The song "Horses" by Joseph Arthur explores themes of freedom, love, and forgiveness. The lyrics suggest a desire to set someone free from their emotional burdens and provide them with a new perspective on life. The first verse expresses the singer's wish to release someone from feeling trapped or held back. They want to pay the person's ransom and give them the ability to see the world differently, perhaps offering them a new sense of hope and possibility. The second verse reveals the singer's intention to protect and provide shelter for this person, shielding them from pain or shame. They offer their hand and even the possibility of a committed relationship, emphasizing that once they become a duo, there will be no one else to blame for their struggles. The chorus metaphorically compares the situation to a horse race, where the horses run laps around the track. This symbolizes the cycle of repetitive patterns or struggles the person may be caught in. The winner represents the desired outcome or resolution, while the sound of the gun signifies the starting point or the moment of change. In the bridge, the singer reflects on their own experience of feeling abandoned and betrayed by the person they are addressing. The lyrics suggest that the person justified their actions by believing the singer had always wronged them. However, the singer realizes that they were searching for their own sense of belonging and connection. Overall, "Horses" portrays a yearning to free someone from their personal limitations, offering them support and love. It reflects on the complexities of relationships, forgiveness, and the desire to find a sense of home and belonging.
