Which Way Does That Old Pony R
Lyle Lovett Lyrics


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When I was a very young man
I was a cowboy
The best in the land
But then she settled me down
With a touch of her hand
Now I'm begging you mister
Tell me if you can
Which way does that old pony run
Which way does that old pony run
And how much is that saddle
And a straight shooting gun
Which way does that old pony run

Now a young girl
She don't know when she's lying
But a woman
Great God she knows how its done
So mama before I go
There's just one thing on my mind
Which way does that old pony run

Which way does that old pony run
Which way does that old pony run
And how much is that saddle
And a straight shooting gun
Which way does that old pony run

So this good life you know I must leave
Your new car
And your color TV
But what's riches to you
Just ain't riches to me
And if you're staying out here
Then I'm headed back east

Which way does that old pony run
Which way does that old pony run
And how much is that saddle




And a straight shooting gun
Which way does that old pony run

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Lyle Lovett's "Which Way Does That Old Pony Run" contain themes of longing for the freedom and simplicity of youth, questioning the values of materialism, and the desire for direction and clarity in life. The song begins with the singer reminiscing about his youth as a cowboy, claiming to have been the best in the land. He then notes that a woman's touch settled him down, and he asks the listener which way an old pony would run, perhaps looking for guidance or a sense of purpose.


The second verse continues in this vein, highlighting the differences between young girls and women's knowledge of the world. The singer seems contemplative and questioning, suggesting that he has something on his mind that he needs to resolve. In the third verse, he decides that he must leave a "good life" containing modern trappings like a new car and a color TV, because he values something different - the freedom of his youth and the simplicity of a cowboy's saddle and gun.


The refrain, "Which way does that old pony run," is repeated several times throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's search for direction and purpose. It could be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of life's journey and the many paths one can take. However, the singer's ultimate decision to return to Eastern roots suggests that he has found his answer, and he is willing to leave behind material wealth and the promise of a comfortable life to pursue his own values and fulfillment.


Line by Line Meaning

When I was a very young man
During my youth


I was a cowboy
I worked as a cowboy


The best in the land
I was excellent at my job


But then she settled me down
I was calmed and settled by her


With a touch of her hand
By her physical contact


Now I'm begging you mister
I'm asking you


Tell me if you can
If you know the answer, please tell me


Which way does that old pony run
Which direction is the pony going?


And how much is that saddle
What's the price of that saddle?


And a straight shooting gun
And how much for a gun that has a straight path of fire?


Now a young girl
A young woman


She don't know when she's lying
She is unaware of her dishonesty


But a woman
A grown woman


Great God she knows how its done
She is skilled in her deception


So mama before I go
Before I leave, mother


There's just one thing on my mind
I have one question


Which way does that old pony run
Can you tell me which way the old pony is headed?


So this good life you know I must leave
I must part ways with this comfortable lifestyle


Your new car
Your recently-purchased vehicle


And your color TV
Your color television set


But what's riches to you
But what is valuable to you


Just ain't riches to me
Is not valuable to me


And if you're staying out here
If you're staying in this location


Then I'm headed back east
I'm going back to the east


Which way does that old pony run
Again, which direction is the old pony heading?


And how much is that saddle
What is the cost of that saddle?


And a straight shooting gun
And what would I need to pay for a gun with a straight path of fire?


Which way does that old pony run
Once more - which direction is the old pony going?




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LYLE PEARCE LOVETT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

hoss ledbetter

This guy is one of the greatest talents period!

윤성민Yoon-seongmin

When I was a very young man
I was a cowboy
The best in the land
But then she settled me down
With a touch of her hand
Now I'm begging you mister
Tell me if you can
Which way does that old pony run
Which way does that old pony run
And how much is that saddle
And a straight shooting gun
Which way does that old pony run
Now a young girl
She don't know when she's lying
But a woman
Great God she knows how its done
So mama before I go
There's just one thing on my mind
Which way does that old pony run
Which way does that old pony run
Which way does that old pony run
And how much is that saddle
And a straight shooting gun
Which way does that old pony run
So this good life you know I must leave
Your new car
And your color TV
But what's riches to you
Just ain't riches to me
And if you're staying out here
Then I'm headed back east
Which way does that old pony run
Which way does that old pony run
And how much is that saddle
And a straight shooting gun
Which way does that old pony run

Uma Shankar

Love the way he milks the emotion out of every note.

Kinnilin McDaniel

the show at paradise bay was great! im a huge fan

Zainab I

hahaha

Kelly Farrell

When i got turned on to lyle everything changed

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