Meaning of "Gabriel And Me" by Joan Baez

The lyrics of "Gabriel and Me" can be interpreted as a reflection on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of mortality. The mystical grey horse, representing an otherworldly presence or symbolizing death, is only visible to the narrator and Gabriel. The horse's silver nose and white mane evoke images of purity and otherworldliness, while its black, starry eyes suggest a connection to the night sky and the unknown. The horse's role in racing the sun in the morning could symbolize the cyclical nature of life and death, as well as the passage of time. The narrator's desire to fly with the horse represents a longing for freedom and transcendence, yet the horse's refusal to listen suggests a recognition of the limits of human mortality. The golden key carried by the horse may symbolize unlocking the mysteries of existence or accepting one's fate. Ultimately, the lyrics convey a sense of acceptance of mortality and the natural progression of life toward an unknown destiny.