FROM BORN TO BE WILD TO THIS?! First Time Hearing Steppenwolf - Magic Carpet Ride Reaction!

Hey everyone! Strap in as we take a psychedelic "Magic Carpet Ride" with Steppenwolf! Known for their iconic biker anthem "Born to Be Wild," this band has more to show, and today, we're experiencing another one of their top hits for the first time. Join us to find out what makes this song a standout classic in rock history.
⭐️ WHAT WE EXPLORE IN THIS VIDEO:
Our initial reactions to the groovy and psychedelic sounds of "Magic Carpet Ride."
Discussing Steppenwolf's influence on the rock and psychedelic music scenes.
Analyzing the lyrics and musical elements that make this song an enduring classic.
Sharing our personal reflections on how "Magic Carpet Ride" compares to "Born to Be Wild."
🎵 ABOUT STEPPENWOLF & "MAGIC CARPET RIDE":
Steppenwolf is a rock band famous for their raw, powerful music that became anthems of the 1960s counterculture. "Magic Carpet Ride," released in 1968, follows their massive hit "Born to Be Wild" and offers a vivid blend of rock, psychedelia, and a hint of the upcoming progressive rock movement, featuring compelling lyrics and captivating instrumentals.
👫 WHO WE ARE:
We're a couple who loves exploring the depths of classic rock, sharing our first-time reactions to legendary tracks and artists. Our channel offers insights into the music and the stories behind it, creating a bridge between past hits and new listeners.
💬 COMMENT BELOW:
What are your memories of listening to "Magic Carpet Ride"?
What other classic rock songs or bands would you recommend for our next reactions?
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You can find the original video of Steppenwolf - Magic Carpet Ride below:
• Magic Carpet Ride
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You can find Steppenwolf - Magic Carpet Ride on Spotify & Apple here:
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#steppenwolf #magiccarpetride #firsttimereaction

[@rodneycraft1005]

These guys were OG in their day. Next has to be "The Pusher."

[@jimiewilliams7623]

I said, Goddam!

[@daveyhouston]

They’re a two hit wonder!!!

[@festidious2644]

@@JoeandAngie They had several hit songs as well as some early stuff as The Sparrows.

[@flnthrn2]

GOD !!........................ DAMN !!! the Pusher.............

[@jordimoore2167]

Yes to The Pusher next! It will blow you away!

[@SG-js2qn]

To me, "Born to Be Wild" and "Magic Carpet Ride" are the two epic, hall of fame worthy songs from Steppenwolf. Both songs come from the late 60s, but to me they seem timeless. As for this song, there used to be a time when listening to music was the activity. Not dancing, not having it on in the background while you study or work, not having it as the score to a movie, etc. People used to sit, maybe close their eyes, and listen to the music, and let the music carry them. That's what the "magic carpet ride" is, and that's what that instrumental interlude is there for. And this song did take you guys on a ride. Phil thought he was traveling underwater and hearing whales, while Sam got a bit giddy. As another song says, "What the people need is a way to make them smile ... Oh-oooh, it's the music."

[@johnsilva9139]

Agreed, but this is also a great song to dance to ( except maybe during the instrumental interlude when you stop and close your eyes and listen ).

[@JoeandAngie]

It's about tripping on acid, my friend.

[@friedemannkemm63]

​@@JoeandAngieThat might be your interpretation of the song, but it's not how John came up with the lyrics. It actually was about the stereo system he and his wife had just purchased.

[@someoldatheist6712]

It's about the music. "close your eyes girl, step inside girl, let the sound take you away"!

[@stanleymyrick4068]

Can I recommend somthing? Fat Boy Slim's - Magic Carpet Ride Remix (the thumbnail is a guy in yellow shirt). Try that on and see if you like it. I think it's great.

