The True Meaning of the Lyrics to Kickstart My Heart by Mötley Crüe

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Mötley Crüe has always been known for their ability to create songs that fill massive venues with energy. Whether or not their recent performances have been perfect, their impact on rock music is undeniable.

This energy is a testament to Nikki Sixx’s talent at understanding what their fans crave.

One of their most famous tracks, “Kickstart My Heart,” exemplifies this. Frequently heard in commercials and at live sporting events, its meaning is often a topic of discussion.

By looking into the lyrics of “Kickstart My Heart,” we can uncover the layers behind this iconic song and better understand Sixx’s intentions.

The Path to Creating “Kickstart My Heart”

Nikki Sixx’s Talent for Crafting Energetic Rock Anthems

Nikki Sixx had a gift for creating songs that captured the raw energy and rebellious spirit of Mötley Crüe. Despite not being the most skilled bassist in the industry, he was a remarkable songwriter and visionary.

His knack for writing powerful rock anthems played a significant role in shaping the band’s image and success.

Sixx’s songwriting process often involved drawing from his personal experiences and struggles.

His bout with heroin addiction was a major influence on “Kickstart My Heart.” The song’s lyrics encapsulate the highs and lows of his life, turning a real and dark part of his history into a high-octane anthem.

The band’s image was also heavily influenced by Sixx. He envisioned Mötley Crüe as a group that exuded an edgy and rebellious aura.

This vision was reflected in their music videos, stage performances, and overall persona. Their glam-rock style, reminiscent of KISS, combined with their notorious antics, made them stand out in the rock scene.

MTV’s influence cannot be overlooked. The rise of music videos on the network catapulted Mötley Crüe into stardom.

Sixx leveraged this by pushing the band’s controversial and wild image, making sure they were always in the spotlight. This relentless drive for attention and fame often led to reckless behavior.

Tragic incidents, such as the car crash involving Vince Neil that claimed the life of Razzle Dingley, painted a darker side of their lifestyle.

Despite these tragedies, Sixx continued to funnel his experiences into his music, giving fans a raw and unfiltered look into the chaotic world of Mötley Crüe.

Heroin addiction, particularly Sixx’s struggle, was a pivotal part of his life during the late 1980s.

This grim battle against addiction heavily influenced the lyrics of “Kickstart My Heart,” which tells the story of his overdose and miraculous revival. This personal and intense backstory contributed to the song’s authenticity and its lasting impact on fans.

The Meaning of the Lyrics to “Kickstart My Heart”

Steven Adler’s Story About Nikki Sixx’s Overdose

Steven Adler has his own version of the night Nikki Sixx overdosed. According to Adler, the event didn’t play out like a movie scene.

In an interview with Triple M Radio, Adler shared his memory of that night. He described how Sixx was in trouble after taking heroin.

Adler had a broken hand at the time but still managed to drag Sixx into the shower. He turned on the cold water and slapped Sixx’s face with his cast. Remarkably, the purple color of Sixx’s face started disappearing.

Adler continued by saying that this was the moment paramedics arrived. They pulled Sixx out of the shower and onto the living room floor.

Instead of using adrenaline shots, they just pumped his chest with their hands. Adler emphasized that they did not perform a procedure like the one in the movie Pulp Fiction.

In the end, Sixx got a great song out of this ordeal. Adler pointed out that sometimes stories get bigger over time, especially in the world of rock and roll.

As loud and chaotic as the story is, the core remains a serious event in Sixx’s life, leading to the creation of the iconic song “Kickstart My Heart.”

The Legacy of “Kickstart My Heart”

“Kickstart My Heart” stands as one of Mötley Crüe’s most beloved tracks.

Much of its popularity can be attributed to Mick Mars’s iconic guitar riff, its energetic tempo, and its memorable chorus.

The song was a big hit in the U.S., helping the album “Dr. Feelgood” achieve impressive sales figures.

Over time, the song has been woven into popular culture.

From car ads for Dodge to snack commercials for Planters nuts, its presence is hard to ignore.

TV shows like “The Office” and “American Dad!” have used it to pump up action-packed scenes, showcasing its wide appeal.

In a surprising twist, in 2019, a driver in Manitoba cited “Kickstart My Heart” as the reason for speeding.

He told the police the song’s rush made him drive faster than the legal limit.

The excuse didn’t work, and he faced a hefty fine of $639.

This incident further cemented the song’s reputation as a high-energy anthem that can literally make hearts race.