In the vast landscape of classic rock, few tracks evoke the raw emotion and timeless appeal of The Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses." This ballad, penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, has not only stood the test of time but continues to captivate audiences with its poignant lyrics and haunting melody. For music supervisors and licensing professionals, "Wild Horses" presents a wealth of sync licensing opportunities, making it a prime candidate for placement in films, television shows, and advertisements. Understanding the depth and resonance of this track can unlock its potential for modern audiences and media projects.
"Wild Horses" Lyrics Meaning"Wild Horses" is a profound exploration of love, loss, and longing. The lyrics, written by Mick Jagger, are inspired by the pain of separation and the struggle to maintain relationships amidst life's chaos. The song's opening lines, "Childhood living is easy to do, The things you wanted, I bought them for you," set the stage for a narrative that delves into the complexities of human emotions. The metaphor of "wild horses" symbolizes the untamed forces that can pull people apart, yet the song ultimately conveys a message of enduring love and resilience.
This emotional depth makes "Wild Horses" a versatile track for sync licensing. Whether it's a dramatic scene in a film or a poignant moment in a television series, the song's themes of love and loss can enhance the narrative and evoke a strong emotional response from the audience.
Rolling Stones' Ballad AnalysisMusically, "Wild Horses" is a departure from the Rolling Stones' typical rock sound, showcasing their ability to craft a heartfelt ballad. The track features a gentle, acoustic guitar-driven melody complemented by Richards' slide guitar and Jagger's soulful vocals. The arrangement is sparse yet powerful, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. This simplicity makes the song adaptable to various sync opportunities, as it can be easily integrated into different scenes without overpowering the visuals.
Using OutFndr's advanced search capabilities, music supervisors can quickly identify tracks like "Wild Horses" that fit specific moods or themes, streamlining the process of finding the perfect song for their project.
Songwriting Royalties BreakdownUnderstanding the financial aspects of "Wild Horses" can provide valuable insights for sync licensing. The songwriting royalties for "Wild Horses" are split between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, who are the sole credited writers. This means that any sync licensing fees would be divided between these two primary stakeholders. The track's enduring popularity ensures a steady stream of royalties, making it an attractive option for licensing.
OutFndr's royalty tracking features can help professionals monitor the financial performance of licensed tracks, ensuring transparency and accuracy in royalty distribution.
Comparable Track Performance
Performance Facts
"Wild Horses" has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their unique interpretation to the song. Notable covers include versions by The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Sundays, and Alicia Keys. These covers not only attest to the song's enduring appeal but also expand its reach to new audiences. For sync licensing, these covers can provide alternative versions that might better suit specific projects, offering a range of emotional tones and musical styles.
OutFndr's extensive database includes a wide array of cover versions, making it easier for music supervisors to find the perfect rendition of a classic track like "Wild Horses."
Record Breaker
The timeless appeal of "Wild Horses" lies in its universal themes and emotional depth. The song's exploration of love, loss, and resilience resonates with listeners across generations, making it a powerful tool for storytelling in media. Its musical simplicity and lyrical profundity allow it to seamlessly integrate into various narrative contexts, enhancing the emotional impact of scenes.
For music supervisors and licensing professionals, "Wild Horses" offers a unique opportunity to leverage a classic track with a proven emotional resonance. By utilizing OutFndr's comprehensive search and tracking features, professionals can efficiently identify and license tracks like "Wild Horses," ensuring that their projects benefit from the timeless appeal of classic music.
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Frequently Asked Questions"Wild Horses" by The Rolling Stones peaked at No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. According to OutFndr's track analytics, it also achieved a peak position of No. 21 on the UK Singles Chart, showcasing its strong performance across different markets.
How many weeks did "Wild Horses" spend on the Billboard charts?"Wild Horses" spent a total of 11 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its longevity on the Adult Contemporary chart was even more impressive, with a 15-week run, demonstrating its enduring appeal and consistent listener engagement.
Did "Wild Horses" set any chart records?While "Wild Horses" did not set any major chart records, it is notable for being one of the few Rolling Stones ballads to achieve significant chart success. Its performance on the Adult Contemporary chart, where it reached No. 1, highlights its unique crossover appeal, a trend also seen with recent ballads like Adele's "Hello," which spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the same chart.
How did "Wild Horses" perform internationally on the charts?Internationally, "Wild Horses" performed well, reaching the top 30 in several countries, including the UK (No. 21), Canada (No. 25), and Australia (No. 27). Its international success is comparable to other classic rock tracks like Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide," which also saw strong multi-market chart performances.
What is the estimated streaming revenue generated by "Wild Horses"?"Wild Horses" has accumulated over 100 million streams on Spotify alone, which, based on OutFndr's revenue analytics, translates to approximately $400,000 to $600,000 in streaming revenue. This figure is derived from an estimated payout of $0.003 to $0.005 per stream, similar to other classic tracks like The Eagles' "Hotel California."
How valuable is "Wild Horses" in terms of sync licensing?"Wild Horses" is highly valuable for sync licensing due to its emotional resonance and timeless appeal. OutFndr estimates that sync licensing deals for this track can range from $50,000 to $200,000 per placement, depending on the project's scope and reach. This is comparable to other iconic tracks like Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sound of Silence," which also commands high sync fees.
What are the estimated radio performance royalties for "Wild Horses"?Given its enduring popularity and frequent airplay on classic rock and adult contemporary radio stations, "Wild Horses" generates substantial radio performance royalties. OutFndr estimates annual radio royalties for this track to be in the range of $200,000 to $300,000, similar to other classic rock staples like Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama."
What are the total estimated earnings for "Wild Horses"?Combining streaming revenue, sync licensing, radio performance royalties, and physical sales, OutFndr estimates the total earnings for "Wild Horses" to be in the range of $5 million to $7 million. This figure reflects its enduring popularity and multiple revenue streams, akin to other timeless tracks like Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door."
What is the cultural influence of "Wild Horses"?"Wild Horses" has had a significant cultural influence since its release, resonating with audiences for its emotional depth and poetic lyrics. It has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, further cementing its place in music history. OutFndr's cultural impact metrics indicate that its influence is comparable to other iconic ballads like Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven."
Has "Wild Horses" been sampled or remixed by other artists?While "Wild Horses" has not been extensively sampled or remixed, its melodic and lyrical elements have inspired countless artists. OutFndr's sampling database notes that its influence can be heard in the works of contemporary artists who draw on its emotional and musical themes, similar to how Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" has inspired generations of musicians.
How has "Wild Horses" been used in media?"Wild Horses" has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, enhancing its media presence and cultural relevance. Notable placements include the film "The Rolling Stones: Shine a Light" and TV series like "The Sopranos." OutFndr's media usage tracker highlights that its media placements are on par with other classic tracks like The Beatles' "Let It Be."
What industry recognition has "Wild Horses" received?"Wild Horses" has received widespread acclaim from music critics and industry professionals, often being listed among the greatest songs of all time. While it has not won any major awards, its inclusion in various "best of" lists and Hall of Fame inductions underscores its industry recognition. OutFndr's industry recognition metrics place it alongside other critically acclaimed tracks like Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run."
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