Steppenwolf - The Pusher | REACTION

Here’s the video link • Steppenwolf - The Pusher

[@jamelakajamal]

If You would like to purchase any merchandise, please use promo code ‘Jamel’ 👍🏾teespring.com/stores/jamel-aka-jamal-youtube-store

[@jeffreylevin1566]

Perfect folowup: Neil Young doing "The Needle and the Damage Done."

[@raymondrodriguez9389]

Jamel, the other reference of the Pusherman you were referring to is from the Curtis Mayfield "SuperFly" soundtrack.

[@lisag2922]

Chills

[@kenchristie9214]

Jamal - Now you have to repeat HAVE TO!!!!!!!!! listen to - Snowblind Friend.

[@jamesblacketter9854]

I got a cool tank top, hey brother Jamal, if you can, 24 hours live with Charlie daniels by marshal tucker band

[@robinbeers6689]

That line about "people walking around with tombstones in their eyes", is powerful imagery.

[@Shortclothneckornement]

Must be talking about congress

[@claudedalton8970]

@@Shortclothneckornement YEP, ESPECIALLY DEMOCRAPS AND RINOS!

[@tjbelcher3144]

Alot of truth deep down

[@Bethelbandit]

I knew a guy 40 years ago you could just tell he had death in his eyes.

[@SaverioP]

This song is over 50 years old and still speaks to people. Just goes to show how insidious the drug problem is.

[@icmman7]

and how ahead of their time Steppenwolf was.

[@lesliesylvan]

Yes . . . Timeless song; Let us pray it is not a timeless topic~

[@Brian13356]

@@lesliesylvan Well said!

[@lesliesylvan]

@@Brian13356 You are one heck of a bright dog, Brian. Extra treats for you, tonight!

[@jiffin1]

This comment shows just how ignorant folks are on the topic ...

[@uncabuzz118]

If you're my age as soon as you hear this song you visualize EASY RIDER. We all saw the film and we all bought the soundtrack. I'm 70 years old.

[@tomhartl6330]

Jamel...this is probably the most genuine reaction video I have EVER seen. You felt every note and lyric that John Kay played and sang. I’m 65, and grew up with this song, and have seen the difference between the effects of the dealer (hell, I used to grow my own weed) and the pusher (I’ve seen friends become junkies and kill their lives). This song obviously didn’t get much if any radio time, but it is one of my favorite Steppenwolf songs. The raw emotion John Kay expresses seems to speak of personal experience. Raw emotion and a true message...even my mother didn’t mind me listening to this song lol

[@lesschoenberger3070]

Just to be clear when he said "God damn" he didn't mean it as slang like most people do, he meant literally like Jamel said "may God DAMN the pusher for what he is doing" to people.

[@JeffPenaify]

Yeah and then pulp fiction made it to where every coke head says " I said God damn" before the snate 😂

[@Prospect.1]

U couldn't explain that to my mom lol

[@gailenefuller8330]

Exactly he was wanting out

[@donaldswink6259]

No matter how you look at that word your still taking gods name in vain.

[@exodia1510]

@@donaldswink6259 I've always said GOT. DAMN

[@rich56ca]

Haven’t heard this one in forever. Still powerful.

[@chestrockwell8328]

Same, and yes majorly powerful, goosebumps. I think this one really touched Jamel deep.

[@woodysthoughts4032]

Two forevers.

[@hippysuetotherescue9827]

Me too great song and yes very powerful

[@claudec2588]

When I first heard this song back in the 60's the sound was revolutionary. Most of us kids were still grovin' to the sweet harmonies of the Beatles and The Beach boys. This was Heavy Rock! And the lyrics, Unlike the Beatles song, "Ticket to Ride", which some people knew was about drugs this song didn't try to disguise what they were talking about. It pulled no punches.

[@patrickmatheny4289]

Songwriter Hoyt Axton wrote many songs for Steppenwolf and Three Dog Night. He also played the father on Gremlins! God bless you, Jamel! Your struggle wasn’t easy.

[@GratefulZen]

Come on, folks, let’s get some votes for “Monster” by Steppenwolf! And Jamel, so glad you made it out of that mess!

