About the song
“The Warrior,” a powerful rock anthem by the American band Scandal featuring the electrifying vocals of Patty Smyth, isn’t just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone. Released in 1984 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album, “The Warrior” quickly became a chart-topping sensation, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and claiming the top spot on the US Rock Top Tracks chart. Its success transcended borders, hitting number one in Canada and achieving impressive rankings in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
But “The Warrior” is more than just numbers on a chart. The song, penned by songwriting duo Holly Knight and Nick Gilder, is a potent exploration of inner strength and the desire to break free. With driving guitars and Smyth’s soaring vocals, the song pulsates with raw energy, urging the listener to cast aside societal constraints and embrace their own fighting spirit. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a passionate love story intertwined with a yearning for independence.
The song’s impact extends far beyond its initial release. The captivating music video, directed by David Hahn, perfectly captures the song’s rebellious spirit. In recent years, “The Warrior” has experienced a resurgence, finding a new audience as the opening theme for both the critically acclaimed Netflix series GLOW (2017-2019) and the 2024 spin-off of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, Knuckles.
Looking deeper, Holly Knight, the song’s co-writer, reveals a personal connection to the theme of being a warrior. Coming from a challenging family background, Knight found solace in the idea of fighting for something bigger than oneself. This theme resonated deeply within her and became a recurring motif in her songwriting, culminating in the powerful anthem that is “The Warrior.”
Whether it’s the electrifying music, the relatable lyrics, or the empowering message, “The Warrior” continues to resonate with listeners across generations. This is more than just a song; it’s a call to arms, urging us to embrace our inner warrior and fight for what we believe in.
Video
Lyrics
You run, run, run away
It’s your heart that you betray
Feeding on your hungry eyes
I bet you’re not so civilizedWell, isn’t love primitive
A wild gift that you want to give
Break out of captivity
And follow me stereo jungle child
Love is the kill
You’re heart’s still wildShooting at the walls of heartache bang, bang
I am the warrior
Well, I am the warrior
And heart to heart you’ll win
If you survive, the warrior, the warriorYou talk, talk, talk to me
You’re eyes touch me physically
Stay with me, we’ll take the night
As passion takes another bite
Oh, who’s the hunter, who’s the game
I feel the beat call your name
I hold you close in victory
I don’t want to tame your animal style
You won’t be caged
In the call of the wildShooting at the walls of heartache bang, bang
I am the warrior
Well, I am the warrior
And heart to heart you’ll win
If you survive, the warrior, the warrior
I am the warriorShooting at the walls of heartache (shooting at the walls of heartache)
The warrior
I am the warrior
And heart to heart you’ll win
Heart to heart you’ll win
If you survive, the warrior, the warriorShooting at the walls of heartache
I am the warrior
Yes, I am the warrior
And victory is mineShooting at the walls of heartache
I am the warrior
Shooting at the walls of heartache bang, bang
I am the warrior