About The Song
(Watch the video below)
"One Horse Town" is a poignant and evocative song by Elton John, released in 1970 as part of his self-titled album "Elton John." This captivating track stands out for its heartfelt lyrics, melodic arrangement, and Elton John's emotive vocal delivery, solidifying its place as a standout in his extensive musical repertoire.
Lyrically, "One Horse Town" paints a vivid picture of small-town life and the longing for something more. The song's narrator reflects on the limitations of living in a small, insular community, yearning to break free and pursue his dreams. Lines like "And I need to get out of this one horse town" and "It's time to leave this one horse town behind" convey a sense of restlessness and determination to escape the confines of his surroundings.
Elton John's vocal performance on "One Horse Town" is both soulful and impassioned, with his emotive delivery capturing the song's emotional depth and resonance. His voice resonates with sincerity and vulnerability, drawing listeners into the raw emotion of the lyrics.
Musically, "One Horse Town" is characterized by its melodic piano riff, folk-inspired acoustic guitar, and understated arrangement. The song features a gentle rhythm and understated instrumentation that complement the introspective nature of the lyrics. The dynamic instrumentation builds to a climactic crescendo, mirroring the emotional intensity of the narrator's longing for escape.
Beyond its musical qualities, "One Horse Town" also carries a deeper message about the universal desire for freedom and self-expression. The song serves as a reminder that no matter where we come from, we all yearn for the opportunity to pursue our dreams and live life on our own terms.
As one of the standout tracks on "Elton John," "One Horse Town" remains a fan favorite and a testament to Elton John's ability to capture complex emotions through his music. Its heartfelt lyrics, melodic arrangement, and emotive vocals continue to resonate with audiences around the world, making it a cherished part of Elton John's vast musical legacy.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Saw a Cadillac for the first time yesterday
I'd always seen horses, buggies, bales of hay
'Cause progress here don't move with modern times
There's nothing to steal
So there's not a great deal of crime
It sure is hell living in a one horse town
There's half a mile of Alabama mud bed ground
Nothing much doing of an afternoon
Unless you're sitting in a rocking chair just picking a tune
And they ain't too well acquainted with the stars and stripes
But if you want to hear Susanna then they'll pick all night
They'll pick all night
'Cause it's no dice living in a one horse town
Laid back, as my old coon hound
And I just can't wait to get out of this one horse town
There's nothing to steal 'cause there's simply nothing much around
And they ain't too well acquainted with the stars and stripes
But if you want to hear Susanna then they'll pick all night
They'll pick all night
Sure is hell living in this one horse town
There's half a mile of Alabama mud bed ground
And I just can't wait to grow out of this one horse town
There's nothing to steal 'cause there's nothing much around