[@paulkeah-tighii9146]

That's what i say bro great song i vote ur way😎

[@sukie584]

Yes. Very timely too.

[@DanMcManus]

"Monster" is a masterpiece and it applies so much in our current state of affairs.

[@markspano3791]

Richard Gerson Monster is one of my favorite album covers ever

[@danfranks8093]

Yes Monster!

[@shawnmcdowell5477]

This song may be old but the message is is there and strong.

[@nancyarriaga7183]

This one, Snowblind Friend, and It's Never Too Late are my most favorite Steppenwolf songs. I've been listening to them since I was very young...47 now and they are still my favorites. Your reaction was pure gold and straight from the heart!

[@Pulsonar]

The power of this famous 60s song is legendary. This cool dude went from a shallow ‘Mr. happy’ persona to deeply thought provoked and philosophical, I knew he had a story to share. At the end I never expected such an honest, chilling and reflective summary of a difficult time in his life in a tough LA neighbourhood. I could even read in-between the lines what went down in his neighbourhood. Many thanks for sharing a legendary song and story.

[@JK7992]

“Sookie sookie” and “hey lawdy mama” are some other songs you could check out by steppenwolf

[@noisyrhysling]

"Snow blind friend" is also very good. Really powerful.

[@davehowell3209]

noisyrhysling one of my favorites!

[@classicrocklady6288]

God bless you for having the strength, courage and determination to rise above and become the terrific person you are today...bring joy and peace to so many. You are an amazing young man who brings hope to anyone who will listen. 😌🙏

[@hoosiermaker2358]

Classic Rock Lady 100 percent. I'm old enough to to be Jamel's dad and he makes me a little better person every time I tune in. I hope he is making some fat cake doing this.

[@jamesrearick2672]

Perfectly said

[@fatooshtkd]

I haven't heard this in many years... talk about "wow" thank you yet again Jamal

[@carolh1954]

Definitely powerful. I knew this would be meaningful to you, with your story. Thank you for sharing with us, and thank you for getting out of there. Stay safe, brother.

[@monasandin762]

Can relate this my own brother got my teenaged daughter hooked on the white stuff. Thank God she realized in her early 20s what she was into and quit cold turkey on her own,.

[@monasandin762]

@@cavalvo she did have the tools needed for complete recovery. When she was 16 I put her in rehab for 45 days. She had to go to 12 step meetings. But at that time she was not yet ready to give up her addiction. She got a DUI at 21 and the courts were very tough on her. It was shortly after that when she got completely clean.

[@monasandin762]

She is 51 now and has stayed clean all those years. I sure am proud of her.

[@kathrynroat9139]

Praise the Lord!!!

[@Pokyhawk]

@ mona Sardin Good for her. It's not an easy thing to do and I've lost a nephew and numerous friends that couldn't (or wouldn't) do it. Tell her that Reverend Bill is sending a prayer to her all wrapped up in a big CONGRATULATIONS.

[@monasandin762]

@@Pokyhawk will do... and since you are into prayers she now is battling lung cancer. I am praying for complete healing in the name of Jesus.

[@vickilcalloway6537]

Country singer Hoyt Axton wrote this song.

[@alwayscrazy1]

As well as "Snowblind Friend" which I highly (no pun intended) recommend! Powerful song!

[@sukie584]

Great writer...

[@jimearnest4342]

Wow,I didn't know that,I never would have guessed that.

[@scifirank]

You should check out Hoyts versions... They're great!!

[@truckertriesfarming9792]

Hoyt Axton wrote a lot of great stuff. Elvis sang his material, as did 3 Dog Night, and others that I can't recall at the moment. His mother, incidently, wrote "Heartbreak Hotel", if I remember correctly. I've listened to his performances. I don't much care for him as a musician, but I greatly admire his songwriting ability.

[@zipcode9]

I grew up listening to this. Drove my mother crazy, she hated this song. Love your reaction to this. You're a real gem.

[@hockeyteeth]

Following that crowd will put tombstones in your eyes.

[@TheAcgtrs]

As much as people say that “Born to be Wild” is the theme song to ‘Easy Rider’..., “The Pusher” (written by Hoyt Axton, the country music legend) is actually the first song in the film...

[@55judylw]

Okay, I need to watch that movie. I really feel like I missed out.

