Some songs don’t just play—they ignite.
“Kickstart My Heart” is a full-throttle blast of adrenaline, packed with screaming guitars, pounding drums, and raw energy.
Classic rock artists rarely capture the thrill of survival and the rush of rock ‘n’ roll like this anthem does.
From the first rev of the guitar to the final explosive chorus, this track never lets up.
- Writer: Nikki Sixx
- Album: Dr. Feelgood (1989)
- Producer: Bob Rock
đź“ť Background & Meaning:
“Kickstart My Heart” was written by Nikki Sixx, the bassist and primary songwriter of Mötley CrĂĽe.
Released as the second single from their fifth studio album, Dr. Feelgood (1989), the song became one of Mötley CrĂĽe’s most iconic anthems, celebrated for its adrenaline-pumping energy and raw honesty.
The song was directly inspired by a near-death experience Nikki Sixx had in 1987.
After a heroin overdose, Sixx was clinically dead for two minutes before being revived by a paramedic who administered two shots of adrenaline directly to his heart.
That life-changing moment became the foundation for the song.
“Kickstart My Heart” isn’t just about literal survival—it’s about the wild, chaotic, and larger-than-life lifestyle of rock ‘n’ roll in the 1980s.
The song captures the exhilaration of living on the edge, the thrill of performing live, and the intensity of the band’s journey through excess and recovery.
🎤 Key Themes:
- Survival and Resilience: The song represents Nikki Sixx’s literal and metaphorical return from the brink of death.
- Adrenaline and Excitement: The music and lyrics capture the rush of living fast and loud.
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Excess: It reflects the hedonistic and often dangerous lifestyle of 1980s rock stars.
- Redemption: Despite its chaotic energy, the song hints at a renewed lease on life after surviving such a harrowing experience.
🎧 Notable Lyrics:
“Ooh, are you ready now? Whoa yeah / Whoa yeah / Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh!”
- The explosive opening sets the stage for an adrenaline-fueled ride.
“Ooh, are you ready nowa whoa yeah! / Whoa yeah! / Kickstart my heart, give it a start!”
- A direct reference to Nikki Sixx’s revival after his overdose.
“When we started this band, all we needed, needed was a laugh / Years gone by, I’d say we’ve kicked some a*.”*
- A reflection on the band’s wild journey and their relentless energy.
🎸 Musical Highlights:
- Opening Guitar Riff: Mick Mars’ screaming guitar riff sets the song ablaze right from the start.
- Fast-Paced Tempo: The song’s breakneck speed and driving rhythm mimic the feeling of an adrenaline rush.
- Tommy Lee’s Drumming: Tommy Lee delivers a ferocious drum performance, adding power to every beat.
- High-Energy Vocals: Vince Neil’s vocals capture the unapologetic spirit and wild energy of the song.
- Breakdown and Guitar Solo: Mars’ electrifying guitar solo adds to the song’s intensity.
🌍 Cultural Impact:
- “Kickstart My Heart” became one of Mötley CrĂĽe’s signature songs and a stadium anthem.
- The track has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials, often accompanying high-energy, action-packed scenes.
- It remains a crowd favorite at concerts, with fans eagerly shouting along to the chorus.
- The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1990.
- In 2023, “Kickstart My Heart” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its cultural and historical significance.
🎤 “Kickstart My Heart” Fun Fact:
- Nikki Sixx was declared dead for two minutes after his heroin overdose, and the song title directly references the literal “kickstart” to his heart.
- The “wah-wah” guitar intro was Mick Mars imitating the sound of a motorcycle engine revving.
- Despite being written about a harrowing experience, the song has an uplifting and celebratory vibe, showcasing Sixx’s gratitude for surviving.
🔑 What It Represents:
“Kickstart My Heart” isn’t just a rock anthem—it’s a celebration of survival, adrenaline, and the indomitable spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
It represents:
- The raw energy and chaos of the 1980s rock scene.
- Nikki Sixx’s harrowing brush with death and his triumphant recovery.
- The thrill of living on the edge and surviving against all odds.
- Mötley CrĂĽe’s unapologetic, no-holds-barred attitude.
With its explosive riffs, adrenaline-charged lyrics, and relentless energy, “Kickstart My Heart” remains a timeless anthem of rock resilience and excess, firmly securing its place as one of the greatest hard rock songs ever recorded. 🎶🔥❤️
🎶 Why It Still Resonates Today:
Few songs hit as hard and fast as “Kickstart My Heart.”
The song’s breakneck speed and high-voltage energy make it impossible to ignore.
It’s not just about music—it’s about pushing limits, surviving the odds, and chasing the ultimate high.
Classic rock artists often aim for a signature song that defines their legacy, and for Mötley Crüe, this is it.
Whether blasting through stadium speakers or soundtracking action-packed movie scenes, “Kickstart My Heart” remains the ultimate anthem of speed, survival, and rock ‘n’ roll chaos.
Closing Statement
“Kickstart My Heart” isn’t just a song—it’s a sonic explosion.
With its high-speed riffs, powerhouse drumming, and electrifying vocals, it’s a track that demands to be played loud.
Few classic rock artists have captured the raw excitement of living on the edge like Mötley Crüe did with this anthem.
Decades later, the rush is just as real. 🎸🔥⚡
