20 Songs About Horses

Welcome to “Songs About Horses,” a carefully curated playlist that celebrates the timeless and powerful imagery of horses in music. Horses have long been symbols of freedom, strength, and unbridled spirit, inspiring artists across genres to capture their essence in song. 

From the dusty trails of country roads to the expansive horizons of rock ballads, these tracks traverse a wide musical landscape, each telling a unique story through the metaphor of the horse.

1. “Wild Horses” by Garth Brooks

“Wild Horses” is a country song recorded by Garth Brooks for his 1990 album “No Fences,” though it wasn’t released as a single until 2000. The song, co-written by Bill Shore and David Wills, tells the story of a cowboy torn between his love for rodeo life and his love for a woman.

The metaphor of “wild horses” is used to represent the irresistible pull of the rodeo lifestyle. The protagonist repeatedly promises to quit riding, but finds himself drawn back, saying “wild horses keep dragging [him] away”. This creates a conflict between his passion for the rodeo and his commitment to his relationship.

The song can be interpreted on multiple levels – as a literal tale of a rodeo cowboy, or as a metaphor for any passion or addiction that threatens to derail a relationship. It peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.

2. “Tennessee Stud” by Johnny Cash

While Johnny Cash recorded a version of this song, it was originally written and recorded by Jimmy Driftwood in 1959. The song tells an epic tale of a man and his horse, the “Tennessee Stud,” spanning over two decades from 1825 to after the Great Flood of 1844.

The narrative follows the adventures of the man and his horse as they travel across the country, facing various challenges including horse races, encounters with Native Americans, and confrontations with gamblers. The song paints a vivid picture of frontier life in 19th century America.

Ultimately, the man and his horse return to Tennessee, where the protagonist settles down with his sweetheart. The song ends with the Tennessee Stud siring a colt with the protagonist’s girl’s “Tennessee Mare”. This song has been covered by numerous artists and is considered a classic in country and folk music.

3. “A Horse In The Country” by The Cowboy Junkies

This song appears on The Cowboy Junkies’ 1992 album “Black Eyed Man”. While specific details about the song’s lyrics are not provided in the search results, it’s part of an album that marked a shift in the band’s sound. The album featured a harder, edgier rock sound compared to their previous work, with the band deliberately expanding their musical sphere.

The Cowboy Junkies, consisting of the Timmins siblings (Michael, Margo, and Peter) and bassist Alan Anton, are known for their unique blend of country, blues, and rock. Their music often explores deeper, darker aspects of the human experience. Without access to the specific lyrics, it’s likely that “A Horse In The Country” continues this tradition, possibly using the horse as a symbol within a larger narrative or emotional landscape.

4. “Wildfire” by Michael Martin Murphey

“Wildfire,” released in 1975, is Michael Martin Murphey’s biggest hit and a song shrouded in mystery. Murphey claims the song came to him in a dream, inspired by a ghost horse story his grandfather told him as a child.

The song tells the story of a legendary ghost horse named Wildfire and a girl who dies in a blizzard. It’s filled with haunting imagery of whirlwinds and hoot-owls, creating an atmosphere of both menace and redemption.

While Murphey himself admits he doesn’t fully understand the song’s meaning, many interpret it as a metaphor for escaping hard times. The mystical horse Wildfire is seen as a symbol of deliverance, carrying both the girl and eventually the narrator away from their earthly troubles.

“Wildfire” reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has remained a beloved and enigmatic song for decades. Its ambiguity allows listeners to find their own meanings, contributing to its enduring popularity.

5. “All The Wild Horses” by Ray LaMontagne

“All The Wild Horses” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Ray LaMontagne, featured on his 2004 debut album, Trouble. The song is characterized by its sparse instrumentation and LaMontagne’s soulful, gravelly voice.

The lyrics evoke a sense of freedom and natural beauty, as LaMontagne sings about wild horses running free. The imagery of wild horses often symbolizes untamed spirit and the longing for freedom. The song’s minimalist arrangement, featuring gentle acoustic guitar and subtle string accents, enhances its introspective and melancholic mood. “All The Wild Horses” captures a moment of quiet reflection and the yearning for a simpler, more unencumbered existence.

6. “Chasin’ Wild Horses” by Bruce Springsteen

“Chasin’ Wild Horses” is a track from Bruce Springsteen’s 2019 album, Western Stars. The song fits within the album’s broader themes of solitude, reflection, and the American West.

In “Chasin’ Wild Horses,” Springsteen tells the story of a man grappling with his past mistakes and seeking redemption. The wild horses in the song serve as a metaphor for the elusive and uncontrollable aspects of life. The protagonist’s pursuit of these wild horses symbolizes his quest to come to terms with his regrets and find peace. The song’s sweeping orchestration and cinematic quality evoke the vast, open landscapes of the West, adding to its emotional depth.