[@correctlyrics]

That must be the Mandela Effect. I also say "step inside, girl" but he never says that. He says, "Look inside, girl" both times. Funny

[@NeillSchwartz]

100%

[@someoldatheist6712]

@@correctlyrics Dang! You are absolutely correct. lol

[@susanrombak7959]

No kidding! The lyrics are pretty literal, let the sound take you away! I’ve seen other reactors wondering the same. SMH ✌🏽

[@martinl8574]

Im 64, you will never catch up to all you missed. Just enjoy keep discovering!

[@leonbachman5345]

For sure you had to be there

[@charleslatora5750]

​@@leonbachman5345Amen. 70 this November. 60's n 70's best music of my youth.

[@dannylgriffin]

Magic Carpet Ride is arguably Steppenwolf's best song.

[@doomhunter697]

Psychedelic/Acid rock was the progenitor of metal, heavy rock, progressive rock and 'art' rock.

[@metalmark1214]

With royalties from Steppenwolf's first album, lead singer John Kay bought sweet sound stereo systems. When they were working on their second album, bass player Rushton Moreve came up with a groove for a new song and inserted the line "I like my job, I like my baby" as a placeholder. Kay took the demo home to work on the lyrics. In a Songfacts interview with Kay, he explained what happened next: "I popped the cassette into the player, and out of these rather large speakers came this track. And what popped into my head was, 'I like to dream... right between the sound machine.' The 'sound machine' being that stereo system. I wrote the lyrics and melody in 20 minutes, went and overdubbed the vocal, and then we did some more work on the track with instrument overdubs and the like, and 'Magic Carpet Ride' evolved from that." Source: Songfacts

[@Clayton-kf3su]

My High School and College Years, 1965-1974, I think was the best decade of music.

[@joecarcione6636]

Legendary Canadian rock band! "The Pusher" is a must (as many have already stated)....

[@michaelangileo2760]

yes, and launched in L.A.

[@tomroome4118]

@@michaelangileo2760 they started as The Sparrow in Canada.

[@bradconrad936]

A German/American and 2 Canadians from a band in Canada move to LA, hire 2 Americans and start a new band call Steppenwolf in California..... and you want to call them Canadian?? shew

[@dsgp7835]

Against my mother's wishes, I hung out at an old pool hall with my pals. Smoking cigarettes and cussing while playing pool with our own cue sticks. In the corner was a massive Wurlitzer jukebox with all the latest hits. With the booming bass and volume of this big Wulitzer this song was perfect for it and the atmosphere of the pool hall. Sweet memories.

[@charlesmyers8150]

I did the same for a little while in the late sixties.

[@mikeguerrero72]

Sounds like my life from my senior year of high school all the way through my mid 20's. The jukebox seemed to never stop. Three plays for a quarter or 1 for a dime. Joe Cocker, America, Nitty-gritty Dirt Band and lots of others. Playing Nine Ball till closing time.

[@davidboivin7996]

The Pusher

[@tazjammer]

Snowblind Friend. Monster. Two greats by Steppenwolf.

[@mikeeckel2807]

"Sookie, Sookie" and "Rock Me Baby" too.

[@alexhaas9653]

Can't go wrong with Steppenwolf. This one here is a favorite of mine. Some versions are over 10mins long. "Born To Be Wild" is the one everybody knows. But they got a lot more great stuff: Rock Me, Hey Lawdy Mama, The Pusher, It's never too Late...just to name a few.

[@quietwoodworking]

This was not about drugs, it's about the experience of listening to music, with phrases like "sound machine", "cloud of sound", and "let the sound take you away". You don't need to be on heavy psychedelic drugs to appreciate this song. Contrary to popular belief, they were not on an acid trip or writing about such when they wrote this song. However, John Kay did say that they might have smoked a joint when they wrote Magic Carpet Ride. I grew up in the 60's and 70's, never did drugs, and I love this song. This was a stereotypical reaction at best!

[@JoeandAngie]

You've never tripped...y'all must be young

[@edwardmclaughlin719]

It's 100 percent about drugs as was Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds. Don't be naive.

[@jackcarone2414]

it describes lying between 2 big stereo speakers.

[@AFmedic]

@@edwardmclaughlin719 Another CLUELESS comment from someone who wasn't even a gleam in his Dad's eyes when this song came out. I'm 73 and know! It's about how music (and getting lost in it) can transport you to another place..

[@nataliestclair6176]

​@@edwardmclaughlin719no it's not about drugs. John Kay, the bands guitarist and frontman, had recently bought a new top-quality hi-fi system, and started writing lyrics "about how great our new stereo system sounded," adding imagery about making a wish. It's about listening to music. Associating the song with drugs came out later by fans.

[@clarencewalker3925]

Acid Rock! YEAH! "Magic Carpet Ride" was their first American release.

[@papatommy22]

This sounds exactly like Steppenwolf

[@marcillioficino4663]

This singer in this band is much better.

[@firedoc5]

One of the greatest pick-up lines ever, "...why don't you come and go with me, little girl, on a magic carpet ride". This has been used in so many soundtracks and in popular culture, almost everyone is familiar with the chorus.

[@duanelavely5481]

Steppenwolf always takes me back to Vietnam ('68-'69).

[@enuff2u]

The psychedelic sixties was an era you had to live through since it is impossible to describe with rock music as an important part and rock was not completely mainstream at the time.

[@chitownlee]

The Pusher and Sookie Sookie will show some more of their diversity.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

After that instrumental trippy interlude, when that powerful beat comes back in, it’s just so satisfying….

[@sonnypeek6418]

Snowblind Friend and Rock Me - also "The Pusher"

[@362chop]

Sookie Sookie

[@hackermusic3355]

Strange to me that you thought it sounded totally different from Born To Be Wild. I always thought the vocals were almost exactly the same. The beats are different of course and the strumming pattern drives this song but it's instantly recognizable as Steppenwolf.

[@Oldschoolnana]

Phil & Sam cracking me up. This song is iconic IMO .✌️🌻🌻

[@AlanMadison-p9h]

Yes, I liked it when she basically danced in her chair. But did eat an "Edible" an hour ago? She must be very fun at party.

[@RaynorBear]

... not about drugs ... it's about THE MUSIC!!!! "Close your eyes, girl. Look inside girl. Let the sound take you away." "Tell your dreams to me. Fantasy will set you free."

[@chetcarman3530]

Yeah, clearly those things have nothing to do with drugs. 🤣🤣🤣

[@brachiator1]

It's about drugs AND music.

[@jurgenschmidt2759]

Don't step on the grass, Sam - love that track

[@Triplecenturies]

It was played during lift off of the first warp flight in Star Trek - First Contact.

[@AFracturedWorld]

I spent one long minute looking for the first comment to reference First Contact. I never saw it in the theatre but I can imagine how awesome that would have been in the theatre to see.

[@amputeeright]

My brother cranks this when he gets his resto-mod 1967 GTO out in the spring. You can hear him arriving home for several blocks. 😂

[@jaycorby]

sweet! i remember this song from when it was new - i'll be 79 my next birthday.

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

The Pusher is their best jam ✌💖☮

[@charlesmyers8150]

Goddamn!

[@botabob]

written by Hoyt Axton, a country artist.

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

@@charlesmyers8150 I said goddamn the pusher man

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

@@botabob I know right

[@geneticrex]

My 1st "favorite" band as a kid and I still love em' decades later.

[@joeturner1181]

That Hammond B3 solo with the killer drum groove absolutely makes this song.

[@clydekimsey7503]

By Mars Bonfire

[@robertaistrope9602]

Steppenwolf..."Born to be Wild" "Magic carpet ride" just two of their great catalog of hits. Their songs appeared in some Movies back then including the movie "Easy Rider" If you get a chance to watch it you won't be disappointed. It's a great example of the attitude of dropping out and just riding the road.

[@blackwolf6082]

People no longer know what it is to lay between the speakers and listen to music

[@dunringill1747]

Agreed. Today is all about instant gratification.

