Horse's Mouth
Edie Brickell New Bohemians Lyrics
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Somebody talking bout ol so n so and
Next thing you know, it gets repeated like it's gospel
When it got started by someone who does not know
If you don't hear it from the horse's mouth
You're hearing it from a horse's ass
I have to meditate to keep my mouth shut
And it's like wrestling a bear to keep it quiet
I want to run and jump and tell somebody but
If you don't hear it from the horse's mouth
You're hearing it from a horse's ass
There's a dog on the bed getting caught in the act
Spider weaving a web for a snake in the grass
If you don't hear it from the horse's mouth
You're hearing it from a horse's ass
The lyrics of Edie Brickell & New Bohemians' song "Horse's Mouth" convey the frustration and annoyance that arises from the spread of gossip and rumors. The song suggests that information often gets distorted and exaggerated as it passes from person to person. The phrase "if you don't hear it from the horse's mouth, you're hearing it from a horse's ass" serves as a metaphor for the importance of seeking information directly from the source rather than relying on hearsay.
The singer acknowledges the temptation to indulge in gossip and share juicy stories, but they also recognize the negative consequences of doing so. The lines "It's a temptation when I hear a story like that, I have to meditate to keep my mouth shut" reveal the internal struggle faced when faced with enticing tales. The act of keeping quiet and resisting the urge to spread rumors is described as trying to wrestle a bear, emphasizing the difficulty of controlling one's urge to gossip.
The mention of a dog being caught in the act and a spider weaving a web for a snake in the grass further reinforces the theme of deception and manipulation. These images illustrate how gossip can lead to betrayal and harm among people. The overall message of the song is to encourage listeners to be cautious and discerning when listening to and participating in gossip, reminding them to seek the truth directly from the source before jumping to conclusions.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, it's been going on long as I can remember
This gossip has been circulating for a long time, even before I can recall.
Somebody talking bout ol so n so and
People love to discuss others and their lives.
Next thing you know, it gets repeated like it's gospel
Before you know it, this hearsay is being spread as if it is absolute truth.
When it got started by someone who does not know
Ironically, this whole rumor started from someone who has no firsthand knowledge.
If you don't hear it from the horse's mouth
The only reliable source of information is directly from the person involved.
You're hearing it from a horse's ass
Otherwise, you're getting it from someone who is ignorant or spreading false information.
It's a temptation when I hear a story like that
I feel an urge to listen to such tales.
I have to meditate to keep my mouth shut
To avoid spreading rumors further, I need to reflect and control my urge to speak.
And it's like wrestling a bear to keep it quiet
It's incredibly difficult to resist the temptation to share the gossip.
I want to run and jump and tell somebody but
Part of me eagerly wants to share this information with others.
There's a dog on the bed getting caught in the act
Similar to a dog being caught red-handed doing something mischievous, gossip can expose someone's secrets.
Spider weaving a web for a snake in the grass
Just like a spider spins a web to capture its prey, gossip creates a trap for deceitful individuals.
If you don't hear it from the horse's mouth
It's crucial to rely on the primary source for accurate information.
You're hearing it from a horse's ass
Otherwise, you're obtaining it from someone who is uninformed or spreading falsehoods.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Edie Brickell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind