Ah, the majestic horse. From the wild mustangs of the American West to the beloved pet ponies of children all over the world, these four-legged beauties have been a part of human life for centuries. So it’s no surprise that they’ve been the subject of many a song over the years. From country classics to rock ballads, there’s something for everyone when it comes to songs about horses.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular songs about horses, both old and new. We’ll discuss their lyrical content, the artists that wrote them, and the stories behind them. So, if you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to accompany your next horseback riding adventure, or just want to enjoy some good music, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started!
“The Horse” by Cliff Nobles & Co.
One of the most beloved songs about horses is “The Horse” by Cliff Nobles & Co. Released as a single in 1968, the song quickly became a hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man and his horse, and how the horse is the only one who understands him. The chorus goes:
“Oh, the horse, the horse, the horse
He’s a friend of mine
He can take me most anywhere
In just a little time”
The song’s popularity led to a dance craze, and it was even featured in the film “The Blues Brothers.”
“Rawhide” by Frankie Laine
Another classic song about horses is “Rawhide” by Frankie Laine. Released in 1959, the song is a western-style ballad about a cowboy on the trail, riding his horse. The chorus goes:
“Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’
Keep them doggies rollin’
Rawhide!
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’
Though the streams are swollen
Rawhide!”
The song was featured in the popular television show “Rawhide,” which ran from 1959 to 1966.
“The Devil Went Down To Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band
One of the most popular songs about horses is “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band. Released in 1979, the song tells the story of a fiddle duel between the devil and a young man named Johnny. The devil bets his soul that he can play the fiddle better than Johnny, and Johnny bets his horse that he can win the duel. The song is a classic, and it’s been covered by many artists over the years.
“My Old Kentucky Home” by Stephen Foster
“My Old Kentucky Home” is a classic song about horses, written by Stephen Foster in 1853. The song is a melancholic ballad about a slave longing for his home in Kentucky, and the chorus goes:
“The sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home
‘Tis summer, the darkies are gay
The corn top’s ripe and the meadows in the bloom
While the birds make music all the day”
The song has since become the official state song of Kentucky, and it’s been covered by many artists over the years.
“Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett
Another classic song about horses is “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett. Released in 1966, the song is an upbeat rock and roll number about a woman named Sally who loves to ride her horse. The chorus goes:
“Ride, Sally, ride
Ride your pony all night long
Ride, Sally, ride
Gonna have some fun tonight”
The song has since become a classic, and it’s been covered by many artists over the years.
“The Ballad of the Green Berets” by Sgt. Barry Sadler
One of the most iconic songs about horses is “The Ballad of the Green Berets” by Sgt. Barry Sadler. Released in 1966, the song is a patriotic tribute to the U.S. Army’s elite Special Forces unit. The chorus goes:
“Fighting soldiers from the sky
Fearless men who jump and die
Men who mean just what they say
The brave men of the Green Beret”
The song has since become a classic, and it’s been covered by many artists over the years.
“King of the Road” by Roger Miller
Another classic song about horses is “King of the Road” by Roger Miller. Released in 1965, the song is an upbeat country number about a hobo who lives on the road. The chorus goes:
“Trailers for sale or rent
Rooms to let, fifty cents
No phone, no pool, no pets
I ain’t got no cigarettes”
The song has since become a classic, and it’s been covered by many artists over the years.
“Red River Valley” by Jimmie Rodgers
“Red River Valley” is a classic song about horses, written by Jimmie Rodgers in 1929. The song is a romantic ballad about a cowboy who is leaving his sweetheart behind. The chorus goes:
“From this valley they say you are going
We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile
For they say you are taking the sunshine
That has brightened our pathway a while”
The song has since become a classic, and it’s been covered by many artists over the years.
“Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones
One of the most popular songs about horses is “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones. Released in 1971, the song is a slow, melancholic ballad about the freedom of wild horses. The chorus goes:
“Wild horses couldn’t drag me away
Wild, wild horses, we’ll ride them some day
I watched them, so wild and free
They couldn’t be caged, they couldn’t be tamed”
The song has since become a classic, and it’s been covered by many artists over the years.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many songs about horses, both old and new. From country classics to rock ballads, there’s something for everyone when it comes to songs about horses. So, if you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to accompany your next horseback riding adventure, or just want to enjoy some good music, you now have plenty of options. We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to songs about horses!
