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Wild Horses
Charlotte Martin Lyrics


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Childhood living
Is easy to do
The things that you wanted
Well I bought them for you

Graceless lady
You know who I am
You know I can't let you
Just slide through my hands

And wild horses couldn't drag me away
And wild horses couldn't drag me away

I watched you suffer
A dull aching pain
And now you've decided
To show me the same

No sweeping exits
Or offstage lines
Could make me feel bitter
Or treat you unkind

And wild horses couldn't drag me away
And wild horses couldn't drag me away

I know I've dreamt you
A sin and a lie
And I have my freedom
But I don't have much time

Fate has been suffered
And tears must be cried
So let's do some living
After we die

And wild horses couldn't drag me away
And wild horses couldn't drag me away
And wild horses couldn't drag me away
And wild horses couldn't drag me away

Overall Meaning

Charlotte Martin's song "Wild Horses" is a poignant ballad that speaks about the struggles and challenges that come with relationships. The song depicts a lover who has gone through great lengths to provide and care for their partner, only for the latter to reciprocate with indifference, pain, and finally, a decision to leave. The verse "Childhood living is easy to do, the things that you wanted well, I bought them for you" illustrates the lengths to which the singer goes to ensure that their partner has everything they desire. However, their actions are not fully appreciated, as the singer is taken for granted.


The chorus "And wild horses couldn't drag me away" is repeated throughout the song, hinting that the singer is willing to do anything to keep their partner. In contrast, the verse "I watched you suffer a dull aching pain, and now you've decided to show me the same" signifies the betrayal and hurt that the singer feels, as their partner leaves them behind. Yet, despite this, the singer remains composed and benevolent, with lines like "No sweeping exits or offstage lines could make me feel bitter or treat you unkind." This shows that the singer has no intentions of stooping to the level of their partner, no matter how much it hurts.


In the final verse, "I know I've dreamt you a sin and a lie, and I have my freedom, but I don't have much time," the singer confesses that their relationship was founded on false pretenses. The line "Fate has been suffered, and tears must be cried, so let's do some living after we die" suggests that despite this, they are still willing to make the most of what they have and enjoy life. The song ends with the chorus being repeated four times, emphasizing the fact that nothing can keep the singer away from their lover.


Line by Line Meaning

Childhood living
The simplicity and carefree nature of childhood.


Is easy to do
How easy it is to exist in a state of leisure and not worry about responsibilities.


The things that you wanted
The material possessions one desires.


Well I bought them for you
How love can lead someone to fulfill their loved one's wants and needs.


Graceless lady
A recognition of a woman's flaws and imperfections.


You know who I am
Acknowledgment of a relationship and its deeper qualities.


You know I can't let you
The necessity of holding onto love despite its complications.


Just slide through my hands
The fear of losing what one cares for and holds dear.


And wild horses couldn't drag me away
The depth and strength of love and commitment in a relationship.


I watched you suffer
The pain and difficulties of a loved one's hardships.


A dull aching pain
The emotional struggles that one endures.


And now you've decided
The act of reciprocation in a relationship.


To show me the same
The power of empathy and understanding in a relationship.


No sweeping exits
The lack of drama in a relationship's conclusion.


Or offstage lines
The lack of deception in a relationship's conclusion.


Could make me feel bitter
Acceptance of the end of a relationship and being able to move on with a good attitude.


Or treat you unkind
Being able to handle the end of a relationship fairly and respectfully.


I know I've dreamt you
A personal reflection on the idealization of a relationship.


A sin and a lie
The imperfections and falsehood in one's idealization of a relationship.


And I have my freedom
Accepting oneself even after the end of a relationship.


But I don't have much time
A realization of the finiteness of life.


Fate has been suffered
The uncontrollable aspect of life and how it can be unfair and difficult.


And tears must be cried
Dealing with trauma and the emotional impact it has.


So let's do some living
The importance of making the most out of life despite its hardships.


After we die
Acknowledging the life's end and what follows after.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@byar4860

I played this to my sister yesterday as she clung to a life that had past. She died ten minutes later, peaceful, beautiful and free. I told her it was ok to go, that I would look after her daughters. I kissed her on her forhead and said goodbye. It was pleasure knowing you Siz, you are at peace now. Free to breath, free to fly, free. ben Y. xx

@ironica777

Im so sorry for you and her childrens loss.

@daisyy_1313

Reading it brought me tears I'm sorry for your loss I to lost a sibling who left a child behind I know how you feel. Death sucks its never easy letting go. But at least they are free and free of pain.

@beccaboo147

I love this song so much, it means the world to me. One of my grandma's favorite songs and it was in her video tribute at her funeral about a month ago. I love you so much grandma and I'll do whatever it takes to make you proud. You're one of the strongest and most beautiful woman I know. I love you grandma Donna, rest in peace...

@lanes58

Probably my favorite rendition of this song. Very nice.

@jessicahope9744

That a capella seriously sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it. In a good way.

@cucaluciferina

This is my favorite version of this song.

@seriphone

I have been listening to different versions of this song for some time now - this beautiful interpretation is simply breathtaking - singers would realise just how hard it is to create that kind of richness of storytelling that starts with a life lived, moves through technical brilliance and travels out the other side, to simplicity. Each note of both the vocals and piano own their moment - thanks

@michellelougoon3975

This song is performed by so many artists... each offering their own unique qualities... this song always takes me to a place of freedom

@offyougonow1007

Nobody and I do mean NO ARTIST comes close to this, young lady! You are a gift and I thank you! BRAVA!!! What s VOICE and what STYLE! You're incredible! Bless you!

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