☝️ Key Points
- The song tells the story of a bronco fighter who encounters the dangerous horse Strawberry Roan.
- The singer describes the appearance of the horse in great detail and emphasizes its wildness and unpredictability.
- The bronco fighter decides to ride Strawberry Roan, even though he knows it is a great challenge.
- The lyrics are about courage, overcoming obstacles, and recognizing one's own limits.
- It is a tribute to the rough and dangerous world of bronco fighters in the Wild West.
Interpretation
"The Strawberry Roan" by
Marty Robbins tells the story of a bronco fighter who encounters a difficult and dangerous stallion named Strawberry Roan. The singer describes the horse's appearance in great detail and emphasizes how wild and unpredictable it is. The Strawberry Roan has crooked legs, small eyes, big ears, and a long jaw. It is a true outlaw and a notorious bucker that has thrown off many skilled riders.
The bronco fighter decides to ride the Strawberry Roan, even though he knows it is a great challenge. He is paid for it and is confident that he can tame the wild horse. When he finally gets on the Strawberry Roan, the singer describes the horse's violent movements. It jumps high in the air, spins around, and whirls the bronco fighter around. Although the singer falls off and is frustrated, he recognizes that there are horses he cannot tame.
The lyrics of "The Strawberry Roan" speak of courage and overcoming, but also of recognizing one's own limits. It is about trying anyway, even if one knows they might fail. The singer admires the Strawberry Roan despite its ferocity and acknowledges his own limitation as a rider.
The song's lyrics are also a tribute to the rough and dangerous world of bronco fighters, who are willing to get on wild horses and risk their lives. It is a nostalgic and romanticized portrayal of a bygone era of the Wild West."