Walk This Way
by Run–D.M.C.
What is “Walk This Way” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Walk This Way” by Run–D.M.C. is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Run-D.M.C.'s 'Walk This Way' depicts a youthful adventure, focusing on teenage thrills, flirtations, and the exhilarating discovery of one's own swagger and style through romantic encounters.
So… what’s this song really about?
The song 'Walk This Way' by Run-D.M.C., featuring Aerosmith, captures the spirit of youthful rebellion and the rites of passage into adolescence through vivid storytelling and dynamic interactions. The lyrics portray a portrait of high school life filled with sexual discoveries, peer interactions, and the quest for coolness. It's a celebration of breaking out of one's shell, using the metaphor of 'walking' as a form of self-expression and confidence building. Through its energetic delivery, the song conveys a palpable sense of excitement and the euphoria of newfound freedom, laying out the emotional landscape of a teenager stepping into a wider, wilder world with confidence. The collaboration between a hip-hop group and a rock band also symbolizes a crossing of genre boundaries, illustrating the song's theme of exploring and embracing new directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who originally performed 'Walk This Way' before Run-D.M.C. covered it?
The original 'Walk This Way' was performed by Aerosmith, released in 1975.
Q: How did the collaboration between Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith come about?
The collaboration was suggested by producer Rick Rubin, who saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between rock and hip-hop.
Q: What was the impact of 'Walk This Way' on music genres?
The song is credited with helping bring hip-hop music to a wider audience and revitalizing Aerosmith's career, besides blending rock and hip-hop genres.
Lyrics to “Walk This Way”
68 Contributors
[Verse 2: Rev Run, D.M.C., & Both]
School girl sleazy with a classy kind of sassy
Little skirt hanging way up her knee
It was three young ladies in the school gym locker
And they found they were looking at D
I was a high school loser, never made it with a lady
'Til the boys told me something I missed
That my next door neighbor with a daughter had a favor
And I gave the girl a little kiss, like this
[Chorus: Steven Tyler, Steven Tyler & Run-D.M.C.]
See-saw swinging with the boys in the school
With your feet flying up in the air
Singing, "Hey diddle diddle, with your kitty in the middle"
I was swinging like I didn't care
So I took a big chance at the high school dance
With a missy who was ready to play
Wasn't me she was foolin' when she knew what she was doin'
When she told me how to walk this way
She told me to
[Chorus: Steven Tyler & Rev Run]
Walk this way, talk this way
Walk this way, talk this way (She told me to)
Walk this way, talk this way
Walk this way, talk this way
Well, just gimme some head
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