Faster Horses (The Cowboy and the Poet)

Tom T. Hall

About Faster Horses (The Cowboy and the Poet)

"Faster Horses (the Cowboy and the Poet)" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Tom T. Hall. It was released in December 1975 as the second single from the album, Faster Horses. The song was Hall's final number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, spending one week at the top and a total of 13 weeks within the chart's top 40. Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time. The song is about a young, aspiring poet who turns to a rugged cowboy for advice and inspiration. The cowboy spits tobacco on the ground and affirms his philosophy on life: "It's faster horses/younger women/older whiskey/and more money." The poet tries to dispute the man's values and said he was looking for simple inspiration, to which the cowboy strongly reaffirms his stance on life. Disillusioned, the poet tries to start a fight, but eventually realizes (at gunpoint) the cowboy may have a point and leaves poetry behind. 


Year:
1978
2:50
102 

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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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Tom T. Hall

Thomas "Tom T." Hall (born May 25, 1936, in Olive Hill, Kentucky) is a retired American country music singer-songwriter. He has written 11 No. 1 hit songs, with 26 more that reached the Top 10, including the No. 1 international pop crossover smash "Harper Valley PTA" and the hit "I Love", which reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. He became known to fans as "The Storyteller," thanks to his storytelling skills in his songwriting. more »

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Written by: TOM HALL

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


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.
Song Release
The 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.
Song Theme
The 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.
Chart Performance
This song was the 13th biggest country hit of the year, according to Billboard's year-end Hot Country Singles chart of 1976.
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.
Song Interpretation
The 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."
Hall’s Musical Style
Tom 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.
Recognition
Rolling 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.
Songwriter’s Legacy
Although 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.
Other Covers
Several artists have covered "Faster Horses," including country music star Bobby Bare in 2012.

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