I’m a millennial who grew up listening to alternative/metal. Just recently I discovered classic rock and in my opinion, ELO is the greatest band I’ve ever listened to. These guys are simply amazing.
he didn't write this song, its stolen, they probably bought it, I know who wrote, most of these good songs were, the music industry, along with finance, movies politics, education, anything for the populace is a lie and controlled opposition, it's a sick sick world. this song was written by a soldier in an unknown war, you'll hear about it one day, if we win the war we're in now
My Nana died on 16th December 2023, on her 73rd Birthday. She was so beautiful and full of life. She loved this song. Makes me feel so sad whenever I listen to it. Breaks my heart that she isn’t here anymore😭💔 I love you Nana x
I feel you on that, my Nana passed away in 2020. Quite a bit younger than yours, but when I played ELO she loved it. I wish I could've gotten to listen to music with her more often, but I remember the times we got to listen to Jeff Waynes War of the Worlds.
@@PopeRecords You go the wrong Jeff - this is ELO, Jeff Lynne's super group! Jeff Wayne is a very different human and musician. One is a Manc; the other is a yank.
Yeah the Beatles were good friends with Jeff Lyne. He helped produce their new 90's songs and a lot of their solo albums. I think Showdown was one of John's favorite songs. It kicks ass.
Absolutely. You can't help but see the influence of the Beatles in Jeff's music. I believe he was the driving force behind the Travelling Willburys. You can hear it in their music.
ELO were my late father's favorite band and I grew up listening to them everyday. Now your music helps me to feel close to him since he was taken. Thank you.
Same here, dude. I'm an ELO fan because of my dad. My dad introduced me to ELO when I was 13. I'm 55 now, he's 86 and he still loves ELO as do I. ELO was eons ahead of their time. Jeff Lynne was and is a freaking musical genius.
I FINALLY FOUND IT!!! The ending tune has been stuck in my head for a couple of years now, and I just COULDN'T find out what it was because I only remembered the "Oh I wish I waaaas- ooooOOOOOOOHHHHOOooooo" part. Today I randomly decided to put on an ELO album, and here we are. Oh man, what a relieve :P And what a beautiful song.
Probably one of the most relatable comments I have seen in a while! I especially had that same situation when I randomly decided to listen to Turn to Stone. Right as soon as Jeff started singing, I felt like my mission was accomplished when finding that song. My parents raised me on music from the 70’s and 80’s for a while, and at the moment of writing this, I am 14 and ELO in my opinion is one of the best bands in the music industry. Guess you could say my parents raised me right!
This song is much more than it seems...a western ballad,,combining that, with harmony based on classical music and then some cool rock with more strings...Classiically underrated!
This is what I read in wiki: The chorus of the song has the same chord progression as Pachelbel’s Canon’s but transposed from D to G, which is the tonality of “Wild West Hero”. The only exception is the 7th chord of the chorus, which is A instead of C.
Jeff Lynne is my musical savior. He's also a friggin talented, deep-souled genius. I hope he reads this! Peace, love n light to ALL. 🙏 Stay safe..be kind to others. Namaste.
When a band of musicians can create a unique sound that hasnt diminished in 50 years ,you know you re listening to something very special. Well done elo. ❤
This is the kind of music you don't hear much. It's the kind that can lift your spirit and take it to another place, that only exists in our dreams or in a movie. Some people don't like this song in particular, but Jeff Lynn's creativity here is astounding.
I think it's also a reflection on an overly-simplistic and idealistic mindset, since the POV singer envisions the cowboys as nomadic heroes of the west, befriending the native Americans etc. When obviously the opposite of the case. I kinda think of it as a song about a man bogged down by his everyday life and reminiscing on a golden age of simple values that never really existed in the first place, which is a common sentiment these days.
Elon didn't write this song, a soldier did, the soldier was wishing he could use his skills as a hero, not for who he was fighting for, the music industry, like most, is full of very sick leaders, and many bands you know and love, were liers, like elo
Ahhhh...still such a GREAT fucking song. What a buildup, and still no better voice in my opinion. I'm getting chills as i type this. We kids that grew up back in the late 70s/early 80s indeed had a magical musical experience that I hold close to my heart even today.
DS...it was the autumn of 1994, it didn't last long enough...but for that time I was your wild West hero and you were my western girl. I'll always remember you how you were....
Miss my dad so much x died of cancer last year on my sons bday. Loved singing along to elo and queen with him x tune x playing for my dad xxx cheers pa x
The true talent of ELO always resided in Jeff Lynne, Richard Tandy, and Bev Bevan. To a smaller degree Kelly Groucutt, but only because of his voice. Everyone else was a studio musician at best.
