Meaning of Live Like Horses by Elton John

The Elton John song 'Live Like Horses' explores themes of freedom, breaking barriers, and embracing a new way of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of personal transformation and the desire to escape the constraints of society. Each line contributes to the development of these themes in unexpected and imaginative ways, allowing listeners to dive deeper into the meaning behind the song.One standout lyric in the song is "I can't control this flesh and blood, that's wrapped around my bones." This line speaks to the human condition and the limitations imposed upon us by our physical bodies. It suggests a longing for something more, a desire to break free from the confines of our own skin. This theme of transcending our physical limitations is further emphasized as the narrator describes how his body moves "like a river, into the great unknown." Here, the idea of the river symbolizes a journey, an ever-flowing stream of possibilities waiting to be explored.Another important lyric in 'Live Like Horses' is "Pried a harp out the fingers of a renegade, who lived and died the blues." This line introduces the concept of rebellion against societal norms. The harp, associated with classical music and sophistication, represents the rigid world the narrator is trying to escape. By prying it out of the renegade's fingers, he symbolically rejects the constraints imposed on him by traditional expectations. Through this act of defiance, the narrator aligns himself with the renegade, embracing a life free from the shackles of conformity.The pre-chorus of the song contains the line "All I saw was frost inside my head on the night he said to me." This lyric helps develop the theme of inner transformation and personal growth. The frost represents the numbness and stagnation the narrator feels within, trapped in a cold and unfulfilling existence. The renegade's words act as a catalyst, prompting a thawing of the frost and igniting the desire for change. This theme of inner awakening is further explored in the chorus, where the lyrics proclaim, "Someday, we'll live like horses, free rein from your old, iron fences." Here, the metaphor of the old, iron fences captures the idea of societal constraints and limitations. The longing to break free from these fences symbolizes the narrator's yearning for true freedom and authenticity.In the second verse, the lyrics "We're the victims of the heartbreak that kept us short of breath, trapped above these bloodless streets without a safety net" evoke a sense of entrapment and longing for release. The heartbreak mentioned represents the emotional struggles that often keep us from truly living authentically. The bloodless streets symbolize a life void of passion, where individuals are merely going through the motions without truly experiencing what life has to offer. The desire for a safety net implies a fear of taking risks and stepping outside of one's comfort zone. This lyric conveys the need for courage and determination when pursuing a life of freedom and fulfillment.The outro of the song reinforces the message of breaking barriers and embracing change. The line "There's more ways than one to regain your senses" suggests that there are alternative paths to self-discovery and personal growth. It encourages listeners to be open-minded and explore different avenues in their journey towards liberation. The repeated phrase "break out the stalls, and we'll live like horses" serves as a rallying cry, urging individuals to break free from their restrictions and embrace a life of freedom and authenticity.In conclusion, the song 'Live Like Horses' by Elton John tackles themes of freedom, breaking barriers, and embracing a new way of life. Through vivid and imaginative lyrics, it invites listeners to reflect on their own limitations and desires for personal transformation. Whether it is through prying a harp from the fingers of a renegade or breaking out of old iron fences, the song encourages us to be brave, seize the opportunities that come our way, and live a life where we can truly roam free like horses.