The Meaning Behind The Song: Wild Is the Wind by David Bowie
David Bowie has been one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. He was a musical icon who created a new persona with every album he released. One of his most memorable and soulful tracks is ‘Wild Is the Wind.’
So what’s the meaning behind this classic song by David Bowie?
The Lyrics of “Wild Is the Wind”
The song ‘Wild Is the Wind’ was originally written and recorded by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington for the 1957 film of the same name. Bowie’s version was featured on his 1976 album ‘Station to Station.’
The lyrics of the song are melancholic and deeply emotional. Bowie’s haunting voice draws you into the depths of despair, as he sings:
“Love me, love me, love me, say you do
Let me fly away with you
For my love is like the wind, and wild is the wind”
The song is about the intensity of love and how it can be uncontrollable, like a wild wind blowing in any direction. It speaks of the desire to be loved and the fear of rejection. It’s a powerful and emotive song that taps into the human condition.
The Music of “Wild Is the Wind”
The music of ‘Wild Is the Wind’ is equally powerful. The song is slow and soulful with a mesmerizing piano melody and ethereal strings. The instrumentation enhances the mood of the song and adds to its emotional depth.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Nina Simone, who recorded the song in 1959. Her version became a jazz standard and has been covered by many other artists over the years.
Bowie’s version of the song is different from Simone’s. Bowie’s rendition is more emotive and raw, highlighting the intensity of the lyrics.
The Significance of “Wild Is the Wind”
‘Wild Is the Wind’ is a significant song for Bowie. It was a departure from his glam rock sound and a step towards his ‘Thin White Duke’ persona. The song marked a turning point in Bowie’s career and showcased his vocal range and ability to convey deep emotion.
The song was also featured in the movie ‘Moulin Rouge!’ in 2001, and was used as a tribute to Bowie in the movie ‘The Martian’ in 2015.
The Legacy of “Wild Is the Wind”
‘Wild Is the Wind’ continues to inspire and move people today, over 40 years after its release. The song has been featured in numerous movies and television shows, and its impact on music history is undeniable.
The song’s legacy lives on through Bowie’s music and the artists who have been inspired by his work. Bowie’s ability to convey emotion through his music continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
FAQs: Wild Is the Wind by David Bowie
What is the significance of the song ‘Wild is the Wind’?
The song ‘Wild is the Wind’ is significant for David Bowie because it marked a turning point in his career. It showcased his ability to convey deep emotion and his vocal range. The song has been covered by many artists and continues to inspire and move people today.
What is the meaning behind the lyrics of ‘Wild is the Wind’?
The song is about the intensity of love and how it can be uncontrollable, like a wild wind blowing in any direction. It speaks of the desire to be loved and the fear of rejection. It’s a powerful and emotive song that taps into the human condition.
Why did David Bowie choose to cover ‘Wild is the Wind’?
Bowie was drawn to the lyric’s themes of intense emotion and love. He wanted to showcase his vocal range and ability to convey deep feelings. The song also marked a departure from his glam rock sound and a move towards his ‘Thin White Duke’ persona.
Who originally wrote and recorded ‘Wild is the Wind’?
The song was originally written and recorded by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington for the 1957 film of the same name.
Who covered ‘Wild is the Wind’ besides David Bowie?
The song has been covered by many artists, including Nina Simone, who recorded the song in 1959. Her version became a jazz standard and has been covered by many other artists over the years.
What kind of music is ‘Wild is the Wind’?
‘Wild is the Wind’ is a slow and soulful song. It features a mesmerizing piano melody and ethereal strings that enhance the emotional depth of the song. The song has been categorized as a ballad and a love song.
What impact has ‘Wild is the Wind’ had on music history?
‘Wild is the Wind’ has had a significant impact on music history. The song marked a turning point in David Bowie’s career and showcased his vocal range and ability to convey deep emotion. The song’s legacy lives on through Bowie’s music and the artists who have been inspired by his work.
Why was ‘Wild is the Wind’ featured in the movie ‘The Martian’?
‘Wild is the Wind’ was used as a tribute to David Bowie in the movie ‘The Martian’ after his death in 2016. The song was one of Bowie’s most emotive tracks and showcased his ability to convey deep emotion.
What other movies and television shows has ‘Wild is the Wind’ been featured in?
‘Wild is the Wind’ has been featured in many movies and television shows over the years. It was featured in the movie ‘Moulin Rouge!’ in 2001, and has been used in episodes of ‘Pose,’ ‘Homeland,’ and ‘Hawaii Five-O.’
What is the difference between David Bowie’s version of ‘Wild is the Wind’ and Nina Simone’s version?
Bowie’s version of the song is more emotive and raw than Simone’s version. Bowie’s rendition highlights the intensity of the lyrics and his ability to convey deep emotion through his vocals. Simone’s version is more restrained and showcases her unique jazz style.
What emotions does ‘Wild is the Wind’ convey?
‘Wild is the Wind’ is a deeply emotional and melancholic song. It speaks of the intensity of love and desire and the fear of rejection. The song taps into the human condition and conveys a sense of longing and loss.
What inspired David Bowie to write ‘Wild is the Wind’?
Bowie was inspired by the intensity of love and the way it can be uncontrollable, like a wild wind blowing in any direction. He wanted to showcase his vocal range and ability to convey deep emotion through his music.
What persona of David Bowie was ‘Wild is the Wind’ associated with?
‘Wild is the Wind’ was associated with Bowie’s ‘Thin White Duke’ persona. The song marked a departure from his glam rock sound and showcased his ability to convey deep emotion through his vocals. It was a significant song for Bowie and marked a turning point in his career.
What instruments are used in ‘Wild is the Wind’?
‘Wild is the Wind’ features a mesmerizing piano melody and ethereal strings. The instrumentation enhances the mood of the song and adds to its emotional depth. The song’s slow and soulful rhythm creates an intense and emotional listening experience.
