Will Oldham (born 24 December 1970, Louisville, Kentucky) is an American si… Read Full Bio ↴Will Oldham (born 24 December 1970, Louisville, Kentucky) is an American singer-songwriter, actor, and musician. His music is often (perhaps inappropriately) placed under the genre of "alt-country". Oldham has recorded under many names, including Palace, Palace Music, Palace Brothers, and Bonnie Billy. He often plays and records with other musicians, including David Pajo and his brothers Ned and Paul Oldham, but is generally the chief creator of the music. He has also been involved in musical projects and bands such as Amalgamated Sons of Rest, The Anomoanon, The Boxhead Ensemble, Tortoise, and The Sundowners as well as releasing his first solo album in 1993. Oldham has said that the Bonnie 'Prince' Billy moniker has many references. These include 'Bonnie' Prince Charlie, an 18th century Jacobite; Billy the Kid, the 19th century American outlaw also known as William Bonney; and the American singer Nat King Cole. He has also appeared in several films, such as the 1987 film Matewan and most recently in Old Joy (released in late 2006). He is also the photographer of the cover image of the slint album Spiderland.

No More Workhorse Blues
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics

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Many lights up today
Many lights up this way

What is this road here?
Where have I come?

I am a rich man
I am a very rich man

I have good pants on
Stitched and stitched;
I am in stitches
I am laughing at you
I am in britches

I've written books for you
I held my own for you
Where is my tongue?

I am no more a workhorse
I am no more a workhorse
I am no more a workhorse
I am no more a workhorse

I am a racing horse

I am a grazing horse
I am your favorite horse

Overall Meaning

The song "No More Workhorse Blues" by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy is a lament for the loss of identity and purpose that comes with the end of the working day. The first few lines suggest a hopelessness in the face of a repetitive, numbing routine: "Many lights up today / Many lights up this way." The singer then questions where they are and who they have become, suggesting a sense of disassociation with their own life. The repetition of the line "I am a rich man / I am a very rich man / I have good pants on / Stitched and stitched" creates a sense of tedium and emptiness, as if the singer is trying to convince themselves of their own value. However, this is juxtaposed with the line "I am in stitches / I am laughing at you / I am in britches," which suggests they are aware of the absurdity of it all and perhaps finding some humor in their situation.

The repeated refrain "I am no more a workhorse / I am a racing horse / I am a grazing horse / I am your favorite horse" suggests a desire to escape the mundanity of daily life and be seen as something more than just a tool for work - to be a creature of beauty and grace, appreciated for its own sake. The final line in particular, "I am your favorite horse," suggests a longing for recognition and affection that goes beyond the transactional nature of work. Overall, the song is a poignant reflection on the human condition and the struggle to find meaning in the face of the daily grind.

Line by Line Meaning

Many lights up today
There are many opportunities and possibilities today

Many lights up this way
There are many paths and directions to take in life

What is this road here?
Questioning the path that has been taken

Where have I come?
Reflecting on where life has led so far

I am a rich man
Not just financially, but rich in life experiences

I am a very rich man
A sense of gratitude and appreciation for life

I have good pants on
Having a sense of pride in appearance

Stitched and stitched;
Attention to detail

I am in stitches
Feeling joy and happiness

I am laughing at you
Not in a mean or malicious way, but rather finding humor in life

I am in britches
Feeling confident and content