Introduction
A cautionary tale about the perils of environmental destruction, disguised as a high-octane rock anthem.
“Crazy Horses,” released in October 1972, marked a significant departure from The Osmonds’ earlier pop image, showcasing a heavier rock sound and addressing environmental concerns. The song reached number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
The track was co-written by Alan, Merrill, and Wayne Osmond, with Jay Osmond taking lead vocals—a rarity for the group. The song’s lyrics serve as a metaphor for air pollution, with “crazy horses” symbolizing gas-guzzling cars emitting harmful exhaust fumes. This environmental message was visually reinforced by the album cover, which featured the band in a junkyard surrounded by old cars.
The creation of “Crazy Horses” stemmed from the band’s desire to break away from their “bubblegum” pop image and explore more serious themes. Merrill Osmond recounted that the song was conceived during a basement rehearsal, where a heavy rock riff played by Wayne inspired the melody and chords.
Despite its success, the song faced censorship in some countries. In South Africa, it was banned due to the misinterpretation of “horses” as slang for heroin. Similarly, French authorities initially banned the song, believing the lyric “smoking up the sky” referenced drug use.
Over the years, “Crazy Horses” has been covered by various artists across different genres, including the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, KMFDM, and Electric Six. Donny Osmond, who did not sing on the original track due to his voice changing during puberty, later recorded a new version as a hidden bonus track on his 2002 covers album “Somewhere in Time.”
“Crazy Horses” stands as a testament to The Osmonds’ versatility and willingness to tackle pressing issues through their music, leaving a lasting impact on both their career and the rock genre.