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.
Man on a Mission
Steppenwolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just got to get my share of the pie
I've been watching from the sidelines
I've been waitin' in the wings
Now it's my turn and I will not be denied
No more livin' like a rock & roll refugee
If you see me streakin' by, watch out for me
I'm about to turn the tide
I'm a man on a mission, baby
And I will not be denied
No more, no way I've had it
This has got to be the end of the line
I'm done payin' for my freedom
I'm done payin' all my dues
Now I'm burnin' down the track
In my face against time
And it's stand and deliver by hook or crook
So it you see me come into view
Look out I'm comin' through
I'm a man on a mission darlin'
I'm about to turn the tide
I'm a man on a mission, baby
And I will not be denied no matter what
Ain't gonna stop 'til I get satisfied
The song “Man on a Mission” by Steppenwolf is an energetic and inspiring track that tells the story of a person who has been waiting from the sidelines, but now wants to get his share of the pie. The singer declares that he will no longer live like a “rock & roll refugee.” He wants to take control of his life and turn the tide in his favor. He is ready to burn down the track and is determined to succeed no matter what it takes. The song is a call to action and an anthem for anyone who wants to take charge of their life and go after their goals with all their might.
The lyrics are a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving success. The singer is determined not to be denied and is willing to go to great lengths to achieve his dreams. He declares that he is on a mission and is not going to stop until he gets satisfied. The song encourages listeners to stand up for themselves and take control of their own destiny. It is a rallying cry for anyone who feels stuck in a rut and wants to break free from their circumstances.
Overall, “Man on a Mission” is a high-energy track that inspires listeners to take charge of their lives and pursue their dreams with all their might. It is a powerful reminder that we all have the power to shape our own destiny and that we should never give up on our goals and aspirations.
Line by Line Meaning
Right here, right now, I want it
I want what I deserve and I'm ready for it right now.
I just got to get my share of the pie
I need my fair share of what is rightfully mine.
I've been watching from the sidelines
I've been waiting patiently for my turn to come.
I've been waitin' in the wings
I've been waiting behind the scenes to make my move.
Now it's my turn and I will not be denied
It's finally my time to shine and I won't let anyone hold me back.
No more livin' like a rock & roll refugee
I refuse to live like an outsider in my own world any longer.
If you see me streakin' by, watch out for me
I'm moving fast and I won't be stopped, so be careful when you see me coming.
I'm a man on a mission darlin'
I have a specific goal in mind and I won't rest until I achieve it.
I'm about to turn the tide
I'm going to change things in a big way.
I'm a man on a mission, baby
I'm determined to accomplish something significant.
And I will not be denied
Nothing and no one can stand in my way.
No more, no way I've had it
I'm done with the way things were and I won't tolerate it anymore.
This has got to be the end of the line
This is the final straw and the situation must change.
I'm done payin' for my freedom
I've paid my dues and I won't bow down to anyone anymore.
I'm done payin' all my dues
I've fulfilled all of my obligations and now it's time for me to reap the benefits.
Now I'm burnin' down the track
I'm moving forward with intense determination and speed.
In my face against time
I'm up against the clock and I know I need to act fast.
And it's stand and deliver by hook or crook
I'll do whatever it takes to succeed and I won't let anything hold me back.
So it you see me come into view
If you see me, prepare yourself for what I'm about to do.
Look out I'm comin' through
I'm here and I'm ready to take on the world.
No matter what, ain't gonna stop 'til I get satisfied
I'll keep pushing forward until I achieve what I set out to do and feel fulfilled.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BenwaysPatient
My father gave me a vinyl of John Kay & Steppenwolf when I was like 12. This was my favourite song from that LP. Brings back memories of better times. Thank you for uploading it.