This was literally a show stopper. I just listened through the whole album, and once this a capella section hit, I just stopped. Perfect time for a surprise, right at the end of the album. This is the work of a master musician!
I don’t doubt there is a healthy amount of overdubbing in there but are you sure it isn’t the rest of the band, there’s live versions that sound pretty awesome?
Used to listen to this song whilst working on the Canadian Prairie, never seen such vast empty space nothing there, no buildings no people just rolling plains and the weather :-) Big Sky Country they call it, the most amazing experience to be the tallest thing in any direction! Love the country and love this music :-)
I left school in this year 78...and this song just totally blew my mind......the great Jeff Lynn...yes that's right people the word GREAT....is used in my humble opinion to loosely ....but this man's vision the use of strings orchestra and all the magical instruments he used to get that perfect sound.....wow just magnificent.....your a legend Jeff 👏 👏👏 .....so so many brilliant songs u wrote none more so than this little gem 💎....well done Jeff..keep on rocking and writing !!!....God bless b kind to each other ❤ love animals ❤ and yourself ❤
To answer Ur “Q”....like me, Jeff Lynn is old (73yrs old) & his music goes back N2 the mid-70’s. Now that doesn’t answer Ur “Q” incident to oldies stations ....Liam Donaldssen Mcintyre,Jr ...”Mr Don” 🇨🇱AustinTX
@@dogsarefab your very kind to ask..I'm ok, trying ( like you) to get up that great big hill...but I do hope you find solutions and overcome the challenges your experiencing...ok?..peace
I realized this just now, but when you listen to this song with earbuds/headphones, you can hear the different parts of the harmonies in different sides. You get the high parts in one ear, and the low parts in the other! You can especially hear it in the second part of the chorus. Try it out!
I've heard people call ELO "what the Beatles would have been if they'd continued through the 70s", when you hear songs like this you can see what they mean.
... except that, in terms of emotional charge, this surpasses anything the Beatles ever did, with the honourable exceptions of 'She's Leaving Home', 'The Long And Winding Road', and 'Let It Be'.
God I was so lucky to be nine years old when out of the blue came out. The excitement of listening to this on blue vinyl. This and the debbie harry picture on my bedroom wall and life was complete xx
Saw them on September 10 at the Hollywood Bowl and then a few weeks later in NYC. The Hollywood Bowl show was the single best show I have seen in 40+ years of attending concerts! The marriage of sight and sound was a truly incredible experience! Zep held the position of best show ever seen until my wife and I saw the Hollywood Bowl show. What an incredible show it was!
This isn't just Rock or Pop, this is freakin Progressive Rock level, that or at least how I interpret what I'm feeling about this. This is amazingly done.
This is one of the best songs ever produced...only someone like Jeff Lynn could write such powerful lyrics with the music....I love the blues sound and classical blended into a crescendo.
Any kid growing up in the 1970s who was lucky enough to listen to Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra and the "Out Of The Blue" album and especially the "Wild West Hero" track may well ask the question afterwards, "You mean America isn't like that?". With all it's bravura, it should have been just like this song. Jeff Lynne didn't get it wrong. America did.
@@MONKEYBOY4627 Yes Raven, but Jeff wrote all of the songs and produced in the studio. Also the Wikipedia history of the Electric Light Orchestra backs me up after 1972. Did Bev Bevan have something to do with it? Of course! But I'm thinking he was thinking "Is he on a roll? Yes? Ok, let's just go with that." And a roll it was.... The Electric Light Orchestra (1971) ELO 2 (1973) On the Third Day (1973) Eldorado (1974) Face the Music (1975) A New World Record (1976) Out of the Blue (1977) Discovery (1979) Time (1981) Secret Messages (1983) Balance of Power (1986) Zoom (2001) Alone in the Universe (2015) (producer) and Xanadu (1980) So yes Raven. I think that Jeff Lynne was the powerhouse over all that time and creativity.
Just saying, Jeff Lynne is from the United Kingdom, which is a place people made a choice to get the heck out of there. America is not in a good place right now, but the ability to make this comment is American. Treat people how you want to be treated, and if they aren't ruining your good time, what's the problem?
