Yngwie J. Malmsteen (English pronunciation: /ˈɪŋveɪ ˈmɑːlmstiːn/ ING-vay MA… Read Full Bio ↴Yngwie J. Malmsteen (English pronunciation: /ˈɪŋveɪ ˈmɑːlmstiːn/ ING-vay MAHLM-steen; born June 30, 1963) is a Swedish virtuoso guitarist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader. Malmsteen became known for his neo-classical playing approach in heavy metal music, which became a new musical style in the early 80s due to his work and that of other virtuosos. He is considered by many to be one of the most technically gifted hard rock guitarists of all time and is considered to be a pioneer of shred guitar.

The moniker 'Rising Force' came to prominence on March 5, 1984 at the release of the album of the same name, distributed through Polydor Records. Malmsteen's band featured a mix of instrumental songs and energetic metal tracks, with Jeff Scott Soto notably on vocals, and became a critical and commercial success. In particular, Malmsteen's band was nominated for 'Best Rock Instrumental Performance' at the 1986 Grammy Awards. While the reception of their work waxed and waned throughout the 80s, they still earned a considerable fan response.

Website: http://www.yngwiemalmsteen.com

Wild One
Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force Lyrics

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Once upon a time
When I was younger
On a hellride without brakes
Nothing in the world
Could still my hunger
No matter what the stakes
I was the viking
I saw the light

The force was rising
Shining bright
I was the soldier without faith
The Black Star's glowing rage
Running wild
I was the wild one
Not a man, just a child
Running wild
I was the wild one
Wild, Wild, Wild one
Not a man, just a child
Running wild
Things were simple then
I had no worries
Never stopping for red lights
Invincible in mind
Speeding through lide
Just another barfight
I was the viking
I saw the light
The force was rising
Shining bright
I was the soldier without faith
The Black Star's glowing rage
Running wild
I was the wild one
Not a man, just a child
Running wild
I was the wild one
Wild, Wild, Wild one
Not a man, just a child
Running wild
I was the wild one
Wild, Wild, Wild one
Not a man, just a child
Running wild
I was the wild one
Wild, Wild, Wild one

Not a man, just a child
Running wild

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force's song Wild One reflects the artist's journey from his younger reckless days to his current status as a legendary guitar player. The song begins with the artist reminiscing about his days of being young, reckless, and unfettered as he rode through life with abandon, not caring about the consequences. He compares himself to a Viking, suggesting that he had the same ferocity and hunger for life as the ancient warriors. The force he speaks of is likely the energy that he put into his guitar playing, which continued to grow and improve with each passing day.

As the song progresses, the artist speaks of his former self as a soldier without faith, indicating a lack of direction in his life during those days. The glowing rage of the Black Star suggests that he was angry and searching for something, but he couldn't quite find it. The lyrics "running wild, I was the wild one" further drive home the point that his younger self was unbridled, spontaneous, and without direction. However, the artist seems to contrast his youthful exuberance with his current state of being. He implies that he has grown and is now wiser, more experienced, and more focused on his art.

In conclusion, Wild One speaks of the journey from youth to maturity, of recklessness to calculated strategy. The song openly admits that the past was not perfect, but it also celebrates it as a time of freedom and exploration. The lyrics aim to show that growth and development are essential in life, and while it may be hard to let go of the past, it is essential to do so to evolve further.

Line by Line Meaning

Once upon a time
In the past

When I was younger
During youth

On a hellride without brakes
Engaging in reckless behavior

Nothing in the world
No thing or person

Could still my hunger
Could satisfy my ambition

No matter what the stakes
Regardless of the risk

I was the viking
I was a warrior-like figure

I saw the light
I had a realization

The force was rising
A powerful energy was building

Shining bright
Burning intense

I was the soldier without faith
I lacked belief in something greater