Los Lobos — Will the Wolf Survive
Album: How Will the Wolf Survive?Avg rating:
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Total ratings: 1318
Length: 3:37
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Through the chill of winter
Running across the frozen lake
Hunters are out on his trail
All odds are against him
With a family to provide for
The one thing he must keep alive
Will the wolf survive
Drifting by the roadside
Climbs each storm and aging face
Wants to make some morning's fate
Losing to the range war
He's got two strong legs to guide him
Two strong arms keep him alive
Will the wolf survive
Standing in the pouring rain
All alone in a world that's changed
Running scared, now forced to hide
In a land where he once stood with pride
But he'll find his way by the morning light
Sounds across the nation
Coming from your hearts and minds
Battered drums and old guitars
Singing songs of passion
It's the truth that they all look for
The one thing they must keep alive
Will the wolf survive
Will the wolf survive
Running across the frozen lake
Hunters are out on his trail
All odds are against him
With a family to provide for
The one thing he must keep alive
Will the wolf survive
Drifting by the roadside
Climbs each storm and aging face
Wants to make some morning's fate
Losing to the range war
He's got two strong legs to guide him
Two strong arms keep him alive
Will the wolf survive
Standing in the pouring rain
All alone in a world that's changed
Running scared, now forced to hide
In a land where he once stood with pride
But he'll find his way by the morning light
Sounds across the nation
Coming from your hearts and minds
Battered drums and old guitars
Singing songs of passion
It's the truth that they all look for
The one thing they must keep alive
Will the wolf survive
Will the wolf survive
Comments (131)add comment
gammapi wrote:
Great story!
1983, reconnecting with a college friend in a Westport bar/restaurant near the UCLA campus having mimosas or screwdrivers, lazy Sunday afternoon cocktails.
We've been seated in an elevated area in the front window and the band is immediately below us on the other side of an iron railing, not five feet away. I could have reached out and tapped the back of the drummer's head. I've never heard anything like these guys and their musicianship is simply outstanding. Never got their name and I was bummed we had to leave kinda early because of a longish drive home.
1984, "How Will the Wolf Survive" is released. It's THEM, the guys playing in the bar!!! I immediately bought the album, and subsequently multple others.
Great story!
Proclivities wrote:
I would agree with you if the R&R Hall of Fame had more of a legitimate purpose or public mandate. It's essentially a profit-making, private country club, run by (non-musicians) Jann Wenner and Dave Marsh.
Well put.
I would agree with you if the R&R Hall of Fame had more of a legitimate purpose or public mandate. It's essentially a profit-making, private country club, run by (non-musicians) Jann Wenner and Dave Marsh.
Well put.
1983, reconnecting with a college friend in a Westport bar/restaurant near the UCLA campus having mimosas or screwdrivers, lazy Sunday afternoon cocktails.
We've been seated in an elevated area in the front window and the band is immediately below us on the other side of an iron railing, not five feet away. I could have reached out and tapped the back of the drummer's head. I've never heard anything like these guys and their musicianship is simply outstanding. Never got their name and I was bummed we had to leave kinda early because of a longish drive home.
1984, "How Will the Wolf Survive" is released. It's THEM, the guys playing in the bar!!! I immediately bought the album, and subsequently multple others.
We've been seated in an elevated area in the front window and the band is immediately below us on the other side of an iron railing, not five feet away. I could have reached out and tapped the back of the drummer's head. I've never heard anything like these guys and their musicianship is simply outstanding. Never got their name and I was bummed we had to leave kinda early because of a longish drive home.
1984, "How Will the Wolf Survive" is released. It's THEM, the guys playing in the bar!!! I immediately bought the album, and subsequently multple others.
Wow have not heard this song in years thanks bill
Was introduced to this song when the NPR played it back-to-back with Metallica's "Of Wolf And Man." Wolf conservation week and so on.
Cynaera wrote:
My fav is their cover of B. Goodman's "In The Mood."
Cranking this loud, and to hell with the neighbors. My all-time favorite song by Los Lobos (and I love most of their stuff, so this says a lot.)
