When pondering the origins of the term “heavy metal,” one might find themselves immersed in a web of uncertainty. The first song to ever feature this elusive phrase was Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild,” released all the way back in 1968. As reported by Classic Rock, the lyrics of this track boldly proclaimed, “I like smoke and lightnin’ / Heavy metal thunder / Racing with the wind / And the feeling that I’m under.”
While “Born to Be Wild” may not be as heavy as the metal that followed in its wake, it still stood as one of the most electrifying tunes of its time. Surprisingly, the song was not intended as an anthem for biker gangs, despite its association with motorcycles, thanks to its inclusion in the 1969 film “Easy Rider.”
Songwriter Mars Bonfire, born Dennis McCrohan, revealed that the inspiration behind the famous lyrics actually stemmed from a rainstorm encountered while driving his beat-up Ford Falcon through the San Bernardino mountains. The phrase “heavy metal thunder” originated from a vivid memory of lightning striking as the sky darkened, leading Bonfire to reminisce on his high school days studying the periodic table and the category of heavy metals.
Although Bonfire struggled to sell the song to music publishers in Los Angeles, his brother, Jerry Edmonton of Steppenwolf, recognized its potential and brought it to life in the studio. Even Bonfire himself was taken aback when he heard the finished track on the radio for the first time, feeling as though he had entered a dreamlike state.
Despite never reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, “Born to Be Wild” made a lasting impact on popular culture. Its inclusion in “Easy Rider” solidified its place as a cultural phenomenon, with countless movies, TV shows, and commercials featuring the iconic tune.
It was not until Bonfire witnessed a stranger humming the song in a restroom after a screening of “Easy Rider” that he fully grasped the profound effect of his creation. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of “Born to Be Wild,” Bonfire expressed contentment with its widespread use, albeit with a touch of amusement at unexpected placements, such as in a Pampers commercial.
In a world saturated with trends and fads, the enduring power of “Born to Be Wild” serves as a testament to the timeless allure of rock ‘n’ roll.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.