Song Meaning

Steve Forbert's "Wild As The Wind (A Tribute To Rick Danko)" isn't just a eulogy; it's a character sketch, painted with the fondness of a friend and the unflinching eye of an observer. The song meaning resides in the seeming contradictions of Danko's personality: "oddly down to earth and just as wild as the wind." Forbert doesn't shy away from the rock 'n' roll cliché – the casual drug use, the backstage chaos – but frames it as part of Danko's untamable spirit. The repeated line, "Rick would take some cocaine / Didn't need a straw," is delivered without judgment, almost as an aside, highlighting the normalization of such behavior within that era and subculture. Yet, immediately following this, Forbert marvels at Danko's ability to transform, to "walk out and rock" flawlessly, suggesting a deep, perhaps self-destructive, commitment to performance. The chorus, with its simple, conversational "Hey, Mister, got a minute?" reveals the approachable, almost childlike quality Forbert admired in Danko. It speaks to a genuine interest in others, a willingness to connect, regardless of fame or status. This contrasts sharply with the image of the drug-fueled rock star, creating a complex portrait of a man who was both grounded and soaring. The musical arrangement, with its harmonica and guitar solos, further underscores this duality, evoking both a rootsy, down-home feel and a more expansive, unrestrained energy. Ultimately, "Wild As The Wind" mourns not just the loss of Rick Danko, but the passing of a certain kind of unbridled spirit. The line "There's a certain kind of free heart / That's never bought and sold" encapsulates the core of Forbert's tribute. He celebrates Danko's authenticity, his refusal to compromise, and the inherent tragedy of a "wild child that never should get old." The repetition of the opening verse at the song's close reinforces the cyclical nature of memory and grief, reminding us that while legends may fade, their essence remains, forever "wild as the wind."