Shutting up - gotta listen now.
My fav is their cover of B. Goodman's "In The Mood."
Huh, I try to resist comparison, but I can't help but hear a little Steve Winwood in the vocal here!
...and that's very nice : >
...and that's very nice : >
they have a faster version of this? It seems slow to me.
Not their best but not running to change the station either . Its ok
Edweirdo wrote:
WHAT? Ignorant and stupid, what a combo
Voice sounds a bit like Steve Winwood. Sadly the music isn't that good.
WHAT? Ignorant and stupid, what a combo
Voice sounds a bit like Steve Winwood. Sadly the music isn't that good.
Saw them live at a Drive In Concert in August. I don't know if it was the type of venue or the fact that they may have been out of practice due to the pandemic but I was very disappointed. There was a serious lack of energy and they played for less time then their warmup band. They sounded loose and completely outta practice. While I understand the pandemic has caused all of us to change our way of life, it just seemed like they put very little effort into this gig. They could've at least practiced for their fans that showed up and supported them.
such a different sound when this song came out....Disco just ended, Twisted Sister ruled the rock charts...then los lobos comes along w/ this beauty...
Sounds like Steve Winwood.
Skydog wrote:
When you listen to their version of Mr. Fantasy you can't help hearing the similarity between the vocals and that's a compliment when you're talking about Steve Winwood.
any particular Traffic song that this sounds like?
sounds nothing like Traffic to me
sounds nothing like Traffic to me
When you listen to their version of Mr. Fantasy you can't help hearing the similarity between the vocals and that's a compliment when you're talking about Steve Winwood.
One of my favorites from them..
any particular Traffic song that this sounds like?
sounds nothing like Traffic to me
sounds nothing like Traffic to me
WonderLizard wrote:
He still takes a seat at the drums for a while every show.
Back when Louie Perez was their drummer, and a good one. He's out front now playing rhythm guitar.
He still takes a seat at the drums for a while every show.
WonderLizard wrote:
And these guys, THE PRIDE OF ROCKFORD, are also getting no love in Cleveland.
If there's room for KISS & Rush, there's gotta be room for Cheap Trick.
Along with Joe Jackson, an egregious omission from the Rock'n'roll HOF.
And these guys, THE PRIDE OF ROCKFORD, are also getting no love in Cleveland.
If there's room for KISS & Rush, there's gotta be room for Cheap Trick.
New album coming out soon!!!! 
WonderLizard wrote:
I would agree with you if the R&R Hall of Fame had more of a legitimate purpose or public mandate. It's essentially a profit-making, private country club, run by (non-musicians) Jann Wenner and Dave Marsh.
Along with Joe Jackson, an egregious omission from the Rock'n'roll HOF.
I would agree with you if the R&R Hall of Fame had more of a legitimate purpose or public mandate. It's essentially a profit-making, private country club, run by (non-musicians) Jann Wenner and Dave Marsh.
Their finest.Never fails to inspire and fill me with hope.
Along with Joe Jackson, an egregious omission from the Rock'n'roll HOF.
And they've been doing it for almost 30 years, too.
Quite frankly, the vocals do evoke Steve Winwood.
Sort of Winwood meets Elvis Costello channeling Buddy Holley?
Heck, I've always enjoyed hearing it.
Emwolb wrote:
Now that's funny...
This is the nicest song Traffic has done in years!
Now that's funny...
Emwolb wrote:
As the "youngsters" write on texts these days:
bwahahahaha!
This is the nicest song Traffic has done in years!
As the "youngsters" write on texts these days:
bwahahahaha!
Back when Louie Perez was their drummer, and a good one. He's out front now playing rhythm guitar.
This is the nicest song Traffic has done in years!
GuiltyFeat wrote:
Puras pendejadas. Ain't no faux in anything Los Lobos does. Never has been, never will.
This does nothing for me either, I'm afraid. Unmelodic faux-jangle blandness. Meh squared.
Puras pendejadas. Ain't no faux in anything Los Lobos does. Never has been, never will.
