The Meaning Behind The Song: Walk This Way by Aerosmith
Written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, “Walk This Way” is a classic rock song by the American band Aerosmith. The song was released in 1975 as part of their album “Toys in the Attic” and quickly became one of their most iconic hits.
At its core, “Walk This Way” is a song about sexual innuendo and desire, but there’s more to it than just that. In this article, we’ll explore the deeper meaning behind the song and its impact on the music industry.
Background Information on Aerosmith
Before we dive into the meaning behind the song, let’s take a moment to understand who Aerosmith is and their impact on music.
Aerosmith is an American rock band formed in Boston in 1970. The band consists of Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass), Joey Kramer (drums), and Brad Whitford (guitar). They are considered to be one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, with over 150 million records sold worldwide.
Throughout their career, Aerosmith has produced numerous hit songs, including “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion,” and “Janie’s Got a Gun.” They’ve also won multiple awards, including four Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards, and fourteen Billboard Music Awards.
Breaking Down the Lyrics
“Walk This Way” is a song that leaves little to the imagination. At its surface, the song seems to be about a man trying to convince a woman to engage in sexual activities with him. However, there’s more to it than that.
The song is filled with innuendos and metaphors that can be hard to decipher. Let’s take a closer look at the lyrics to gain a better understanding of the song’s meaning.
The first verse sets the stage for the song:
Backstroke lover always hidin’ ‘neath the covers
‘Til I talked to my daddy he say
He said you ain’t seen nothin’
‘Til you’re down on a muffin
Then you’re sure to be changin’ your ways
At first glance, this might seem like gibberish. However, if we break it down, we can see that the “backstroke lover” is a metaphor for a woman who avoids intimacy. The line “you ain’t seen nothin’ till you’re down on a muffin” refers to oral sex, and the father’s advice hints at the idea that women’s sexuality should be explored and embraced.
The chorus of the song is one of the most recognizable parts:
Walk this way, talk this way
Walk this way, talk this way
Just gimme a kiss
Like this!
Here, the lyrics suggest that the man wants the woman to imitate his movements and desires. He wants her to “walk this way” and “talk this way” to match his rhythm and desire.
In the second verse, the lyrics hint at a more dominant and assertive tone:
Schoolgirl sweetie with a classy kinda sassy
Little skirt’s climbin’ way up the knees
Ankle socks and a lacy
Meetin’ daddy’s cryin’ such a waste if this
If you don’t.
The little girl is dressed in a suggestive manner with a short skirt and ankle socks. The man, who is presumably older and more experienced, sees the opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
The final verse goes back to the idea that exploring sexuality and pleasure is essential:
Nothin’ wrong with a little bump and grind
‘cept when it’s gettin’ outta hand
Feelin’ like I’m livin’ in that movie Groundhog Day
Sue me if I play too long
This riff gonna kill
Lordy mama, light my fuse
Here, the lyrics talk about casual sex and the idea that it can be enjoyable as long as it doesn’t get “outta hand.” The reference to “Groundhog Day” suggests that the man is stuck in a cycle of sexual exploitation and wants to break free.
The Impact of the Song on Music
“Walk This Way” is more than just a catchy rock song. It’s also a song that had a significant impact on the music industry.
In 1986, rap group Run-DMC remade the song as a collaboration with Aerosmith, adding a new rap verse to the original lyrics. This version became a massive hit and was instrumental in bringing rap music into the mainstream.
The collaboration was controversial at the time, with some people calling it a sellout move by Aerosmith. However, it ended up being a turning point in music history, paving the way for future collaborations between rock and rap artists.
The song also became a cultural phenomenon, with the music video featuring both Run-DMC and Aerosmith playing in heavy rotation on MTV. The video was famous for depicting a street scene populated with breakdancers, graffiti artists, and other elements of hip-hop culture.
Closing Thoughts
“Walk This Way” is a classic rock song that has stood the test of time. While its lyrics are often controversial, the song’s impact on the music industry cannot be denied. It was a groundbreaking collaboration between two genres that paved the way for future collaborations and collaborations.
As we continue to look back on the impact that “Walk This Way” has had on the music industry, we can appreciate the creativity, innovation, and sheer talent of the musicians involved.
