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"Walk on the Wild Side" originated as the title song of the 1962 film as performed by Brook Benton over the film's coda and closing credits. Lyrics were written by Mack David and music was by Elmer Bernstein. The two earned 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. Jimmy Smith version

Organist Jimmy Smith recorded the song for his 1962 album Bashin': The Unpredictable Jimmy Smith.[1] The music was arranged by Oliver Nelson and features Nelson's Big Band. The record cover displays a sticker-facsimile quoting "Includes the exciting jazz version of WALK ON THE WILD SIDE" in order to take advantage of the success of the movie soundtrack. The track also appeared on the soundtrack of the Scorsese-picture Casino.

The track was also released spread over two sides of a 45-rpm single; Smith's organ is not heard until Part Two.

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