Steppenwolf - Born to Be Wild - 1968
Steppenwolf - Born to Be Wild - 1968
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Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" - A Journey Through Rock History
"Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf, released in 1968, is not just a song; it's a cultural icon that encapsulates the spirit of a generation and the essence of rock music. In this MOOC, you'll dive deep into the history, impact, and legacy of this classic track.
The Birth of a Rock Anthem
Steppenwolf, a Canadian-American rock band, released "Born to Be Wild" in 1968, a time of significant cultural and political shifts. This section explores the band's formation, the song's creation, and its release during a tumultuous era.
Lyrics and Themes
"Born to Be Wild" is often hailed for its rebellious lyrics and themes of freedom. This part will dissect the lyrics, discussing their meaning and how they resonated with the youth of the 1960s.
Musical Composition
The song's driving beat and use of electric guitar became a blueprint for hard rock and heavy metal. Here, you'll learn about the musical structure that makes "Born to Be Wild" so enduring.
Legacy and Influence
"Born to Be Wild" is often associated with the 1969 film "Easy Rider," cementing its status as a biker anthem. This section covers its influence on popular culture and music.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Born to Be Wild" released? (1968) (!1970) (!1965) (!1972)
Which movie famously featured "Born to Be Wild"? ("Easy Rider") (!"The Graduate") (!"Woodstock") (!"A Hard Day's Night")
What genre of music does "Born to Be Wild" primarily represent? (Hard Rock) (!Folk) (!Disco) (!Jazz)
Which instrument is prominent in "Born to Be Wild"? (Electric Guitar) (!Piano) (!Violin) (!Saxophone)
What is a key theme of "Born to Be Wild"? (Freedom and Rebellion) (!Love and Peace) (!Political Protest) (!Environmental Awareness)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What nationality is Steppenwolf? (Canadian-American) (!British) (!Australian) (!German)
Who was the lead singer of Steppenwolf? (John Kay) (!Mick Jagger) (!Jim Morrison) (!Robert Plant)
In what city was Steppenwolf formed? (Toronto, Canada) (!Los Angeles, USA) (!London, UK) (!New York, USA)
Which of the following songs is also by Steppenwolf? ("Magic Carpet Ride") (!"Hotel California") (!"Stairway to Heaven") (!"Hey Jude")
Steppenwolf's music is often associated with which subculture? (Biker culture) (!Hippie movement) (!Disco scene) (!Punk rock scene)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
Complete the lyric: "Get your motor runnin', head out on the ____" (highway) (!mountain) (!skyway) (!railway)
The lyric "Born to be wild" suggests a theme of? (Rebellion and freedom) (!Love and romance) (!Spiritual awakening) (!Political activism)
Which of the following is NOT a lyric from "Born to Be Wild"? (!"We can climb so high, I never wanna die") ("Looking for adventure in whatever comes our way") ("Fire all of your guns at once and explode into space") ("Like a true nature's child, we were born, born to be wild")
What is the mood conveyed by the lyrics of "Born to Be Wild"? (Exciting and Energetic) (!Melancholic and Thoughtful) (!Fearful and Anxious) (!Serene and Peaceful)
What does the lyric "Fire all of your guns at once and explode into space" metaphorically suggest? (Living life to the fullest) (!Escaping reality) (!Starting a revolution) (!Experiencing love)
Memory
| Steppenwolf | Canadian-American Rock Band |
| 1968 | Year "Born to Be Wild" was released |
| "Easy Rider" | Film featuring "Born to Be Wild" |
| Electric Guitar | Prominent Instrument in the song |
| Freedom and Rebellion | Key Theme of "Born to Be Wild" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Explore the 1960s: Research the cultural and musical landscape of the 1960s and create a presentation on how "Born to Be Wild" fit into this era.
- Lyric Analysis: Analyze the lyrics of "Born to Be Wild" and write a short essay on its themes of freedom and rebellion.
- Musical Elements: Identify the key musical elements in "Born to Be Wild" and explain how they contribute to the song's hard rock sound.
Standard
- Rock Music Evolution: Trace the evolution of rock music from the 1960s to the present day, highlighting how "Born to Be Wild" influenced the genre.
- Compare and Contrast: Compare "Born to Be Wild" with another rock anthem of the 1960s, discussing similarities and differences in themes and musical style.
- Steppenwolf's Discography: Explore Steppenwolf's other songs and albums and create a presentation on their musical journey.
Difficult
- Cultural Impact Study: Conduct a detailed study on how "Born to Be Wild" influenced biker culture and other aspects of society.
- Creative Cover: Create your own cover version of "Born to Be Wild," experimenting with different musical styles or instruments.
- Music Video Production: Produce a music video for "Born to Be Wild" that captures the essence of the song and the era it represents.
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Oral Exam
- Song Interpretation: Discuss how "Born to Be Wild" can be interpreted in the context of personal freedom and societal norms.
- Cultural Significance: Analyze the cultural significance of "Born to Be Wild" in the late 1960s and how it might be perceived differently today.
- Musical Influence: Explore how "Born to Be Wild" influenced the development of hard rock and heavy metal.
- Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast the themes of "Born to Be Wild" with those in music from other decades.
- Media Influence: Discuss the role of movies like "Easy Rider" in shaping the legacy of songs like "Born to Be Wild."
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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