Chicken Wolf
Steppenwolf Lyrics


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You comin' here
Tellin' me how proud you are
Some clown just handed you
A shiny little silver star
You say, over there, the men are brave
While the chickens stay away
Cause they're all too much afraid
To fight for somethin' they should believe in
I'm sorry friend, you've got it backwards

They won't follow when your whistle blows
Won't come runnin' when your rooster crows
Don't eat the same old crow until their minds have gone
They don't fear the squawk of the little silly chicken hawk
Uh, uh huh, help us clean our own backyard
Before you go to preach abroad
Believe me it won't be easy

As you well know, not every bird can roam the sky
I see your wings, man, but can you fly?
All I see when I look down, something jumpin' on the ground scratchin' dirt
Cluckin' in the barnyard, tell me, could that be you?




In that case, lay another egg
Try to save yourself from the bar-be-cue

Overall Meaning

The song "Chicken Wolf" by Steppenwolf is a sarcastic commentary on the ideals of the Vietnam War era. The song is directed toward a military man who has just received a silver star, an award given for valor in combat. The singer scoffs at the soldier's pride, stating that the real bravery lies not in fighting a war, but in standing up for one's own beliefs. The soldier's praise of his comrades as brave is met with the implication that they were being forced to fight, as they were too afraid to stand up for themselves.


The chorus of the song further reinforces this message, stating that the soldiers will not blindly follow orders, nor will they be swayed by patriotic rhetoric. The imagery of chickens is used throughout the song to symbolize cowardice and conformity, while the singer presents himself as an outsider who refuses to bow to authority. The final line, "In that case, lay another egg / Try to save yourself from the bar-be-cue", suggests that those who continue to blindly follow orders will ultimately suffer the consequences.


Overall, "Chicken Wolf" is a scathing critique of the military-industrial complex and the societal pressures that lead people to conform rather than think for themselves. It is a powerful reminder to question authority and to stand up for what one believes in.


Line by Line Meaning

You comin' here
You have come to my place


Tellin' me how proud you are
Boasting about your achievements


Some clown just handed you
You were awarded


A shiny little silver star
A medal or badge


You say, over there, the men are brave
You claim that men in other places are courageous


While the chickens stay away
The timid people avoid participating


Cause they're all too much afraid
Because they fear


To fight for somethin' they should believe in
To stand up for their convictions


I'm sorry friend, you've got it backwards
I regret to inform you that you are mistaken


They won't follow when your whistle blows
They will not blindly follow your orders


Won't come runnin' when your rooster crows
They will not automatically respond when you call


Don't eat the same old crow until their minds have gone
Do not try to manipulate them or take advantage of their gullibility


They don't fear the squawk of the little silly chicken hawk
They are not intimidated by those who talk big but have no substance


Uh, uh huh, help us clean our own backyard
Address our problems before trying to solve other issues


Before you go to preach abroad
Before attempting to influence others


Believe me it won't be easy
It will not be a simple task


As you well know, not every bird can roam the sky
Not everyone has the same abilities


I see your wings, man, but can you fly?
You may appear capable, but can you really succeed?


All I see when I look down, something jumpin' on the ground scratchin' dirt
You look like a chicken, scratching the ground


Cluckin' in the barnyard, tell me, could that be you?
Are you a talkative, cowardly chicken?


In that case, lay another egg
Your behavior is cowardly, lay low and do not engage


Try to save yourself from the bar-be-cue
Protect yourself from danger




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN KAY, MICHAEL MONARCH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Philip Kassabian


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