[Intro] Wish I was, yeah, a Wild West hero [Verse 1] Sometimes I look up high And then I think there might Just be a better life Away from all we know That's where I wanna go Out on the wild side And I wish I was Oh-oh-oh-oh, a Wild West hero [Chorus] Ride the range all the day Till the first fading light Be with my western girl Round the fire oh so bright I'd be the Indians' friend Let them live to be free Ridin' into the sunset I wish I could be {transition music} [Verse 2] I'd ride the desert sands And through the prairie lands Tryin' to do what's right The folks would come to me They'd say, "We need you here." I'd stay there for the night Oh, I wish I was Oh-oh-oh-oh, a Wild West hero [Chorus] Ride the range all the day Till the first fading light Be with my western girl Round the fire oh so bright I'd be the Indians' friend Let them live to be free Ridin' into the sunset I wish I could be {transition music} [Bridge?] Oh, I wish I was Oh-oh-oh-oh, a Wild West hero I wish I was Oh-oh-oh-oh, a Wild West hero Oh, I wish I was Oh-oh-oh-oh, a Wild West hero Wish I was Oh-oh-oh-oh, a Wild West hero Wish I was, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, a Wild West hero
As a youngster in the late 70's / 80's, Not a Rock Fan at all. but ElO were different - perhaps because of the backing of full orchestrates behind them as well a created a a Rock - Classical music combined experience. Remember on 8 tracks then. Today I still have cassettes for E.L.O I play in my 27 year old Volvo. Volvo's are for life & so too the magic orchestrate of E.L.O & make great "driving " music .
The gradual build up to 3.30 is amazing and then the crescendo kicks in. Jeff Lynne's vocals at this point are breath taking. The power of classical and rock combines to produce an amazing emotional sound. ELO have to be one of the best bands ever. Just my opinion though ;-) 'I wish I was a Wild West Hero'
Lyrics: Sometimes I look up high And then I think there might, Just be a better life Away from all we know That's where I wanna go Out on the wild side, And I wish I was Oh oh oh oh, a wild west hero. Ride the range all the day Till the first fading light Be with my western girl Round the fire oh so bright I'd be the indians' friend Let them love to be free Ridin' into the sunset I wish I could be. I'd ride the desert sands And through the prairie lands Tryin' to do what's right The folks would come to me They'd say we need you here I'd stay there for the night, Oh I wish I was Oh oh oh oh, a wild west hero Ride the range all the day Till the first fading light Be with my western girl Round the fire oh so bright I'd be the indians' friend Let them love to be free Ridin' into the sunset I wish I could be.
...when vocals belt out 'hero' I still get goose bumps. I used to have this album on my old turnable next to my bed. My 16 year old daughter listens to them now. Long live ELO and the new west heroes fighting in Ukraine.
Well shaun5944 you haven't got dementia yet, because i also remember this song out about that time 77-79 period. I remember listening to the whole album on cassette while scanning through the ladies underwear section of my mothers catalogue.🤣🤣✊🍆💦
Only just rediscovered ELO, old beatles nerd, loved Travelling Wilburys, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, Not to forget George and Roy, were, are, still my favourite artists, knew Jeff was multi talented, but ELO catalogue is awesome. And live, awesome
I'd ride the desert sands and through the prairie lands, try to do what's right. The folks would come to me, they'd say "We need you here," I'd stay there for the night. Oh, I wish I was, Oooh, a wild west hero.
5 лет назад+6
Pure magic...42 years ago i was trying to enhance my skills with the english language hearing this classic...
There are so many songs that were very important to me. They were there exactly when I needed them to encourage or give comfort. This was one of those songs.
I always liked ELO's early hits on the radio back in the '70s but a friend introduced me to their previous album, A New World Record, and I was completely hooked. As soon as Out Of The Blue came out I bought it--before any of the tracks even got airplay--and loved it. Imagine--2 full records of ELO, and all of it gold.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written !!!!!
I feel like I read the same comment on every song on this album... and they're not wrong.
Desperado by the eagle's another classic
@@kevlacy5306 absolutely
I have no idea how this isn't one of their most popular songs.
It’s their best song
Because they have 2 or 3 dozen utterly fantastic songs and it's impossible to pick from all of them. Best band of all time
I’m a millennial who grew up listening to alternative/metal. Just recently I discovered classic rock and in my opinion, ELO is the greatest band I’ve ever listened to. These guys are simply amazing.
Good job
Stay groovy!
ur a wise young man...perhaps there IS hope 4 the future :)
Fun fact the lead singer writes all the music for all the instruments in the band on top of the lyrics
@@rebeccadrakecoffman9793 Jeffy's pretty amazing
Good for you! They are good though aren't they.
One of the greatest songs ever written in history
Она была написана на планете Беллатрикс.
