David Bowie’s “Wild Is the Wind” is a profound expression of deep love and the uncontrollable, raw emotions it evokes. Through the song, Bowie captures the intensity of love, likening it to the wild and unpredictable nature of the wind. This love isn’t just about a momentary feeling, but it’s as essential and defining as life itself. Bowie, influenced by the complexities of relationships and human nature, penned this song to encapsulate how love can be wild, uncontrollable, and vital.
Eager to know how David Bowie weaves nature and love together so seamlessly? Let’s journey through the lyrics and the story behind them to unlock the magic.
“Wild Is the Wind” Lyrics Meaning
Love and nature. Two themes that intertwine beautifully in “Wild Is the Wind”. When Bowie sings, “Love me, love me,” he’s not just asking for love. He’s yearning for a connection as free and untamed as the wind. And just like how wind can’t be captured, this love can’t be contained.
The repeated lines, “Wild is the wind”, emphasize how unpredictable and passionate love is. It’s not stagnant; it’s forever moving, changing, and taking different forms. This is reflected in “Let the wind blow through your heart”, indicating that true love allows freedom and doesn’t restrict it.
Now, when he says, “You touch me, I hear the sound of mandolins”, we see the transformative power of love. A simple touch, a single kiss, and life changes. The world fills with music, colors, and beauty. “You’re spring to me, all things to me”, depicts love as a renewal, a rebirth. It’s a new start, filled with hope and life.
The profound line, “Don’t you know you’re life itself”, is the pinnacle of the song. It indicates that love is not just an emotion. For Bowie, the loved one embodies life, and without them, existence feels meaningless.
As the song progresses, the idea of clinging “like a leaf to the tree” suggests an inherent desire to remain connected. Yet, just as leaves eventually get carried by the wind, lovers too can sometimes be swept away by the uncontrollable forces of life and love.
The Story Behind “Wild Is the Wind”
David Bowie was a master at capturing the intricacies of the human experience. Throughout his career, he explored various themes, and love was one of his recurring subjects.
During the period when “Wild Is the Wind” was conceived, Bowie was going through transitions, both in his personal life and musical journey. Having been through multiple relationships, he was no stranger to the highs and lows of love. This song is reflective of those experiences.
It’s worth noting that while Bowie’s version is iconic, the song was initially written for a 1957 film of the same name and was first recorded by Johnny Mathis. Nina Simone’s rendition also inspired Bowie. Drawn to its emotive depth, Bowie wanted to make it his own, and his version took on a hauntingly beautiful quality, filled with raw emotion and passion.
When he covered “Wild Is the Wind”, it wasn’t just about singing a song. It was about resonating with its message and feeling. Bowie’s own experiences with love, the complexities, the wildness, and the need for connection, all culminated in his rendition. It became an exploration of love’s ephemeral and unpredictable nature.
In essence, “Wild Is the Wind” isn’t just a song for Bowie. It’s an emotional journey, a reflection, and an acknowledgment of love’s powerful and wild nature.