Wanted Dead Or Alive

Bon Jovi's 'Wanted Dead Or Alive' is a song that captures the essence of the rock and roll lifestyle, likening it to the life of a cowboy in the Wild West. The lyrics paint a picture of a nomadic life, filled with constant travel and fleeting relationships. The 'steel horse' the singer rides is a metaphor for the tour bus or motorcycle that carries him from city to city, much like a cowboy's horse would have in the past. The refrain 'I'm wanted dead or alive' suggests a sense of notoriety and the feeling of being pursued, whether by fans, the media, or the metaphorical ghosts of a life lived on the edge.

The song also touches on the loneliness and isolation that can come with fame. Despite being surrounded by people, the protagonist feels disconnected, as the people he meets 'always go their separate ways.' The line 'Sometimes you tell the day by the bottle that you drink' hints at the use of alcohol to cope with the solitude and the rigors of life on the road. The 'loaded six string on my back' is a symbol of the musician's craft and weapon of choice, suggesting that music is both his burden and his savior.

Ultimately, 'Wanted Dead Or Alive' is a reflection on the duality of the rockstar existence—glamorous yet gritty, exhilarating yet exhausting. It's a ballad that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pull of wanderlust, the weight of loneliness, or the thrill of performing. Bon Jovi, known for their rock anthems and powerful ballads, encapsulates the enduring image of the rockstar as a modern-day outlaw, forever riding into the sunset.