10538 overture
All 17 songs on the double album, Out of the Blue are terrific
Personally, I find this album way too long and samey. For me, it would be way better if it weren't a double album
Jeff Lynne is one of the all time greatest composers in history, his music transcends time and space and will forever put a light in my heart.
he didn't write this song, its stolen, they probably bought it, I know who wrote, most of these good songs were, the music industry, along with finance, movies politics, education, anything for the populace is a lie and controlled opposition, it's a sick sick world.
this song was written by a soldier in an unknown war, you'll hear about it one day, if we win the war we're in now
Lynne
@@christopherportmann4062 thanks corrected
Puts light in my heart too..
The Electric Light Aorta! 😂
My Nana died on 16th December 2023, on her 73rd Birthday. She was so beautiful and full of life. She loved this song. Makes me feel so sad whenever I listen to it. Breaks my heart that she isn’t here anymore😭💔 I love you Nana x
I feel you on that, my Nana passed away in 2020. Quite a bit younger than yours, but when I played ELO she loved it. I wish I could've gotten to listen to music with her more often, but I remember the times we got to listen to Jeff Waynes War of the Worlds.
@@PopeRecords You go the wrong Jeff - this is ELO, Jeff Lynne's super group! Jeff Wayne is a very different human and musician. One is a Manc; the other is a yank.
@@garyweston5116 I was super sick and out of it when I wrote that and I very well know this. So, my honest mistake Sir.
Definitely petitioning this song as an ending song for Steel Ball Run.
Petition? Where?
Who is here in 2024 listening to this classic song?
👍
Here I am!
Still here!
still wishing i was a wild west hero
i am young people dont no fuck all about the old days
John Lennon once said in an interview ELO was " sons of the Beatles", I`m sure he loved this song
Yeah the Beatles were good friends with Jeff Lyne. He helped produce their new 90's songs and a lot of their solo albums. I think Showdown was one of John's favorite songs. It kicks ass.
@@jimmybob5541 If anyone could be trusted with the mixing treatment of John's demos, it's Lynne.
Absolutely. You can't help but see the influence of the Beatles in Jeff's music. I believe he was the driving force behind the Travelling Willburys. You can hear it in their music.
I’m sure John would have been honoured to have Jeff work with the remaining 3 on Free As A Bird and Real Love.
Yup.
ELO were my late father's favorite band and I grew up listening to them everyday. Now your music helps me to feel close to him since he was taken. Thank you.
It’s the same for me. Me and my dad listened to this together all the time before he passed away. I miss him and this music reminds me of him.
❤❤❤❤❤ same xx
Same here, dude. I'm an ELO fan because of my dad. My dad introduced me to ELO when I was 13. I'm 55 now, he's 86 and he still loves ELO as do I. ELO was eons ahead of their time. Jeff Lynne was and is a freaking musical genius.
any time I listen to songs from this album, I am transported back to my bedroom in 1977. Beautiful memories bring tears.
Your late father had exceptional taste. You must be very proud of him!
Jeff Lynne is a genius. Such a complex but easy to listen to song
I FINALLY FOUND IT!!! The ending tune has been stuck in my head for a couple of years now, and I just COULDN'T find out what it was because I only remembered the "Oh I wish I waaaas- ooooOOOOOOOHHHHOOooooo" part. Today I randomly decided to put on an ELO album, and here we are. Oh man, what a relieve :P And what a beautiful song.
Storystein congrats... i know that feeling
Mission complete.
Same here. Just decided to give this album a run.
Probably one of the most relatable comments I have seen in a while! I especially had that same situation when I randomly decided to listen to Turn to Stone. Right as soon as Jeff started singing, I felt like my mission was accomplished when finding that song. My parents raised me on music from the 70’s and 80’s for a while, and at the moment of writing this, I am 14 and ELO in my opinion is one of the best bands in the music industry. Guess you could say my parents raised me right!
And I bet you can’t get it out of your head…..I’ll see myself out
This song is much more than it seems...a western ballad,,combining that, with harmony based on classical music and then some cool rock with more strings...Classiically underrated!
This is what I read in wiki: The chorus of the song has the same chord progression as Pachelbel’s Canon’s but transposed from D to G, which is the tonality of “Wild West Hero”. The only exception is the 7th chord of the chorus, which is A instead of C.
You’re exactly right!!!
The British have a fascination with our western characters and Hollywood heroes.
it is
And it has such a dreamy magical feel to it.
Jeff Lynne is my musical savior. He's also a friggin talented, deep-souled genius. I hope he reads this! Peace, love n light to ALL. 🙏 Stay safe..be kind to others. Namaste.
Let’s face it, music isn’t getting better. It struck gold between the 1950’s and early 2000’s and now is quickly falling into the abyss.
Mainstream stuff, yes - but there's still some good modern music out there if you know where to look ..
