The Rolling Stones are known for their catchy rock anthems, but never shied away from releasing an occasional ballad. One of the band’s most famous ballads is the beautiful “Wild Horses”. Unlike high-energy rock songs such as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Paint It Black”, “Wild Horses” is a slow ballad that exposes the band’s softer side. In this article, we will explore the story and meaning behind the song!
The Story Behind the Song
The origin behind “Wild Horses” lie with guitarist Keith Richards, who wrote the song for his son Marlon. Soon after Marlon was born, Richards embarked on a US tour with the Stones and regretfully left behind his family. The song was a reflection of Richards’ feelings of longing for his son while he was out on the road.
While Keith Richards wrote the initial version of “Wild Horses”, it was Mick Jagger who shaped the lyrics of the song into its known version. After Richards shared the song with him, Jagger rewrote a significant portion of the lyrics.
(I)t was (Keith’s) melody. And he wrote the phrase wild horses, but I wrote the rest of it. I like the song. It’s an example of a pop song. Taking this cliché wild horses, which is awful, really, but making it work without sounding like a cliché when you’re doing it.
Mick Jagger in 1995
The lyrics written by Mick Jagger are rumored to be about Marianne Faithfull. The two had a tumultuous relationship between 1966 and 1970. Jagger himself, however, denied “Wild Horses” was about Faithfull.
Everyone always says it was written about Marianne but I don’t think it was; that was all well over by then. But I was definitely very inside this piece emotionally. This is very personal, evocative, and sad. It all sounds rather doomy now, but it was quite a heavy time.
Mick Jagger in 1993
The question of whether “Wild Horses” was written for Marianne or not stays up for debate. But changing your mind about a song after an ended relationship seems to be a common theme in the music industry. Famous examples are Something by The Beatles and Tiny Dancer by Elton John.
“Wild Horses” was first released by the Flying Burrito Brothers in 1970. Frontman Gram Parsons was a close friend of Jagger and Richards and desired to cover the song after hearing a demo. He asked the bandmates to allow him to record a version, to which The Stones agreed. The rockers themselves eventually included the song on their iconic Sticky Fingers album in 1971.
The Meaning of The Song
The Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses” tells the story of a man who reflects on a troubled relationship. The song exposes the struggles of love as a result of an everlasting deep commitment. The most memorable part of the song – the chorus – perfectly reveals the theme of the song. Not even the strong wild horses are capable to drag the man away from his loved one.
As the song progresses, “Wild Horses” becomes more introspective and mournful. Yet the man’s commitment to his loved one remains unbreakable.
On personal terms, the song could represent the busy careers of the band members. While The Rolling Stones were out on the road touring, their families were left behind at home. In this case, “Wild Horses” is about the longing for loved ones at home. Keith Richards once confirmed this view in an interview, although it is important to keep in mind Mick Jagger wrote most of the lyrics.
Overall, “Wild Horses” is a testament to the extreme powers of love, which can potentially extend to an unhealthy degree.
The Legacy of Wild Horses
The song was released as the second single of Sticky Fingers, after the album’s lead single “Brown Sugar”. It knew moderate commercial success, reaching number 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Over the years – Alongside “Angie” – “Wild Horses” became one of the Rolling Stones’ most popular slow ballads.
Overall, “Wild Horses” perfectly exposes the unique talents of songwriting-duo Jagger-Richards. Despite being over 50 years old, the song continues to resonate with audiences today, contributing to the massive popularity and legacy of The Rolling Stones.
Interested in more stories behind Rolling Stones songs? Click here
I am a true Rolling Stones fan , I’ve heard so many rumors ,on the song wild horses. Myself ,one of my favorites ,also it hits the heart pretty hard and deep.Definanitely a relationship!.
I am a true Rolling Stones fan , I’ve heard so many rumors ,on the song wild horses. Myself ,one of my favorites ,also it hits the heart pretty hard and deep.Definanitely a relationship!.
🥰
Wild Horses is still a popular Rolling Stones song now because it has a catchy hook,the clichéd Wild Horses repeated in the chorus and a nice melody. The theme of longing for love, expressed in its lyrics is a timeless theme.
This is the perfect website for everyone who would like to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want toÖHaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a subject thats been discussed for a long time. Wonderful stuff, just great!