Emmylou Harris - Ballard Of A Runaway Horse Lyrics






Say a prayer for the cowgirl her horse ran away
She'll walk 'til she finds him her darlin' her stray
But the river's in flood and the roads are awash
And the bridges break up in the panic of loss

And there's nothin' to follow nowhere to go
He's gone like the summer gone like the snow
And the crickets are breaking her heart with their song
As the day caves in and the night is all wrong

Did she dream it was he who went galloping past
And bent down the fern broke open the grass
And printed the mud with the well-hammered shoe
That she nailed to his speed in the dreams of her youth

And although he goes grazin' a minute away
She tracks him all night she tracks him all day
And she's blind to his presence except to compare
Her injury here with his punishment there

Then at home on a branch on a high stream
A songbird sings out so suddenly
And the sun is warm and the soft winds ride
On a willow tree by the riverside

An the world is sweet and world is wide
And he's there where the light and the darkness divide
And the steam's comin' off him he's huge and he's shy
And he steps on the moon when he paws at the sky

And he comes to her hand but he's nor really tame
He longs to be lost she longs for the same
And he'll bolt and he'll plunge thru the first open pass
To roll and to feed in the sweet mountain grass

Or he'll make a break for the high plateau
Where there's nothing above and noting below
It's time for their burden the whip and the spur
Will she ride with him or will he ride with her

So she binds herself to her galloping steed
And he binds himself to the woman in need
And there is no space just left and right
And there is no time but there is day and night

Then she learns on his neck and whispers low
Whither thou goest I will go
And they turn as one the head for the plain
No need for the whip oh no need for the rain

Now the clasp of this union who fastens it tight
Who snaps it asunder the very next night
Some say it's him some say it's her
Some say love's like smoke beyond all repair

So my darlin' my darlin' just let go by
That old silhouette on the great western sky
And I'll pick out a tune and they'll move right along
And they're gone like smoke and they're gone like this song

Say a prayer for the cowgirl





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Emmylou Harris Ballard Of A Runaway Horse Comments
  1. B.... B....

    another good version is leonard cohen´s "ballad of the absent mare" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbFOiIKVmRA

  2. J.... E....

    Beautiful song, beautiful images. Thank you

  3. B.... M....

    just a thought but maybe so obvious to most and I am just dense but is this also about a cowgirl and her cowboy??

  4. D.... R....

    What a nice video: nice song, lovely slide show.

  5. R.... E....

    Well I l love Emmylou Harris'
    💕

  6. k.... a....

    watching this in another decade:)

  7. P.... P....

    Poignantly beautiful. When life fiercely claws you, a handful of Leonard Cohen’s songs do the illusion of healing. Given what is going on nowadays , January 2020, that’s plenty.

  8. S.... R....

    I've listened to so many of Emmylou Harris's solos, duets and all. This ballad is, for me, the pinnacle. Haunting melody, incredible emotion - utter dedication to her chosen task. - MOON BEAR SPEAKS - Montana/UK

  9. D.... V....

    Fantastisch diese Frau!!!💓💓🐎💞💞💞🕊️🙏🌹

  10. a.... ....

    An angel's voice that soothes us. Every time I hear Emmylou (every day) I get more impressed. And I've been following for over 46 years !!! Emmylou, perfect ...

  11. K.... M....

    Cohen was one twisted dude, hope he rests now in peace that he didn't seem to experience breathing?

  12. G.... K....

    A voice like fine crystal.

  13. I.... a....

    I cry each time I hear this song.

  14. T.... G....

    beauty and heartbeak in one angel

  15. T.... R....

    Love that picture of the cowgirl riding into the sunset.... Where is POSTER?

    T.... R....

    @utuber423 Oh dear sorry to hear it. I was merely drunken commenting I think and was possibly wondering if there was a wall poster available... Just being silly! R.I.P. POSTER!

    T.... R....

    @Taze Roiu likewise. continue on.
    thank you for the condolences. i'm not sure where he found the pictures.

    T.... R....

    the real shame is, I can no longer listen to this song. it's just too hard. maybe too soon. one day... God speed the day.

