About the song
“A Horse with No Name” is a timeless classic that has captivated listeners for decades. Released in 1971, this iconic song by American folk rock trio America has become a staple of their discography and one of their most popular tracks. Written by Dewey Bunnell, the song was initially met with commercial success, topping charts in Canada, Finland, and the United States. Certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 1972, “A Horse with No Name” has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved favorite among music enthusiasts.
The song’s origins date back to the band’s stay at the home of musician Arthur Brown, near Puddletown, Dorset, England. Bunnell drew inspiration from his childhood travels through the Arizona and New Mexico desert, as well as a Salvador Dalí painting and a picture by M. C. Escher featuring a horse. The result was a hauntingly beautiful ballad that has been praised for its unique composition and memorable melody.
“A Horse with No Name” has been praised for its driving bass line, soaring vocals, and distinctive 12-string guitar work. The song’s lyrics, while often criticized for their simplicity, have been interpreted as a metaphor for a vehicle to escape the chaos of life and find peace. Despite some controversy surrounding the song’s supposed drug references and its resemblance to Neil Young’s work, “A Horse with No Name” has remained a beloved classic, with its enduring popularity a testament to the band’s skill and creativity.
Video
Lyrics
On the first part of the journey I was looking at all the life
There were plants and birds and rocks and things
There was sand and hills and rings
The first thing I met was a fly with a buzz
And the sky with no clouds
The heat was hot and the ground was dry
But the air was full of sound
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
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
After two days in the desert sun my skin began to turn red
After three days in the desert fun, I was looking at a river bed
And the story it told of a river that flowed
Made me sad to think it was dead
You see 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 remember your name
‘Cause there ain’t no one for to give you no pain
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
After nine days I let the horse run free
‘Cause the desert had turned to sea
There were plants and birds and rocks and things
There was sand and hills and rings
The ocean is a desert with its life underground
And a perfect disguise above
Under the cities lies a heart made of ground
But the humans will give no love
You see, 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 remember your name
‘Cause there ain’t no one for to give you no pain
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la