Steppenwolf is a rock band which formed in Los Angeles, California, United … Read Full Bio ↴Steppenwolf is a rock band which formed in Los Angeles, California, United States in 1967. The band originally consisted of John Kay (vocals, guitar), Michael Monarch (guitar), Rushton Moreve (bass), Goldie McJohn (keyboards) and Jerry Edmonton (drums). The band is best known for their hit singles "Born to be Wild" and "Magic Carpet Ride". They were named after the novel Der Steppenwolf by German author Hermann Hesse.

Frontman John Kay's mother escaped with him at age 4 from Soviet occupied East Germany, an event recounted in the song "Renegade" on the album Steppenwolf Seven. His family resettled in Hannover, West Germany, before moving to Canada in 1958. Kay is partially blind, hence the use of dark glasses

In 1968, Nick St. Nicholas replaced Moreve as bass player.

Steppenwolf had its origins in the Toronto blues band Sparrow, which was formed in 1964 and played coffeehouses in Yorkville. By 1967 they had settled in San Francisco.

Steppenwolf rocketed to fame after their third single, "Born to Be Wild" was used in the movie Easy Rider, as well as "The Pusher". The former song may have coined the term "heavy metal". This was followed by several more hits, including "Magic Carpet Ride" from Steppenwolf the Second, and "Rock Me" from At Your Birthday Party. Many fans consider their double album Steppenwolf Live [an extended single album in the UK] the best of Steppenwolf's releases. Monster and For Ladies Only were the band's most political albums, and are still fondly remembered by fans as two of the best rock & roll snapshots of the attitudes of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The band broke up in 1971, and Kay pursued a solo career. Steppenwolf reformed in 1974 with the album Slow Flux, and disbanded in 1976. Afterwards, several versions of the band toured North America until Kay reformed the official version of the group in 1980.

John Kay released a solo album in 2001.

Let's Do It All
Steppenwolf Lyrics

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Words and music by John Kay, Rocket Ritchotte and Michael Wilk
You know what I want and I know what you like
We know when it feels good
We know when it feels right
Just like it did last night
I got you on my mind, can't seem to really get much done
Why don't you come right here, or I'll come over there
You know we'd have some fun

We got spontaneous combustion
We got what everybody dreams about at night
Come on let's do it all tonight
I'm in your private dreams, you're in the public eye
You know that I pass out each time that you pass by
Could make a grown man cry
For I just can't forget, we got that absolutely perfect fit
Now that I've stooped to that and it has come to this
Let's just get on with it
We have that mutual attraction

We got what makes the whole world want to fuss and fight
Come on and let's do it all tonight

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Steppenwolf's song "Let's Do It All" talk about a passionate and intense relationship between two people. The first verse establishes that both parties are aware of what they want and what the other likes. They have reached a level of intimacy where they can recognize when it feels good and when it's right. The chorus expresses their desire to indulge in each other again, as they had the previous night, suggesting that the experience was exhilarating.

The second verse indicates that the singer cannot stop thinking about their lover, and how they affect their focus on other aspects of their life. The singer suggests they meet up, either at the lover's place or their own, as they would have fun together. The next line, "spontaneous combustion," suggests an intense passion between the two, while the following line indicates that they have what everybody dreams about at night - a great sexual connection. The chorus reinforces their desire to be back in each other's company once again.

The bridge of the song reveals that the two have a unique connection. The singer is in the partner's private dreams, and the partner is a prominent public figure. The lyrics suggest the relationship transgresses the boundaries between public and private spheres. The singer admits they cannot forget their connection as it was an absolutely perfect fit. The last line of the bridge suggests that the two should get on with it, acknowledging that their attraction and chemistry demand immediate action. The chorus then repeats affirming their decision to act again tonight.

Overall, the song's lyrics are suggestive of a relationship based mostly on sexual attraction, but also a certain level of emotional intensity, seeing as they have an "absolutely perfect fit." The lyrics highlight the swift and uncontainable nature of their desires, emphasizing that tonight they will once again become lost in their passion.

Line by Line Meaning

You know what I want and I know what you like
We both understand each other's desires and preferences

We know when it feels good
We are familiar with each other's pleasure points

We know when it feels right
We can sense when the moment is right for intimacy

Just like it did last night
Similar to the experience we had last night

I got you on my mind, can't seem to really get much done
My thoughts are consumed with you, making it difficult to focus on anything else

Why don't you come right here, or I'll come over there
Suggesting a physical meetup

You know we'd have some fun
Expressing the anticipated enjoyment of each other's company

We got spontaneous combustion
A strong physical and emotional attraction

We got what everybody dreams about at night
Referencing the fantasy of an ideal romantic relationship

Come on let's do it all tonight
Encouraging an intimate encounter soon and suggesting that anything is possible

I'm in your private dreams, you're in the public eye
I exist in your most intimate thoughts, while you are a prominent figure in the public sphere

You know that I pass out each time that you pass by
Your mere presence has a powerful physical effect on me

Could make a grown man cry
The intensity of the attraction is strong enough to affect someone in a very emotional way

For I just can't forget, we got that absolutely perfect fit
The physical and emotional compatibility between us is undeniable

Now that I've stooped to that and it has come to this
Acknowledging the baser motivations and desires that have led to this point

Let's just get on with it
Suggesting that it's time to act on our desires

We have that mutual attraction
Reinforcing the strong emotional and physical connection between us

We got what makes the whole world want to fuss and fight
Referencing the power and intensity of romantic attraction, which often causes conflict and turmoil

Come on and let's do it all tonight
Encouraging an uninhibited and fulfilling physical encounter

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: KAY, RITCHOTTE, WILK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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