About the song
“The Pusher,” a rock anthem penned by Hoyt Axton, gained widespread fame through its association with the iconic 1969 film Easy Rider, where Steppenwolf’s rendition set the tone for the movie’s opening scenes depicting drug culture. Axton’s lyrics sharply delineate between the purveyors of soft drugs like marijuana, promising “sweet dreams,” and the pushers of hard drugs such as heroin, portrayed as callous “monsters” indifferent to life or death.
Originally recorded by The Sparrows, a precursor to Steppenwolf, at the Matrix in 1967, the song evolved into its definitive form when released on Steppenwolf’s 1968 album. Organist Goldy McJohn recalled its inception during an impromptu performance due to the late arrival of lead singer John Kay and drummer Jerry Edmonton at the Avalon Ballroom, further refined during a New Year’s Eve gig at “The Arc” in Sausalito later that year.
Despite its initial release, Axton himself didn’t include “The Pusher” on any of his albums until Joy To The World in 1971, having originally debuted it on the compilation album First Vibration in 1969. The song’s enduring impact is underscored by its diverse covers, including Nina Simone’s soulful interpretation in 1974 and more recent renditions by Blind Melon, The Flaming Lips & Deap Vally, and others spanning different musical genres.
Notably, the song’s publication history carries a quirky anecdote: Axton’s mother, Mae Boren Axton, who managed his publishing, initially refused to publish it due to what she perceived as profanity. It took Hoyt’s explanation that the curse was biblical in nature for her to relent, leading to its eventual publication.
In 2024, the song continues to resonate, with guitarist Slash featuring a bluesy rendition on his album “Orgy of the Damned,” featuring Chris Robinson on vocals and harmonica. This latest iteration underscores “The Pusher’s” enduring relevance and ability to evolve across generations while maintaining its powerful commentary on the darker facets of drug culture. With its rich history and varied interpretations, “The Pusher” remains not just a song but a cultural touchstone, continuing to provoke thought and inspire musical innovation.
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Lyrics
You know I’ve smoked a lot of grass
O’ Lord, I’ve popped a lot of pills
But I never touched nothin’
That my spirit could kill
You know, I’ve seen a lot of people walkin’ ’round
With tombstones in their eyes
But the pusher don’t care
Ah, if you live or if you dieGod damn, The Pusher
God damn, I say The Pusher
I said God damn, God damn The Pusher manYou know the dealer, the dealer is a man
With the love grass in his hand
Oh but the pusher is a monster
Good God, he’s not a natural man
The dealer for a nickel
Lord, will sell you lots of sweet dreams
Ah, but the pusher ruin your body
Lord, he’ll leave your, he’ll leave your mind to screamGod damn, The Pusher
God damn, God damn the Pusher
I said God damn, God, God damn The Pusher manWell, now if I were the president of this land
You know, I’d declare total war on The Pusher man
I’d cut him if he stands, and I’d shoot him if he’d run
Yes I’d kill him with my Bible and my razor and my gunGod damn The Pusher
Gad damn The Pusher
I said God damn, God damn The Pusher man