This group has come a long way up from the very first time they made the pop scene. Fine job! Fine job!
v nice indeed 7>>>>>>> 8 tonypf wrote:
yes, indeede do
Once these guys hit their groove, they never looked back. I am grateful.
yes, indeede do
There's a new "album by album" article for Los Lobos in the latest UNCUT mag.
In it, David Hidalgo stated that label-mate Dave Alvin of The Blasters challenged him to write a "band anthem" for Los Lobos shortly after their debut EP came out on Slash records..
I think he succeeded with this effort.
In it, David Hidalgo stated that label-mate Dave Alvin of The Blasters challenged him to write a "band anthem" for Los Lobos shortly after their debut EP came out on Slash records..
I think he succeeded with this effort.
Yesh baby...a very good RnR band. And I'm seeing them tomorrow night at an outdoor venue!
Need this live music to get me off balance so I can stay in balance.
Need this live music to get me off balance so I can stay in balance.
Once these guys hit their groove, they never looked back. I am grateful.
RipperP wrote:
Along the literal line...Minnesota now has two wolf hunting seasons....The DNR says it's not "endangered" anymore. Many people disagree.
Most excellent...feeling a bit "endangered" this morning myself so particularly apropos
Along the literal line...Minnesota now has two wolf hunting seasons....The DNR says it's not "endangered" anymore. Many people disagree.
Most excellent...feeling a bit "endangered" this morning myself so particularly apropos
As long as we keep listening to their music.
I thought this song was about the plight of the Native American. Or perhaps native peoples around the world. If so, the answer to the question is a clear and depressing no.
Cynaera wrote:
As of today June 14. 2012, the GREAT state of Idaho have butchered half the population of grey wolves in the state. So meat eaters eat up!
SmackDaddy wrote:
I think most of us got that.
Thanks for posting the lyrics, though - this song is more metaphorical than literal. Still, I like to think it parallels the plight of the literal wolf of today - in danger of extinction because of mankind's uncaring attitude about anything but wealth and power. Whatever the case, I just love the heck out of it.
You guys do realize that this song isn't about a wolf, right?
I think most of us got that.
Thanks for posting the lyrics, though - this song is more metaphorical than literal. Still, I like to think it parallels the plight of the literal wolf of today - in danger of extinction because of mankind's uncaring attitude about anything but wealth and power. Whatever the case, I just love the heck out of it. As of today June 14. 2012, the GREAT state of Idaho have butchered half the population of grey wolves in the state. So meat eaters eat up!
I hate comparing human traits to non-human activities (and visa versa), so one (1) star. This song is definitely "Suck-o barfo." (personal opinion)
SmackDaddy wrote:
I think most of us got that. Thanks for posting the lyrics, though - this song is more metaphorical than literal. Still, I like to think it parallels the plight of the literal wolf of today - in danger of extinction because of mankind's uncaring attitude about anything but wealth and power. Whatever the case, I just love the heck out of it.
You guys do realize that this song isn't about a wolf, right?
I think most of us got that.
Thanks for posting the lyrics, though - this song is more metaphorical than literal. Still, I like to think it parallels the plight of the literal wolf of today - in danger of extinction because of mankind's uncaring attitude about anything but wealth and power. Whatever the case, I just love the heck out of it. One of the reasons IMHO that Louie Perez should have stuck to the drum kit and percussion.
Howlin' good set, Bill!!!
sirdroseph wrote:
Considering this is their most-famous original tune and pretty much represents the band to a "T" (and is still one of their best songs), how can you dump on it & still like the band?
I like Los Lobos, but I ain't feelin this.
Considering this is their most-famous original tune and pretty much represents the band to a "T" (and is still one of their best songs), how can you dump on it & still like the band?
This does nothing for me either, I'm afraid. Unmelodic faux-jangle blandness. Meh squared.
Not At all
Something about this song just makes me want to live another day, even when stuff happens to make me want to give up and die. I must have a little bit of wolf in me, because no matter what happens, I can't surrender my life - I just dig my heels in and fight.