    T.... R....

    @utuber423 He was a man of good taste :)

    T.... R....

    @Taze Roiu yes. that he was. ;-)

  16. H.... H....

    p,s,(I'm her Dad Paul Herrlich!)

  17. H.... H....

    It leaves me breathless(as do most EmmyLou songs!

  18. a.... d....

    É a Melhor do Mundo
    Não tem ninguém como essa cantora
    Ela canta com a alma.

  19. K.... K....

    An excellent version of Cohen's classic

  20. D.... P....

    Emmylou Harris and Leonard Cohen...two voices...from the same musical heart...both sang this song with the words so clear...both sang this song from memories so dear...and I'm thanking God for my ears and my beer...resurrecting my own past...old lost thoughts aged in time...far more sincere...

  21. I.... a....

    You're one hell of an artist

  22. D.... R....

    heroine, my dear.

  23. J.... B....

    Zum Herzerweichen

  24. e.... s....

    There is something very sublime about a certain kind of song that has, melody or lyrics or harmony that really does something to the core of yourself. This is one of those songs for me. Just magical

  25. �.... �....

    Красиво!!!!!

  26. M.... C....

    I miss you Apache Chief~

  27. M.... C....

    save the mustangs and burrows, wild...

  28. F.... H....

    This is a beautiful but sad song that breaks the heart.

  29. M.... w....

    I just can say this is Beautiful...
    This is Emmylou Harris!!!

  30. G.... D....

    always been MY COWGIRL

  31. R.... ....

    "Love can sometimes be magic. But magic can sometimes... just be an illusion." - Javan
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    Will

  32. M.... J....

    122 morons! How can you not like this.

  33. L.... D....

    ..such a woman and such a voice - and the song from leonard.. all perfect!!

  34. D.... R....

    sweet voice and sound...

  35. M.... L....

    I could look at her all day and listen to her all night

  36. p.... c....

    RIP Leonard Cohen

  37. v.... b....

    In memory of my beloved husband, Michael Burns 1/6/55 - 5/15/19. My heart is broken forever.
    My husband put this video together years ago He said, in his fantasy world, I was the girl and he was the horse.
    "wither thou goest, I will go"
    say a prayer for this cowgirl...

    v.... b....

    Yes, I will. From Brazil!

    v.... b....

    Sincere condolences on the passing of your husband after 25 years together. I feel sure that I speak for many when I say that his choice of artwork, its sequencing and assembly, is worthy of the singer and the songwriter and that the resultant visual accompaniment is exceptional. (For me, the only comparable video is Bob Marshall's to "Another Lonesome Morning").

    I am aware that some will complain that it makes no reference to Zen ox-herding and the pictures on the Japanese woodcuts which inspired LC to write the song but it works perfectly well as it is.

    Your husband's reaction to this song, his seeing your personal relationship in the two characters has resulted in what should be a lasting tribute to his creativity. Long may this video remain available.

  38. D.... T....

    This horse lament works all too well for that wrenching day when a good dog knows his time is up and goes for his last stroll.He's gone like the summer gone like the snow
    . Bridges break up in the panic of loss. He would have turned thirteen today.

  39. a.... ....

    Wonderful Emmylou !!! A true angel !

  40. D.... P....

    What an awesome voice..never heard such pure and nature ..long live Emmelou Harris

  41. J.... C....

    Ah Emmy God Bless

  42. T.... ....

    Many years ago I worked a trucker, I arrived one night in a gas station in France, I went into the station and I looked at the CD, I saw one with a lady and a guitar, it was Emmylou, I did not know it but I bought that CD, I have fallen in love with her voice and listening to it with great pleasure, and this song can listen to her for a whole day without getting bored

