Rocking Horse
Gov't Mule w/ Dave Schools Lyrics
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Said the boy with the microphone
Else, I wouldn't be standing here today
Ever since I was a young a boy
I couldn't leave well enough alone
Always trouble standing in my way
Up, down, anywhere but in the middle
All or nothing, never could do just a little
Never could leave it alone
Hard living be the death of me
Lead me to an early grave
To die in the saddle must be my destiny
But to ride this rocking horse I must be crazed
Good clean fun is just my imagination
Down and dirty that's the way the game is played
This hard life has caused me aggravation
Never could leave it alone
Got to ride that rocking horse
Can't leave it alone
Got to ride that rocking horse
The song "Rocking Horse" by Gov't Mule with Dave Schools is a powerful rock track with raw, emotional lyrics. The opening line mentions the singer's guardian angel wearing a hard hat, implying that he needs divine protection for the dangerous and reckless path that he has chosen to pursue. The boy with the microphone acknowledges that he wouldn't be where he is today without this guidance. From there, the song dives into his personal struggles, describing a lifetime of trouble standing in his way. Despite his self-destructive tendencies, he can't help but ride the "rocking horse," a metaphor for his wild lifestyle.
The lyrics describe someone who lives life to the fullest, indulging in all experiences, good or bad. The line "up, down, anywhere but in the middle" means that he can never find balance or moderation. He is always under the influence, "off the wagon, under the wheel again." His addiction to the rock-and-roll lifestyle is all-consuming, and he can never be satisfied with just a little taste of it. He wants it all, and this mentality has caused him nothing but pain and aggravation.
The chorus of the song is repeated multiple times throughout, "Got to ride that rocking horse, can't leave it alone." The singer is addicted to the thrill of his lifestyle and can't resist the urge to keep going, despite knowing that it will ultimately lead him to an early grave. He acknowledges that "hard living" will be the death of him, but to him, dying while living the life that he loves is worth it.
Line by Line Meaning
My guardian angel wears a hard hat
The protective forces that guide me through life are strong and relentless, always looking out for my safety.
Said the boy with the microphone
These words were spoken by someone who is confident in his ability to command attention and make an impact with his voice.
Else, I wouldn't be standing here today
Without the guidance and protection of my guardian angel, I would not have made it this far in life.
Ever since I was a young a boy
From a very early age, I recognized the need for vigilance and determination in order to overcome the obstacles in my path.
I couldn't leave well enough alone
Despite the risks and potential dangers, I cannot resist the urge to push boundaries and pursue my goals with everything I have.
Always trouble standing in my way
Despite the efforts of my guardian angel and my own determination, there are always obstacles and roadblocks that I must overcome in order to succeed.
Up, down, anywhere but in the middle
My life is characterized by extremes and highs and lows, with very little middle ground or stability to be found.
Off the wagon, under the wheel again
I have struggled with addiction and other vices throughout my life, and have fallen victim to the same pitfalls and traps time and time again.
All or nothing, never could do just a little
I have always been an 'all or nothing' type of person, unable to find satisfaction or fulfillment in moderation or balance.
Hard living be the death of me
My reckless and risky lifestyle may ultimately lead to my untimely demise.
Lead me to an early grave
The consequences of my actions and habits will likely result in a shortened lifespan and an early death.
To die in the saddle must be my destiny
Given my history and current lifestyle, it is likely that I will die while engaging in my dangerous and thrilling pursuits.
But to ride this rocking horse I must be crazed
The only way for me to fulfill my destiny and find satisfaction in life is to continue taking risks and pursuing my passions, even if it requires a certain level of insanity or recklessness.
Good clean fun is just my imagination
Despite occasionally having thought about it, I have never found true satisfaction or fulfillment in 'safe' or 'clean' activities that do not involve a certain level of risk or danger.
Down and dirty that's the way the game is played
The only way to truly achieve success and fulfillment in life is to be willing to get your hands dirty and take risks, regardless of the potential consequences.
This hard life has caused me aggravation
I have experienced a great deal of stress, turmoil, and frustration throughout my life due to my risky and dangerous pursuits.
Never could leave it alone
Despite the hardships and dangers, I cannot resist the allure of taking risks and pursuing my passions.
Got to ride that rocking horse
I am compelled to continue taking risks and pursuing my passions, even if it ultimately leads to my demise.
Can't leave it alone
Despite the risks and potential dangers, I cannot resist the urge to push boundaries and pursue my goals with everything I have.
Got to ride that rocking horse
I am compelled to continue taking risks and pursuing my passions, even if it ultimately leads to my demise.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ALLEN WOODY, GREGORY LENOIR ALLMAN, JACK PEARSON, WARREN HAYNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind