Faster Horses (The Cowboy and the Poet)
Tom T. Hall
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He was an old-time cowboy, don't you understand His eyes were sharp as razor blades his face was leather tan His toes were pointed inward from a-hangin' on a horse He was an old philosopher, of course He was so thin I swear you could have used him for a whip He had to drink a beer to keep his britches on his hips I knew I had to ask him about the mysteries of life He spit between his boots and he replied "It's faster horses, younger women, Older whiskey, and more money" He smiled and all his teeth were covered with tobacco stains He said, "It don't do men no good to pray for peace and rain. Peace and rain is just a way to say prosperity, And buffalo chips is all it means to me." I told him I was a poet, I was lookin' for the truth I do not care for horses, whiskey, Women or the loot I said I was a writer, My soul was all on fire He looked at me an' he said, "You are a liar." "It's faster horses, younger women, Older whiskey, and more money" Well, I was disillusioned, if I say the least I grabbed him by the collar and I jerked him to his feet There was something cold and shiny layin' by my head So I started to believe the things he said Well, my poet days are over and I'm back to being me As I enjoy the peace and comfort of reality If my boy ever asks me what it is that I have learned I think that I will readily affirm "It's faster horses, younger women, Older whiskey, and more money" "It's faster horses, younger women, Older whiskey, and more money"
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10 facts about this song
Song Origin"Faster Horses (The Cowboy and the Poet)" is a song written and recorded by Tom T. Hall. The song was Hall's seventh number one on the U.S. country singles chart.
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Song ReleaseThe single was released in February 1976 and stayed at number one for a single week and spent a total of 11 weeks on the chart.
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Song ThemeThe song's title comes from a conversation in which Hall asked an old cowboy for life advice. Despite the serious nature of the question, the old cowboy responded humoristically, and Hall wrote a song around the quote.
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Chart PerformanceThis song was the 13th biggest country hit of the year, according to Billboard's year-end Hot Country Singles chart of 1976.
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Album"Faster Horses" is a song from the album of the same name. The RPM Magazine in Canada ranked the 'Faster Horses' album at #1 on the country album charts.
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Song InterpretationThe lyrics of "Faster Horses (The Cowboy and the Poet)" is based on a four-line poem that the old cowboy tells Hall, listing the four things that are vital to a good life - "Faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money."
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Hall’s Musical StyleTom T. Hall is often referred to as a "storyteller" in country music for his ability to write songs that tell a narrative, and "Faster Horses" is no exception.
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RecognitionRolling Stone magazine refers to Tom T. Hall as "one of country music’s greatest storytellers," and the narrative style of "Faster Horses" contributes to this reputation.
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Songwriter’s LegacyAlthough he achieved much success as a performer, Hall is even better known for his songwriting and his contribution to the country genre. "Faster Horses" is a perfect example of this legacy.
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Other CoversSeveral artists have covered "Faster Horses," including country music star Bobby Bare in 2012.
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Citation
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"Faster Horses (The Cowboy and the Poet) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1238692/Tom+T.+Hall/Faster+Horses+%28The+Cowboy+and+the+Poet%29>.
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