You Don't Have To Play The Horses
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings Lyrics

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So we wait beside the desert
Nothing left to give away
Naked as the Hanged Man's secrets
Nothing left to do but pray

You don't have to play the horses
Life's a gamble all the same
It don't take much to make you lose sight

Of the object of the game

Anyone can be a soldier
It's a prevalent disease
Oh God I don't know where to step now
Help me find the right road please

So we wait beside the desert
Nothing left to give away

Naked as the Hanged Man's secrets
Praying for the break of day

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of "You Don't Have to Play the Horses" by Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, sets a somber and introspective mood. The lines paint a bleak scene of being stranded in the desert with nothing left to give and no clear path forward. It's a metaphorical representation of feeling lost and unsure of where life is taking you. This is reinforced by the reference to the "Hanged Man's secrets," which is a tarot card that represents sacrifice, letting go, and new beginnings. The verse serves as a reminder that sometimes we need to let go of what we think is important and trust in something greater than ourselves.

The chorus of the song brings in a slightly more optimistic tone. It's a call for taking control of one's life and not gambling it away. The lyrics suggest that life is already a gamble and that it doesn't take much to lose sight of what's truly important. By not playing the horses, the band is encouraging listeners to be intentional with their actions and not to leave their lives up to chance.

The second verse shifts to the idea of being a soldier, with the lyrics suggesting that it's a prevalent disease. This line can be interpreted in many ways, but it likely is pointing to the idea that war and violence have become too commonplace in our society. The final line of the verse, "Help me find the right road please," brings us back to the initial theme of being lost and uncertain of what the future holds. The song ultimately serves as a reminder to stay grounded and keep sight of what's truly important in life.

Line by Line Meaning

So we wait beside the desert
We find ourselves stranded and helpless, with no way out, in a barren and desolate wasteland.

Nothing left to give away
We have exhausted all of our resources, and have nothing left to offer or sacrifice.

Naked as the Hanged Man's secrets
We are vulnerable and exposed, with all of our secrets and vulnerabilities laid bare for all to see and exploit.

Nothing left to do but pray
We have reached the end of our rope, and have no other options but to appeal to a higher power for salvation and intervention.

You don't have to play the horses
Life is unpredictable and can be seen as a game of chance or luck, but you don't have to place bets on uncertain outcomes to navigate it.

Life's a gamble all the same
Regardless of the choices we make or the risks we take, life is inherently unpredictable and uncertain.

It don't take much to make you lose sight
It is easy to get distracted or sidetracked by minor setbacks or temptations, and lose focus on what really matters in life.

Of the object of the game
It is important to keep in mind what you are really striving for, and not get too fixated on peripheral distractions or obstacles.

Anyone can be a soldier
It is easy to fall into the trap of blindly following orders or adopting a militaristic mindset, without considering the broader implications or consequences of our actions.

It's a prevalent disease
This mindset is pervasive and contagious, infecting many individuals and communities who prioritize obedience and conformity over critical thinking and compassion.

Oh God I don't know where to step now
We are lost and confused, uncertain of the right path to take or the best course of action to follow.

Help me find the right road please
We are seeking guidance and support from a higher power, hoping that we can be led down the correct path and towards a better future.

Praying for the break of day
We are longing for a new dawn or a fresh start, hoping that the darkness and difficulties of the current situation will soon come to an end.

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bruce Cockburn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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