[@bobbierobinson6269]

@Fool On The HiLL I think his mother wrote that.

[@TheAcgtrs]

Fool On The HiLL He also wrote “joy to the world“ by three dog night, along with a bunch of other songs covered by other people including Elvis, Simon and Garfunkel, and Nina Simone did a cover of “the pusher“. Here is a link to the original Hoyt Axton version. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bF6aiKOGoJVjoKM

[@norton750commando]

Hoyt was an icon. One of the true unsung musicians of the era, almost forgotten nowadays. I bet if you asked 100 people who he was, pretty much 100 would say "Who?"

[@TheAcgtrs]

norton750commando unless you tell them he was in Gremlins...

[@stpnwlf9]

Brutally honest song by an overlooked force of rock and roll - Steppenwolf. Jamel, love hearing your background and all you've overcome. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@anniecochrane3359]

Well that's a song I've always listened to - and hearing you tell your story side by side was something pretty special. Thank you for being so open hearted about such serious stuff. A good man you are.

[@drgbg]

If someone would have told me a month ago that I would watch someone else listen to music, I would have laughed at them and called them crazy. I discovered your channel while searching for a music video. The first thing that got my attention (other than the song) was that awesome T-Shirt you wear about being a good human. After about 10 of your reaction videos, I was hooked. Your personality is perfect for this, your genuine passion and love for music is truly inspiring. The more I hear you talk about your past and how you feel about things makes me realize that if I met you in my home town, we would definitely be friends. You are totally my kind of people from what I can see from your videos. I plan to order a couple of those T-Shirts to spread the love. Keep up the good work, I'm loving your show!

[@debbers]

I too was looking for a particular video and while Jamel wasn't he first person I reacted to I never imagined watching other people react to our music! I'm soon to be 67 next month, but I check out quite a few reactors now and have been doing so for about a year or more now, I don't tend to watch songs I don't like but I do get a kick out of seeing them react to certain songs, all of them! Have a great day! Enjoy yourself! Deb

[@jeffreylevin1566]

Perfect follow-up: Neil Young doing "The Needle and the Damage Done"

[@bradmannion6769]

Or Lou Reed's heroin kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIOqZKp-lraJiJY

[@richdiddens4059]

How about Canned Heat's Amphetamine Annie?

[@jamesblacketter9854]

Lynard skynyrd to, the needle and the spoon

[@denystull355]

Sister Morphine by the Stones

[@amyfnsuezq8710]

I looooooove neil young

[@robertsaul234]

Pusherman was Curtis Mayfield. Freddy's Dead or Superfly would be great reactions.

[@dantolbert324]

the Pusher was like #2 or #3 song on the original movie album from "Easy Rider". I am not sure what order the songs are in on any CD or later album release

[@robertsaul234]

@@dantolbert324 1st song in the movie though. I think the album kicked off with Born to Be Wild, although it followed The Pusher in the film.

[@dantolbert324]

@@robertsaul234 the funny thing is that I remember that fact from 1970, old memory..... Because my cousin (son of a Baptist minister) was playing it for me in his bedroom to 3 or 4 of the cousins there at the time, and we got caught by his dad, who especially did not like the Pusher lyrics "Go____mn". BOY, THAT WAS A WILD NIGHT!!!! We were there to go on a vacation with them to Padre Island the next day (a 3-family vacation w/ my mother's sibling's families and our family)

[@midnightrider5797]

Excellent picks

[@LynchDaddy78]

Curtis Mayfield was the schitt! That man was a genius. I have Superfly movie & soundtrack. I grew up in the 60s & 70s listening all kinds of music, thanks to my 4 older siblings. Jamel I could hang out with you anytime. God bless brother.

[@Sp33gan]

Right on, Jamal! Music is an emotion and we listen to songs that speak to us on an emotional level. Music speaks to us in ways that so many things cannot. Drugs have claimed so many from all walks of life. Songs like The Pusher reach inside and grab us by the soul. Music knows no gender, nor colour. Music knows blood and emotion. Take care and stay safe, brothers and sisters

[@drdr76]

I will never forget that my friend's older sister was playing this on her record player when it first came out and when her father heard the words "God damn" he walked over to the player, took the record off, and smashed it on the floor! Memories.

