Over the Rhine is an American, Ohio-based band, the core of which is the hu… Read Full Bio ↴Over the Rhine is an American, Ohio-based band, the core of which is the husband-and-wife team of pianist/guitarist/bassist Linford Detweiler and vocalist/guitarist Karin Bergquist. The band originally began as a quartet with guitarist Ric Hordinski and drummer Brian Kelley. Hordinski left the band in December 1996, and Kelley continued to play into 1997 before departing. The original foursome has reunited a couple of times recently; first in December of 2008 at The Taft Theatre (in Cincinnati) to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the formation of the band and more recently, in the summer of 2010 at Ric's studio, "the Monastery," to play the album "Good Dog Bad Dog" live, in its entirety.

The band's namesake and place of origin is the Cincinnati, Ohio neighborhood Over-the-Rhine. Karin attended school in Barnesville, Ohio and graduated from Barnesville High School in 1984. She then went to Malone College, located in Canton, Ohio, where she met Linford. Karin and Linford were married in the fall of 1996 in Cincinnati and several years ago relocated to a pre-civil war farm outside of town.

Over the Rhine is now primarily Bergquist (vocals, acoustic guitar, piano) and Detweiler (keyboards, electric bass, vocals) accompanied by complementary musicians on albums and tours. Over the years, they have toured and recorded in many variations. They have shared the stage with a number of fine musicians, including Bob Dylan, John Prine, Adrian Belew, Squeeze, Ani DiFranco, My Morning Jacket, Hem, and toured as "adjunct" members of Cowboy Junkies.

Over the Rhine's new album, _The Long Surrender_ was released nationally on 1/1/11. It recorded on California with Grammy winning producer, Joe Henry and contains a duet with Lucinda Williams on "Undamned" and two songs co-written with Joe Henry.

White Horse
Over the Rhine Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Bring me a white horse for Christmas
We'll ride him through the town
Out into the snowy woods
Where we will both lie down

Underneath white birches
Our faces toward the sky
We will make snow angels

With our white horse standing by

Hush now, baby
One day we're gonna ride
Hush now, baby
Our white horse through the sky

Bring me a white horse for Christmas
We'll ride him through the snow
All the way to Bethlehem
Two thousand years ago

I wanna speak with the angel
Who said do not be afraid
I wanna kneel where the oxen knelt
Where the little child was laid

Hush now, baby
One day you're gonna ride
Hush now, baby
Your white horse through the sky

No bridle will he be wearing
His unshod hoofs they will fly
Keep a watch this Christmas
For that white horse in the sky

Hush now, baby
One day we're gonna ride
Hush now, baby
Our white horse through the sky

Hush now, baby
Let every angel sing
Hush now, baby
One day we'll ride again

Hush now, baby
Hush now, baby

Overall Meaning

The song "White Horse" by the band Over the Rhine is a melancholic and dreamy Christmas song that imagines a different kind of Christmas experience. In the song, the singer expresses a desire to have a white horse for Christmas and ride it through the town and into snowy woods where they can both lay down while making snow angels. The singer wishes to travel back in time to Bethlehem two thousand years ago and witness the nativity of Jesus Christ. The horse serves not only as a means of transportation but also as a symbol of the freedom and joy that the singer hopes to experience in this spiritual journey.

The language and imagery used in the lyrics evoke a sense of longing and wistfulness, as the singer wishes for a deeper connection with the divine and a more meaningful Christmas experience. The repeated refrain of "Hush now, baby" adds to the haunting and lullaby-like quality of the song, making it both melancholic and comforting. The mention of the oxen and the little child also reminds the listeners of the humble and transcendent nature of the nativity story.

Overall, "White Horse" can be interpreted as a yearning for a simpler and more transcendent form of Christmas celebration, one that emphasizes the spiritual and emotional aspects of the holiday rather than materialistic excess. The narration seems to be longing for a deep and refreshing spiritual connection with Christ, in the image of a white horse carrying them to a more serene place where they can think about the real meaning of the season.

Line by Line Meaning

Bring me a white horse for Christmas
I want a symbol of freedom, purity, and strength to celebrate the beauty and magic of Christmas.

We'll ride him through the town
We'll share this gift of love and joy with everyone around us by showcasing the magnificence of our white horse.

Out into the snowy woods
We'll embrace the wonders of nature and the thrill of adventure as we leave the urban hustle and bustle behind and venture into the serene and magical woods.

Where we will both lie down
We'll rest and appreciate the beauty around us while feeling the warmth of our friendship and love.

Underneath white birches
We'll find shelter under the graceful and delicate trees that are symbols of new beginnings and blessings.

Our faces toward the sky
We'll look up and admire the vast and infinite sky that reminds us of the beauty and mystery of life.

We will make snow angels
We'll express our child-like wonder and creativity by making snow angels, which symbolize grace, beauty, and purity.

With our white horse standing by
Our white horse will be our loyal and faithful companion, reminding us of the importance of trust, loyalty, and companionship.

Hush now, baby
Be calm, peaceful, and content, and savor the moment of love and beauty.

One day we're gonna ride
We believe in the power of faith, hope, and love, and we know that one day we'll fulfill our dreams and aspirations.

Our white horse through the sky
Our white horse will represent our angelic and divine nature, and we'll soar high and free like the wind.

All the way to Bethlehem
We'll retrace the steps of the holy journey that led to the birth of Jesus, the symbol of love and light.

Two thousand years ago
We'll honor and respect the traditions and teachings that have lasted for centuries and have inspired millions of people.

I wanna speak with the angel
I want to experience the divine presence and guidance that can comfort and guide me through life.

Who said do not be afraid
I want to overcome my fears and doubts and trust in the goodness and mercy of God.

I wanna kneel where the oxen knelt
I want to humble myself before the sacred and mysterious forces that govern the universe and that can unite us all in peace and harmony.

Where the little child was laid
I want to embrace the innocence, purity, and vulnerability that are inherent in every living being and that can inspire us all to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving.

No bridle will he be wearing
Our white horse will be free and wild, unencumbered by the constraints of society and culture, and embodying the spirit of liberty and courage.

His unshod hoofs they will fly
Our white horse will be able to move fast and gracefully, covering vast distances and exploring new horizons, while remaining grounded and humble.

Keep a watch this Christmas
Pay attention and be alert to the miracles and wonders that can happen during this special time of the year, and appreciate the blessings that come your way.

For that white horse in the sky
Look up and behold the beauty of the world around you, and let its magic and wonder fill your heart with gratitude and joy.

Let every angel sing
Let all the divine and celestial beings rejoice and celebrate the goodness and beauty of life, and join in the chorus of love and peace.

One day we'll ride again
We know that one day we'll reunite with our loved ones who have passed away, and we'll continue our journey of love and joy, with our white horse by our side.

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: LINFORD DETWEILER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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