[@deirdre108]

John Kay, the lead singer and the primary songwriter of the band had an interesting childhood. He was born in East Prussia Germany in 1944 and escaped with his mother from the invading Soviet army to an area that was originally occupied by Allied forces but then became part of the East German Occupation Zone. A few years later they were able to cross into West Germany where he was inspired to become a musician by hearing Little Richard on US Armed Forces Radio. His song "Renegade" tells some of this story.

[@ALifeThatRocks]

I like to dream. Right between the sound machine. It’s not about a drug trip. The band had celebrated its record deal by buying a mondo stereo. They sat between the large inward speakers….✌️🎸 Btw there are several great live steppenwolf performances of their hits in the 80s. You will be able to recognize their sound across their songs. A throbbing keyboard.

[@ed.z.]

How did young people become so lame? The opposite of mind expansion.

[@1chound1]

A must listen is "Monster", as relevant today as it was when it was written many years ago.

[@sharonchaput9705]

😅 😂 This is the first time I have ever heard anyone referring to this song as whale sounds. That is too funny. Magic Carpet Ride is about the music- Close your eyes girl, let the sound take you away. Classic Steppenwolf.

[@duanetelesha]

They were one of the first for the psychedelic sound.

[@jordimoore2167]

This is the comment I was waiting for!

[@clydekimsey7503]

Not really. Psychedelic music started in 1966

[@willieboy3011]

Glad you did this, but you have to do "The Pusher."

[@steviekc9057]

This song is cut off shorts, bare feet, cheap beers, and sunburnt shoulders ❤

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

IMO the vocals, drumming, and production are stellar--this sort of sonic experimentation was cutting edge. The song--particularly the interlude--does exactly what it promises: takes you on a musical magic carpet ride. Steppenwolf are surprisingly skilled writers and performers--just listen to that drumming-and have a number of worthy songs. I suggest Rock Me. Love you guys.

[@hankhank5370]

One if my favorite Steppenwolf songs is "Snowblind Friend", written by the late great Hoyt Axton.

[@neilmcdonald9164]

Famous for its long instrumental break🎩

[@Bennromansince1955]

dude, that song was "cutting edge" 55 years ago!!

[@beckiramsey9561]

Another awesome song by Steppenwolf!!❤❤ Thanks guys!❤❤

[@redensign24]

'the pusher', 'sookie' and 'snowblind friend' are also great

[@RobRochon]

Ok...I love it when Sam's dancing out and Phil's enjoying her scenery! You two are fun!

[@elceenomoun8115]

They harnessed audio feedback to get that psychedelic sound.

[@SaverioP]

LSD was very big around this time. A lot of people took magic carpet ride to mean an acid trip. It didn't actually mean that, but it sounded good to teens of that day who were tripping out to it.

[@ChuckSchickx]

It's like a fusion of funk and metal. Gold. Thanks to my older brother for turning me on to Steppenwolf.

[@lennarthallberg9918]

John Key, who was the leader of Steppenwolf, was against all drugs. Listen to their version of "Snowblind Friend".

[@jvsmith7888]

You would definitely like "Snow Blind Friend", "Monster", "The Pusher" and "Another Lifetime."

[@petergarayt9634]

Steppenwolf wrote some very progressive songs about how to treat women and being true to yourself. "Snow Blind Friend" tears me up every time.

[@marksterner7532]

I find it ironic that you both say "this does not sound like Steppenwolf", when the only other song you reacted to was "Born To Be Wild", and lead singer John Kay's vocals dominate both of these great songs! I suggest you listen to them both again (back t back), and I am confident you will both retract your silly statements!

