Definition
“Wild Horses” is a 2016 single by English singer‑songwriter Birdy, released as the second digital‑download single from her third studio album Beautiful Lies.
Overview
The track was made available in the United Kingdom on 11 March 2016 through Warner Music Group. It was written by Birdy (Jasmine van den Bogaerde) and Irish songwriter/producer John McDaid, with production handled by the British pop‑production team TMS and Phil Cook. Classified within the baroque pop and indie‑folk genres, the song runs for 3 minutes 5 seconds. A remix by Matrix & Futurebound was issued later in April 2016.
Etymology / Origin
The title “Wild Horses” employs a common metaphor in English-language songwriting, where untamed horses symbolize freedom, uncontrollable forces, or lingering emotional intensity. No specific historical or literary source is cited for the phrase in relation to this composition; it is understood as a lyrical device chosen by the songwriters.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Album | Beautiful Lies (2016) |
| Genre | Baroque pop, indie folk |
| Length | 3:05 |
| Label | Warner Music Group |
| Songwriters | Jasmine van den Bogaerde (Birdy), John McDaid |
| Producers | TMS, Phil Cook |
| Music video | Directed by Francis Wallis; filmed at the Underwater Studio in Basildon, England. The video features Birdy as an ethereal mermaid encountering a deep‑sea diver, presenting a dreamy underwater visual narrative. |
| Chart performance | • Belgium (Flanders) – #42 • Belgium (Wallonia) – #25 • Scotland – #33 • United Kingdom – #75 |
| Release history | • 11 Mar 2016 – Digital download (original) • 15 Apr 2016 – Digital download (Matrix & Futurebound remix) |
Related Topics
- Birdy (singer) – English recording artist known for her covers and original material.
- Beautiful Lies – Birdy’s third studio album, containing “Wild Horses” among other singles such as “Keeping Your Head Up.”
- Baroque pop – A pop music style that incorporates classical instrumentation and ornate arrangements, characteristic of the song’s production.
- John McDaid – Irish songwriter/producer who co‑wrote “Wild Horses” and has collaborated with various contemporary artists.
- TMS (production team) – British songwriting and production collective responsible for the track’s production.
- Music video directing – Francis Wallis, noted for visual storytelling in contemporary music videos.
All information presented is drawn from verifiable sources, primarily the Wikipedia entry for “Wild Horses (Birdy song).”