About the song
“Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi
Released in 1987 as the third single from Bon Jovi’s multi-platinum album “Slippery When Wet”, “Wanted Dead or Alive” stands as one of the band’s most iconic and enduring tracks. Written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, the song not only showcased the band’s musical versatility but also played a significant role in establishing Bon Jovi as rock legends in the 1980s and beyond.
Background and Inspiration
“Wanted Dead or Alive” was inspired by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora’s experiences while touring across America during the height of their career. The song draws a romantic yet gritty parallel between the life of a touring rock musician and the image of an Old West outlaw. The title and theme were directly influenced by Jon Bon Jovi’s love for western movies, particularly those featuring Clint Eastwood and the classic outlaw archetype.
In interviews, Jon Bon Jovi has often described the song as “the band’s cowboy song.” It encapsulates the loneliness, hardships, and restlessness of life on the road while also embracing the glamour and freedom that come with being a rock star.
Musical Style and Composition
Musically, “Wanted Dead or Alive” is notable for its blend of acoustic and electric elements, a sound that was somewhat of a departure from Bon Jovi’s typical hard rock anthems of the time.
Key features of the song include:
Opening with Richie Sambora’s 12-string acoustic guitar, creating an atmospheric and haunting introduction.
A gradual build-up leading to powerful electric guitar riffs that dominate the chorus.
A mid-tempo rhythm that gives the song a ballad-like quality while still retaining a rock edge.
Blues-infused guitar solos, showcasing Sambora’s impressive guitar work and tonal control.
The combination of acoustic storytelling with electric rock power was relatively unique for mainstream rock bands of that era and contributed greatly to the song’s wide appeal.
Lyrical Themes
The lyrics of “Wanted Dead or Alive” present the life of a rock musician as a modern-day outlaw, drifting from town to town, living a nomadic lifestyle. Lines such as:
“I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride,
I’m wanted dead or alive”
create vivid imagery that blends the romanticism of the Wild West with the rough reality of constant touring.
Themes explored include:
Isolation on the road
The toll of fame
The endless cycle of performance and travel
Self-identity and resilience
The “steel horse” metaphor famously refers to the band’s tour bus, making the song both a personal reflection and a larger statement about the nature of rock stardom.
Commercial Performance
“Wanted Dead or Alive” was a commercial success, reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it the third top ten single from the “Slippery When Wet” album after “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
The song’s radio-friendly yet rugged appeal helped broaden Bon Jovi’s audience, attracting both rock purists and mainstream pop listeners.
Its success also marked Bon Jovi as one of the first bands from the glam metal scene to achieve significant crossover success on mainstream pop charts while still retaining rock credibility.
Music Video
The music video for “Wanted Dead or Alive” was shot primarily in black and white, capturing behind-the-scenes moments of the band’s touring life—hotel rooms, sound checks, live performances, and travel scenes. This documentary-style footage made the video feel authentic and personal, allowing fans to see a glimpse of the band’s off-stage reality.
The video became a staple on MTV, further amplifying the song’s reach and emotional resonance.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Over the years, “Wanted Dead or Alive” has become more than just a hit song—it has entered pop culture canon. Its usage spans:
Numerous movie soundtracks and TV shows
Wrestling events
Video games
Live sports broadcasts
Additionally, the song is considered a classic rock radio staple and remains one of Bon Jovi’s most requested tracks during live performances.
It has been covered by several artists across genres and has been featured in karaoke playlists, symbolizing its singalong-worthy, anthemic quality.
The song also played a major role in cementing Jon Bon Jovi’s image as the ultimate American rock frontman, with Richie Sambora’s guitar work on this track often cited as one of his best.
Awards and Recognition
Although it didn’t win major awards at the time of its release, “Wanted Dead or Alive” has received long-term recognition as a rock classic. It often appears on greatest rock song lists and essential 80s music collections.
In 2001, the song gained renewed attention when it was featured prominently in the reality TV series “Deadliest Catch”, introducing it to a new generation of fans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Wanted Dead or Alive” is a landmark track in Bon Jovi’s career and a defining song of 80s rock music. Its combination of storytelling lyrics, acoustic/electric fusion, and emotive delivery has helped the song remain timeless. Whether viewed as a touring anthem, a cowboy ballad, or simply a great rock song, “Wanted Dead or Alive” continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release.
It remains a testament to Bon Jovi’s ability to blend personal experience with universal themes, making it one of the most memorable and enduring songs in rock history.