Unexpected Sources of Musical Inspiration: 'Wild Side' by Motley Crue

Music is a form of art that often draws inspiration from diverse and sometimes unexpected sources. One such example is the iconic rock song “Wild Side” by Motley Crue. This titular track from their 1987 album, originally titled “Shout at the Devil,” is an electrifying exploration of rebellion, desire, and moral ambiguity, with an unlikely source of inspiration coming from a place of faith.

The Unlikely Inspiration: The Lord's Prayer

The song reflects on the intense and gritty realities of late 1980s Los Angeles, with its moral degradation and hedonistic excesses. In an interview with Mushroom Records, primary songwriter and founding member Nikki Sixx revealed that the inspiration for “Wild Side” stemmed from a peculiar source: the The Lord's Prayer. According to Sixx, he would ask a female Catholic school student to recite the prayer, blending this spiritual backdrop with the griminess and sleaze of 1980s Los Angeles.

The Background of Motley Crue

Motley Crue, known for their iconic logo featuring an inverse pentagram and a devilish aesthetic, had a tumultuous rise in the music industry. Their journey began in 1983 with their major-label debut, initially titled “Shout With The Devil”. The name was later changed to “Shout at the Devil” at the request of Electra Records.

Interpretation of the Spiritual Reference

The song’s opening lines feature the $emph{The Lord's Prayer}, with a dark twist. The lyrics read:

Kneel down you sinners to streetwise religion
Greeds been crowned the new king
Hollywood dream teens yesterdays trash queens
Save the blessing for the final ring Amen

This line highlights the contradiction between the preachy nature of religion and the streetwise morality that Sixx and his bandmates were embodying. The juxtaposition of the sacred and the profane serves as a commentary on the place of faith in a morally corrupt society.

The Dark Tone and Socio-Cultural Context

Composed during a time of significant personal and societal turmoil, particularly regarding drug addiction and moral decay, “Wild Side” is not just a spiritual and physical transformation of the The Lord's Prayer; it is a revelatory critique of society’s values.

Nikki Sixx's Personal Struggles

Nikki Sixx, also known as Frank Feranna Jr., is a musician, writer, photographer, and radio personality who has struggled with heroin addiction throughout his career. His biography, like the song itself, is a testament to the dark underbelly of rock n' roll. Sixx’s personal turmoil may have provided a lens through which he viewed and interpreted the transformative power of faith and the stark differences in their contrasting realms.

The Song's Impact and Legacy

“Wild Side” was a commercial success, hitting No. 23 on the UK charts and achieving significant airplay in the United States, including heavy rotation on MTV and rock radio stations. Its dark, rebellious tone resonated with a generation disillusioned with the societal norms of the time. The song is an ‘artistic exploration’ of faith and hedonism intertwined, reflecting the complex interplay between divine messages and the darker aspects of human nature.

Conclusion

“Wild Side” is a prime example of how music can draw inspiration from unexpected and contrasting sources. In this case, a prayer meant for spiritual enlightenment became the backbone of a song that delved into themes of rebellion, violence, and the struggle between faith and moral decay. This duality adds a layer of complexity to the song, making it a seminal piece in rock n' roll history. For fans of Motley Crue, understanding the roots of this controversial song can provide a deeper appreciation for the band’s artistry and their ability to find inspiration in the most unexpected places.