[@nozecone]

Yeah ... I put it on the stereo Christmas day, after the presents had been opened ... the old fella shut it down pretty quick - I think he came close to smashing the record ... lol ... poor ol' Dad, he put up with a lot ..... !

[@charlesfleetwood8585]

LoL 😂

[@drdr76]

@@nozecone LOL, Christmas day!

[@nozecone]

@@drdr76 All I can say in my own defence is that I didn't know the unfortunate expletive was coming: I had given my older brother the soundtrack of 'Easy Rider' for Christmas, but hadn't heard it myself; I got too impatient waiting for my brother to play it, so I jumped the gun and slapped it onto the turntable (on the buffet in the dining-room, right beside the Christmas tree) ... the rest is history ... !

[@deirdremacnamara9885]

People walking around with tombstones in their eyes. Great line. How true. Powerful lyrics. 🎶

[@davidbooth7778]

"Far-Out Jamel", as my generation would say. Simple but Serious lyrics, lost folks to them pushers, a pestilence that should not be tolerated in our society. Thanks for this oldie.

[@bobgarr6246]

I've said it once but it's worth saying again. None of these Steppenwolf songs can measure up to their track " America ". What an incredible work, a no B.S telling of this country's history. And just as relevant today as it was back in 68 - 69. Please, please reaction this song !!!!!!! You will be awe struck. Does anyone else agree ?

[@Kloashut]

It's not just the song America.The tryptich Monster/Suicide/America tells the whole story. But I do agree with you its one of their best & it's at least as valid now as it was at the time created [vietnam war]

[@JaneSpaulding]

THANK YOU for this reaction!!! This song and Snowblind Friend should be reviewed together, both are very powerful.

[@-R.Gray-]

They were differentiating between the Dealer = grass, etc. as opposed to Pusher = heroin. Soft (non-addictive)drugs vs hard (addictive) drugs. This song was from 1969, before crack and coke became so widespread. Back in the day that long guitar note that went from speaker to speaker was quite a novelty, because not everybody was listening to the radio in stereo.

[@Ayce1955]

I grew up in the time frame of this song. I saw it as The Dealer would sell you what you wanted, weed, pills, hash. The pusher would give you the first dose of horse, dust, LSD, or other hard stuff, free after pushing you into it, with threats, cajoling, peer pressure, anything to get you hooked.

[@linnymaemullins3319]

@@Ayce1955 pretty much🤔

[@-R.Gray-]

@Roger Coley I was 20, and had access to soft drugs, but no hard drugs.

[@legaltidbits]

heroin

[@greyeaglem]

Hendrix was credited with developing that technique. He recorded with head phones in mind because he knew everybody's parents were yelling "Turn that sh$t down!" There's one version of All Along the Watch Tower that it you listen to it on head phones he brings the note from one side to the other and then back. Listening to it, you feel like you were shot through the head. Very unique experience.

[@39thala]

Hoyt Axton wrote this song! His mother co-wrote Elvis' "Heartbreak Hotel"! Hoyt also wrote "Joy To The World" by Three Dog Night" and The "No-No song" by Ringo Starr. "The Pusher", "Snowblind Friend", and "No-No Song" are reflections on Hoyt's own addiction to Heroin.

[@martaamance4545]

Hoyt had his own drug and alcohol problems, but guess what, the man played the dad who bought the Gremlin home to his son. Did disney know of his history?

[@scottbyrum2012]

Hoyt played the father in GREMLINS.

[@ericmyers5003]

Love that blues sound! Curtis Mayfield did a song called "Pusher man" awesome song! Great reaction Jamel!🎸🤘👊

[@rondpert5167]

Hoyt Axton wrote this song as well as "Snow Blind Friend", Joy To The World" & "Never Been To Spain". He's been in a few movies, included as the father in "Gremlins".

[@richardmartin9565]

"Goddamn" was still a curse word in 68. Couldn't often be played on the radio.

[@jhamptonjr]

My mother heard that song one time coming off my record player and the next thing I knew she had a needle scratching that one track off that album. My sister still has the album and it still won't play that one track! Peace!

[@donpaxton8381]

Yeah I was listening to that song ( my brothers album) and my mom came flying down the stairs. Needless to say”that” album does not exist.

