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.
Life Is a Gamble
Steppenwolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Playin' that game of fools
Don't be afraid to take a chance
You haven't got much to lose
Come on little girl and step right up
I want to be the first to wish you luck 'cause
Where you search and ramble
And you try for the high that will help to see you through
Life is a gamble and so if you can handle
The uncertainty of tomorrow with me,
Today I'll bet on you
Shoot your shot girl with all you got
I'm gonna get you to give in
The stakes are high but darlin' don't be shy
I'm givin' you a chance to win
I can't make promises they'd just be lies
It's ridin' on the wheel and a roll of the dice, 'cause
Life is a gamble where
Where you search and ramble
And you try for the high that will help to see you through
Life is a gamble and so if you can handle
The uncertainty of tomorrow with me,
Today I'll bet on you
How will it be tomorrow
How can I say today
Like a gamblin' man with a losin' hand
I'm waitin' for a winnin' play
Come little girl and step right up
I want to be the first to wish you luck 'cause
Life is a gamble where
Where you search and ramble
And you try for the high that will help to see you through
Life is a gamble and so if you can handle
The uncertainty of tomorrow with me,
Today I'll bet on you
In Steppenwolf's song "Life Is a Gamble," the lyrics suggest that life is like a game of chance where we must take risks and have the courage to try, and that we must be willing to deal with the uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring. The song speaks to our desire for success and the hope for a better life, and how taking risky bets are sometimes necessary to achieve that goal. The singer encourages a girl to join him, to try her luck and to trust that he will support her.
The lyrics of the song are written in a way that could be interpreted as a romantic proposal of sorts. The singer is encouraging the girl to take a chance with him as they navigate the uncertainties of the future. The use of gambling metaphors portrays life as a high-stakes game that is difficult to win without taking risks. The lyrics address the theme of uncertainty that governs our lives, and it is a constant reminder that we can either choose to play it safe, or take risks and see what happens.
Overall, the lyrics in "Life Is a Gamble" exemplify the human experience: the ups and downs, the risks and rewards, and the uncertainty of the future. The song encourages us to strive for success and attain our goals, despite the obstacles that stand in our way. It also stresses the importance of perseverance in the face of failure as well as the importance of taking risks when necessary to achieve our dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Spin that wheel of fortune
Take a chance and try your luck
Playin' that game of fools
Risky behavior can sometimes backfire
Don't be afraid to take a chance
Embrace the unknown and go for it
You haven't got much to lose
Risk-taking can be less daunting if you have little to lose
Come on little girl and step right up
Encouraging someone to take a risk
I want to be the first to wish you luck 'cause
Hopeful for a positive outcome
Life is a gamble where
Life is uncertain
Where you search and ramble
A search for answers in a chaotic world
And you try for the high that will help to see you through
Aspiring for success to overcome obstacles
Life is a gamble and so if you can handle
If you can accept the uncertainty of life
The uncertainty of tomorrow with me,
Facing the unknown with support from someone else
Today I'll bet on you
Investing in someone's potential
Shoot your shot girl with all you got
Go all in with enthusiasm and confidence
I'm gonna get you to give in
Trying to convince someone to take a risk
The stakes are high but darlin' don't be shy
There is a lot to potentially gain, so don't hesitate
I'm givin' you a chance to win
Offering an opportunity for success
I can't make promises they'd just be lies
The future is uncertain and unpredictable
It's ridin' on the wheel and a roll of the dice, 'cause
Outcomes are determined by chance and luck
How will it be tomorrow
The future is unknown
How can I say today
It's difficult to predict what will happen in the future
Like a gamblin' man with a losin' hand
Taking risky moves without a clear chance of success
I'm waitin' for a winnin' play
Hoping for a positive outcome
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Bobby Cochran, Harry Garfield
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
charliedontsurf70
steppenwolfs rebirth after the dunhill years were still far superior bands that attempted to comeback during that time like"iron butterfly" for example.
plastiqueadapte
Thanks for sharing this great Steppenwolf song !
Rockertje1975
1975-1976, the worst period of Steppenwolf. But please know that making Rock in that period was very difficult, due to the raising of plastic-sounded music. Most of Rockbands like Depp Purple, etc. couldn't stand the seduction to go into that mass of destruction.
Mr B
@Van Epperson Rock on Van!! Mark Bresnahan.
Van Epperson
Steppenwolf 74-76 was one of the best bands out there. I love the three albums they released during that time. Certainly not the worst of Steppenwolf by any means. Saw them live during those days, too, and they totally kicked ass. No, it's not the Wolf of the 60's/early 70's, but it's damn good.
BillyBoysing
Thank you