Meaning: Evel Knievel, born Robert Craig Knievel, was an American stunt performer and entertainer who gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s for his motorcycle jumps. The quote "In the old days they, the promoters, wanted more and more from me. They wanted me to jump or spill my blood and break my bones. Every time they wanted me to jump further, and further, and further. Hell, they thought my bike had wings" reflects Knievel's experiences as a daredevil performer and the pressures he faced from promoters and audiences to push the limits of his stunts.

Knievel's career was defined by his death-defying motorcycle jumps over obstacles such as cars, buses, and fountains. He became known for his iconic white leather jumpsuit and his willingness to take on increasingly dangerous stunts. The quote encapsulates the relentless demands placed on Knievel by promoters who sought to capitalize on the public's fascination with his daring feats.

The phrase "wanted me to jump or spill my blood and break my bones" conveys the extreme nature of the expectations placed on Knievel. It suggests that the promoters were not only interested in his success but also in the spectacle of potential danger and injury. Knievel's willingness to put his body on the line for the sake of entertainment made him a larger-than-life figure in the eyes of the public, but it also took a toll on his physical well-being.

The repetition of "further, and further, and further" emphasizes the relentless nature of the demands placed on Knievel. Each successful jump only seemed to fuel the desire for more sensational and risky stunts. The pressure to continually outdo himself and push the boundaries of what was considered possible in stunt performance speaks to the competitive and sensationalized world of entertainment in which Knievel operated.

The final line, "Hell, they thought my bike had wings," is a poignant expression of the unrealistic expectations that were placed on Knievel. The image of a bike with wings conveys the belief that he was capable of achieving the impossible, defying the laws of physics, and transcending the limitations of mortal men. This perception of Knievel as a superhuman figure further highlights the disconnect between the public's adulation and the physical and emotional toll that his performances exacted.

Overall, the quote provides insight into the challenges and pressures faced by Evel Knievel as a pioneering stunt performer. It sheds light on the complex dynamics of fame, risk-taking, and the commodification of spectacle in the world of entertainment. Knievel's experiences serve as a reminder of the sacrifices and struggles that often accompany the pursuit of extraordinary feats in the public eye.