@@odetteswann7694 agreed bro! There a still plenty of innovative artists in this day and age. One of my favorites has been Avi Kaplan
@@arctr00perecho Princess Chelsea is my current favourite.
Back in the day, you didn't need to look for the good music -- it was everywhere.
When a band of musicians can create a unique sound that hasnt diminished in 50 years ,you know you re listening to something very special. Well done elo. ❤
This is the kind of music you don't hear much. It's the kind that can lift your spirit and take it to another place, that only exists in our dreams or in a movie. Some people don't like this song in particular, but Jeff Lynn's creativity here is astounding.
Jeff Lynne modern day musical genius from Shard End, Birmingham 🇬🇧
The Brummies have blessed the world with so much good music. Sabbath, Priest and ELO for starters
@@mikerivera7509The city of great musical talents.
Jeff Lynn is magicant artist. Thè very best man.
This song touch's the heart, A mans desire to live free and to do right. bravo
It’s really relatable too, we all wish we could be out in the wild, seen as hero’s and be needed
Lovely lyrics too… Love the part " the folks would come to me, they say we need you here".. Ain't that what a hero is supposed to be?
I think it's also a reflection on an overly-simplistic and idealistic mindset, since the POV singer envisions the cowboys as nomadic heroes of the west, befriending the native Americans etc. When obviously the opposite of the case. I kinda think of it as a song about a man bogged down by his everyday life and reminiscing on a golden age of simple values that never really existed in the first place, which is a common sentiment these days.
@@tannhandled9767... just as 'Eldorado' was. Brilliant, innit?
Elon didn't write this song, a soldier did, the soldier was wishing he could use his skills as a hero, not for who he was fighting for, the music industry, like most, is full of very sick leaders, and many bands you know and love, were liers, like elo
Ahhhh...still such a GREAT fucking song. What a buildup, and still no better voice in my opinion. I'm getting chills as i type this. We kids that grew up back in the late 70s/early 80s indeed had a magical musical experience that I hold close to my heart even today.
agreed
There is no need to go back in time. You can easily get access to songs from any time nowadays.
People nowadays don't understand what it was like from our time, so no good going back in time.
After 2 years someone has to agree , thats me Debra ....!
Agree music was awesome in the seventies and eighties wish I could go back never tire of listening to Elo never will
This is simply a track of pure beauty.
Jeff will always be our Wild West Midlands Hero 🧡
Up the Blues
Jeff Lynne is the most under appreciated genius...
DS...it was the autumn of 1994, it didn't last long enough...but for that time I was your wild West hero and you were my western girl. I'll always remember you how you were....
Miss my dad so much x died of cancer last year on my sons bday. Loved singing along to elo and queen with him x tune x playing for my dad xxx cheers pa x
The part starting at 1:05 gives me chills every time. The melody is so pure and beautiful, with just a touch of haunting melancholy.
it's just pachabels' canon...
@@ianbent0ngo patch your bell to a canon and see where it takes you, pal.
I like the a capella part in this one the most.
+Lucas Koch Jeff Lynne is a true master and not as regarded as he should be! He is one of the greats, along with the best IMO
I agree and yet his ego and negligence towards the other band members ( Especially Kelly Groucutt) led to the ultimate downfall of ELO ):
The true talent of ELO always resided in Jeff Lynne, Richard Tandy, and Bev Bevan. To a smaller degree Kelly Groucutt, but only because of his voice. Everyone else was a studio musician at best.
Steven Thomas Rockaria.
This was literally a show stopper. I just listened through the whole album, and once this a capella section hit, I just stopped. Perfect time for a surprise, right at the end of the album. This is the work of a master musician!
I love that 2:42 is the most replayed section. That cold harmony section is easily my favorite part of the crazy wild west musical roller coaster.
*_that was a great mELOdy_*
Oh, God, what have we done?
Behold! My generation commenting on the older generations culture!
I don't get it
@degree7 Heh
i don't get it
Only Jeff Lynne has mastered a capella harmonization with himself. The magic of overdubbing
+Mobius_Peverell Billy Joel's pretty good at it too
I don’t doubt there is a healthy amount of overdubbing in there but are you sure it isn’t the rest of the band, there’s live versions that sound pretty awesome?
I think there was some Kelly Groucutt in there too.
And . . . . Enya.
Mobius_Peverell ELO
Used to listen to this song whilst working on the Canadian Prairie, never seen such vast empty space nothing there, no buildings no people just rolling plains and the weather :-)
Big Sky Country they call it, the most amazing experience to be the tallest thing in any direction!