And that's all I'm sayin' about it - except that this song by Los Lobos is one of the few songs that can rally me up and make me remember why I'm alive. You got a problem with that?
And that's all I'm sayin' about it - except that this song by Los Lobos is one of the few songs that can rally me up and make me remember why I'm alive. You got a problem with that?
nicolewe wrote:
I'll see your "meh" and raise you a 
I'm cranking this up again. Love it so much, I'd give it a twenty if the rating bar went that high. This is the perfect song for driving across the vast Nevada desert in the dead of summer with all the windows down.
meh.
I'll see your "meh" and raise you a I'm cranking this up again. Love it so much, I'd give it a twenty if the rating bar went that high. This is the perfect song for driving across the vast Nevada desert in the dead of summer with all the windows down.
meh.
Cranking this loud, and to hell with the neighbors. My all-time favorite song by Los Lobos (and I love most of their stuff, so this says a lot.)
Shutting up - gotta listen now.
Shutting up - gotta listen now.
I think they make it, becuase we "import" wolves from Finland and Russia to replace the ones we killed...Logic in a swedish way...
Bodhisattva wrote:
So the wolf doesn't survive then....
Bodhisattva wrote:
So the wolf doesn't survive then....
nalle wrote:
So the wolf doesn't survive then....
In Sweden we hunt them and shoot them, it´s sad. But this is a good song.
So the wolf doesn't survive then....
This is a big letdown after Muddy Waters, made all the worse by the fact that there are Los Lobos cuts that could probably hold up following "Rollin' and Tumblin'"
I think somewhere back in the day, I commented on this song. It STILL gives me chills. Those guitars, the reference to the wolf and the correlation to a human, fighting for life like the wolf...
I have this on my MP3 player, and I invariably hit the "repeat" button, because I love it. Los Lobos isn't my favorite group, but this song just resonates for me.
Thanks, Bill and Rebecca!
And to those who criticize, yes, the vocals are shrill. It's just his voice. Try to look past it and get the message.
I have this on my MP3 player, and I invariably hit the "repeat" button, because I love it. Los Lobos isn't my favorite group, but this song just resonates for me.
Thanks, Bill and Rebecca!
And to those who criticize, yes, the vocals are shrill. It's just his voice. Try to look past it and get the message. Papernapkin wrote:
Agreed!!!
Shrill vocals.
Agreed!!!
In Sweden we hunt them and shoot them, it´s sad. But this is a good song.
I like Los Lobos, but I ain't feelin this.
Occasionally, just, RP comes up with a set of truly rockin' tunes. That's why I continue to listen through the pap... to get tothe kernals of truly GREAT rock.
Thanks, RP!
Thanks, RP!
Shrill vocals.
The first Los Lobos tune I ever heard. Think I saw it on MTV in the late 80s
Then I saw them in old Cleveland Stadium, opening for U2. Wonder if any of the 80,000 knew who they were?
Then I saw them in old Cleveland Stadium, opening for U2. Wonder if any of the 80,000 knew who they were?
really really great vocal, and very nice follow up to "Excitable Boy"
You guys do realize that this song isn't about a wolf, right?
Through the chill of winter
Running across the frozen lake
Hunters are out on his trail
All odds are against him
With a family to provide for
The one thing he must keep alive
Will the wolf survive
Drifting by the roadside
Climbs each storm and aging face
Wants to make some morning's fate
Losing to the range war
He's got two strong legs to guide him
Two strong arms keep him alive
Will the wolf survive
Standing in the pouring rain
All alone in a world that's changed
Running scared, now forced to hide
In a land where he once stood with pride
But he'll find his way by the morning light
Sounds across the nation
Coming from your hearts and minds
Battered drums and old guitars
Singing songs of passion
It's the truth that they all look for
The one thing they must keep alive
Will the wolf survive
Will the wolf survive
Through the chill of winter
Running across the frozen lake
Hunters are out on his trail
All odds are against him
With a family to provide for
The one thing he must keep alive
Will the wolf survive
Drifting by the roadside
Climbs each storm and aging face
Wants to make some morning's fate
Losing to the range war
He's got two strong legs to guide him
Two strong arms keep him alive
Will the wolf survive
Standing in the pouring rain
All alone in a world that's changed
Running scared, now forced to hide
In a land where he once stood with pride
But he'll find his way by the morning light
Sounds across the nation
Coming from your hearts and minds
Battered drums and old guitars
Singing songs of passion
It's the truth that they all look for
The one thing they must keep alive
Will the wolf survive
Will the wolf survive
How about some Sea Wolf next — "You're a Wolf boy, get out of this town ..."
