Best Lyrics In Horse Racing Songs
Photo: Fogelberg in 1974 author of Run Of The Roses, Wikipedia
Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world and we have to say that it had a fair bit of influence on all people including musicians, poets, and songwriters. Why?
Just because horse racing isn’t only about the race itself. It’s about culture, greatness, success, money, freedom, prestige, culture, and much more. Therefore, many people can use horse racing as a source of inspiration or as an analogy to describe something that the sport represents. Plus horses symbolize a lot of features and songwriters use them to paint different pictures.
Horse racing is one of the most exciting sports in the world. On top of that it is filled with impossible stories, interesting characters and a lot of drama!
This means that horse racing is a perfect theme for any song! Even hip-hop or rap.
Over the years we’ve seen many musicians who were either passionate about the sport or wanted to use horses as an analogy, that made songs that remind us of the thrilling world of horse racing.
“The Race is On” by George Jones
This classic tune doesn’t horse around when it comes to depicting the heartache of love lost, using racing as a powerful metaphor. “The race is on and here comes pride up the backstretch,” sings Jones, capturing the essence of competition, whether in love or on the track.
It’s a clever play on words—because who hasn’t felt like they were in a race against heartbreak?
“Camptown Races” by Stephen Foster
Going way back to 1850, this ditty is as catchy as they come. “Doo-dah, doo-dah,” goes the refrain, echoing the universal language of not really knowing the lyrics.
“De Camptown ladies sing dis song, Doo-dah! doo-dah!
De Camptown race track is five miles long, Oh, doo-dah day!
I come down dah wid my hat caved in, Doo-dah! doo-dah!
I go back home wid a pocket full of tin, Oh, doo-dah day!”
But it’s the “Camptown racetrack’s five miles long” that gets us. Fact check: most racetracks aren’t that long, but who cares when you’re having fun?
“Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones
Now, you might be thinking, “But is it really about horse racing?” Let’s not split hairs—or manes.
“I know I dreamed you a sin and a lie
I have my freedom, but I don’t have much time
Faith has been broken, tears must be cried
Let’s do some living after we die”
The emotional depth of “Wild Horses” speaks to the untamed spirit of the race, the freedom of the horses, and perhaps, the resilience needed to stay in the saddle of life. Plus, it’s the Stones. Enough said.
“Run for the Roses” by Dan Fogelberg
This gem is a tribute to the Kentucky Derby itself, capturing the anticipation and the beauty of the race. It has been the theme song for the Derby for years, and we always get the chills when we hear it before the event.
So you might hear the song at Churchill Downs while you pick the best horse to bet on today.
“Your fate is delivered. Your moment’s at hand. It’s the chance of a lifetime. In a lifetime of chance”
Fogelberg croons, reminding us that sometimes, life’s biggest gambles are the ones worth taking.
“The fire of a mare
And the strength of a stud
It’s breeding and it’s training
And it’s something unknown
That drives you
And carries you home”
It’s a song that doesn’t just gallop; it soars, much like the hopes of every jockey, horse, and bettor out there.
“Back in the Saddle Again” by Gene Autry
Though not exclusively about horse racing, this classic tune evokes the cowboy spirit that’s synonymous with the American West and, by extension, the wild freedom of racing. “I’m back in the saddle again
Out where a friend is a friend” Autry sings, a sentiment anyone who’s ever had to dust themselves off and get back on the horse—literally or metaphorically—can relate to.
“A Horse with No Name” by America
OK, so maybe it’s more about a desert journey than a race, but there’s something about the lyrical voyage and the mysterious horse with no name that feels akin to the introspective side of horse racing.
“I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the desert, you can’t remember your name
‘Cause there ain’t no one for to give you no pain”
It’s about the journey, the landscape, and the bond between rider and steed. Plus, it’s got that vibe that makes you want to drift along with the melody, much like a horse taking the lead on the final stretch.
Final Words
Although there aren’t many songs specifically about horse racing, the culture that surrounds horses is evident in a lot of songs. On top of that, horse racing represents more than just the racing part, and these equine-inspired songs are the perfect example.
So, make sure to add these songs to your playlist and play them before an important horse racing event. Maybe you’ll get inspired and take home some winnings.
