Walk on the Wild Side (song)

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"Walk on the Wild Side" originated as the title song of a 1962 film. Its lyrics were written by Mack David and its music by Elmer Bernstein, and it won these two an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

The song evokes the jazz and gospel music musical styles of the film's New Orleans setting, and the reputation of its Storyville district. It addresses an unnamed straying Christian — or perhaps all who

…walk on the wild side

Away from the promised land

and seems to threaten them in terms understood within their life style:

One day of praying, and six nights of fun.

Odds against getting to Heaven: six to one.

The song has had a second life in real-life gospel music.

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