His music is often placed (perhaps inappropriately) under the genre of "alternative country". Oldham was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He briefly attended Brown University, and now calls Baltimore, Maryland home.
Horses
Palace Music Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sleep outside at night and not take fright
I would ride the range and never worry
I would disappear into the night
Everybody needs an angel
But here's that devil by my side
Death's head ring upon his finger
They'll be drawing straws inside the courtroom
As the sudden twilight turns to black
Torches burn into the sad eyes
On the wrong side of the track
Make those horses jump through hoops of flame
They won't kick and they won't scream
Let the good lord do the driving
Poor boy sinking in the stream
I can smell the campfires burning
But I'll go out walking on my own
By day and night the world keeps turning
Frightened people hiding in their homes
Everybody needs an angel
But here's that devil by my side
Death's head ring upon his finger
Poor boy hanging on the light
The song "Horses" by Palace Music is a haunting and introspective ballad that displays both a longing for freedom and a sense of being trapped in one's own life. The opening lines speak to a desire to escape the confines of society and indulge in a more primal lifestyle. The imagery of riding horses and sleeping outside at night evoke a sense of wildness and freedom that contrasts with the routine and structure of civilization. The singer longs to disappear into the night and leave the constraints of their life behind.
As the song progresses, the tone becomes increasingly somber and hopeless. The line "Everybody needs an angel but here's that devil by my side" suggests a sense of being lost or abandoned. The image of the "death's head ring upon his finger" further reinforces this ominous feeling. The singer is haunted by a feeling of dread and uncertainty, unsure of their place in the world or what the future holds.
The final lines of the song suggest a world in chaos, with torches burning and frightened people hiding in their homes. The image of the "poor boy hanging on the light" is a powerful image of vulnerability and despair. The singer longs for escape but seems trapped by forces beyond their control. Ultimately, "Horses" is a powerful commentary on the human condition, exploring themes of freedom, isolation, and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic and uncertain world.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd be riding horses if they'd let me
If I were given the chance, I would go horseback riding
Sleep outside at night and not take fright
I would be comfortable sleeping outdoors and not be afraid of anything lurking in the dark
I would ride the range and never worry
I would love to traverse a large, open area without experiencing any concerns or anxiety
I would disappear into the night
I would prefer to vanish in the darkness without anyone knowing my whereabouts
Everybody needs an angel
Everyone would benefit from having a guardian or benefactor
But here's that devil by my side
Unfortunately, I have an adversary accompanying me instead of a friend
Death's head ring upon his finger
On his finger, there is a ring that symbolizes death and its presence
Poor boy hanging on the light
This boy is in a difficult and dangerous situation as he hangs on a lamp post
They'll be drawing straws inside the courtroom
The people in the court will be selecting something randomly using straws to determine a winner or loser
As the sudden twilight turns to black
During the transition between dusk to nighttime, the area becomes increasingly difficult to see
Torches burn into the sad eyes
The lights illuminate the sorrow in the people's eyes
On the wrong side of the track
People who were disadvantaged or had bad luck end up losing in life
Make those horses jump through hoops of flame
Trying to make something that is not feasible occur, like forcing horses to leap through fire
They won't kick and they won't scream
Despite the obstacles put before them, the horses will continue without complaining or fighting it
Let the good lord do the driving
It's best to let a higher power, like God, take the lead when in doubt
Poor boy sinking in the stream
Someone who is experiencing difficulties and is struggling to keep their head above water
I can smell the campfires burning
The scent of the fires being lit in the area is noticeable
But I'll go out walking on my own
I prefer to travel alone and independently
By day and night the world keeps turning
Regardless of the time of day, the world continues to spin
Frightened people hiding in their homes
People who are fearful and don't want to leave their homes
Contributed by Emma L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ruthdixon7807
oldham is a true american songwriter to be cherished.
@baphomick
I wish it was 94 again.
@mariusborgarbui3211
*I wish I was 94 again.
@GetBackToWorkSteve
degrees?
@tamersertoglu3496
İts always 94
@liftthathigher
@@tamersertoglu3496 it was easy to
@willgowdy6133
72 years. Hold tight.
@TompComp
Forever brilliant
@MrJohancampo
Thx for being that cinematographer at that time, Billy.
@DigiFolk
in quarantine eaten canned ham listenen to oldham