Sometimes, I wonder what it is about horses that capture our hearts and souls. Is it their majestic appearance, grace, strength, or perhaps the bond we share with these amazing creatures? Whatever the reason may be, there’s no denying that horses hold a special place in our lives.
And what better way to celebrate our love for horses than through music? Definitely, the combination of horses and songs can create magic that resonates with all horse lovers. So, here’s a list of the 10 best songs about horses you should listen to.
From country to rock, these songs capture the essence of these magnificent creatures in different genres. So please put on your headphones, saddle up, and let’s take a ride through the best songs about horses.
A List Of 10 Best Songs About Horses to Add to Your Playlist
Your playlist is complete with these 10 amazing songs about horses. Each song brings something unique, making it a must-listen for all horse enthusiasts.
1. “Horses” By Echo & The Bunnymen
“Horses” by Echo & The Bunnymen, also known as “Bring On the Dancing Horses,” is a song that stands out in the equine-inspired music landscape. Released on 14 October 1985, this single became famous in music.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture, bringing to life the image of ‘dancing horses.’ This unique metaphor resonates with listeners, adding an intriguing element to the melody.
The band’s inspiration for this song remains somewhat mysterious, but the result was a hit. The music video, directed by Anton Corbijn, further amplifies the song’s allure.
Even years after its release, “Horses” holds its appeal. It’s featured among popular singles and EPs by Echo & The Bunnymen on platforms like Spotify. The song continues to be a favorite among horse lovers and music enthusiasts alike.
2. “Chasin’ Wild Horses” By Bruce Springsteen
“Chasin’ Wild Horses,” a song by the legendary Bruce Springsteen, is an evocative tale of a man trying to escape his past, symbolized by the pursuit of wild horses. Released as part of his 2019 album “Western Stars,” this track quickly resonated with listeners.
Despite its sad theme, “Chasin’ Wild Horses” has gained considerable popularity. The track has been featured on major music streaming platforms like Spotify and Amazon and has many streams and views.
How long should a song be, anyway? The length of a song can vary greatly depending on the genre and style.
3. Black Horse And The Cherry Tree By KT Tunstall
“Black Horse And The Cherry Tree” is a standout song from Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall. It’s a key track on her debut album, “Eye to the Telescope,” released in 2004. This song quickly caught the world’s attention and climbed to No. 28 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song tells a story using rich symbols. It talks about a woman scared of a dull life after becoming pregnant. Here, the ‘black horse’ stands for fear of commitment, while the ‘cherry tree’ shows the appeal of freedom,
KT Tunstall shares this tale with a unique pop and folk music mix.
Her strong storytelling ability makes this song a favorite. Whether it’s the catchy rhythm or the profound lyrics, “Black Horse And The Cherry Tree” truly highlights the power of horse symbolism in music.
4. “Appaloosa” By Gino Vanelli
“Appaloosa” is a catchy song by Gino Vannelli, a renowned Canadian singer-songwriter. This track is part of his famous album “The Best Of Gino Vannelli.” It’s been a hit on YouTube and Spotify since its release in 1978.
The song paints a vivid picture of the Appaloosa, a unique horse breed known for its spotted coat. The lyrics, “Appaloosa, runnin’ wild in the dead of the night. Appaloosa, you’re the message of love and light,” create a vibrant image of this horse running freely under the night sky.
Vannelli uses the Appaloosa to symbolize freedom, love, and light. His powerful storytelling and memorable melody make “Appaloosa” a standout song. Whether you’re a horse lover or a music fan, this song will touch your heart.
5. “Wildfire” By Michael Martin Murphy
“Wildfire,” a hit song by Michael Martin Murphy, is about a horse named Wildfire. It’s a track from his album “Blue Sky – Night Thunder,” released in 1975. This song quickly became a favorite among fans.
The song tells the story of Wildfire, a horse that breaks free during a harsh winter storm. The lyrics, “She ran calling Wildfire,” vividly depict the bond between the horse and its owner.
“Wildfire” touches listeners with its tale of freedom and loss. Murphy’s heartfelt storytelling and catchy tune make this song unforgettable. Whether you’re a music or horse lover, “Wildfire” will leave a lasting impact.
6. “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses” – U2
“Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses” is a powerful song by the Irish band U2. It was released as part of their 1991 album, “Achtung Baby,” and has since captivated listeners worldwide.
