"'Wild Horses' is about someone thinking… Read Full Bio ↴Paddy McAloon on this song:
"'Wild Horses' is about someone thinking their time has gone. They look at a 17-year-old girl and think she's perfect and wish they were 17 and could go out with her. I wanted to do it in the sweetest way possible, without it being a crappy rock or pop sex song. I think it's a sexy song." - source unclear
Wild Horses
Prefab Sprout Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your ponytail. I tried
With sugar cubes - And they're O.K.
But I don't think
I'll catch you that way
I hate myself 'cause you're so cool
With your mocking eyes
"Won't you look at the old fool"
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to
Look at you - Unflawed.
Now look at me - Plain overawed
Grace and looks take no credit for
Girl you're young
And they're part of the score
Like the chemicals at war in me
'Til I'm a wolf with an eye for the ponies
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to
I want extra time to play,
Afternoons in the hay
It's a sorry way for a man to feel
But sentimental is part of the deal
I hate myself because it shows how
I'm a fool for your rodeo
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have you
The lyrics to Prefab Sprout’s “Wild Horses” describe the singer’s infatuation with a girl he sees from a distance. He watches her with admiration, noting her physical beauty and feeling jealous of her confidence and coolness. He tries to win her over by offering her sugar cubes and eventually admits to himself that he is a fool for her. He longs for her company and imagines spending time with her, romanticizing a cowboy lifestyle with afternoons in the hay. The song is full of desperation, with the singer struggling to come to terms with his emotions.
One of the interesting facts about the song is that it was actually written in 1985 but was not released until two years later on Prefab Sprout’s album “From Langley Park to Memphis”. The song was written by lead singer Paddy McAloon, who has said that the song was inspired by a girl he saw at a railway station. McAloon’s lyrics often feature romantic and nostalgic themes, and “Wild Horses” is a perfect example of his songwriting style.
Another interesting fact about the song is that it was originally intended to be a duet with Stevie Wonder. McAloon had asked Wonder to sing on the song, but Wonder was unable to make it to the recording session. McAloon also intended for the song to be part of a musical he was writing called “Cowboys and Indians”. Although the musical was never completed, “Wild Horses” remains a standout track from the album.
Overall, “Wild Horses” is a poignant and heartfelt song that speaks to the universal experience of unrequited love. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery and clever turns of phrase, and the longing and sadness in McAloon’s vocals make the song a memorable and moving piece of music.
Chords: Unfortunately, we do not have the chords for this song.
Line by Line Meaning
Through the rails I spied
Your ponytail. I tried
With sugar cubes - And they're O.K.
But I don't think
I'll catch you that way
I saw your ponytail through the fence and tried luring you with sugar cubes, which worked but I don't think it will be enough to get close to you.
I hate myself 'cause you're so cool
With your mocking eyes
"Won't you look at the old fool"
I feel bad about myself because you're so cool and your sarcastic stare makes me feel like an old fool.
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to
I want the freedom and excitement that comes with wild horses.
Look at you - Unflawed.
Now look at me - Plain overawed
Grace and looks take no credit for
Girl you're young
And they're part of the score
Like the chemicals at war in me
'Til I'm a wolf with an eye for the ponies
You're flawless and I'm just plain, but I know that looks don't matter. You're young and that's part of what makes you desirable. The chemistry between us makes me feel like a wolf, drawn to the ponies.
I want extra time to play,
Afternoons in the hay
It's a sorry way for a man to feel
But sentimental is part of the deal
I hate myself because it shows how
I'm a fool for your rodeo
I want more time with you, even if it means playing and lounging in the hay. It's embarrassing for a man to feel this sentimental, but it's part of the package. I hate myself for being such a fool for you and your rodeo.
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have
Wild horses - I want to have you
I want the wild energy and freedom that comes with horse riding, but more than that, I want you to be a part of it.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PADDY MCALOON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jonathan Kawashima
I love everyone that loves this song!!!
Edgardo Gregorini
Thank you! I Love you too! 😁❤️
Mod Miscellanea
Love you too! Been listening to this since I was 8.
Alex DeLarge
Love you too!
Trudy Wretched
@Thomas Gambro Adamsson we are a funny old bunch of crazy old grapes, I think it is correct to say it
Omar Ayala
I wouldn't trust no one that wouldn't love this song.
Seagreentangerine
I had this track on repeat for a year back in the 90s, it is sublime perfection, Paddy is a dreamweaver and the unmatchable Thomas Dolby doing his magic in the background, it's a sexy production! 💖
Seagreentangerine
@Mod Miscellanea 💥💓💥yes!!
Mod Miscellanea
Incredibly sexy production. Tight, clean, everything you want.
Do you mind
The whole album is really good