Have you ever wondered why so many Metal songs have horses in their lyrics? Is it just because of symbolism or there is more to it?
When it comes to horses in music, there are two genres that rise to the scene with the biggest correlation. We have country music and metal.
But why metal? Well, the biggest reason why horses are often included in metal songs has to do with symbolism. Horses represent freedom, strength, and rebellion, which aligns perfectly with the hard-hitting sound and vibe of metal songs.
This isn’t the only reason, which is why we decided to dive deeper into this somewhat unexpected combo that works perfectly well.
Why Do Horses Resonate with Metal?
How can you define metal music? Well, metal music is all about independence, strength, and raw power. Does this not remind you of horses? As you can see, metal music and horses have a lot more in common.
In terms of metal culture, horses often represent not just an animal, but a spirit that breaks boundaries, and that’s what metal music is all about. Somehow the untamed version of horses is the most appealing to metal artists, just because they represent freedom and power. The two things they fight about.
So, horses in metal songs are mainly used as a symbol of power, strength, and freedom. We have songs like “The Four Horsemen” from Metallica, which covers the powerful Biblical imagery of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse, and Iron Maiden’s “Run to the Hills” where horses capture the struggle of historical conflict.
As you can see, horses carry a deeper meaning, and they aren’t just animals in metal songs. Horses are probably animals that carry the most symbolism, which is why they are often picked in songs, especially metal songs.
How Have Horses Shaped Metal Lyrics?
We are talking about a music genre that never shines away from heavy themes, and horses often end up in the lyrics when artists want to elevate the drama. Horses have a deeper meaning ranging from literal warhorses to mythical symbols that tell stories behind history, raw emotion, and folklore.
That’s why metal music has a deeper meaning, and the lyrics need to be analyzed thoroughly in order to understand the song, just like you can get your horse racing odds explained.
Horses in metal songs can mean a lot of things, and if you don’t know the symbolism, you can hardly understand the meaning.
- “Into Glory Ride” by Manowar – Here’s a track that screams ‘metal’ and ‘horsepower’ (literally). With lyrics championing bravery and nobility, the horse becomes a metaphor for victory.
- “Horse Called War” by Pride & Glory – This song uses a horse as a symbol of unstoppable force. With intense guitar riffs and a strong lyrical punch, it’s a high-energy anthem that draws on the relentless spirit of a charging warhorse.
- “The Horseman Arrives” by Ice Nine Kills – Known for their storytelling, Ice Nine Kills uses the horseman to portray a dark, punishing figure. This track’s intense sound gives you chills, and the horse becomes a chilling harbinger of doom.
How Metal Imitates Horse Gaits
Ever notice how some metal tracks mimic the rhythm of a galloping horse? This isn’t an accident. Metal musicians often use rapid-fire drumming and galloping bass lines to give songs a relentless, charging beat—almost like the rhythm of hooves pounding into battle. For example:
“Run to the Hills” by Iron Maiden: The song’s rhythm embodies the pounding of hooves, perfectly capturing the essence of a chase. This rhythm mirrors the physicality of a horse’s gallop, giving listeners an auditory thrill.
There is a special feeling that you get when listening to a song packed with so much masked emotion under the symbolism of a horse.
Why Are Metal Bands So Drawn to Horses?
Good question! Horses have appeared in cultures across the world for thousands of years. For metal artists who are often inspired by mythology, history, and ancient battles, horses are the ultimate symbol of the wild and untamable. They represent everything that metal stands for: freedom, intensity, and raw, unfiltered power.
Metal Artists with a Love for Horses
- Iron Maiden: As one of metal’s most iconic bands, Iron Maiden has multiple songs that touch on horse-related themes, often as symbols of warfare or resistance.
- Metallica: Their song “The Four Horsemen” taps into the Biblical apocalypse. Each horseman rides a steed that symbolizes different forms of destruction, creating a chilling backdrop.
- Manowar: With lyrics drenched in heroic themes, Manowar often places the horse alongside the warrior, adding a medieval, almost mythical feel to their tracks.
So, symbolism is the main reason why we can spot traces of horses in metal songs. This is a strange connection that seems to work really well, so all that is left for us is to analyze the songs and make sure we get the message.
