oncern with material accumulation; lack of honesty and decency in dealing with each otherö as well as ôcomplacency, apathy, and conformity within a society dominated by big business and governmental and educational systems that seemed to be in collusion with itö (382). The counterculture theme of the film resonated with young audiences.
Another element of the movie that appealed to audiences is the music; the sound track of contemporary rock music fits perfectly into the time period of the film, and is an integral part of the filmÆs meaning. As Champlin points out, ôthe music which has been brilliantly edited to the film and vice versa is the music of this timeö (31). The score not only represents the liberating music of the period, but also many of the filmÆs themes. This is borne out by the songs, including ôSteppenWolfÆs ôBorn to be Wild,ö which marks the start of the journey in search of freedom and of America made by the two main characters. The words, ôGet your motor runninÆ/Head out on the Highway/Looking for adventure/And whatever comes our way/Yeah, darlin/gonna make it happen/Take the world in a love embrace/à.Like a true natureÆs child/We were born, born to be wildà.ö can serve as the filmÆs anthem. Other key songs include SteppenWolfÆs ôThe Pusher,ö the ByrdÆs ôI WasnÆt Born to Follow,ö Fraternity of ManÆs ôDonÆt Bogart That Joint,ö Jimi HendrixÆs ôIf Six Was Nine,ö The Electric PrunesÆ ôKyrie Eleison,ö and of course Roger McGhinnÆs ôBallad of Easy Rider.ö
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