High Horse

Kacey Musgraves' song 'High Horse' is a sharp, witty critique of arrogance and self-importance. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who believes they are superior to others, likening them to a cowboy hero like John Wayne. This person is described as someone who 'kills the buzz' and thinks they are 'cooler than everybody else.' Musgraves uses the metaphor of a 'high horse' to symbolize this inflated ego, suggesting that the person needs to 'giddy up' and leave town, as their attitude is unwelcome.

The song's chorus emphasizes the collective frustration felt by those around this egotistical individual. Musgraves sings about how everyone knows someone who fits this description, making the song relatable to a wide audience. The repetition of 'seen enough' underscores the exhaustion and exasperation of dealing with such a person. The suggestion to 'ride straight out of this town' serves as a final dismissal, indicating that the community would be better off without this disruptive presence.

Musgraves' clever wordplay and country-pop sound add a layer of irony to the song. The line 'Darling, you take the high horse and I'll take the high road' is particularly poignant, as it highlights the contrast between the person's arrogance and Musgraves' own decision to rise above the pettiness. The song ultimately serves as a call for humility and self-awareness, urging listeners to recognize and reject egotistical behavior in themselves and others.