About the SongCrazy horses [Vinyl-LP]

“Crazy Horses” by The Osmonds is a bold, electrifying rock anthem that shattered expectations and redefined the band’s image. Released in 1972 as the title track of their album Crazy Horses, the song marked a dramatic departure from the clean-cut pop and family-friendly image the group was known for. With its heavy guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and socially conscious lyrics, “Crazy Horses” proved that The Osmonds could hold their own in the rock arena, earning them critical acclaim and broadening their fan base.

Right from the start, “Crazy Horses” grabs attention with its thunderous opening riff, courtesy of Wayne Osmond on guitar and Jay Osmond on drums. The track’s gritty, hard-rock sound was groundbreaking for the group, showing a raw energy and edge that contrasted sharply with their earlier bubblegum hits. Adding to its intensity is the distinctive wah-wah effect on the keyboards, played by Alan Osmond, which mimics the sound of horses neighing—a clever nod to the song’s title and theme.

Lyrically, the track tackles a serious and timely subject: the environmental impact of pollution. Lines like “Crazy horses all got riders, and they’re you and I” serve as a wake-up call, urging listeners to consider humanity’s role in harming the planet. The “crazy horses” are a metaphor for gas-guzzling cars and industrial pollution, making the song one of the earliest rock anthems to address ecological concerns.

Vocally, Merrill Osmond delivers a powerful, raspy performance that adds grit and urgency to the track. His commanding voice, combined with the harmonized backing vocals of his brothers, creates a dynamic contrast to the song’s aggressive instrumentation. This combination of raw energy and polished harmonies showcases the group’s versatility and musical prowess.

At the time of its release, “Crazy Horses” surprised both fans and critics, as it was a stark departure from The Osmonds’ wholesome image. However, the gamble paid off, with the song becoming a commercial success. It reached No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart and performed well internationally, particularly in Europe. It also earned the respect of rock enthusiasts, who appreciated its heavy sound and daring subject matter.

Decades later, “Crazy Horses” remains a standout in The Osmonds’ catalog and a favorite among fans. It’s frequently cited as a highlight of their live performances, where its high-energy vibe and head-banging rhythm continue to ignite audiences. The track’s legacy also extends to its influence on later artists, with bands like Metallica and Motorhead expressing admiration for its bold sound.

“Crazy Horses” is a testament to The Osmonds’ ability to defy expectations and experiment with their sound. It’s a rock anthem with a message, proving that even a family band rooted in pop can deliver music that’s both hard-hitting and meaningful.Picture background

Video

Lyrics: “Crazy Horses”

 

There’s a message floating in the air
Comes from crazy horses riding everywhere
It’s a warning, it’s in every tongue
Gotta stop them crazy horses on the runWhat a show, there they go
Smoking up the sky, yeah
Crazy horses all got riders
And they’re you and ICrazy horses
Crazy horsesNever stop and they never die
They just keep on puffin’
How they multiply
Crazy horses
Will they never halt
If they keep on moving
Then it’s all our faultWhat a show, there they go
Smoking up the sky, yeah
Crazy horses all got riders
And they’re you and I

So take a good look around
See what they’ve done, what they’ve done
They’ve done, they’ve done
They’ve done, they’ve done
They’ve done, they’ve done

Crazy horses
Crazy horses
Crazy horses
Crazy horses
Crazy horses
Crazy horses
Crazy horses
Crazy horses

 

You Missed

MINNIE PEARL WALKED ONSTAGE AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY FOR 50 YEARS WITH A $1.98 PRICE TAG ON HER HAT — AND THEN ONE NIGHT, SHE JUST COULDN’T ANYMORE. Here’s something most people don’t think about with Minnie Pearl. That price tag hanging off her straw hat? It wasn’t random. Sarah Cannon — that was her real name — created it as a joke about a country girl too proud of her new hat to take the tag off. And audiences loved it so much that it became the most recognizable prop in country music history. For over fifty years, that tag meant Minnie was here, and everything was going to be fun. So imagine what it felt like when she couldn’t put the hat on anymore. In June 1991, Sarah had a massive stroke. She was 79. And just like that, the woman who hadn’t missed an Opry show in decades was gone from the stage. But here’s what gets me. She didn’t die in 1991. She lived another five years after that stroke, mostly out of the public eye, unable to perform, unable to be “Minnie” the way she’d always been. Her husband Henry Cannon took care of her at their Nashville home. Friends visited, but they said it was hard. The woman who made millions of people laugh couldn’t get through a full conversation some days. Roy Acuff, her old friend from the Opry, kept her dressing room exactly the way she left it. Nobody used it. The hat sat there. She passed on March 4, 1996. And what most people remember is the comedy. The “HOW-DEEE” catchphrase. The big goofy grin. What they don’t remember is that Sarah Cannon was also a serious fundraiser for cancer research. Centennial Medical Center in Nashville named their cancer center after her — not after Minnie, after Sarah. She raised millions and rarely talked about it publicly. There’s a story about the very last time Sarah tried to put on the hat at home, months after the stroke, and what her husband said to her in that moment — it’s the kind of detail that makes you see fifty years of comedy completely differently. Roy Acuff kept Minnie Pearl’s dressing room untouched for years after she left — was that loyalty to a friend, or was he holding a door open for someone he knew was never coming back?