About the song
“A Horse with No Name” is a timeless classic by the American folk rock group America, which made a significant mark on the music scene in the early 1970s. This song, penned by Dewey Bunnell, was first released by Warner Bros. in Europe in late 1971 and then in the United States in early 1972. It quickly gained popularity and became a major hit, topping the charts in Canada, Finland, and the United States. On March 24, 1972, it was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), highlighting its widespread appeal.
The song was added to a reissue of America’s self-titled debut album, which originally came out in January 1972. The inclusion of “A Horse with No Name” on this album helped solidify its place in the band’s discography, making it one of their most recognized and cherished tracks.
The origins of “A Horse with No Name” are quite interesting. Initially titled “Desert Song,” it was written while America was staying at the home of musician Arthur Brown in Puddletown, Dorset, England. The song’s inspiration came from the hot, arid desert landscape, reminiscent of Salvador Dalí’s paintings and the work of M. C. Escher. Dewey Bunnell also drew on his childhood memories of traveling through the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico. He described the song as a metaphor for escaping life’s confusion and finding tranquility.
Warner Bros., the band’s label, was initially hesitant to release “A Horse with No Name” as a single. They were looking for a song that would resonate with audiences both in the United States and Europe. After recording additional tracks, “A Horse with No Name” was released as the lead track on a three-song single in several European countries, with “Everyone I Meet Is from California” as the other A-side and “Sandman” on the B-side. In the United States, the song was released on a two-track single, omitting “Sandman” and featuring “Everyone I Meet Is from California” on the B-side.
Musically, the song is characterized by its use of acoustic guitars, a driving bass line, and a distinctive “waterfall” solo. It is played in E Dorian tuning, which gives it a unique sound that was not used in other America songs. The song’s simple yet effective chord pattern and rhythmic elements contribute to its enduring appeal.
Overall, “A Horse with No Name” remains a beloved song, celebrated for its evocative imagery and soothing melodies, and continues to be a standout track in America’s musical legacy.
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