[@allenwhitmer8192]

Yeah, they almost have to be thinking of something else, because to me it's easy to tell its the same band

[@shasta810]

this is why the whole album should be listened to no mistaking Steppenwolf's sound

[@91GT347]

They explained this. Sam literally said "I wouldn't say it doesn't sound like Steppinwolf. It doesn't sound like Born to be Wild." Then he said "Well that's what I'm saying "

[@stevenseul361]

Hey if you can't be nice to Phil and Sam please go away. Music is all opinions. So yours is just an opinion ja

[@stevenseul361]

@@91GT347 People with opinions just have to be naysayers they obviously don't follow them

[@hume1963]

I think Steppenwolf is the greatest Canadian band of all time. With Rush being second.

[@BillO964]

The ride is the music..close your eyes girl, let the sound take you away...

[@hankhank5370]

You may have heard this song in the Star Trek movie "First Contact".

[@davidsaunders6268]

Another Canadian band who got their start as the back up band for Ronnie Hawkins in Toronto. After they left to find fame and fortune in the US their replacement eventually became known as The Band and after they left their replacement became known as Crowbar when they went out on their own. Ronnie Hawkins was a great trainer of Canadian bands. RIP Ronnie.

[@headeast859]

The Pusher has a very psychedelic feel. German born John Kay (lead singer) wanted to shock America with this song. It was a warning that if the US lets drugs in, that we will never get rid of them & would destroy America like it did his country. My parents freaked out & wouldn't let us play it in the house, as did millions of parents. Instead of waking us up to the coming drug problem, it got him banned. Sad...we didn't hear a thing he said in his warning

[@southernbella6535]

He said "I like to dream, right between the sound machine" Its music "taking you away" . Also, it is a great song when your stoned lol, just throwing that out there :) Keep em coming guys !

[@ralphgomez6251]

This is the greatest Psychedelic Song Ever written!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tan-jello]

"Ball Crusher" from the Steppenwolf 7 will give you the heavy and the riffage you seek. Then listen to "Snowblind Friend", it's completey different. You guys are the best!

[@bobbrinkerhoff3592]

Other than the lyrics, this song was not written , rather it was a jam session in the studio that they added lyrics to . As for the drug reference , the stoners have tried to claim this for themselves , like the bikers have claimed Born To Be Wild . BTBW was about a car , not bikes . MCR was about John Kay's first HiFi stereo . " I like to dream , right between my sound machine " He was sitting between his speakers listening to a tape of this soundtrack so he could write some lyrics for it . BTW , they were a blues influenced rock group .

[@pegajense]

My favorites from them are Snowblind Friend and Who Needs You

[@jasonlouis697]

You two are so much fun. And, this song is forever changed. From now on, I'll hear Dori every time I hear the song.

[@DevInvest]

This song goes great with roller skates.

[@richardstjohn9621]

My first rock concert, 1969, awesome. As others stated, The Pusher should be next, still fits Our world today, then Monster and Snowblind Friend.

[@rhinoreselling414]

I was once made to listen to this song lying down and blindfolded on repeat for over an hour.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Back when this was a big hit (and it was, btw), stereo stores would use this song to demonstrate the power of various brands of speakers……it has so much great bass…and then you have those high, treble sounds….It really showed the range of the each brand. Of course, they wanted you to hear it on their top (and most expensive) speakers, so you would buy them. Good marketing.

[@jayheck1323]

The more you listen to this fantastic classic the more you will love and embrace it. Psychedelic and drug induced? Sure. But stone cold sober this tune just rocks too. I was 15 when I first heard this and wasn't high at all. Still love it.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Steppenwolf are a killer band with some good deep cuts

[@festidious2644]

I most definitely heard the whales too. This IS Steppenwolf and their sound

[@karendoss6026]

I saw them in concert in 1969 in Macon, Georgia! It was crazy because I was a very conservative young girl. My boyfriends brother loved them and got tickets so we went with him. I've been married to that boyfriend for 52 years. We still talk about that concert with his brother.

[@mikematusek4233]

Just close your eyes and float on the waves of music. No dancing needed.

[@longfootbuddy]

shes a museum of dance moves

[@NigelIncubatorJones]

That album has an awesome medley on the 2nd side, several songs that run together. It's really worth a reaction.