[@daveshowalter1173]

It's two words God will you damn the pusherman

[@richardmartin9565]

@@brucebargerhuff4228 Times HAVE changed.

[@dwc1964]

_Planet of the Apes_ got in trouble for it; the last time I agreed with Charlton Heston about anything was him arguing to keep the line

[@imagine1004]

So happy you made it Jamel to be with us. I was a product of the ‘70’s and made it too. Some didn’t.

[@lindatrischler2927]

God Bless you fir rising above.

[@gregmcintyre9936]

Jamal I couldn't wait for you to do this tune! Steppenwolf are BAD!! Hang in there brother. I requested this. You made my day. PEACE & LOVE!!!!! Greg

[@keymack2477]

The Needle and the Damage Done by Neil Young should be next. Thank you for being you, Jamel, and for sharing your journey with us. I feel like I am hearing these songs again for the first time!

[@terri8988]

That’s what is going on today with heroin and fentanyl just people walking around like zombies God please help everyone 🙏

[@lesliesylvan]

As we know, the only one who can truly help, is yourself. Support crossing over to enabling is a tricky balancing act, but vital, in nearly all cases.

[@lesliesylvan]

@Fool On The HiLL Yes

[@Julian-to7ro]

So much soul and passion in his voice. He really means it and it's a great song and still so important!

[@jackbrown1929]

Jamel, you were RIGHT THERE with that guitar solo! Takes you...doesn’t it. Congrates to making it to the other side.

[@deborahchristian2318]

As a shy kid in junior high living in an abusive, alcoholic home, music was my refuge and release. I had a cheap record player and listened to artists from Steppenwolf to James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder, the Monkees to The Sound of Music, and Lady Sings the Blues. The Pusher is seared into my brain. I somehow rejected the pull of drugs and alcohol, and I was ostracized for it in the ‘70’s. But I thank God for the beautiful life and family I have now. I watched many lives go down a bad road, including plenty of my own family, from addictions and bad choices. Thanks for playing this formative song. I’m glad your path led you to a better place. God bless you, Jamel 🙏

[@marielg9143]

This gives me the chills great song it's an oldie but a goodie

[@willdwyer6782]

This is one of two songs written by Hoyt Axton that Steppenwolf recorded. The other one was Snowblind Friend.

[@seanspring8991]

Excellent tune, Snowblind Friend. I love that "7" album...

[@charleslatora5750]

@@seanspring8991 agreed. Great album

[@gevlar]

Also agree. Great album, & Snowblind Friend is the best cut on the LP.

[@raxideezxxx8752]

This song was written by Hoyt Axton: other notable songs include "Snow-Blind Friend," and "Joy to the World." Axton was one of the premier songwriters of the sixties and seventies. Well worth checking out!

[@brianfromn.c.1801]

You still see a lot of people walking around with tombstones in their eye's .

[@Tracer9GTRider8]

The Pusher don't care cuz someone will take your place when you're gone.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

There's a scene in the movie "Where The Day Takes You" where the pusherman gets a kid hooked on the shit telling him it will help him sleep. The kid hotshots himself in the bathroom and dies. Cut scene to the pusherman throwing away garbage. He throws it on top of the kid, who is now in the dumpster. Garbage in, garbage out

[@neilpatrickhairless]

The pusherman in that movie reminds me of my Father

[@Tracer9GTRider8]

@@neilpatrickhairless I'm sorry...that's awful 😔

[@dwc1964]

@@neilpatrickhairless Oof. See also, _The Brother From Another Planet_

[@linnymaemullins3319]

Yep

[@Stoney_Snark]

Since you brought it up, “Pusher Man” from Curtis Mayfield on “Superfly”, a great, great album. “Freddie’s Dead” and “Superfly” are classics. Mayfield is an iconic legend when it comes to issues and struggles in African American life. “(Don’t Worry) If There’s Hell Below, We’re All Gonna Go”, “Move On Up” from “Curtis”. Whether with the Impressions , “Choice of Colors”, “Check Out Your Mind”, “(Mighty MIghty) Spade & Whitey”, or solo, Mayfield could be a deep dive into some important music.

