
04/25/2025
"Born To Be Wild" is a 1968 song by Steppenwolf, written by Mars Bonfire, that became a popular anthem, particularly for bikers and counterculture, after being featured in the 1969 film "Easy Rider".
It's considered a classic rock song and is credited with introducing the term "heavy metal" into rock music, although in the context of motorcycles, not a musical genre.
Here's a more detailed look:
Origin and Inspiration:
The song was written by Mars Bonfire (Dennis McCrohan/Edmonton) and initially inspired by Bonfire's car trips through the California landscape, including a thunderstorm that led to the phrase "heavy metal thunder".
Musical Style:
While not explicitly a heavy metal song in its genre-defining sense, "Born To Be Wild" is characterized by its energetic, driving rhythm and has been cited as a precursor to the heavy metal sound.
Popularity and Legacy:
The song gained significant popularity after being included in the soundtrack of "Easy Rider," becoming synonymous with the film's rebellious spirit and the biker subculture.
“Easy Rider” and Counterculture:
"Born To Be Wild" is inextricably linked to the counterculture of the 1960s, particularly the biker rebellion portrayed in “Easy Rider”.
Musical Influences:
The song's style and lyrical themes resonate with the rebellious spirit of the era, making it a fitting soundtrack for the film and its countercultural message.
Pop & Rock Music Magazine 𝗠𝗔𝗔𝗕 © 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨 𝐀. 𝐀𝐲𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐨 2025.
Steppenwolf is a Canadian-American rock band, prominent from 1968 to 1972. The group was formed in late 1967 in Los Angeles by lead singer John Kay, keyboard...