  43. L.... M....

    Say a prayer for the cowgirl her horse ran away
    She'll walk 'til she finds him her darlin' her stray
    But the river's in flood and the roads are awash
    And the bridges break up in the panic of loss
    And there's nothin' to follow nowhere to go
    He's gone like the summer gone like the snow
    And the crickets are breaking her heart with their song
    As the day caves in and the night is all wrong
    Did she dream it was he who went galloping past
    And bent down the fern broke open the grass
    And printed the mud with the well-hammered shoe
    That she nailed to his speed in the dreams of her youth
    And although he goes grazin' a minute away
    She tracks him all night she tracks him all day
    And she's blind to his presence except to compare
    Her injury here with his punishment there
    Then at home on a branch on a high stream
    A songbird sings out so suddenly
    And the sun is warm and the soft winds ride
    On a willow tree by the riverside
    An the world is sweet and world is wide
    And he's there where the light and the darkness divide
    And the steam's comin' off him he's huge and he's shy
    And he steps on the moon when he paws at the sky
    And he comes to her hand but he's nor really tame
    He longs to be lost she longs for the same
    And he'll bolt and he'll plunge thru the first open pass
    To roll and to feed in the sweet mountain grass
    Or he'll make a break for the high plateau
    Where there's nothing above and noting below
    It's time for their burden the whip and the spur
    Will she ride with him or will he ride with her
    So she binds herself to her galloping steed
    And he binds himself to the woman in need
    And there is no space just left and right
    And there is no time but there is day and night
    Then she learns on his neck and whispers low
    Whither thou goest I will go
    And they turn as one the head for the plain
    No need for the whip oh no need for the rain
    Now the clasp of this union who fastens it tight
    Who snaps it asunder the very next night
    Some say it's him some say it's her
    Some say love's like smoke beyond all repair
    So my darlin' my darlin' just let go by
    That old silhouette on the great western sky
    And I'll pick out a tune and they'll move right along
    And they're gone like smoke and they're gone like this song
    Say a prayer for the cowgirl

    Songwriters: L. COHEN

  44. C.... S....

    Brilliant.

  45. K.... J....

    thank you EMMYLOU

  46. p.... h....

    just incredibly beautiful'leaves me breathless!

  47. I.... D....

    Well done lass you made a song into something very special

  48. S.... S....

    why does the volume oscillate?

  49. R.... s....

    Beautifull

  50. L.... M....

    Cerca de 50 que te escuche por primera vez y desde entonces me emocionas cada vez que te escucho. Eres parte de mi vida.

  51. A.... D....

    Emmylou-haris ist eine Weltklasse sängerin

  52. T.... ....

    ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!! The photos and Artwork were just as beautifully put together as was the song and performance! I watched it twice and will again.

  53. b.... ....

    I cant stand horses but live Emmylou and this song.

  54. J.... A....

    beautiful and uplifting

  55. J.... C....

    Emmylou can make any song sound fantastic

  56. H.... P....

    What a voice and what a song and great video .

  57. N.... A....

    Legs can't wait to see you too babe

  58. N.... A....

    Legs lol 😂 love😂 love you too babe

  59. p.... h....

    the tears have stopped so I can comment:Emmylou,your voice means so much to me;thank you for bringing peace and serenity into my life!

  60. N.... A....

    Thanks 😘 Man 👍 me run my fingers lightly over the back of your neck 😂😈 🤸🤙 👀 weLl get to the wood in 😉 Damn 🔥 a minute 😂 love you

  61. N.... A....

    Thanks Dave 👍 legs lol 😂 love damn 😈🤸 🤙👀 😂 🔥 ya know I"m ready 😂 how bout it 😂😈 🤸🤙 👀 you let's play it by ear no legs lol 😂 love you too babe

  62. N.... A....

    Thanks 😘 Man style

  63. J.... C....

    As good as it gets

  64. l.... ....

    canada loves u so come\ tous we await

  65. l.... ....

    owww the art like her i cherish

  66. G.... &....

    My two most favourites, Emmylou and horses!

  67. N.... A....

    Malea, Megan we haven't left yet let's ride

  68. J.... C....

    All EmmyLous songs are superb

  69. N.... A....

    Stunning

  70. l.... ....

    HIDDEN BEAUTY

  71. j.... l....