[@linnymaemullins3319]

😍

[@adc2327]

And it is a damn shame Jamel/Jamal doesn't know this.

[@adampecsek]

That soundtrack is a masterpiece.

[@migthulhu]

I grew up with this one at the intersection of, "Drugs are bad for you, Son", and, "This is what good music is, Son".

[@donnamerian2395]

Song holds true Still gives me chills

[@RicoBurghFan]

So epic! Such brilliant guitar, almost like it's crying.

[@wayneguess7946]

Anyone, who grew up around drugs, knows this sentiment, ALL TOO WELL!

[@WillIngram08]

Than YOU for featuring this song on your channel. It takes me back to my young days. Love your channel.

[@TheOnespeedbiker]

Easy Rider was one of the first movies to incorporate contemporary songs in the storyline. In the case of Steppenwolf, Born to be Wild and The Pusher. It also included the Weight by the Band, which is the only record label that did not allow the song to be included on the sound track album (the rights were owned by Bob Dylan but written by Robbie Robertson of the Band when they were the back up band for Bob Dylan). So they commissioned a recording of the song for the album by a group called Smith.

[@gammaanteria]

One of my favorite Steppenwolf’s songs is “It’s Never Too Late”-deserves a wider recognition. There was definitely more to them than just “Born to Be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride”...

[@hellscornalien8286]

Just to clarify Jamel, Steppenwolf is making a distinction between a 'dealer' and a 'pusher'. A dealer is alright because to them weed is harmless, a pusher is evil because he's dealing in Heroin, coke, and other chemicals that kill.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Also, there is a recreational element to cannabis. There is NO recreational element to smack. It's a soul killer, a deadening agent, a person destroyer.

[@lastchance2303]

Both of you are exactly right.

[@redarmysoja]

Just to make it clear, this song was written By Hoyt Axton.

[@GeminieCricket]

And pot isn’t a gateway drug. Uh huh

[@camperoh]

It's a gateway drug in a sense. Because it's still illegal in some places, a lot of people end up having to buy their weed from the same guy pushing harder stuff. And any violence associated with it, ties back to the same reason.

[@martaamance4545]

Listen to the pain, feel the pain, you can almost live the pain.

[@suzvalentino1901]

Thank you for keeping these tunes alive Jamal. 60-70's was a great time for music and concerts.

[@TheZogsvengali]

Love that opening groove and your reaction to the opening lyrics

[@TheGreat_Kramer1]

Steppenwolf "monster, suicide, America" is the perfect song for the times.

[@alp-1960]

Thank you Jamel. Love and peace to you and yours. ✌

[@theblacksheep5226]

This song is just as relevant, if not more so, today decades later. Thanks for playing this. Powerful message that needs to be heard.

[@TwistedSither]

John Kay sounds like he really means it.

[@truckertriesfarming9792]

Likely, because he DID mean it. Rock musicians in that era were constantly burying friends, bandmates, and other associates, due to overdosing. This was probably very personal to him, along with "Snowblind Friend".

[@TwistedSither]

@@truckertriesfarming9792 Yeah, I know you're right about that. So many...Keith Moon, Janis Joplin, Mama Cass, Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix... A lot of greatly talented people have had their lives cut tragically short.

[@truckertriesfarming9792]

@@TwistedSither Indeed...though, Cass Elliot died of a heart attack, and a drug screen, performed as part of her autopsy, found no drugs in her system. Of course, 1974 drug screens, and 2020 drug screens are not the same thing. She was notably overweight, and had gone through considerable effort, in the past, to lose some of that weight, with a negative outcome. It's entirely possible that she had been using some weight loss diet suppliment that served to more greatly stress her overstressed heart, causing a fatal heart attack. If that's true, that would make her death even more tragic. Hendrix, Moon (who died at the same age as Elliot, in the very same room) and Jones died in pursuit of a good time. Joplin died, wallowing in self-pity (which is sad and tragic, too), while Cass would have died in pursuit of self-improvement. To me, the idea of someone dying in an effort to improve their life, their health... I don't know, that just seems the most tragic of scenarios, to me.

[@djhrecordhound4391]

@@truckertriesfarming9792 Both of those songs are by Hoyt Axton, and his versions are strong, but I agree John Kay sings like he means it too.

