About the song
“Wings Upon Your Horns” by Loretta Lynn: A Country Queen’s Cry for Empowerment
Loretta Lynn’s “Wings Upon Your Horns” is more than just a country song; it’s a feminist anthem that boldly challenges traditional gender roles. Released in 1969, this track, penned by Lynn herself, is a raw and unflinching account of a woman betrayed and left heartbroken.
The song begins with a gentle melody, lulling the listener into a false sense of security before the lyrics hit hard. Lynn’s powerful vocals deliver a scathing indictment of a man who has taken advantage of her love. The line, “You hung my wings up on your horns”, is a metaphor that encapsulates the feeling of being trapped and powerless. It’s a cry for freedom and independence, a declaration that she will no longer be controlled by a man.
What sets this song apart is its unflinching honesty. Lynn doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of love and heartbreak. She sings about feeling used and betrayed, but she also expresses a sense of defiance and determination. This raw emotion is what makes the song so relatable and enduring.
Musically, “Wings Upon Your Horns” is a classic country ballad. The pedal steel guitar and fiddle create a haunting atmosphere, while the rhythm section provides a solid foundation. The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing Lynn’s vocals to take center stage.
Lynn’s decision to release this song in the late 1960s was groundbreaking. At a time when country music was dominated by male artists, she was unafraid to tackle controversial topics such as female empowerment and domestic abuse. “Wings Upon Your Horns” helped to pave the way for future generations of female country singers.
“Wings Upon Your Horns” is a testament to Loretta Lynn’s talent as a songwriter and performer. It’s a song that challenges traditional gender roles and celebrates the strength of the human spirit. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message.
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Lyrics
Before you first made love to meYou called me, your wife-to-beAnd after that, I saw the devil in your eyesWith your sweet smooth talkin’ waysYou turned a flame into a blazeThe night I let you hang my wings upon your hornsDon’t tell me that I’m no saintI’m the first to know I ain’tThere’s a little thing called loveAnd that’s what changed meFrom an innocent country girl to a woman of the worldThe night I let you hang my wings upon your hornsYou hung my wings upon your hornsAnd turned my halo into thornsAnd turned me into a woman I can’t standYou’re the first to ever make meFall in love and then not take meThe night I let you hang my wings upon your hornsYou hung my wings upon your hornsAnd turned my halo into thornsAnd turned me into a woman I can’t standYou’re the first to ever make meFall in love and then not take meThe night I let you hang my wings upon your horns