    Emmylou's voice carry's high over the Mountain's , She is the life and soul of Country Music

  72. J.... C....

    Legend, every song emmylou sings is superb

  73. L.... S....

    A Leonard Cohen song

  74. D.... V....

    Her injury there and her punishment there...

  75. E.... C....

    Peut-être la plus belle chanson que j'ai écouté jamais. Merci utuber423 pour partager avec nous.

  76. V.... K....

    I remember my Mother used to play her songs when she wants to relax...and it's really tug the heart when i hear her beautiful voice..ohh sweet old memories

  77. P.... C....

    It was early 1970’s at the Harvard Square Theater and the P.A. was not working. Emmylou had the house lights dimmed, she walks to the front of the stage and belted out a full show. Legend. Anyone that was there that night knew one thing for certain, that god must exist. Only god can bless us with angels.

  78. N.... N....

    ♥♥♥

  79. s.... j....

    Wunderschön und tief berührend. Emmylou ist ein Engel.

  80. a.... d....

    beautiful version. thanks for this.

  81. D.... S....

    There's not another woman breathing who could sing this song like EmmyLou. Every pulse of each vibrato is from the heart.... such an amazingly beautiful performance of an incredible song.

  82. P.... G....

    What a beautiful song...

  83. J.... C....

    All emmylou's songs are equal to this

  84. L.... T....

    Beautiful!

  85. S.... P....

    brilliant

  86. F.... F....

    Voice of an angel. Beautiful song.

  87. P.... R....

    Thanks for providing the writer; I wish everybody did!

  88. D.... P....

    tour de force!

  89. M.... V....

    I upvote it every time I watch this. :-)

  90. N.... M....

    RIP Leonard Cohen!

  91. b.... b....

    great voice

  92. P.... F....

    "There are only two kinds of men in the world. Those who love Emmy Lou and those who never met her." Willie Nelson

    P.... F....

    I'm both

    P.... F....

    @Rudolph Guarnacci And I'm neither.

  93. J.... P....

    The Ruth and Naomi reference is exceptional

  94. M.... V....

    I keep coming back to the song. So beautiful.

  95. G.... W....

    On the list of songs that bring a tear to my eyes.

  96. A.... D....

    Weltklasse Sängerin schönes Vidio Danke !!!1

  97. M.... E....

    Very good rendition but not quite as good as Leonard's version.

  98. K.... H....

    Does it get any better? Not for me!!

  99. u.... ....

    Say a prayer for the cowgirl her horse ran away She'll walk 'til she finds him her darlin' her stray But the river's in flood and the roads are awash And the bridges break up in the panic of loss And there's nothin' to follow nowhere to go He's gone like the summer gone like the snow And the crickets are breaking her heart with their song As the day caves in and the night is all wrong Did she dream it was he who went galloping past And bent down the fern broke open the grass And printed the mud with the well-hammered shoe That she nailed to his speed in the dreams of her youth And although he goes grazin' a minute away She tracks him all night she tracks him all day And she's blind to his presence except to compare Her injury here with his punishment there Then at home on a branch on a high stream A songbird sings out so suddenly And the sun is warm and the soft winds ride On a willow tree by the riverside An the world is sweet and world is wide And he's there where the light and the darkness divide And the steam's comin' off him he's huge and he's shy And he steps on the moon when he paws at the sky And he comes to her hand but he's nor really tame He longs to be lost she longs for the same And he'll bolt and he'll plunge thru the first open pass To roll and to feed in the sweet mountain grass Or he'll make a break for the high plateau Where there's nothing above and noting below It's time for their burden the whip and the spur Will she ride with him or will he ride with her So she binds herself to her galloping steed And he binds himself to the woman in need And there is no space just left and right And there is no time but there is day and night Then she learns on his neck and whispers low Whither thou goest I will go And they turn as one the head for the plain No need for the whip oh no need for the rain Now the clasp of this union who fastens it tight Who snaps it asunder the very next night Some say it's him some say it's her Some say love's like smoke beyond all repair So my darlin' my darlin' just let go by That old silhouette on the great western sky And I'll pick out a tune and they'll move right along And they're gone like smoke and they're gone like this song Say a prayer for the cowgirl