About the song
Wild is the Wind, performed by the legendary David Bowie, is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that showcases his incredible versatility as both a vocalist and interpreter of music. Featured on his critically acclaimed 1976 album, Station to Station, the song was a poignant closer to an album that marked Bowie’s transition into his enigmatic “Thin White Duke” persona. While the album is renowned for its innovative blend of funk, soul, and rock, Wild is the Wind stands apart as a tender, emotive piece that highlights Bowie’s ability to channel raw vulnerability through music.
Background and Origins
Originally written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington for the 1957 film of the same name, Wild is the Wind was first performed by Johnny Mathis. Later, Nina Simone’s 1966 rendition turned it into a jazz standard, imbuing it with an emotional depth that deeply resonated with Bowie. Bowie’s version, inspired by Simone’s heartfelt interpretation, reimagines the song in his distinctive style, while staying true to its soulful essence. His admiration for Simone was profound, and he sought to honor her artistry with his own performance of the track.
Released as part of the Station to Station album on January 23, 1976, Bowie’s Wild is the Wind captivated listeners with its lush instrumentation and deeply personal delivery. The track wasn’t initially released as a single, but in 1981, following Bowie’s growing international acclaim, it was issued as a standalone single in the UK, where it further solidified its status as a fan favorite.
The Song’s Meaning and Emotional Core
At its core, “Wild is the Wind” is an ode to love in its purest, most fragile form. The lyrics convey an aching vulnerability, comparing love to the unpredictable and untamed nature of the wind. Bowie’s vocal performance is nothing short of mesmerizing; his delivery is both tender and powerful, filled with yearning and passion. His soaring falsettos and controlled vibrato bring the song to life, evoking a sense of intimacy and longing that feels almost cinematic.
The song’s themes of love and devotion resonate universally, and Bowie’s interpretation adds a layer of theatricality that is both profound and deeply moving. It’s a performance that underscores his ability to inhabit a song completely, making it uniquely his own while honoring its original spirit.
Cultural and Social Impact
While Wild is the Wind might not have been one of Bowie’s chart-topping hits, it has earned a special place in the hearts of his fans and critics alike. Its inclusion in Station to Station adds a moment of introspection to an otherwise experimental and ambitious album, serving as a reminder of Bowie’s multifaceted artistry. The song’s re-release in 1981 introduced it to a new generation, and it continues to be celebrated as one of Bowie’s most heartfelt performances.
Over the years, David Bowie’s rendition of Wild is the Wind has influenced countless artists, cementing its legacy as a masterpiece of emotional expression. Whether experienced as part of Station to Station or as a standalone track, the song remains a testament to Bowie’s extraordinary ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Conclusion
“Wild is the Wind” is more than just a cover; it’s a transformative work that showcases David Bowie’s genius as an interpreter of music and emotion. Its timeless appeal lies in its raw beauty and the way it speaks to the human experience of love, loss, and longing. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Bowie or discovering this gem for the first time, Wild is the Wind is a song that lingers in the heart and mind long after the final note fades.
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Lyrics
Love me, love me, love me, love meSay you doLet me fly awayWith youFor my love is likeThe windAnd wild is the windWild is the windGive me moreThan one caressSatisfy thisHungrinessLet the windBlow through your heartFor wild is the windWild is the windYouTouch meI hear the soundOf mandolinsYouKiss meWith your kissMy life beginsYou’re spring to meAll thingsTo meDon’t you know you’reLife itselfLike a leaf clingsTo the treeOh my darling,Cling to meFor we’re like creaturesOf the windWild is the windWild is the windYouTouch meI hear the soundOf mandolinsYouKiss meWith your kissMy life beginsYou’re spring to meAll thingsTo meDon’t you know you’reLife itselfLike a leaf clingsTo the treeOh my darling,Cling to meFor we’re like creaturesIn the windAnd wild is the windWild is the windWild is the windWild is the windWild is the wind