They Shoot Horses, Don't They

Apostle Of Hustle's song "They Shoot Horses, Don't They" is a poignant exploration of disillusionment, fleeting beauty, and the ephemeral nature of dreams. The title itself is a reference to the 1969 film and the 1935 novel of the same name, which depict a grueling dance marathon during the Great Depression, symbolizing the struggle and despair of the participants. This sets the tone for the song's themes of exhaustion and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.

The lyrics open with a sense of mistrust and a search for something reliable, symbolized by "open eyes" and the natural imagery of autumn colors. This juxtaposition of beauty and doubt reflects the internal conflict of the narrator, who is caught between the allure of idealized love and the harsh reality of their experiences. The mention of "total surrender" and the comparison to a "junkie unharmed" suggest a longing for an all-consuming, transformative experience, yet one that remains elusive and ultimately unfulfilling.

As the song progresses, the narrator bids farewell to the "palace of pleasure" and greets the "morning blues," signifying the end of a dream and the return to a more sobering reality. The repeated refrain of "the dream is over, go back to sleep again" underscores a cycle of hope and disillusionment, where dreams are momentarily uplifting but ultimately lead back to a state of resignation. The song's melancholic tone and reflective lyrics invite listeners to contemplate the transient nature of happiness and the often-painful process of waking up from our dreams.