About the song
Background
- Original Artist: While the song is now closely associated with Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, it was originally released by fellow soul singer Van Morrison in 1971.
- Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Version: Their iconic cover version came out in 1991 as part of the movie soundtrack for “Thelma & Louise”. This is the version most people are familiar with.
- Style: Uptempo Motown, full of soulful energy, sassy vocals, and a driving rhythm.
Lyrics
The lyrics are an ode to a night of freedom, excitement, and letting loose:
- Setting: The opening lines describe getting ready for the night (“As you brush your shoes / Stand before your mirror / And you comb your hair…”).
- Out on the Town: The song evokes scenes of wild dancing (“the boys do the boogaloo”), uninhibited energy, and a sense of carefree joy.
- Iconic Lines: The chorus with “Ooh ooh-ooh wee / Wild night is calling” is particularly infectious.
Themes
- Liberation: The core theme is shedding inhibitions and embracing a night of wild, unrestrained fun. It’s about escaping the mundane for a thrilling experience.
- Female Empowerment: The song has a sense of female assertiveness and independence. Martha Reeves’ powerful vocals embody a woman taking charge of her own enjoyment.
- Transformation: There’s a hint of transformation, of leaving your everyday self behind to immerse yourself in the energy of the night.
Additional Notes
- “Thelma & Louise” Connection: The song became synonymous with the groundbreaking feminist film, amplifying its themes of female friendship and breaking free from societal expectations.
- Cover Versions: The song has been covered by numerous artists, including John Mellencamp and Me’Shell Ndegeocello.
Video
Lyrics
Verse 1]
As you brush your shoes and stand before the mirror
And you comb your hair, grab your coat and hat
And you walk the wet streets trying to remember
All those wild night breezes in your memory ever
[Pre-Chorus]
And everything looks so complete
When you’re walking out on the street
And the wind will catch your feet
And send you flying, crying
[Chorus]
Ooh ooh-ooh wee
The wild night is calling
[Verse 2]
All the girls walk by, dressed up for each other
And the boys do the boogie-woogie on the corner of the street
And the people passing by stare in wide wonder
And thе inside jukebox roars out just like thundеr
[Pre-Chorus]
And everything looks so complete
When you’re walking out on the street
And the wind will catch your feet
And send you flying, crying
[Chorus]
Ooh ooh-ooh wee
The wild night is calling
[Chorus]
Ooh ooh-ooh wee
The wild night is calling
[Outro]
Come on out and dance
Yeah, come on out and make romance
Come on out and dance
Come on out and make romance
Wild night is calling
The wild, wild night is calling
Come on out and dance
Come on out and make romance, yeah
Come on out and dance
Come on out and make romance
The wild night is calling
The wild, wild night is calling