"Unbroken Horses" by John Mark McMillan is a poetic and metaphorical song that explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and the trials and tribulations of love. The narrative of the song revolves around the idea of escaping from reality and retreating into one's own mind, where the "places we hide" and the "faces we run" become a part of who we are. The chorus suggests that love has both the ability to uplift and destroy us. It can slay us and lay us down, save us or drown us. Love is depicted as a powerful force that has the potential to bring out the best and worst in us. The song also alludes to the presence of inner demons and struggles ("monsters in us"), symbolized by unbroken horses. These beasts represent the untamed and wild aspects of human nature. The unbroken heart refers to the vulnerability and fragility of the human spirit, which often leads to premature death ("we all die young") in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. The verses delve into the idea of self-reflection and introspection, with the narrator retreating into their own mind and memories. They mention the fragments of time when they "knew themselves" and saw their own reflection in someone else's eyes. The phrase "arrest my heart again in the places of the night" implies that the narrator's heart has been captured by the experiences and emotions of the past, causing them to revisit and confront those feelings. The final part of the song explores the concept of strength and blindness. It suggests that one can be strong in the areas where they are ignorant or unaware ("where you grow blindest"). This notion challenges the idea that strength comes solely from knowledge or perception. It implies that there is no darkness or shadow except where our own light is present, indicating that we have the power to overcome our own limitations and illuminate our own paths. Overall, "Unbroken Horses" is a contemplative and introspective song about love, self-discovery, and the struggles that come along with it. The lyrics evoke a sense of vulnerability, reflecting on the complexities of human emotions and the inherent fragility of existence.
