Imagine a single moment of inspiration, scribbled on a Chinese takeout bag, changing the course of a musician's life forever. That's exactly what happened to Lenny Kravitz on a fateful night in New York City over three decades ago. This is the story behind the creation of his career-defining hit, Are You Gonna Go My Way, a song that not only catapulted him to superstardom but also left an indelible mark on the music world. But here's where it gets controversial: while Kravitz is often celebrated as a multi-instrumentalist, the iconic guitar riff and solo that define the track were actually the brainchild of his sideman, Craig Ross. And this is the part most people miss—the collaborative genius that made the song a timeless classic.
In 1992, Kravitz was living in a chaotic loft in Manhattan, surrounded by fellow musicians but lacking something as simple as paper and pen. One late night, after listening to a cassette of a track they’d recorded earlier, he was struck by a sudden burst of creativity. The melody and lyrics for Are You Gonna Go My Way came to him in a flash, but with no stationery in sight, he resorted to using a flattened paper bag from a Chinese food delivery. ‘I still have that paper bag somewhere,’ he recalls, a testament to the song’s humble beginnings.
The lyrics, penned in a single, inspired rush, carried a messianic tone, questioning humanity’s path and advocating for love over hate. ‘I have come to save the day/And I won’t leave until I’m done,’ Kravitz sang, channeling a Christ-like figure rather than himself. This theme of love and unity, though seemingly out of place in the grunge-dominated 90s, became the song’s enduring message. But was it too idealistic for its time? Kravitz doesn’t think so. ‘Those are pretty great ideals,’ he insists, defending his vision even in an era that seemed to reject such optimism.
The song’s creation was a collaborative effort, with Craig Ross’s guitar work playing a pivotal role. Ross, who co-wrote and performed the track’s signature riffs, has often expressed frustration at being overshadowed by Kravitz’s multi-instrumentalist reputation. ‘I’m proud of what I’ve done,’ Ross once said, ‘but it does get frustrating that I’m not as ‘known’ as other people.’ Kravitz acknowledges Ross’s genius, emphasizing how their combined talents—Kravitz on drums, Ross on guitar, and Tony Breit on bass—created the song’s raw, energetic sound.
Released in 1993, Are You Gonna Go My Way became an instant sensation, topping charts in the U.S. and reaching No. 4 in the U.K. The song’s accompanying video, directed by Mark Romanek, further cemented its popularity, showcasing Kravitz’s charismatic stage presence and ensuring he’d never go unnoticed again. ‘After that, it was never the same,’ Kravitz reflects. ‘I had to adjust my life.’
Decades later, the song’s relevance remains undeniable. In an age marked by division and turmoil, Kravitz believes its message of love and unity is more important than ever. ‘I’d never drop it from the set,’ he says. ‘That song live is just so beautiful, and it’s one that I’ll always play.’
But here’s the question for you: In a world increasingly skeptical of idealism, does Are You Gonna Go My Way still resonate? Or is its call for love and unity a relic of a bygone era? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this timeless classic.