Ken Salazar will have to come around, if the wolf in the U.S. is to survive! C'mon, Ken! 
Nothing subtle about the drumming in this one.
Amazing to think how far these guys have come since this album. I still enjoy it, though.
Zweiblumen wrote:
Where have all the haters gone?
Long time flaming
Where have all the haters gone?
Long time below...
With apologies to Pete Seeger.
Come on, this is no better than Hungry like the Wolf! Where are all the haters now!?
A 1, on principle!
A 1, on principle!
Where have all the haters gone?
Long time flaming
Where have all the haters gone?
Long time below...
With apologies to Pete Seeger.
good in the begining, but then.....kill the wolf
I love this song, and it's stands alone as far as I see it.
Come on, this is no better than Hungry like the Wolf! Where are all the haters now!?
A 1, on principle!
A 1, on principle!
I remember how excited I was when this came out, as I was working in a crappy record store, selling Van Halen tapes. Gee, what fun.
But then we started getting into the underground LA scene, which was starting to go mainstream thanks to a distribution deal w/Warner Brothers. I pretty much liked everything on the Slash label:
...not if humans have their way
,such beautiful creatures too
,such beautiful creatures tooAnd.. again
Arianrhod wrote:
werewolves of London...now this. More wolves
and again
A completely outstanding band.
MOAR werewolves of London...now this. More wolves
Sunman wrote:
Great song
The Wolves have been getting some airplay today....3rd song maybe?? I like it!
seems they are being played more frequently overall.
Great song
The Wolves have been getting some airplay today....3rd song maybe?? I like it!
Must remember to put this on my 'driving music' list on my iPod. Great track.
erik_1099 wrote:
The style of the song and the vocals remind me a lot of Steve Winwood.
...i just had exactly the same thought, and had to doublecheck if this wasn't some obscure track by traffic or somesuch...
The style of the song and the vocals remind me a lot of Steve Winwood.
Props to Los Lobos though, they are troopers.
flandersdog wrote:
he sounds like Marshall Crenshaw. which is neither a good nor a bad thing, I suppose.
has there been a followup to this song? did the wolf survive?
I'm always so happy to hear this song. It never fails to raise my spirits! Viva Los Lobos!
A classic!
Tonight, same segue - really similar opening on both songs. Never noticed that.
The funny thing was, both times, the first thing I thought of was the theme from "Kids in the Hall"
mbelge wrote:
You know, I was just thinking the same thing! I love Will the Wolf Survive, its a wonderful song. But everytime I put it on a mix disk, it is very hard to find a segue song to lead into it. But the seque from What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding to this song was glorious - kept the energy revving!
You know, I was just thinking the same thing! I love Will the Wolf Survive, its a wonderful song. But everytime I put it on a mix disk, it is very hard to find a segue song to lead into it. But the seque from What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding to this song was glorious - kept the energy revving!
Cambot wrote:
Amazing segue from Peace, Love and Understanding to this.
Amazing segue from Peace, Love and Understanding to this.
This still sounds fresh when it's 20 years old or more.
And I agree with the previous comment, that some comments sure reveal people's musical ignorance.
Often the cricisms must confirm for us the old adage, that opinions are like assholes--everybody's got them.
To say that David Hidalgo can't sing is juvenile at best. It doesn't take a genius to know that he's a great singer, songwriter and musician. Not to mention a pioneer in Latin influenced rock. And they're still at it and constantly touring. That ought to tell you something--that most people approve of his voice and his music.