The song uses the metaphor of wild horses to represent a tumultuous relationship. The lyrics, “Who’s gonna ride your wild horses? Who’s gonna drown in your blue sea?” express the struggle to understand and tame a partner’s free spirit.
Some fans believe the song reflects the emotional turmoil of guitarist The Edge during his divorce. However, the overall message is about love, commitment, and the pain of seeing someone you care about with another person.
Whatever your interpretation, “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses” by U2 offers a deep, introspective musical journey that continues to resonate with listeners.
7. “All The Wild Horses” – Ray Lamontagne
“All The Wild Horses” by Ray LaMontagne is a soul-stirring song that embodies the spirit of freedom. Released on his 2004 album “Trouble,” it resonates with audiences.
The lyrics, “All the wild horses. All the wild horses. Tethered with tears in their eyes. May no man’s touch ever tame you.
May no man’s reins ever chain you,” beautifully capture the essence of wild horses – free, untamed, and unbroken.
This song is not just about literal wild horses but also about the human spirit. It encourages listeners to embrace their freedom and resist being tamed or chained by others’ expectations.
“All The Wild Horses” by Ray LaMontagne is a testament to the power of music to evoke emotion and inspire personal reflection. Its beautiful lyrics and powerful message continue to touch listeners’ hearts.
8. “A Horse With No Name” – America
“A Horse With No Name” by America is an iconic song that has intrigued audiences since its release in 1972. The track stands out for its unique sound and engaging lyrics.
The song’s primary metaphor, a horse with no name, is depicted as a vehicle to escape life’s confusion and reach a peaceful place. This symbolism resonates deeply with listeners, providing a sense of tranquility amidst chaos.
The lyrics, “I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name, it felt good to be out of the rain,” further emphasize this idea of finding solace and clarity in isolation.
Despite initial concerns that the song might be seen as quirky or a novelty, its lasting appeal proves otherwise. The simple yet profound lyrics and captivating melody have made “A Horse With No Name” a timeless classic.
9. “High Horse” – Kacey Musgraves
“High Horse,” a hit song by Kacey Musgraves, is a standout track from her fourth studio album, “Golden Hour.” This country-pop gem takes a unique spin on the phrase “get off your high horse.”
The phrase typically refers to someone acting arrogantly. In “High Horse,” Musgraves uses it to call out a person who thinks they’re above everyone else. The song packs a punch with its catchy beat and sharp lyrics.
Musgraves was inspired to write “High Horse” about people who are too cool for school and try to rain on everyone’s parade.
This theme resonates with listeners, making the song a relatable anthem for those who have encountered such individuals.
“High Horse” isn’t just a typical country song; it’s infused with disco elements, creating a lively sound that’s hard to resist. This fusion of styles showcases Musgraves’ versatility as an artist and her ability to push boundaries within the country genre.
10. “Wild Horses by Garth Brooks
“Wild Horses,” a touching song by Garth Brooks, is a tribute to the spirit of wild horses and the heart of a rodeo cowboy. This track from his second album dives deep into the emotional turmoil of a cowboy torn between his love for a woman and his passion for the rodeo.
The lyrics, “From a phone booth in Cheyenne I made a promise to Diane, No more rodeos. I’d gone my last go-’round,” showcase the cowboy’s struggle. He makes promises he can’t keep, afraid his love for the rodeo might cost him his relationship. Songs about magic and witches are often seen as being dark and mysterious.
Despite the song’s Western theme, it’s not just about rodeos and horse riding. “Wild Horses” explores themes of commitment, sacrifice, and the problematic choices we sometimes make.
The beauty of “Wild Horses” lies in blending a compelling narrative with a catchy melody. It’s a song that resonates with listeners, regardless of whether they’ve ever stepped foot in a rodeo.
Conclusion- 10 Best Songs About Horses
To sum up, horse riding is a popular pastime, and horses have captivated people’s imaginations for centuries. It’s no surprise that many musicians have been inspired by these majestic creatures and incorporated them into their music.
From heartfelt stories to powerful metaphors, the above songs offer different perspectives on the relationship between humans and horses. Whether you’re a country, rock, or pop music fan, there’s a horse-themed song for every taste.
So, next time you’re listening to music, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder of horses through these timeless songs. They may leave hoof prints on your heart. So saddle up and enjoy the ride with these 10 best songs about horses.
