Meaning of "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall

The lyrics of "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" explore themes of self-discovery, emotional vulnerability, and the consequences of not following one's instincts. The narrator's heart symbolizes her true desires and intuition, as it "knows [her] better than [she knows herself]." This suggests that she has been suppressing her inner voice and relying too much on rational thinking. The encounter with the big black horse and cherry tree represents a pivotal moment of self-realization and introspection. However, instead of embracing the opportunity for growth and change, the narrator resists, refusing the horse's proposal and avoiding the discomfort that comes with unfamiliar territory.

When her heart encounters a problem, she tries to fix it herself by "cutting some cord," possibly representing her attempt to detach from her emotions and vulnerabilities. This decision proves to be detrimental, as her heart "won't forgive [her] after all these years." By sending her heart away to be with the horse and tree, the narrator metaphorically abandons her true self. She now has a visible "hole for the world to see," signifying the void and emptiness she feels without her heart. The repetition of "no, no, no" reflects her denial and resistance to accepting her true desires and the consequences of her choices.

The lyrics of "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" remind listeners of the importance of following their intuition and embracing vulnerability to find genuine happiness and satisfaction in life. It serves as a cautionary tale against ignoring one's inner voice and choosing comfort and familiarity over personal growth and fulfillment.