Love the country and love this music :-)
I always forget that Canada also has a wild west
Lucky guy
I left school in this year 78...and this song just totally blew my mind......the great Jeff Lynn...yes that's right people the word GREAT....is used in my humble opinion to loosely ....but this man's vision the use of strings orchestra and all the magical instruments he used to get that perfect sound.....wow just magnificent.....your a legend Jeff 👏 👏👏 .....so so many brilliant songs u wrote none more so than this little gem 💎....well done Jeff..keep on rocking and writing !!!....God bless b kind to each other ❤ love animals ❤ and yourself ❤
Why are ELO songs the ones you crave to hear, yet rarely hear any on the radio?
So true! ELO the best ever!
many ears aren't as refined as ours
Right
To answer Ur “Q”....like me, Jeff Lynn is old (73yrs old) & his music goes back N2 the mid-70’s. Now that doesn’t answer Ur “Q” incident to oldies stations ....Liam Donaldssen Mcintyre,Jr ...”Mr Don” 🇨🇱AustinTX
@@jackpalance5099 I thought I was the only one that used the Chile 🇨🇱 flag emoji for Texas. 💪😎🇨🇱
This one has especially great harmonies.
This song's got the lot- ballad, opera, rock, harmony, classic . Wonderful.
If the Beatles carried on into the 1970s that is how their music would have sounded. The Fab Four would have experimented with classical music.
Struggling right now and listening to this song gives me goosebumps, I wish I was a wild west hero too...
I'm sorry you are struggling, I hope come out on the other side friend
@@crobilly19 thank you, it's been hard going but it's getting there. Hope you are ok too?
@@dogsarefab your very kind to ask..I'm ok, trying
( like you) to get up that great big hill...but I do hope you find solutions and overcome the challenges your experiencing...ok?..peace
Me and my little brothers' song ever since we were little kids. ....Still...you're gone brother, but this song lasts❤❤❤❤❤Love you❤❤❤
The Beatles would take so good about this band yet no one would give them the respect they deserve
Talk I said talk but it autocorrected for some reason
Fantastic end to a spectacular album. The blend of sound is just eargasmic.
Lol I'm using "eargasm"
From the dynamic strings to Jeff Lynne's awesome vocals; this song still rocks in 2022!
This reminds me so much that not everything is better than it used to be
What a great band, their music is timeless.
Lolol nice username 👌
Great name btw
I realized this just now, but when you listen to this song with earbuds/headphones, you can hear the different parts of the harmonies in different sides. You get the high parts in one ear, and the low parts in the other! You can especially hear it in the second part of the chorus. Try it out!
Jeff Lynne is dreamy
Definitely one of the greatest songs of all time
So many ELO songs you hear again after a long time and think ‘what a great song that is’
I lost my husband when he was 44 and I, 39. I come to ELO to bring him back for a while.
Always wished that acapella portion lasted longer on the studio version as it does in live versions. Those harmonies are angelic.
This song is about as good as it gets.takes me back to a time when the world was good.what memories.
I've heard people call ELO "what the Beatles would have been if they'd continued through the 70s", when you hear songs like this you can see what they mean.
... except that, in terms of emotional charge, this surpasses anything the Beatles ever did, with the honourable exceptions of 'She's Leaving Home', 'The Long And Winding Road', and 'Let It Be'.
One of the great bands who had their own signature sound. Fantastic and unique.
An absolute delight of a track. Takes me back to when I was 14. Now I'm 57 and still loving it! ELO one of the all time greats!!!
i’m 22 and this is definitely one of my favorite songs.
This is unbelievable
Bloody hell, what a beautiful song. Thank you ELI for putting this gem into this crazy world.
Sweet Jane
Being asked to choose your favourite ELO song is like being asked to choose between a Lamborghini diablo and a Ferrari F40.
Death by chocolate!
Best group ever !
RIP Billy listening to your fav band of all time forever in heaven ELO please come back to rainy Glasgow ( The rain is falling )
Saw Jeff's ELO twice at the Hydro (brilliant venue), and totally echo your sentiments 👍
God I was so lucky to be nine years old when out of the blue came out. The excitement of listening to this on blue vinyl. This and the debbie harry picture on my bedroom wall and life was complete xx
I think I was about 11 and I played it constantly
this brings a tear to my eye...it's like this song takes me away and i just love it
What a song harmonies,orchestra, drums ,guitars ,emotion and Jeff's voice all I can say is WOW
This song brings tears to my eyes.
My # SONG.🎉❤
this tune is the nuts. literal CLASSIC
Last night at the hollywood bowl ------ heard this live .... Brilliant !
