He got his start around 1965 when, as a teenager living in Chicago inspired by contemporary rock n roll, he formed the first version of The Amboy Dukes. The name harks back to a somewhat infamous exploitation novel of the time. When Nugent went back to his Michigan roots in 1967, he assembled what would be the classic line-up of the Dukes, and they built a reputation as a raucous group. Their 1968 album Journey to the Center of the Mind, the title track blasting into the top 20, brought the band national stardom, but they would become bogged down in inter-group conflicts that left the Nuge the sole constant member.
Going solo, Nugent achieve fame as a solo artist for an arena-ready mix of hard rock with blues and psychedelic influences, particularly getting a reputation for wild stage performances by antics such as playing dressed as Tarzan (with just a loincloth on). In the 80s, the Nuge even tried his hand at acting in a haunting episode of the TV drama Miami Vice. It received both a strong critical and fan response.
In 1989, he joined Tommy Shaw of Styx, Jack Blades of Night Ranger, and drummer legend Michael Cartellone to form the hard rock supergroup Damn Yankees, which produced the 90s chart toppers "Come Again", a Billboard's #1, and "High Enough", an emotional power ballad (backed by a string section no less). The latter track led to the creation of a popular music video, the song reaching #3 on the U.S. Hot 100 and #2 on the AOR charts. After the band's folding, the Nuge continued his solo career and even managed yet another stint in a rock supergroup, this one being the TV series produced Damnocracy
Outside of music, Nugent has gained fame and notoriety, leading to widespread controversy, for his support of hunting and for various conservative political causes. His comments vehemently blasting various public figures from Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have brought his name frequently to the headlines. He's also an important member of the NRA (National Rifle Association). He's written four books and numerous articles while also appearing many times in the news media, with his autobiography appropriately titled 'God, Guns, & Rock n' Roll.'
Besides a regular reality type show on cable showcasing Ted's outdoorsman skills, his most recent foray in music was the aformentioned reality television show, titled 'Supergroup', which resulted in the creation of band called Damnocracy. The band's other members were Sebastian Bach (formerly of Skid Row), Scott Ian (Anthrax) Jason Bonham ("Bonham", son of Zeppelin's John Bonham) and Evan Seinfeld (Biohazard). Though coming to an end quickly, it generated a large fan response.
Throughout his career, Nugent has climbed up the Billboard charts with multiple singles and albums. His latest album was titled 'Ultralive Ballisticrock', and he released it in 2013 through Frontiers Records. He continues to tour as of 2014, and plans for yet another album is in the works.
American rocker Ted Nugent has unveiled a lyric video for his new single “Come And Take It” from his upcoming studio album Detroit Muscle, which will be released via Pavement Music on April 29, 2022.
For photographs and more information see Ted Nugent's official website, www.TedNugent.com
Spirit Of The Wild
Ted Nugent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cutin' loose to see what he could see
Searchin' for a friend to share my time
Lookin' for a mountin I can climb
Ain't afraid of death or no voodoo
Do the best that I can do
With the spirit of the wild runnin' free
Angry at the state of world afairs
Angry at the fools that just don't care
This is guaranteed to go no where
Even like a dog, that's been abused
I will never ever loose
With the spirit of the wild inside of me
I got the spirit of the wild runnin' free
I got the spirit of the wild inside of me, Yea!
Got the spirit of the wild yea!
Won't believe the lie that time will tell
Gonna tell the world to go to the
Spirit of the wild is runnin' free
I got the spirit of the wild inside of me, Yea, YEA!
Spirit of the wild, is runnin' free, I got the spirit of the wild
I got the spirit of the wild inside of me,oh yea
Can you feel it, Can you feel it,got the spirit, of the wild
I got the spirit of the wild inside of me,oh
Can you feel it
Can you feel it
Can you feel it
Spirit of the wild, of the wild
Oh yeah
Oh yeah
The song Spirit of the Wild by Ted Nugent is a tribute to the free spirit that exists within all of us. The song talks about Toby, who is alive and feels free. He is in search of a friend with whom he can share his time and a mountain that he can climb. Toby is brave and not afraid of death or voodoo. He believes in doing the best that he can. The lyrics of the song suggest that the spirit of the wild is running free within Toby, and he has a fearless attitude towards life.
The second stanza of the song talks about how angry Toby is at the state of world affairs and at the fools who just don't care. He knows that this world is going nowhere, but he will never lose hope. Toby continues to have the spirit of the wild inside him, which keeps him moving forward. The song suggests that even if he has been treated like a dog, he will never lose his spirit. The lyrics of the song inspire us to have the same spirit of the wild, which keeps Toby going.
Overall, the song Spirit of the Wild is a call to embrace the wildness and the free spirit that exists within each one of us. The song is about living life to the fullest and not being afraid to take risks. It is about having the courage to stand up for what you believe in and to never lose hope.
Line by Line Meaning
Toby was alive and feelin' free
Toby was living life to the fullest and enjoying his freedom
Cutin' loose to see what he could see
Exploring and discovering new things without restrictions
Searchin' for a friend to share my time
Looking for a companion to spend time with
Lookin' for a mountin I can climb
Seeking a challenge and a way to push oneself beyond limits
Ain't afraid of death or no voodoo
Not fearing any kind of danger or superstitious beliefs
Do the best that I can do
Trying to do one's best in everything
With the spirit of the wild runnin' free
Feeling free and unrestrained, embracing nature and adventure
I got the spirit of the wild inside of me,Yea
Having a strong connection with nature and the desire to live life to the fullest
Angry at the state of world afairs
Feeling frustrated and upset about the way things are in the world
Angry at the fools that just don't care
Feeling disappointed with people who show no concern or compassion
This is guaranteed to go no where
Feeling pessimistic about the future and lack of progress
Even like a dog, that's been abused
Despite being mistreated or hurt, not giving up or losing hope
I will never ever loose
Refusing to give up or be defeated
Got the spirit of the wild yea!
Feeling empowered and inspired by the untamed and free spirit of nature
Won't believe the lie that time will tell
Rejecting the idea that time will inevitably lead to disappointment and failure
Gonna tell the world to go to the
Expressing frustration with the state of the world and the people in it
Can you feel it, Can you feel it,got the spirit, of the wild
Asking if others can feel or relate to the wild, untamed spirit of nature
Can you feel it
Repeating the question, emphasizing the importance of feeling the spirit of the wild
Spirit of the wild, is runnin' free, I got the spirit of the wild
Embracing the spirit of nature and feeling free
I got the spirit of the wild inside of me,oh yea
Feeling a strong connection with nature and its untamed energy
Spirit of the wild, of the wild
Repeating the phrase, emphasizing the power of nature's wild spirit
Oh yeah
Expressing enthusiasm and energy
Oh yeah
Repeating the phrase again, emphasizing the intensity of the feeling
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mark Smith
This used to be the theme song to his outdoor channel show. We never missed it during the college years. Uncle ted...awesome
Mike Goodlock
Mark Smith Still is
Mark Corbin
Uncle Ted is for sure One of the Greatest of All Time! Just listen to that solo! BEAUTIFUL! I will pit Uncle Ted against them all !
Mike Goodlock
Seen Ted 8 times in concert and met him several times. He never disappoints.
Rob Fife
For sure!
Mike Goodlock
Gives me goosebumps every time!!
Giulia Iglesias
2:01 This solo is tremendous
Sasquatch
Ted is the personification of rock n roll.
Myles Bass
All of Uncle Teds songs are killer but this is in my top 5 favs of his
Mark Corbin
Uncle Ted Can Do it! This Solo is Magnificent! For sure one of the best to ever pick