Kaimanawa Horses
Preserving Nature's Voice: Kaimanawa Horses' Symbolism
Lyrics
It's cold as ice on the foothills
Describing the extreme cold weather conditions at the lower slopes of a mountain
It's cold as hell on the plains
Emphasizing the harshness of the cold weather on the open, flat lands
This is the county they live in
Identifying the specific region or territory where the horses mentioned in the song reside
This is a small part of the claim
Highlighting that the region occupied by the horses is a small portion of a larger area
Back in behind the Ruapehu's
Referring to a location behind the Ruapehu mountains
Back where the tussock grows high
Describing a place where grass with long, coarse blades grows extensively
It's said the cause and destruction
Suggesting the negative impact of human intervention on the natural environment
Through the weeds and plants of the kind
Implying the destruction caused by invasive plants and weeds in the area
Now the army are out on the rivers
Indicating the military's presence along the rivers, likely engaging in activities that involve explosives
Blowing up acres of planes
Destroying large expanses of land
Digging the place full of fox holes
Creating numerous small holes in the ground, possibly for defensive purposes
Hell I don't see how they can complain
Expressing disbelief at the possibility of the army complaining about their situation
The scream of a tommy's defiance
Describing the defiant cry or sound made by a male horse (tommy)
The wind in his mane and his tail
Depicting the sound of the wind blowing through the horse's mane and tail
He is a big part of this land that I love
Emphasizing the significance of the horse as an integral part of the land
Without him I fear we have failed
Expressing concern that without the horse, the land and its inhabitants may have failed
So come on old musterer's and rovers
Encouraging those responsible for herding cattle and wandering individuals to treat the horse fairly
Lets give him a fair ruddy go
Encouraging respect and fair treatment for the horse as it assists in various activities
Without the help of a horse now and then
Questioning the extent individuals would travel without the assistance of a horse
Just how bloody far would you go
Emphasizing the horse's crucial role in aiding travel and tasks
Just let them be where the rivers run free
Advocating for letting the horses roam freely in their natural habitat
And the cold wind blows on their range
Describing the harsh but natural conditions of the horse's environment
I don't understand the governments plan but I know
Expressing confusion or disagreement with the government's plans regarding the horses' habitat
We'll be sorry it's
Suggesting an impending regret or realization of consequences
Cold as ice on the foothills
Reiterating the extreme cold weather conditions in different terrains
It's cold as hell on the plains
Repeating the emphasis on the severe cold experienced in various parts of the region
This is the county they live in hey
Reiterating the identification of the horses' location within the county
This is a small part that they claim
Reiterating that the horses occupy only a small area within the larger landscape
Hmm hmm hmm hmm
Non-verbal sounds or humming indicating a musical break
(whistle)
Whistle sound indicating the end or transition in the song
Comment