About the song
“Crazy on You” by Heart is a powerful and iconic rock song that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release. The track was featured on Heart’s debut studio album, *Dreamboat Annie*, and was introduced as a single in 1976. This song quickly became one of Heart’s signature pieces, demonstrating the band’s unique blend of acoustic and electric guitar work, paired with Ann Wilson’s striking vocals. The song’s distinct sound and its success on the charts solidified Heart’s place in rock music history.
The song opens with an unforgettable acoustic guitar instrumental, which sets the tone for the rest of the track. Nancy Wilson, who co-wrote the song, was the mastermind behind the intricate guitar work. She was inspired by The Moody Blues’ 1970 song “Question,” which influenced the rapid acoustic rhythm. This introduction, paired with the powerful electric guitar riff created by Roger Fisher, made “Crazy on You” stand out, especially during a time when female guitarists were a rarity in the rock music scene.
Lyrically, “Crazy on You” is a passionate expression of a desire to escape the world’s troubles through a night of intense emotion and connection. The song was written during a period of social unrest in the United States, particularly the Vietnam War, which added a deeper layer of meaning to the lyrics. Ann Wilson later revealed that the song was a response to the overwhelming stress of that era, channeling the need for relief and freedom into the music.
The song found significant success in Canada and the United States, peaking at number 25 on the RPM Top Singles chart in Canada and number 35 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its impact extended beyond North America, achieving higher rankings in European countries like the Netherlands and Belgium. “Crazy on You” also became a staple on classic rock radio stations, continuing to receive airplay long after its initial release.
The legacy of “Crazy on You” is further highlighted by its inclusion in the soundtracks of several films, including *Captain Marvel* and *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3*. Its lasting appeal is a testament to the song’s timeless quality and the powerful performances by Heart. The band’s performance of the song during their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, after more than 30 years apart, is a testament to its enduring significance in the world of rock music.
Video
Lyrics
If we still have time, we might still get by
Every time I think about it, I wanna cry
With bombs and the Devil, and the kids keep comin’
No way to breathe easy, no time to be young
But I tell myself that I was doin’ all right
There’s nothin’ left to do at night
But go crazy on you
Crazy on you
Let me go crazy, crazy on you, oh
My love is the evenin’ breeze touchin’ your skin
The gentle, sweet singin’ of leaves in the wind
The whisper that calls after you in the night
And kisses your ear in the early moonlight
And you don’t need to wonder, you’re doing fine
My love, the pleasure’s mine
Let me go crazy on you
Crazy on you
Let me go crazy, crazy on you, oh
Wild man’s world is cryin’ in pain
What you gonna do when everybody’s insane?
So afraid of one who’s so afraid of you
What you gonna do?
Ooh, crazy on you
Crazy on you
Let me go crazy, crazy on you
I was a willow last night in a dream
I bent down over a clear running stream
Sang you the song that I heard up above
And you kept me alive with your sweet flowing love
Crazy
Yeah, crazy on you
Let me go crazy, crazy on you, oh
Crazy on you
Crazy on you
Let me go crazy, crazy on you, yeah
Crazy on you
Crazy on you
Let me go crazy, crazy on you, oh