Hats off to Phineas!
this time the playlist relationship seemed to be of musical nature - kind of screwed with me when Peace, Love & Understanding ended and sort of turned into this
phineas wrote: 
couldn't have said it better myself.
Here's a free posting tip: If you don't know shite 'bout music, don't make comments that prove it to the world.
No charge.
couldn't have said it better myself.
Alot of "wolves" in the playlist imo.
he sounds like Marshall Crenshaw. which is neither a good nor a bad thing, I suppose.
has there been a followup to this song? did the wolf survive?
I enjoyed this. First Los Lobos song I've ever heard - thanks Bill! :D
ChardRemains wrote:
What was that 1990? I first heard Los Lobos before spring of 1984, but their sound was more Latino. Could there be two Los Loboses?
Meanwhile, the album title info has been corrected.
physicsgenius wrote:
Music was pretty great, then the STRIDENT WHINING started. Here's a free singing tip: If your nose hurts after you complete a song, you are singing it wrong.
Please tell me you didn't just dis David Hidalgo's voice......'cause.....damn, man.
steeler wrote:
Another brilliant segue, Bill, from Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London"
Same seque a month and a half later.
I never really understood what attracted people to this song. I always turn it off when it comes on. For me, it belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Shame along with "Takin' Care of Business", "Freebird", "All Right Now" and a host of other Rock standards.
:disclaimer: All opinions expressed are just that - opinions. Treat them as such. In other words, don't have a cow if you don't agree... :)
ChardRemains wrote:
What was that 1990? I first heard Los Lobos before spring of 1984, but their sound was more Latino. Could there be two Los Loboses?
Hey esse, solamente uno Los Lobos (pimp)
Johray63 wrote:
One of their best songs, though it also shows how much this band has grown over the years. BTW, this song isn't on the album mentioned above, but (originally) on their debut album How Will the Wolf Survive?
What was that 1990? I first heard Los Lobos before spring of 1984, but their sound was more Latino. Could there be two Los Loboses?
physicsgenius wrote:
Music was pretty great, then the STRIDENT WHINING started. Here's a free singing tip: If your nose hurts after you complete a song, you are singing it wrong.
What were you hoping for, an opera singer? These guys are hot and they are beyond cool live! 8)
Los Lobos has alot of hits and misses. This is not one of their better creations.
This song's got such a great energy! Los Lobos, one of the few things that L.A. can be truly proud of!
phineas wrote:
Here's a free posting tip: If you don't know shite 'bout music, don't make comments that prove it to the world.
No charge.
physicsgenius wrote:
Music was pretty great, then the STRIDENT WHINING started. Here's a free singing tip: If your nose hurts after you complete a song, you are singing it wrong.
Here's a free posting tip: If you don't know shite 'bout music, don't make comments that prove it to the world.
No charge.
One of their best songs, though it also shows how much this band has grown over the years.
BTW, this song isn't on the album mentioned above, but (originally) on their debut album How Will the Wolf Survive?
Another brilliant segue, Bill, from Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London"
Music was pretty great, then the STRIDENT WHINING started. Here's a free singing tip: If your nose hurts after you complete a song, you are singing it wrong.
8) 
geavis wrote:
Boring. This band is just so bland. How does the crowd not fall asleep in their concerts?
you poor, deprived soul. los lobos gives one of the best concerts i've ever been to. they ROCK.
drifter wrote:
The canine set. What's next... if dogs run free?
Not a bad idea!
drifter wrote:
The canine set. What's next... if dogs run free?
Who let the dogs out maybe... just answering my own question "is it gonna get worse?"
-Adrian
I agree with the "boring" at least as far as this song goes. I always hated this, thought it was lyrically and musically trite, uninteresting and just plain bad.
The canine set. What's next... if dogs run free?
any particular Traffic song that this sounds like?
sounds nothing like Traffic to me
9 years later but: Los Lobos are big fans of Traffic and do a marathon cover of Dear Mr. Fantasy plus other Traffic songs in their live shows. That the sound would bleed into their originals is unsurprising.