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.
Shackles And Chains
Steppenwolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take what you got to give but leave me mine
Nobody likes you the way that I could
For you I'd dive to the bottom
Don't you know I surely would
Can you hear me callin' late at night when love comes tumblin' down
Slidin' in your kitchen late at night, hear me stumblin' around
And then I'll climb through your mountain if you really want me to
Don't hold your knife so close to my head
I'll hide all my shackles and chain on my bed
I know I'm a rounder, it's hard to forget
After all the little playful things I've done
Now if you believe me, then let us be kind
We'll sit down together and talk over wine
If you'll show me your game, then I'll show you mine
'Til our shadows fade beneath the rising sun
The song "Shackles and Chains" by Steppenwolf is about the ups and downs of a tumultuous relationship. The singer expresses a deep desire for the object of their affection, saying that they would do anything for them, even dive to the bottom. Despite this intense love, the two have been hurt in the past by each other's actions. The singer asks to be treated with kindness, even though they know they have made mistakes in the relationship.
The lines "Take what you got to give and let it shine / Take what you got to give but leave me mine" express the idea that each person in the relationship should be allowed to be their own individual, but should also share their talents and shine together. The singer is asking for space and freedom, while also recognizing the importance of unity in the relationship.
The song also touches on themes of forgiveness and redemption. The singer acknowledges their past mistakes and asks for kindness and understanding. They hope that the two can work through their issues and find a way to be happy together. Overall, "Shackles and Chains" is a heartfelt plea for love, forgiveness, and understanding in a complicated relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Take what you got to give and let it shine
Don't be afraid to offer what you have to the world
Take what you got to give but leave me mine
Don't force me to share what I'm not willing to
Nobody likes you the way that I could
I have affection for you that nobody else could replicate
For you I'd dive to the bottom
I'd go to great depths to make you happy
Don't you know I surely would
I hope you realize my loyalty and love for you
Can you hear me callin' late at night when love comes tumblin' down
I'm always here for you even when everything else falls apart
Slidin' in your kitchen late at night, hear me stumblin' around
I'll do everything in my power to be there for you no matter what time it is
Someday you'll want me the way I wan't you
I believe that our love will be reciprocated someday
And then I'll climb through your mountain if you really want me to
I'm willing to overcome any obstacle for you
Don't hold your knife so close to my head
Don't be too harsh with me
I'll hide all my shackles and chain on my bed
I'll keep my flaws and insecurities hidden from you
I know I'm a rounder, it's hard to forget
I have a past that's hard to ignore
After all the little playful things I've done
Despite my mistakes, I hope you can still see my genuine love for you
Now if you believe me, then let us be kind
If you trust me, let's treat each other with compassion
We'll sit down together and talk over wine
Let's have an honest conversation and bond over a drink
If you'll show me your game, then I'll show you mine
If you're willing to be vulnerable with me, I'll do the same
'Til our shadows fade beneath the rising sun
Let's work towards a brighter future together
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHN KAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Farmhouse The Adequate Gamer
By far my favourite Steppenwolf song. Such a great tune.
Peter Bond
they should be in the rock and roll hall of fame
Marcus Pennington
One of my favorite songs from Steppenwolf
BillyBoysing
Cruel song! I am getting more and more obsessed with Steppenwolf
Robert Ruck
Easy to do man. I sure miss that raw rock sound. Takes me back to my youth. Hard to believe 50 years ago. Or was it yesterday. Ahhhhhhh
Rick Stone
... you should.
Gene Phillips
My first favorite rock band I was 8 I still think their great
Philip Bourdon
Great memories. I had the vinyl back when it came out.
Jeff Hagerman
I still got it got it as a kid in 71
Marcus Pennington
Bought this at a second hand record store many years ago for the inside album cover. Always liked Steppenwolf ever since I heard "The Pusher" and "Snowblind Friend". Had "For Ladies Only" and the soundtrack to "Easy Rider" but let someone borrow them and they never returned them. Thanks for the upload!!!