Guardian Angel
Templeton Thompson Lyrics


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She could've passed for a cowboy
The way she carried herself and that fifty pounds of leather
Put it up on that pony, light as a feather
Like she'd done it all her life
Then she asked if I was ready
Handed me the reins and we started out walkin'
Up until that mornin' she hadn't been much on talkin'
Guess it'd finally come the time
And she said
I've learned more from the back of a horse
Than most folks ever get to know
You never really know what you're made of
'Til you ride out on your own

Ooo baby don't worry
I know you're gonna be just fine
Ooo now don't be in a hurry
You'll feel it when you hit your stride
Don't get rattled, sit deep in the saddle
Remember to hold on tight
And never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly

I remember what she told me
It's as clear as a bell like it was on that mornin'
Kind of like a blessing and a warnin'
I've carried all this time
I'll pass it on to my daughter
As she loads up her car and heads out of the driveway
She'll have had enough of doin' things my way
It'll be her turn to fly
And I'll say
I've learned more from the back of a horse
Than most folks ever get to know
You never really know what you're made of
'Til you ride out on your own

Ooo baby don't worry
You know you're gonna be just fine
Ooo don't be in a hurry
You'll feel it when you hit your stride
Don't get rattled, sit deep in the saddle
Remember to hold on tight
And never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly
Ooo baby don't worry
You know you're gonna be just fine
Ooo don't be in a hurry
You'll feel it when you hit your stride
Don't get rattled, sit deep in the saddle
Remember to hold on tight
And never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly
Don't you ever ride faster than your guardian angel can fly




Remember oh remember baby
She coulda passed for a cowboy

Overall Meaning

In Templeton Thompson's song Guardian Angel, the singer shares a memory of a woman who could easily pass for a cowboy, with her confident and effortless ability to ride a horse. With a weighty fifty pounds of leather, the woman effortlessly throws it up on her pony, like it was second nature to her. The singer recalls how quiet the woman was until that morning when she started talking, sharing insights that she learned from her years riding horses. She tells the singer that she has learned more from the back of a horse than most people ever get to know.


The advice that the woman imparts is one of bravery, resilience, and caution. She warns the singer that they will never know what they are made of until they ride out on their own. She reminds the singer not to get rattled and instead continue to hold on tight and never ride faster than their guardian angel can fly. The woman's words stay with the singer long after their interaction, and the woman's wisdom will be passed down to the singer's daughter as she sets out on her own path.


The song Guardian Angel is a beautiful tribute both to horses and women who possess an unbreakable spirit. The lyrics convey that riding is not just a physical activity but an emotional experience that can teach invaluable lessons about courage, determination, and perseverance. Through the woman's wisdom, it becomes clear that we must never lose sight of our guardian angel, our emotional support system or our internal gut instinct that feeds our passion and drive. It is a reminder that we have the power to become the best versions of ourselves if we tap into the strength that lies within us.


Line by Line Meaning

She could've passed for a cowboy
She exuded a strong, confident demeanor that resembled that of a cowboy


The way she carried herself and that fifty pounds of leather
Her body language, posture, and attire suggested that she had a great deal of experience with horses


Put it up on that pony, light as a feather
She effortlessly mounted the horse and balanced herself on the saddle


Like she'd done it all her life
Her ease and grace with horses implied that she was highly experienced


Then she asked if I was ready
She inquired if I was prepared to go on a horse ride with her


Handed me the reins and we started out walkin'
She gave me control of the horse and began to lead us on a slow walk


Up until that mornin' she hadn't been much on talkin'
She had not been very communicative prior to our horse ride


Guess it'd finally come the time
It seemed that the moment to impart some wisdom had arrived


I've learned more from the back of a horse
The experience of horseback riding has taught me valuable life lessons


Than most folks ever get to know
Many people underestimate the value of horseback riding as an educational experience


You never really know what you're made of
One's true character and abilities are not fully realized until they are tested


'Til you ride out on your own
This realization only comes when one is faced with challenges and overcomes them independently


Ooo baby don't worry
There is no need to be anxious or fearful


I know you're gonna be just fine
I have confidence in your abilities and believe that you will succeed


Ooo now don't be in a hurry
Take your time and don't rush into things


You'll feel it when you hit your stride
You will know when you have found your place and are succeeding


Don't get rattled, sit deep in the saddle
Stay calm and composed, maintaining proper form and posture


Remember to hold on tight
Don't lose your grip or become disoriented


And never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly
Do not take unnecessary risks or exceed your capabilities


I remember what she told me
I recall the advice that the experienced horse rider gave me


It's as clear as a bell like it was on that mornin'
The memory is vivid and easily recalled


Kind of like a blessing and a warnin'
The advice was both positive and cautionary


I've carried all this time
I have held onto this piece of advice and found it valuable throughout my life


I'll pass it on to my daughter
I will share this wisdom with my own child


As she loads up her car and heads out of the driveway
As my daughter sets out on her own path in life


She'll have had enough of doin' things my way
She will want to assert her independence and make her own choices


It'll be her turn to fly
She will have the opportunity to determine her own path in life


Don't you ever ride faster than your guardian angel can fly
The cautionary advice applies just as much to my daughter as it did to me


Remember oh remember baby
I implore my daughter to keep this advice in mind




Contributed by Lily E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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