The four-time Grammy winner has acted in a number of films and been a guest-star on television. Lovett was married to actress Julia Roberts for a short time in the mid-1990s. In 2002, he was gored by a bull while working on his uncle's farm in Texas, but soon recovered and resumed touring.
Which Way Does That Old Pony Run
Lyle Lovett Lyrics
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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
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
The song "Which Way Does That Old Pony Run" by Lyle Lovett tells the story of a young cowboy who fell in love with a woman who made him settle down. The cowboy is struggling with the decision to leave his current life and go back to the open range. He seeks advice from someone, asking which way the old pony runs. The song is an emotional journey for the cowboy as he weighs his options and tries to come to terms with his inner conflict.
The first stanza describes the cowboy's past as a skilled cowboy. His life was filled with adventure and he was the best in the land. However, the woman he fell in love with changed things for him. Her touch "settled him down" and he is now looking for answers on how to move forward. The chorus of the song asks which way the old pony runs and how much it would cost for a saddle and a straight-shooting gun. These are all emblematic of the cowboy's past and the kind of life he is familiar with.
The second stanza begins by highlighting the difference between a young girl's lies and a woman's ability to handle situations better. The cowboy is addressing his mother and seeking advice on his future. The refrain is repeated again, emphasizing how the cowboy is stuck between two vastly different choices. The last stanza likens the decision about whether to stay or go to one about wealth. The cowboy says that what is valuable to the person he is leaving, the car and TV, are not truly riches for him. The song concludes with the cowboy's decision to head back east, seeking the adventure of the plains and the open sky.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was a very young man
In the distant past, during my youth
I was a cowboy
I worked as a cowboy, a profession involving cattle herding and farming
The best in the land
I was skilled and confident in my job
But then she settled me down
However, a woman came along and calmed me down
With a touch of her hand
Her gentle actions had a significant impact on me
Now I'm begging you mister
I have a request for you, sir
Tell me if you can
If possible, could you answer my question?
Which way does that old pony run
I am curious about the direction of that old horse's movement
And how much is that saddle
I am also interested in the price of the saddle
And a straight shooting gun
Furthermore, I would like to know the cost of a firearm that is accurate and reliable
Now a young girl
When it comes to younger females
She don't know when she's lying
They may not always be truthful
But a woman
Yet an adult female
Great God she knows how its done
Is highly skilled and experienced in handling situations
So mama before I go
Before I leave, mother dear
There's just one thing on my mind
I have only one thought occupying my mind
So which way does that old pony run
Which way is the old horse heading?
So which way does that old pony run
I am again inquiring about the horse's direction
And how much is that saddle
Additionally, I am curious about the cost of the saddle
And a straight shooting gun
Also, the price of the accurate firearm is of interest to me
So this good life you know I must leave
My current lifestyle, you see, I am required to part with
Your new car
Your expensive automobile
And your color TV
And your flashy television set
But what's riches to you
However, what you consider being wealthy
Just ain't riches to me
Does not equate to wealth for me
And if you're staying out here
If you plan on remaining in this area
Then I'm headed back east
I will return to the eastern part of the country
Which way does that old pony run
Again, could you tell me the direction of the old horse?
Which way does that old pony run
I am repeating my inquiry about the horse's direction
And how much is that saddle
Once more, I am curious about the price of the saddle
And a straight shooting gun
Also, could you tell me the cost of an accurate firearm?
Which way does that old pony run
To conclude, I would like to know the direction of the old horse
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: LYLE PEARCE LOVETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind