Meaning of "Wild Horses" by Indigo Girls

The lyrics of "Wild Horses" by Indigo Girls delve into themes of love, sacrifice, and the inevitability of pain in relationships. The speaker reflects on a past where they had seemingly provided for someone they cared about, only to witness them go through suffering. Despite this, there is an acknowledgment of the deep connection between them, as seen in lines like "You know I can't let you / Ah slide through my hands" and "Wild horses / Couldn't drag me away." The mention of "sweeping exits" and "offstage lines" could suggest a desire for closure or resolution in the situation, but the pain lingers, as evidenced by the line "Tears must be cried." The reference to dreaming someone as "a sin and a lie" hints at a sense of guilt or deception within the relationship, adding a layer of complexity. Ultimately, the lyrics end with a somewhat resigned acceptance of fate and a call to embrace life despite the inevitable pain, with the line "Come on let's do some living / After we die." This speaks to the bittersweet nature of human connection and the need to find meaning and joy even in the face of suffering.