7. “Heavy Horses” by Jethro Tull

“Heavy Horses” is the title track of Jethro Tull’s 1978 album. The song is a tribute to the working horses of the past, particularly the heavy draft horses that were once essential to agriculture and industry before the advent of modern machinery.

Ian Anderson, the band’s frontman, uses vivid and poetic lyrics to celebrate these noble animals, describing their strength, endurance, and the vital role they played in human history. The song’s folk-rock arrangement, featuring acoustic guitar, flute, and strings, complements its nostalgic and reverent tone. “Heavy Horses” is both a lament for a bygone era and a homage to the enduring spirit of these magnificent creatures.

8. “Three White Horses” by Andrew Bird

“Three White Horses” is a track from Andrew Bird’s 2012 album, Hands of Glory. Known for his eclectic style and intricate compositions, Bird blends folk, indie rock, and classical influences in this song.

The lyrics of “Three White Horses” are enigmatic and open to interpretation. The three white horses could symbolize various things, such as purity, death, or a journey. The song’s haunting melody and Bird’s distinctive whistling create an ethereal atmosphere. The minimalist arrangement, featuring acoustic instruments and subtle percussion, allows the listener to focus on the evocative lyrics and Bird’s emotive vocal delivery. “Three White Horses” invites listeners to ponder its meaning and find their own connections to its imagery.

9. “Fastest Horse In Town” by Sturgill Simpson

“Fastest Horse In Town” is a track by Sturgill Simpson, known for his genre-bending approach to country music. The song features on his 2019 album Sound & Fury, which blends rock, country, and psychedelic influences.

The lyrics of “Fastest Horse In Town” reflect themes of ambition, struggle, and the desire to escape. The protagonist is depicted as someone who has been wasting his potential and is now determined to break free from his past mistakes and limitations. The metaphor of the “fastest horse in town” symbolizes this drive for change and the pursuit of a better future. The song’s energetic and gritty sound complements its themes of rebellion and self-discovery.

10. “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus

“Old Town Road” is a groundbreaking single by Lil Nas X, featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. Originally released in December 2018, the song gained massive popularity through the social media app TikTok. The remix with Billy Ray Cyrus was released in April 2019 and helped solidify the song’s status as a cultural phenomenon.

“Old Town Road” is a fusion of country and rap, often referred to as “country trap.” The lyrics describe a cowboy’s journey, blending traditional country themes with modern references. The song’s catchy chorus and minimalist beat, which samples Nine Inch Nails’ “34 Ghosts IV,” contributed to its widespread appeal. The track’s success sparked discussions about genre boundaries and the evolution of country music.

11. “No Reins” by Rascal Flatts

“No Reins” is a song by Rascal Flatts from their 2007 album Still Feels Good. The song tells the story of a woman who breaks free from a stifling relationship and embraces her newfound freedom.

The lyrics use the imagery of a wild mustang to symbolize the woman’s liberation and independence. She leaves behind her past constraints and sets out to live life on her own terms, without fear or limitations. The song’s upbeat tempo and empowering message resonate with themes of self-discovery and personal growth.

12. “Ballad Of A Runaway Horse” by Emmylou Harris

“Ballad Of A Runaway Horse” is a song by Emmylou Harris, featured on her 1993 album Cowgirl’s Prayer. The song is a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Ballad of the Absent Mare” and is inspired by the Zen Buddhist parable “Ten Bulls,” which describes the stages of enlightenment.

The lyrics tell the story of a woman searching for her runaway horse, which serves as a metaphor for her quest for love and understanding. The song’s poetic and reflective nature explores themes of loss, longing, and the journey towards inner peace. Harris’s emotive vocals and the song’s gentle arrangement create a poignant and introspective listening experience.

13. “High Horse” by Kacey Musgraves

“High Horse” is a song by American country music artist Kacey Musgraves, featured on her 2018 album Golden Hour. Musgraves co-wrote the song with Trent Dabbs and Tommy English, and it was co-produced by Ian Fitchuk and Daniel Tashian. The song was released as a digital promotional single in March 2018 and later as an official single in June 2018.

“High Horse” blends country instrumentation with disco influences, creating a unique sound that incorporates synths and a lively disco beat. The lyrics use clever wordplay and double entendres to criticize a conceited individual, likening them to a prized horse that needs to “giddy-up” and leave town. The song’s playful tone and catchy melody make it a standout track that showcases Musgraves’s ability to merge different musical styles seamlessly.

14. “Goodbye Horses” by Q Lazzarus

“Goodbye Horses” is a synth-pop, dark wave, and new wave song recorded by Q Lazzarus and written by William Garvey. Initially released in 1988, the song gained cult status after being featured in Jonathan Demme’s films Married to the Mob (1988) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991). The song’s haunting and dreamlike quality is enhanced by Q Lazzarus’s androgynous vocals and the atmospheric production.

