Son Volt formed after the breakup of the band Uncle Tupelo, owing to the simmering creative differences between songwriters Farrar and Jeff Tweedy. The group's members lived in Minneapolis, St Louis, and New Orleans at the time. Son Volt is often considered the closest continuance of Uncle Tupelo's Alt-country/Americana sound and musical legacy. Jeff Tweedy would steer his post-Uncle Tupelo group Wilco towards more adventurous sonic territory - and greater critical and commercial success - in a move that has sharply divided fans.
Farrar has released albums under his own name and the Son Volt nameplate, though there is little continuity in supporting band members. After a strong initial showing with 1995's Trace, the original Son Volt lineup released two more records before going on permanent hiatus in 1999. After the original members were unable to reach an agreement on the terms of a reunion, Farrar put together a new version of Son Volt in 2004. The revived Son Volt has regained its creative footing with 2005's confident Okemah and the Melody of Riot. Son Volt went on to release "The Search" in the Spring of 2007.
Wild Side
Son Volt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You’re out wind and free
A lot’s wrong in this darkness
You’re the sight that’s always seen
I don’t worry for what comes around
I’ll be tested just the same
You’re on the wild side
That will always remain
[Chorus]
You’re on the wild side
That’s where you’ll always be
You’re living proof that there’s grace in this world
Wild side living free
What can never be taken away
You push that stone uphill
Nothing can change your way of living
Not tomorrow, not today
Our keys don’t really matter
I’ll be tested in time
I’ll look for you on the wild side
The smoke ending lies
[Chorus: x2]
The Son Volt song "Wild Side" seems to be a tribute to someone who lives life on their own terms and embodies what it means to be wild and free. The verses paint a picture of someone who is always seen, even in the darkness of life, and who remains true to themselves despite any challenges that may come their way. It's as if the person being praised in the song is a symbol of hope and resilience to the singer, who is content to follow their lead.
The chorus is particularly moving, with its repeated refrain of "You're on the wild side, that's where you'll always be / You're living proof that there's grace in this world / Wild side living free". It's a reminder that even in a world that can sometimes feel oppressive and limiting, there are still those who refuse to be bound by convention and who embody a kind of grace that is rare and beautiful.
Overall, "Wild Side" is a powerful song that celebrates the human spirit and encourages us all to stay true to ourselves and to live life with passion and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
You’re on the wild side,
You live your life with freedom and without restraints.
You’re out wind and free
You are carefree and unrestricted, like the wind.
A lot’s wrong in this darkness
The world is filled with problems and challenges.
You’re the sight that’s always seen
You stand out amongst others and are always noticed.
I don’t worry for what comes around
I'm not concerned about what happens in the future.
I’ll be tested just the same
I will face challenges and hardships, just like everyone else.
That will always remain
Your free-spirited nature won't change.
[Chorus]
Repeats the refrain of the song.
You’re living proof that there’s grace in this world
Your ability to live freely and without worry is a testament to the beauty of the world.
Wild side living free
Your wild ways are the embodiment of living free.
What can never be taken away
Your freedom is something that cannot be taken from you.
You push that stone uphill
You face challenges, but you keep moving forward.
Nothing can change your way of living
Your free-spirited nature cannot be changed by anyone or anything.
Not tomorrow, not today
No matter what happens in the present or future, you will always be wild.
Our keys don’t really matter
Material possessions, like our keys, are not important.
I’ll be tested in time
There will be challenges in the future for both of us.
I’ll look for you on the wild side
I'll always know where to find you - on the wild side.
The smoke ending lies
The confusion and uncertainty of life will eventually come to an end.
[Chorus: x2]
The refrain of the song is repeated for emphasis.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAY STUART FARRAR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind