About the song
While Martha Reeves and the Vandellas did have a hit song called “Wild Night”, it was actually a cover of a song originally written and recorded by Van Morrison. Here’s a breakdown of the song, focusing on the Martha Reeves version, but with notes on the Morrison original:
Background
- Original Artist: Van Morrison wrote and first recorded “Wild Night” for his 1971 album Tupelo Honey. His version has a relaxed, soulful country-blues vibe.
- Martha Reeves Cover: Martha Reeves, former lead singer of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, covered the song in 1974. Her version transformed it into a more uptempo, energetic R&B track with a powerful and sassy vocal performance.
- Thelma & Louise: The Martha Reeves version saw a huge resurgence in popularity thanks to its inclusion in the iconic 1991 movie Thelma & Louise.
Themes
- Freedom and Liberation: The core theme is about breaking free from constraints and living life to the fullest. The lyrics express a desire for uninhibited revelry and letting loose.
- Spontaneity and Adventure: The song captures the thrill of the unknown and the urge to embrace exciting experiences.
- Romance and Passion: There are undertones of romantic passion, and a sense of longing for a wild, exciting connection.
Lyrics
Here’s a look at some key lyrics and their implications:
- “Wild night is calling…”: The song is a direct invitation to let loose and embrace the night’s possibilities.
- “Honey, just set me free”: A plea for liberation and release from inhibitions.
- “I wanna go out and feel all right”: Expresses the yearning for uninhibited joy and a sense of feeling alive.
Martha Reeves vs. Van Morrison
Thematically, both share the same sentiments. The biggest distinction is in their styles:
- Van Morrison: His version is mellower, more introspective, and has a bluesy country feel.
- Martha Reeves: Her version is more boisterous and celebratory. It has a strong R&B influence and her vocals are filled with raw energy and confidence.
Why It Resonates
“Wild Night” is an anthem of liberation. It perfectly captures a universal desire to escape the mundane and experience life’s uninhibited joy. The song’s empowering spirit, especially in Martha Reeves’ dynamic version, is part of what makes it both enduring and iconic.
Video
Lyrics
As you brush your shoesAnd stand before the mirrorAnd you comb your hairAnd grab your coat and hatAnd you walk, wet streetsTryin’ to rememberAll the wild breezesIn your mem’ry ever
And ev’rything looks so completeWhen you’re walkin’ out on the streetAnd the wind catches your feetAnd sends you flyin’, cryin’Ooh-wee!The wild night is calling
And all the girls walk byDressed up for each otherAnd the boys do the boogie-woogieOn the corner of the streetAnd the people passin’ byJust stare in wild wonderAnd the inside juke-boxRoars out just like thunder
And ev’rything looks so completeWhen you’re walkin’ out on the streetAnd the wind will catch your feetAnd sends you flyin’, cryin’Ooh-wee!The wild night is calling
Ooh-weeThe wild night is callingCome on out and dance yeahCome on out and make romanceCome on out and danceCome on out and make romanceThe wild night is callingThe wild wild night is callingCome on out and danceCome on out and make romance yeahCome on out and danceCome on out and make romance