The Inspiration Behind “Wild Horses” — And The Letter Marianne Faithfull Never Sent

April 2, 2025

Marianne Faithfull sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers tapping nervously on the worn, wooden surface of the nightstand. It was the summer of 1969, and the world was a whirlwind of change and excitement. The bustling streets of London echoed with music, protests, and love, but in her life, there was a storm brewing. Her relationship with Mick Jagger, the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, was crumbling under the weight of fame and the pressures of their whirlwind romance. In that moment, she felt lost, torn between her identity as an artist and the chaos that surrounded her.

That evening, as she stared out at the fading light, a wave of inspiration washed over her. She could hear the gentle strumming of guitars and the distant sound of a piano playing in her mind, a melody waiting to break free. She picked up a pen and began to write a letter that she knew she’d never send. It was meant for Mick, filled with raw emotion and vulnerability. “I feel like a wild horse, running free yet unable to find peace,” she wrote, capturing the essence of her inner struggle. She poured her heart onto the page, expressing both her love for him and her yearning for independence.

As she penned her thoughts, it came to her that perhaps these words weren’t just for Mick. They were the seeds of a song, a powerful anthem that spoke of freedom and longing. Marianne had always been a free spirit, but now she needed to channel her pain into something beautiful. The idea of wild horses became a symbol of her desire to break free from the constraints of her relationship and the expectations of society. It was a revelation in the quiet of her room, a realization that music could serve as her lifeline.

That night, she turned those scribbles into lyrics, and with the help of her friends in the music scene, “Wild Horses” began to take shape. The song soon became a masterpiece, with its haunting melody and poignant words resonating deeply with listeners. It spoke to anyone who had ever felt trapped, lost, or in search of their true self. Marianne poured her heart into the recording, and as her voice filled the studio, she felt a sense of release. It was as if the song had the power to heal her wounds and provide comfort not only to herself but to countless others who would listen.

The release of “Wild Horses” marked a turning point in Marianne’s career. It solidified her place as a respected artist in her own right, separate from Mick and the Rolling Stones. The song’s success gave her renewed strength and purpose. She was no longer just a reflection of someone else’s fame; she was Marianne Faithfull, a woman who had faced heartbreak but emerged stronger, using her art to express her truth. Over the years, that letter she never sent became a testament to her resilience, serving as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, creativity can shine through.

Looking back, Marianne knew that every struggle she faced had led her to that pivotal moment of creation. The wild horses of her spirit had broken free, galloping across the vast landscape of her life. With each note and lyric, she reminded herself and others that true strength comes from embracing vulnerability. “Wild Horses” was not just a song; it was a declaration of independence, a celebration of life, and a promise to always chase after the freedom that lies within.