressing someone who has pushed him away. But it's not until later in the song that we learn why: the woman he loved was never going to be happy with him because she preferred a wilder, less domesticated life.
The contradiction between the singer's expectations and the reality of his relationship is further highlighted by the lines "You never knew there were honky tonk angels / Or you might have known I'd never make a wife." Here, the singer acknowledges that he and his lover were searching for different things - she wanted adventure and excitement, while he wanted stability and commitment.
Overall, the song is a reminder that there are no guarantees when it comes to love. No matter how hard we try, some relationships just aren't meant to be. Nonetheless, the singer suggests that there may be happiness to be found in accepting the truth of the situation and moving on with life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, you wouldn't read my letters if I wrote you
You have been avoiding me and refusing to acknowledge my attempts at communication.
You asked me not to call you on the phone
You have explicitly stated that you do not want to speak with me over the phone.
There's something I've been waiting for to tell you
I have been holding onto something important that I need to share with you.
So I wrote it in the words of this song
I have expressed my thoughts and feelings through the lyrics of this musical composition.
You never knew there were honky tonk angels
You were unaware that there exists a type of female figure who frequents honky tonk bars and establishments.
Or you might have known I'd never make a wife
If you were aware of these honky tonk angels, you may have realized that I am not the type of woman who is suited for marriage or a traditional domestic lifestyle.
You walked out on the only one who ever loved you
Despite my affections and devotion to you, you chose to abandon our relationship and pursue other options.
So I went back to the wild side of life
In response to your rejection, I have reverted to a lifestyle of wild and risky behavior.
Now the glamor of the good life always lead me
I am drawn towards a lifestyle of luxury and extravagance.
To the places where the wild liquor flows
I am attracted to settings where there is ample alcohol and opportunities for indulgence.
I tried to be your one and only angel
I made an effort to be the only loving, devoted partner in your life.
But I'm not that kind of angel, heaven knows
Despite my good intentions, I am not capable of providing the ideal type of partnership that you desire.
I cried so hard the day you went and left me
Your departure caused me immense emotional pain and heartbreak.
'Cause some things you said, they cut me like a knife
The words you spoke to me were deeply hurtful and emotionally damaging.
What you wanted was another kind of angel
Your desires and expectations were better suited for a different type of partner than myself.
And you should be back to the wild side of life
You should return to a lifestyle of carefree, partying behavior since that is what you truly desire.
No, well, I guess I'm just a honky tonk angel
In the end, I realize that I am indeed one of these honky tonk angels that you were previously unaware of.
I might have known I'd never make a wife
I should have been aware that my personality and lifestyle were not suitable for a more traditional domestic role.
Well, you left the only one who ever loved you
Despite my love and commitment to you, you still opted to leave and pursue other ventures.
And I'm back here on the wild side of life
In response to the end of our relationship and your rejection, I have returned to a lifestyle of reckless and wild behavior.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Buddy Guy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind