The Meaning Behind The Song: Bring On The Dancing Horses by Echo & the Bunnymen

Title: The Equestrian Symbolism of Bring On The Dancing Horses by Echo & the Bunnymen

Table of Contents

Echo & the Bunnymen’s 1985 track, Bring On The Dancing Horses, may seem like a simple love song at first listen, but its lyrics and music video are filled with equestrian symbolism that adds layers of meaning to the song. From the captivating opening riff to the melodic chorus of “Bring on the dancing horses, wherever they may roam,” the song has become a classic for both fans of the band and lovers of 80s music. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind this iconic track and explore the lyrical and visual references to horses that make the song so iconic.

The Introduction and Opening Verse

The song begins with a striking and memorable guitar riff that immediately captures the listener’s attention. The opening verse then leads us down the path of a traditional love song, describing the singer’s plea to his lover to stay with him:

“Your hair upon the pillow
Like a sleepy golden storm
Many times I’ve tried to hold you
But I wake and you’re gone”

While these lyrics are undoubtedly romantic, the use of equestrian imagery in the opening verse sets the stage for the rest of the song and ultimately shapes its deeper meaning.

What the Dancing Horses Represent

The recurring motif of the “dancing horses” in Bring On The Dancing Horses holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the song. Horses, throughout history, have been associated with power, strength, and freedom. In literature and mythology, horses are often used to symbolize freedom and mobility but can also represent trust, companionship and even royalty.

In the song, the “dancing horses” are a symbol for both the singer’s desire for personal freedom and his quest for a deeper love with his partner. Throughout the chorus, the singer implores the horses to “bring on the dancing horses” because they represent something much bigger than just a stunning animal – they represent a life of adventure, possibility, and freedom.

The Bridge: Horses as a Symbol of Eros and Power

The song’s bridge incorporates equestrian symbolism and transforms it into a metaphorical representation of the powerful and intense desire between lovers. With lyrics such as “I’ll know you’re mine when the silence calls, ain’t no need to hide” and “I’ll know you’re mine when the rhythm starts to fall,” the bridge suggests a physical connection that’s beyond words.

Horses, with their undeniable strength and raw physicality, are the perfect symbol for the intense passion shared between the two lovers. The bridge’s raw truthfulness – which is enhanced by its emotionally charged simplicity – perfectly captures the intensity of the lover’s connection, and it’s this level of insight that has made the song so timeless.

Horses at Work: The Music Video

The song’s music video incorporates even more horse imagery, adding another layer of meaning to the song that is both mesmerizing and intriguing. In the music video, horses are shown working hard, pulling heavy loads, and moving with a unique sense of power.

The band, dressed in their finest suits, interacts with the horses at various points, and there’s an undeniable sense of admiration and respect for the animals depicted throughout the video. The use of horses in various labor tasks is a nod to the animals’ physical strength, resilience, and loyalty – traits that the band wants to convey through the song.

Conclusion

Echo & the Bunnymen’s Bring On The Dancing Horses may appear on the surface to be another song about love, but the use of equestrian symbolism and the incorporation of horse imagery has created a song that is both rich in meaning and profound in its implications.

Horses are a symbol of power, freedom, and the possibility of a different kind of life, and it’s this symbolism that drives the song’s underlying meaning. By using horses in the song’s lyrics and music video, Echo & the Bunnymen were able to capture the imagination of millions around the world and created a track that remains a timeless classic to this day.