OH so jealous of you... One of my favorite of many of theirs..
Saw them on September 10 at the Hollywood Bowl and then a few weeks later in NYC. The Hollywood Bowl show was the single best show I have seen in 40+ years of attending concerts! The marriage of sight and sound was a truly incredible experience! Zep held the position of best show ever seen until my wife and I saw the Hollywood Bowl show. What an incredible show it was!
Brazilliant!
@@Rushcuckoo15 I was there on September 11th!
This isn't just Rock or Pop, this is freakin Progressive Rock level, that or at least how I interpret what I'm feeling about this. This is amazingly done.
ELO does have origins as a Prog-Rock band. Their early works like No Answer and On the Third Day are very prog heavy.
This is one of the best songs ever produced...only someone like Jeff Lynn could write such powerful lyrics with the music....I love the blues sound and classical blended into a crescendo.
For my dad.. I miss you mate x
This is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite albums. It's been over a year since an album has gripped me this much, so many wonderful songs.
I actually consider this song to be the strongest contender for what I want to be played at my funeral.
Harmony is incredible. Where classical meets rock
Made the hairs stand up on my neck when it was released back in 1978 and it still does today in 2021. A song that will resonate with all generations
John Lennon was asked what the Beatles would sound like if they got back together. He said they would sound like ELO
Jeff Lynne is a Such a Musical Genius
Dark time of my life in the 70's i still had ELO to help me through! ❤️
Steffan Pila
This song "Wild West Hero" reminds me of the Beatles and Queen mostly because of the A Capella (the Chorus) in the middle of this song.
Ya I could hear that. Kind of reminded me of Play The Game by Queen. Great songs.
Yep, it does :-)
Now you say it, this has a similar western theme to Rocky Racoon.
Funny, but it reminds me of ELO...
Any kid growing up in the 1970s who was lucky enough to listen to Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra and the "Out Of The Blue" album and especially the "Wild West Hero" track may well ask the question afterwards, "You mean America isn't like that?".
With all it's bravura, it should have been just like this song.
Jeff Lynne didn't get it wrong. America did.
jmaxg I think President Nixon liked this one.
jmaxg Not to nitpick but they were just called The Electric Light Orchestra or ELO of course.
@@MONKEYBOY4627 Yes Raven, but Jeff wrote all of the songs and produced in the studio. Also the Wikipedia history of the Electric Light Orchestra backs me up after 1972.
Did Bev Bevan have something to do with it? Of course!
But I'm thinking he was thinking "Is he on a roll? Yes? Ok, let's just go with that."
And a roll it was....
The Electric Light Orchestra (1971)
ELO 2 (1973)
On the Third Day (1973)
Eldorado (1974)
Face the Music (1975)
A New World Record (1976)
Out of the Blue (1977)
Discovery (1979)
Time (1981)
Secret Messages (1983)
Balance of Power (1986)
Zoom (2001)
Alone in the Universe (2015) (producer)
and
Xanadu (1980)
So yes Raven. I think that Jeff Lynne was the powerhouse over all that time and creativity.
Just saying,
Jeff Lynne is from the United Kingdom, which is a place people made a choice to get the heck out of there. America is not in a good place right now, but the ability to make this comment is American. Treat people how you want to be treated, and if they aren't ruining your good time, what's the problem?
Times sure changed
[Intro]
Wish I was, yeah, a Wild West hero
[Verse 1]
Sometimes I look up high
And then I think there might
Just be a better life
Away from all we know
That's where I wanna go
Out on the wild side
And I wish I was
Oh-oh-oh-oh, a Wild West hero
[Chorus]
Ride the range all the day
Till the first fading light
Be with my western girl
Round the fire oh so bright
I'd be the Indians' friend
Let them live to be free
Ridin' into the sunset
I wish I could be
{transition music}
[Verse 2]
I'd ride the desert sands
And through the prairie lands
Tryin' to do what's right
The folks would come to me
They'd say, "We need you here."
I'd stay there for the night
Oh, I wish I was
Oh-oh-oh-oh, a Wild West hero
[Chorus]
Ride the range all the day
Till the first fading light
Be with my western girl
Round the fire oh so bright
I'd be the Indians' friend
Let them live to be free
Ridin' into the sunset
I wish I could be
{transition music}
[Bridge?]
Oh, I wish I was
Oh-oh-oh-oh, a Wild West hero
I wish I was
Oh-oh-oh-oh, a Wild West hero
Oh, I wish I was
Oh-oh-oh-oh, a Wild West hero
Wish I was
Oh-oh-oh-oh, a Wild West hero
Wish I was, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, a Wild West hero
so many hidden gems from this band!
