Released: 2018
“Wild Horses” by Bishop Briggs is a lyrical exploration of personal struggle, identity, and salvation, unfolding against a backdrop of intimate and turbulent relationships. With bold emotional strokes, Briggs traces the narrative of a woman wrestling with inner demons, even as she scours the depths of love and addiction.
Beginning with the searing lines “You hold me down in the best way/No quarter from these chains that I’ve/Slept on my heart for a feeling/Why can’t I let my demons out?” the song sets the stage with an expression of emotional heaviness and uncertainty. The chains here are the metaphorical burdens of emotions, deeply entrenched, which the artist can’t let go of. This internal conflict lays the foundation for the recurring motif of ‘wild horses.’
Next, she mentions a taste that “still gets me stupid high,” indicative of an addictive relationship, presenting a surreal rush which might be damaging in the long run. “Oh glory, I’m a believer,” sheds light on Briggs’s faith and how it helps guide her through trials and tribulations. Here the term “believer” could denote a spiritual being or could symbolize faith in oneself or personal growth.
Then there’s the chorus, a free-spirited cry of “Wild horses, wild horses/Wild horses run faster, run faster.” “Wild horses” is a vivid metaphor for elements of her life that are unbridled and forceful, running wild, breaking boundaries. Here, the phrase “run faster” can be interpreted as a powerful call to action for herself to keep moving, to run from her internal struggles, or perhaps to outpace them.
As the song progresses, we further delve into personal struggles with lines like “You call my truth in the worst way/Through the dirty lands of a broken smile.” Here, Briggs is opening up about the harsh criticism she encounters and the emotional toll it takes, camouflaged behind a ‘broken smile.’ This powerful symbolism of personal battles effectively portrays the harsh reality and the facade that many individuals grapple with.
Ending on a higher note, the lines “So, I keep on damning the devil / And you keep on saying it’s alright” encapsulate a dynamic of comfort and reassurance amidst the chaos, possibly hinting at a supportive figure in Bishop’s life. The repetition of the ‘wild horses’ chorus further solidifies the will to break free from emotional chains, illustrating a potent symbol of escape and progression.
Overall, “Wild Horses” captivates with its raw emotion and powerfully resonant metaphors. Bishop Briggs beautifully combines themes of personal struggle, faith, and resilience, crafting a deeply touching pop anthem about human survival and release.
