About The Song
“Wild Man” by Ricky Van Shelton, released on October 24, 1992, is a vibrant country track that highlights the artist’s dynamic vocal delivery and storytelling. Written by Susan Longacre and Rick Giles, it was included as the second single on Shelton’s Greatest Hits Plus compilation album. This song marks a significant moment in his career as it became his last Top Ten hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, where it peaked at No. 5 and spent a remarkable 20 weeks on the chart​
.The song captures themes of self-discovery and the yearning for freedom, portraying an individual balancing everyday responsibilities while maintaining an untamed, adventurous spirit. With lively instrumentation that includes electric guitars, drums, and a touch of fiddle, “Wild Man” exemplifies early 1990s country music’s energy and appeal. Its upbeat tempo and relatable narrative contributed to its resonance with audiences at the time​
.”Wild Man” also achieved significant popularity in Canada, reaching No. 4 on the RPM Country Tracks chart. Its energetic vibe and liberating message made it a memorable addition to the era’s evolving country music landscape. Though not as iconic as some of Shelton’s earlier hits, it remains a beloved track among his fans, showcasing his adaptability and enduring appeal in a competitive music scene​
This song is a testament to Shelton’s ability to blend traditional country storytelling with the era’s modern musical elements, ensuring his continued relevance during the early 1990s. Fans looking to revisit Shelton’s work will find “Wild Man” an essential piece of his discography.
Video
Lyrics
Running down the road, same old, same old
Oh, I know it so well, I think I can drive it blind
I’m steady as a wall
But underneath it all
I’m gonna blow the roof off one of these nights
I can’t deny that
Somewhere inside
There’s a wild man
Momma always said, “Son, don’t you let it get out of hand”
If I go crazy
Now and then, baby
You’ve got to understand
Oh, I’m a wild man
Yeah, that’s what I am
I’m a wild man
Coming through the door
I know what it’s all for
Why I’m walking the line as far as the line will go
Wound up so tight
But I know tonight
I don’t have to hold back when I’m holding you close
I can’t deny that
Somewhere inside
There’s a wild man
Momma always said, “Son, don’t you let it get out of hand”
So if I go crazy
Now and then, baby
You’ve got to understand
Oh, I’m a wild man
Yeah, that’s what I am
I’m a wild man
I can’t deny that
Somewhere inside
There’s a wild man
Momma always said, “Son, don’t you let it get out of hand”
So if I go crazy
Now and then, baby
You’ve got to understand
Oh, I’m a wild man
Yeah, that’s what I am
Oh, I’m a wild man
I’m a wild man