Greatest song by them hands down
For me, it ties with 'Fire On High', 'I Can't Get It Out Of My Head', 'Big Wheels' and 'Telephone Line'.
As a youngster in the late 70's / 80's, Not a Rock Fan at all. but ElO were different - perhaps because of the backing of full orchestrates behind them as well a created a a Rock - Classical music combined experience.
Remember on 8 tracks then. Today I still have cassettes for E.L.O I play in my 27 year old Volvo.
Volvo's are for life & so too the magic orchestrate of E.L.O & make great "driving " music .
Ride the range all the day, till the first fading light.....Loved this song for the last 40 years.....Beautiful lyrics
The gradual build up to 3.30 is amazing and then the crescendo kicks in. Jeff Lynne's vocals at this point are breath taking. The power of classical and rock combines to produce an amazing emotional sound. ELO have to be one of the best bands ever. Just my opinion though ;-) 'I wish I was a Wild West Hero'
good music doesn't have an expiration date
No it don't.
Lyrics:
Sometimes I look up high
And then I think there might,
Just be a better life
Away from all we know
That's where I wanna go
Out on the wild side,
And I wish I was
Oh oh oh oh, a wild west hero.
Ride the range all the day
Till the first fading light
Be with my western girl
Round the fire oh so bright
I'd be the indians' friend
Let them love to be free
Ridin' into the sunset
I wish I could be.
I'd ride the desert sands
And through the prairie lands
Tryin' to do what's right
The folks would come to me
They'd say we need you here
I'd stay there for the night,
Oh I wish I was
Oh oh oh oh, a wild west hero
Ride the range all the day
Till the first fading light
Be with my western girl
Round the fire oh so bright
I'd be the indians' friend
Let them love to be free
Ridin' into the sunset
I wish I could be.
Is he singing:'' Let them live to be free'' - not ''love....''?
@yayis tulinauwu : y
You are absolutely correct - I checked the lyrics printed on the sleeves - :)
Thanks Xander from a real Brummie now living in Aberystwyth Wales UK all the best Stuart jones 😀
Thanks for posting the lyrics!
THANX FOR POSTING THE LYRICS ALL THE BEST FROM SCOTLAND🏌🎶🎶
...when vocals belt out 'hero' I still get goose bumps. I used to have this album on my old turnable next to my bed. My 16 year old daughter listens to them now. Long live ELO and the new west heroes fighting in Ukraine.
I love this. It makes me want to get my Horse out and boots. Horse with No Name with the Appalachian Folk Get your Horse out music...
I am a teen again, Bliss! 👌
If this isn't Steel Ball Run's ending theme I will flip tables.
pkleaf FUCK that really works now I’m gonna be disappointed if they don’t pick this
See you in the future if it comes true
Damn, thats a pretty good idea
Is that a JoJo reference?
I remember this when it came out. I was about 16
Year anyone? 78...79
God bless everyone who reads this message 👍♥️✝️⭐
Well shaun5944 you haven't got dementia yet, because i also remember this song out about that time 77-79 period. I remember listening to the whole album on cassette while scanning through the ladies underwear section of my mothers catalogue.🤣🤣✊🍆💦
Fantastic music fantastic group never get fed up of playing it enought said lay back chill and enjoy
Only just rediscovered ELO, old beatles nerd, loved Travelling Wilburys, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, Not to forget George and Roy, were, are, still my favourite artists, knew Jeff was multi talented, but ELO catalogue is awesome. And live, awesome
Theost GORGEOUS song I've ever heard in ny life PERIOD!!!!!
I'd ride the desert sands and through the prairie lands, try to do what's right. The folks would come to me, they'd say "We need you here," I'd stay there for the night. Oh, I wish I was, Oooh, a wild west hero.
Pure magic...42 years ago i was trying to enhance my skills with the english language hearing this classic...
There are so many songs that were very important to me. They were there exactly when I needed them to encourage or give comfort. This was one of those songs.
One of all time Favourite ELO tracks.
Still enjoying. Loving the Live stuff !!
Best band ever!!!
I’m a kid growing up in the 21st century and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ELO❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍😆😆😆
@@dadankleprechaun6914 Awesome DDL. Their music is brilliant, timeless and will live in perpetuity! Only wish I could live forever listening to it.
I always liked ELO's early hits on the radio back in the '70s but a friend introduced me to their previous album, A New World Record, and I was completely hooked. As soon as Out Of The Blue came out I bought it--before any of the tracks even got airplay--and loved it. Imagine--2 full records of ELO, and all of it gold.
Thanks Louis