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.
Resurrection
Steppenwolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't find my shoes, but that's alright
All I knew just flew out the window
All I had gathered won't let my mind grow
I don't know, but I feel lighter
Everything around me seems much brighter
Red and Green in between
Think I'm going crazy
'Cause all I want is to be near you
All I need is your sweet love
I don't quite know which way to go
You've changed the world around me
Don't let go, I can't get enough
Night time just dropped by
Back to hide the ugly for a while
When the lights go on, we go out
Down to a place where the music's loud
Shake your money maker
Shake it all around
Shake your money maker
Why don't you let it all hang down
Shake your money maker
Shake it just for me
Shake your money maker
Why don't you let yourself be free
Every time I see her dancing
Makes me want to jump with joy
The way she moves makes my heart break
Just one look and I'm her toy
Don't know why she makes me feel
Like a different guy
Shake it, take it, shake it, take it
Repeat Chorus
Every time I see her dancing
Makes me want to jump with joy
The way she moves makes my heart break
Just one look and I'm her toy
Don't know why she makes me feel
Like a different guy
Purple sound, baby, can you feel it
Swirlin' round, I don't know
Scream out loud, baby, let your mind roll off the ground
You might never feel this way again
"Resurrection" by Steppenwolf is a song that explores the feeling of rebirth or starting afresh. The lyrics describe waking up in the morning feeling rejuvenated and free, and not knowing what to do with this newfound sense of liberation. The singer has let go of everything that was holding him back and is now looking for his true purpose in life. The first half of the song describes this sense of freedom and the confusion that comes with it.
The second half of the song shifts to a more upbeat and playful tone. The singer goes out with friends, dances to loud music, and gets lost in the moment. One particular woman catches his eye, and he can't help but be enamoured by her. The song ends by urging listeners to let loose and enjoy the moment, as they may never feel this way again.
Line by Line Meaning
Rise to greet the morning light
Waking up to embrace the new day
Can't find my shoes, but that's alright
Not sweating the small stuff
All I knew just flew out the window
Feeling disoriented and unsure
All I had gathered won't let my mind grow
Realizing that previous knowledge can be a hinderance to growth
I don't know, but I feel lighter
Feeling inexplicably light
Everything around me seems much brighter
Perceiving beauty in the world
Red and Green in between
Seeing the world in vivid colors
Think I'm going crazy
Sensing a loss of control
Everybody movin' much too slow
Feeling like time is passing too slow
'Cause all I want is to be near you
Desiring the affection of someone special
All I need is your sweet love
Feeling fulfilled with love from a special someone
I don't quite know which way to go
Feeling lost and uncertain
You've changed the world around me
Feeling the impact of someone special
Don't let go, I can't get enough
Wishing to hold onto something special
Night time just dropped by
Transitioning to nighttime
Back to hide the ugly for a while
Using the cover of darkness to hide flaws
When the lights go on, we go out
Venturing out when it's bright outside
Down to a place where the music's loud
Going to a club or party with loud music
Shake your money maker
Dancing seductively
Shake it all around
Moving your body freely
Why don't you let it all hang down
Letting loose and enjoying life
Shake it just for me
Enticing someone to dance for the artist
Why don't you let yourself be free
Encouraging someone to let go
Every time I see her dancing
Being enamored with someone's dance moves
Makes me want to jump with joy
Feeling overjoyed by seeing someone dance
The way she moves makes my heart break
Being in awe of someone's captivating dance moves
Just one look and I'm her toy
Being completely captivated by someone
Don't know why she makes me feel
Being puzzled by how someone else makes you feel
Like a different guy
Feeling like a new person when around someone special
Purple sound, baby, can you feel it
Referencing a psychedelic experience
Swirlin' round, I don't know
Feeling disoriented by a psychedelic experience
Scream out loud, baby, let your mind roll off the ground
Letting go of inhibitions and enjoying oneself
You might never feel this way again
Suggesting that such an experience is unique and fleeting
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN KAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Kassabian
on Move Over
A really great song.
Philip Kassabian
on It's Never Too Late
Yet another great Steppenwolf song.
Philip Kassabian
on Jupiter's Child
Wow what an excellent song.
Philip Kassabian
on Born to Be Wild
Wow a great song love it.
Scott
on Happy Birthday
It is I hope you read your story book NOT WRECK YOUR STORY BOOK.