Wild West Hero
Electric Light Orchestra
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Sometimes I look up high And then I think there might, Just be a better life Away from all we know That's where I wanna go Out on the wild side, And I wish I was Oh oh oh oh, a wild west hero. Ride the range all the day Till the first fading light Be with my western girl Round the fire oh so bright I'd be the indians' friend Let them love to be free Ridin' into the sunset I wish I could be. I'd ride the desert sands And through the prairie lands Tryin' to do what's right The folks would come to me They'd say we need you here I'd stay there for the night, Oh I wish I was Oh oh oh oh, a wild west hero Ride the range all the day Till the first fading light Be with my western girl Round the fire oh so bright I'd be the indians' friend Let them love to be free Ridin' into the sunset I wish I could be.
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: JEFF LYNNE
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Song Evolution“Wild West Hero” is a song by the English rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) from their 1977 album, "Out of the Blue".
|
Chart PerformanceIt was released as a single and managed to reach number 6 on the UK Singles Chart. Despite its success, it did not chart in the United States.
|
Song InspirationThe song's lyrics are about someone who wishes they could go back in time to the American Old West. This was a rare foray into country & western for the band and showcased a genre-blending versatility.
|
Song LengthTypically for ELO, “Wild West Hero” is a fairly long song by pop standards, running for over four minutes.
|
Recognizable FeatureThe song is noted for its time signature changes, between 3/4 in the verses and 4/4 in the choruses. This reflection makes the song feel slightly off-balance and certainly different from most pop songs of the time.
|
Unique Component"Wild West Hero" is also known for its distinctive use of the vocoder in the final verse – a piece of vocal technology which was fairly uncommon at the time.
|
Track Placement“Wild West Hero” ends the first side of the double LP "Out of the Blue," which is subtitled "Concerto for a Rainy Day." This last track serves as a poignant and atmospheric finish to the conceptual song suite.
|
Production DetailsThe song was produced by ELO's frontman Jeff Lynne, who also wrote the tune. This level of creative control is a hallmark of the band and a big part of their ability to blend different genres in a unique way.
|
Special EditionThe 30th Anniversary Edition of "Out of the Blue" features an alternative mix of “Wild West Hero” without the strings and choir.
|
InstrumentationApart from the basic rock instrumentation and the orchestra, there are various synthesized sound effects in the song, such as simulated horse galloping sounds.
|
Live PerformancesDuring live performances, ELO often used films to accompany tracks like “Wild West Hero.” The band was known for its innovative use of multimedia at concerts, something that's commonplace now but was revolutionary at the time.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Wild West Hero Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/15390202/Electric+Light+Orchestra/Wild+West+Hero>.
Discuss the Wild West Hero Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In