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.
Sleeping Dreaming
Steppenwolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sleeping and a Dreaming and a Lovin' you
...thinking of a situation, a contemplating whether white is black or black is white... uh all the people just a...
Sleeping and a Dreaming and a Lovin' you, ya ya
Sleeping and a Dreaming and a Lovin' you
The lyrics of Steppenwolf's "Sleeping Dreaming" are filled with a sense of nostalgia and longing for love. The repetition of the phrase "Sleeping and a Dreaming and a Lovin' you" highlights the deep desire the singer feels for their beloved. The lyrics also suggest that the singer is struggling with a difficult decision, as they contemplate whether "white is black or black is white." This line might suggest that the singer is trying to understand the complexity of their emotions and their relationship, struggling to make sense of something that seems contradictory or confusing.
The overall feeling of the song is one of introspection and emotional turmoil, as the singer struggles to understand their own feelings and desires. The repetition of the phrase "ya ya" at the end of each verse adds to the haunting and dreamlike quality of the song, creating a sense of distance and separation from the rest of the world.
Overall, "Sleeping Dreaming" is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the deep longing and confusion that can arise in matters of the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Sleeping and a Dreaming and a Lovin' you
The act of sleeping, dreaming and loving someone simultaneously
Sleeping and a Dreaming and a Lovin' you
Continuing to sleep, dream and love the same person
...thinking of a situation, a contemplating whether white is black or black is white... uh all the people just a...
Reflecting on a situation, pondering whether something is right or wrong while observing others doing the same
Sleeping and a Dreaming and a Lovin' you, ya ya
Continuing to sleep, dream and love the same person with enthusiasm
Contributed by Joseph Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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.