[@truckertriesfarming9792]

@@djhrecordhound4391 Yes, you are correct. Axton has written a lot of my favorite songs. He's one of my favorite songwriters. Unfortunately, he's also one of my least favorite performers. His personal singing and playing style just isn't my cup of tea, I guess.

[@patriciaporcaro8586]

So glad you got out of the "mess". GD the pusher.

[@scottp.2024]

An absolute classic! Thanks for the listen! 👏👏👏

[@boblewis9427]

Jamal, you are the man. Always very positive. We should be friends, we have like souls. So says the 62 year white boy from MN. Keep it up.

[@maryscaggsdane1978]

U2 - Running to Stand Still, another great song about the price of bad choices.

[@tdstone]

Neil Young - The Needle and the Damage Done, it’s time.

[@TeriAdkins]

Fascinating to watch you listen to and share your thoughts on music that I grew up listening to. I grew up in a sort of alternative lifestyle as my folks were Bikers (NOT 1%ers). Bikers are a different breed altogether, and the musical exposure that I had growing up in that lifestyle was, not surprisingly, very diverse. Watching someone purposefully set out to gain exposure to, and perhaps gain appreciation for, music they aren't familiar with is amazing. Thank you for sharing!

[@rickvia8435]

Thanks, well said

[@realjaxon]

Psychedelic music days. That's exactly how we used to listen to this kind of music. Eyes closed and listening to every note and word.

[@tonydagostino6158]

The establishment of the time had a hard time dealing with this song and it's anti-heroin message combined with the "sweet dreams" of the pot dealer. You didn't hear this except on the late-night FM radio shows

[@vickilcalloway6537]

This was an anti-drug song!

[@truckertriesfarming9792]

Yep. Steppenwolf has a couple of those. I love music of that era, but many bands of the era performed political songs with lyrics that cause me to roll my eyes. Steppenwolf is NOT one of those bands, even though they have a LOT of songs that are political or address social concerns. John Kay had a tendency to write or choose songs that were more Libertarian in nature. Steppenwolf addresses humanity as it is, as opposed to a fantasy version of humanity. Ironically, when I used to be into the drug scene (a scene that I've long since sauntered away from), I used to love listening to this song while high. This is one of the few "get high" songs that I still like, stone sober.

[@Saturday288]

This is my favorite reaction video of all time. ❤️

[@marvinlee3450]

My 1st concert was Steppenwolf in 1970 omaha. Awesome!Then I saw them in Maui in 1991. People were dressed the same. Awesome!!!! John Kay has a real story to tell!!!

[@lokisez]

You mean Curtis Mayfield's 'Pusherman from the original Superfly.

[@Evnevler]

You have by far the best reaction vids out there. I’ve seen a few. You have an open mind and an obvious love of music. Keep up the great work

[@denysemcalister6218]

You deserve a successful channel Jamel. Glad you're doing well for yourself, especially after hearing you speak about where you've come from.

[@mamadonna1]

You need to do "Don't Step On The Grass Sam" (evil wicked mean and nasty)

[@waynestumbo2408]

Excellent song

[@royalway12]

Very under rated song.

[@linnymaemullins3319]

😜

[@gthomy]

Indeed, the surprise ending will get you

[@NCJeanGenie]

Great song! Perfect musical commentary for the iconic movie “Easy Rider”. Highly recommend just about every song on the movie’s soundtrack, especially the 2004 TWO-disc release. ☮️💟+🗽

[@susanneubert6447]

Not ANYTHING like your described experience. I was in high school, and got to hang out in my band directors office. This is a song/album we played religiously. I’m a 70 year old grandma now, and you just flooded my mind with olde memories. Thank you!

[@ronnietoots6797]

thanks for the honesty Jamal. seems lots of us have been through that mess.

[@brotherjim4875]

When I was 10 years old, my mother told me to never go into my older brothers room again. This song is more than just an admonishment of the 'pusher' it also, if you listen to the sounds of the recording, recreates the effects of getting high. So on the one hand, the pusher is cursed but, on the other hand, the dealer is where you buy 'lots of sweet dreams'. This tune signaled in general, and Steppenwolf specifically, the end of innocents. They even swear. This song still reminds me of the strange smells coming out of my older brothers room.

