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.
time out
Steppenwolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rocket Ritchotte and Michael Wilk
Up early in the morning
'bout the break of day
Still huggin' that empty pillow where
Your baby used to lay
No time to think about the past, good god
Wake up your dreams will have to wait
No time for fun
And so it's always wait until tomorrow
Always someday
Yeah, it's always sooner or later
Never today
Why don't you take time out
Why don't you take it slow
The race you run is never done
Why don't you let it go
Why don't you take time out
Why don't you make the time
When day is done
Go have some fun or you'll loose your mind
Rough times in the heart of paradise
Another crazy day trapped like a rat
You feel the heat while running thru the maze
No time to take a look around, jump into it
Push until you drop watch out
The walls are closing in but
You just can't stop
And so it's always wait until tomorrow
Always someday
Yeah, it's always sooner or later
Never today
Why don't you take time out
Why don't you take it slow
The race you run is never done
Why don't you let it go
You're playin' fast and loose
You play with loaded dice
But what you loose to win the golden goose
May be your life
© 1989 Black Leather Music
(BMI) , Attlebrat (BMI)
Michael John Music (BMI)
The lyrics of "Time Out" by Steppenwolf are a depiction of someone who is exhausted, anxious and stressed out. The singer of the song is someone who wakes up early in the morning, but instead of feeling refreshed and ready to start his day, he feels empty and lonely. The opening line, "Up early in the morning, 'bout the break of day, still huggin' that empty pillow where your baby used to lay," is a vivid portrayal of a broken heart. The singer is still holding onto memories of a past relationship, unable to move on and stuck in a sad, lonely routine.
The second stanza talks about how life for the singer is just a never-ending cycle of work and stress. They never have the time to enjoy life, and every moment is spent rushing through tasks and responsibilities. The line "No time to think about the past, good god, it's time for you to run" emphasizes the importance and value of time. The singer is urged to stop and enjoy their life, to take a step back and take breath, to create a moment of calmness and serenity.
The last stanza talks about the dangers associated with playing fast and loose. The singer is playing with loaded dice, trying to win at any cost. However, the cost may be too high, and they may end up losing much more than they gain.
Overall, Steppenwolf's "Time Out" is a powerful reminder of the importance of taking a pause every once in a while, to appreciate life around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Up early in the morning, 'bout the break of day
Starting the day before sunrise.
Still huggin' that empty pillow where your baby used to lay
Unable to let go of the past relationship.
No time to think about the past, good god, it's time for you to run
Being unable to dwell on past events and constantly moving forward.
Wake up your dreams will have to wait, no time for fun
Denying oneself leisure activities in order to achieve their goals.
And so it's always wait until tomorrow, always someday
Procrastination, always delaying responsibilities.
Yeah, it's always sooner or later, never today
Continually pushing something off until the future.
Why don't you take time out, why don't you take it slow
Suggesting slowing down and relaxing in order to avoid burnout.
The race you run is never done, why don't you let it go
Life is a never-ending marathon, just let it be and relax.
Why don't you take time out, why don't you make the time
Again, emphasizing the importance of leisure activities.
When day is done, go have some fun or you'll loose your mind
Warning against becoming too consumed with work as it may take a toll on one's mental health.
Rough times in the heart of paradise, another crazy day
Despite living in an idyllic place, the day is still stressful and chaotic.
Trapped like a rat, you feel the heat while running through the maze
Feeling trapped and anxious while trying to navigate life's challenges.
No time to take a look around, jump into it, push until you drop
Being too busy and stressed to stop and appreciate life's little moments.
Watch out, the walls are closing in but you just can't stop
Feeling like life is overwhelming, yet being unable to slow down.
You're playin' fast and loose, you play with loaded dice
Taking risks and living on the edge.
But what you loose to win the golden goose, may be your life
Sacrificing too much in order to achieve success may not be worth it in the end.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALLEN ALVOID JR. JONES, HARVEY JOE HENDERSON, LARRY CHARLES DODSON, WINSTON ALLEN STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chris28254
I've just got a sealed mint copy of this album, what a great find!