The lyrics of “Goodbye Horses” explore themes of transcendence and the limitations of the physical world, with the “horses” symbolizing the five senses from Hindu philosophy. The song’s enigmatic and ethereal nature has made it a memorable piece in popular culture, often associated with its iconic use in The Silence of the Lambs.

15. “White Horse” by Taylor Swift

“White Horse” is a country pop ballad by Taylor Swift, released as the second single from her 2008 album Fearless. Co-written by Swift and Liz Rose, the song features a finger-picked guitar, piano, and cello accents, creating a somber and reflective atmosphere. The lyrics use fairy-tale imagery to describe the narrator’s heartbreak upon realizing that her boyfriend is not the ideal figure she once believed him to be.

The song received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and relatable portrayal of heartbreak, winning Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance at the 2010 Grammy Awards. “White Horse” peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Hot Country Songs chart, solidifying Swift’s reputation as a poignant storyteller.

16. “Runaway Horses” by Belinda Carlisle

“Runaway Horses” is a song by Belinda Carlisle, released as the fourth single from her 1989 album of the same name. The song, produced by Rick Nowels, features a blend of pop and rock elements, with Carlisle’s powerful vocals driving the track. The lyrics convey a sense of freedom and adventure, as the protagonist yearns to break free and follow her dreams.

The song reached the top 50 in Australia and the United Kingdom and was accompanied by a music video directed by Greg Masuak. “Runaway Horses” showcases Carlisle’s ability to deliver anthemic and uplifting pop songs, making it a fitting addition to any playlist celebrating the spirit of horses and the freedom they represent.

17. “A Horse With No Name” by America

“A Horse With No Name” is a classic rock song by the band America, released in 1971 as their debut single. Written by Dewey Bunnell, the song quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number three in the UK.

The song’s lyrics describe a journey through a desert on a nameless horse, evoking themes of escape and solitude. While some initially speculated that the song was about drug use due to the slang term “horse” for heroin, Bunnell clarified that the song was inspired by his love of nature and the desert landscapes he experienced as a child. The “horse with no name” symbolizes a vehicle for escaping life’s confusion and finding peace in a quiet, solitary place.

The song’s simple yet catchy melody and its philosophical undertones have made it an enduring favorite, often associated with the spirit of freedom and introspection.

18. “Beer For My Horses” by Toby Keith ft. Willie Nelson

“Beer For My Horses” is a country song recorded by Toby Keith and featuring Willie Nelson. Released in 2003 as part of Keith’s album Unleashed, the song became a significant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song’s lyrics tell a story of seeking justice and celebrating victories in a manner reminiscent of the Old West. The chorus, “Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses,” reflects a nostalgic longing for a time when justice was swift and straightforward. The song’s narrative involves taking a stand against crime and corruption, with a sense of camaraderie and moral righteousness.

The accompanying music video, directed by Michael Salomon, features Keith and Nelson as detectives hunting a serial killer, adding a cinematic quality to the song’s storytelling. “Beer For My Horses” has become a popular anthem for its catchy tune and its blend of modern and traditional country themes.

19. “Chestnut Mare” by The Byrds

“Chestnut Mare” is a song by The Byrds, released in 1970 on their album Untitled. Written by Roger McGuinn and Jacques Levy, the song was initially part of a planned country rock musical titled Gene Tryp.

The lyrics narrate the story of a man’s quest to capture a wild chestnut mare, symbolizing his pursuit of freedom and adventure. The song’s vivid imagery and storytelling create a sense of longing and determination, as the protagonist describes his efforts to tame the majestic horse. The chestnut mare represents an idealized vision of beauty and independence, and the song captures the essence of the American frontier spirit.

The Byrds’ blend of rock and country elements, along with McGuinn’s distinctive vocals, make “Chestnut Mare” a memorable and evocative track that resonates with themes of exploration and the untamed wilderness.

20. “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones

“Wild Horses” is a song by The Rolling Stones, featured on their 1971 album Sticky Fingers. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is a poignant ballad that explores themes of love, loss, and longing.

The lyrics reflect a sense of melancholy and emotional depth, with the refrain “Wild horses couldn’t drag me away” symbolizing an unbreakable bond and enduring commitment. The song’s gentle acoustic arrangement, complemented by Richards’ iconic guitar work, creates a haunting and introspective atmosphere.

“Wild Horses” has been praised for its lyrical beauty and emotional resonance, becoming one of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved ballads. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to convey profound feelings of love and heartache, making it a fitting addition to any playlist celebrating the spirit and symbolism of horses.

Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.