[@deborahcornell171]

This was on the "Easy Rider" soundtrack which I played a lot when I was about 15. I became adept at making a leap across my bedroom to turn the volume down before John Kay's "God damns" started so my dad wouldn't hear. Also, Steppenwolf was my first big concert. No going back after that. Next was Zeppelin & then Hendrix the same year. So much great music back then.💙🌿💚

[@djhrecordhound4391]

Ya got a nice sampling of Jimi on that soundtrack too, so that makes sense

[@deborahcornell171]

@@djhrecordhound4391 Absolutely. "If 6 Was 9" is one of my Hendrix faves!💙

[@normawinton6832]

It has been FOREVER! I Completely forgot about this song. Ty for reacting too this!

[@tommiesmith3191]

Man, I can see the smoke filled room, bean bag chairs, black lights, lava lamps, hanging beads for doors, the scent of pachouli, water bongs, bell bottoms, tinted granny glasses, double albums for cleaning, "chronic", "really man", "far out," "outta sight", "groovy,", "Dig It","right on", "make love not war", PEACE AND LOVE. THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING, THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING, THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING!!!!!!

[@jimbo4110]

This was written by Hoyt Axton, a country singer. Steppenwolf also does another anti drug song he wrote. Check out "snowblind friend".

[@GaryMeadowsMusic]

I remember a line in snowblind friend, He said he wanted heaven but praying was too slow, so he bought a one way ticket on a airline made of snow, Guess I'll have to look it up.

[@carolcowan9444]

Snowbound friend. Awesome tune

[@willblood7082]

Not using it as a swearword, he’s literally asking God to “damn” pushers

[@linnymaemullins3319]

😍

[@trybalone396]

Great point! what I was thinking too. The first time I've heard GD and not felt repulsed.

[@ellavader4411]

I think it's open to one's own interpretation ... but I agree with you Will Blood ...

[@ZepG]

Every time you say god damn or god dammit aren't you saying it to a third party not at the god you worship? Why is that a bad word, I'm not religious but It find it amusing when people are like shit he said the GD word.

[@ZepG]

@Fools On The Hill So in that case anyone who says god bless you, or god save you is a no no because you can't speak in gods name lol.

[@michaelplotino7046]

Hi J., I'm so glad you discovered this song! I remember hearing it when I was growing up in Brooklyn in the 1960's and 1970's and seeing the destruction from drugs all around me. Songs like this helped me understand it and stay away from all that. - Brooklyn Mike

[@franklinzappa7043]

I first heard this song in 1972 when I was 10 yrs old, and forever has stayed embedded in my head like it was just yesterday.😎🤘 Good for you JAMEL to be able to experience Greatest Music, and The Great Master Musicians. 🎼🎼🎼

[@TelestaiPix]

“Monster / Suicide / America”: it’s the pinnacle of Steppenwolf’s music.

[@lastrada52]

Their song "The Wall" may not be as well-known but believe me, the maintained their pinnacle -- it can be put right alongside "Monster" as a pivotal track. Very strong, exceptional.

[@danieldunlap4077]

"It's never too late" by Steppenwolf always resonated with me, especially when I got out of the military.

[@sebastianboldt5426]

Jamal, many thanks for all the work you put into the videos. I love to watch you and hope to see a lot more. Greetings from Germany

[@timswift9760]

Steppenwolf always were tough and always will be forever and forever.

[@ronwilcox7716]

The forceful lyrics demand the listener’s attention but the band play the hell out of the song.

[@muriel2267]

Another great song by them is Snowblind Friend...it deals with addiction and is so poignant ❤️❤️😞

[@redevil7081]

Saw Steppenwolf perform this live in ‘69, fronted by Flo&Eddy(The Turtles), and The Byrds. Parents brought kids to this concert, walked out when Steppenwolf played this song.

[@remmymafia3889]

very, very appreciated commentary Jamal, in your description of your situation and it's relation to this song. God Bless you Jamal- you're my favorite reactor- when this song started, and that incredible whining lead in the back, that will show up in most of this song? You were all over it- love that. You have a great ear for all kinds of music. SSH&H (Stay Safe, Happy & Healthy)