Let Go of the Reins ©2007                             Marsh Brodeur

Theme: Essentially the character is most comfortable when he is alone in the woods with his Quarter Horse Gus.
He has been in the woods for an extended period of time, this time and we realize that he is afraid to
“Let go of the reins” and be a part of “normal society”.  In the end he decides that he is happy right where he is.

For too many days and too many nights we traveled,
just me and my Quarter Horse Gus.

We’re only up here hunting if anybody asks
But the animals are safe around us.

A part of me would like to come down out of the hills
Take a hot bath, to sooth the aches and pains

I imagine I could have me a fine old time
If I could just let go of the reins

I spent more time on four legs than I’ve spent on two
It’s the only place I feel complete

The Horse has taught me everything I needed to know
Maybe that explains my two left feet.

Although lately I’ve been feeling like I’m missing out
Like I’m imprisoned by my own domain

But I think I could teach my spirit to soar,
if I could just let go of the reins.

You see the Horse has been there for me since I was three years old
I understood who God was (the) day I saw my first foal.

Still there’s some unspoken question that keeps circling my brain
And I think I’d know the answer if I just let go of the reins.

I’m afraid to meet a woman cuz I just might fall in love
Next comes the house the cars and the bills

If me and Gus felt too fenced in we’d have to break the ladies heart
as she watched us both a headin’ for the hills.

Maybe someday, we’ll meet our soul mates, find a couple just like us
Then the four of us could trot down lover’s lane.

We’d raise a family in the mountains and the kids would look like us
And we’d never have to let go of the reins.

But until then it’s the mountains, it’s me and it’s Gus
Cuz I just can’t let go of the reins
Lord knows I just can’t let go of the reins.
I don’t want to let go of the reins.