[@johnsmathers190]

I'm 63 now, when I was 13 so 50 years ago, this was my first album.

[@mcbeezee2120]

Ah yes. Listening to this on an AM radio in 1968/1969, on the sands of Hermosa Beach. Was great times.

[@gregorywilcox5949]

this song was in star trek first contact when we made the first warp drive test that brought the Vulcans to make first contact with earth and change the future of the people of earth forever.

[@squidkid2]

Groovy baby. He's from Canada and you can't imagine him in snow!😎😎😶😶😎😎

[@jimcomvideos]

Steppenwolf was adopted by the biker community back then and probably still today, I guess most from the song "Born to Be Wild". That and "Magic Carpet Ride" were huge hits still played today in commercials and movies. It's no wonder you've heard bits and pieces. "Jingles" lol.

[@leeyaferguson9019]

Memories ❤✌

[@scottclark3761]

I would recommend The Monster, a protest song. The Pusher is excellent, but I doubt it gets monetized. Might want that to be a Patreon request.

[@bob_garrard]

Try "The Pusher" and "Snowblind Friend", both written by Hoyt Axton.

[@johncarpenter3751]

My parents took me to concerts as a kid in the late 80’s and early 90’s and I can say I’ve seen Steppenwolf in concert twice, The Beach Boys once, Frankie Valli once and The Moody Blues. It was fun to be a kid then

[@festidious2644]

For some reason, a lot of people have a hard time recognizing Steppenwolf as a Canadian band. They started out as Jack London and The Sparrows from Oshawa, Ontario. They brought in John Kay early on and just because they picked up a couple of American musicians while they were living in San Francisco, that doesn't make them an American band. They had some hits songs as The Sparrows and the most well know would be If You Don't Want My Love'. In the late 60s, they became Steppenwolf and the rest is history.

[@jiggsh54]

Johnny and/or Edgar Winter. Frankenstein is a masterpiece.

[@Nastyfinger1444]

A great driving song.

[@tomaleshire4145]

Sam can "chair dance" with the best of 'em!💯 You go girl!🤗❤️✌️

[@hurzak]

I seen them in an outdoor concert in Michigan years ago. It was wild with mostly bikers. They had kegs of beer and whatever else you wanted it was really crazy and wild.

[@rubengariby6539]

My favorite song when it came out.

[@mamaflush9945]

Here's another song by Steppenwolf, if interested. "Steppenwolf - The Pusher" (by the channel: Steppenwolf - Topic) This song by Steppenwolf was featured on their 1968 self-titled album called "Steppenwolf." The song was written by Hoyt Axton (a highly regarded and very prolific writer that wrote many songs for several highly recognizable artists from this era) the song "The Pusher" gained its popularity through by being in the 1969 movie "Easy Rider" which was very popular in its day. And as always, I enjoy rocking with you, and I always find Phil's musical analysis spot-on, and Sam I love how your mind works you always have such an interesting perspective on the lyrics and visuals. Thanks, guys, for sharing. peace out~

[@RLG-]

Find the movie clip in Sahara starring Matthew McConaughey where he rides the wind sail in the desert to this song. Then you will see how cool this song is.

[@362chop]

Timeless beauty, great choice. Hey Lawdy Mama, Sookie Sookie.

[@kidpoker007]

Those 2 songs by Steppenwolf have been in tons of movies!!!!

[@fairydust-weepthewildwinds]

Greetings, seen them live with other great Bands👍🤗Thanks for sharing your reactions👍

[@michaelangileo2760]

The helicopters at the beginning were a resonance of the ongoing Vietnam War. Thanks!

[@SCVIndy]

This song hugely popular .. lots of AM radio play at the time ..

[@debjorgo]

Magic Carpet Ride was more or less a marriage proposal to his soon to be wife, Jutta. They met in 1965 and are still together.

[@rubroken]

You two are having waaaaay too much fun