“Old Town Road” is a success that merges the genre that blends the country and hip-hop, with a melody led by Banjowiven with Trap Battiti. The deep and relaxed voice of Lil Nas X completes the western theme texts of the song, creating a unique and captivating sound. The minimalist production of the track, combined with its contagious rhythm, helped her become a viral feeling and a record success.
Song credits
- Artist: Lil nas x
- Album: 7
- Released: 3 December 2018 (original); April 5, 2019 (Billy Ray Cyrus Remix)
- Registered: 2 December 2018
- Length: 1:53 (original version); 2:37 (Billy Ray Cyrus Remix)
- Label: Columbia Records
- Writer: Lil nas x
- Producer: Youngkio, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road” MV Officer
Lil Nas X, texts by Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
[Intro: Billy Ray Cyrus]Oh, oh-oh
Oh[Chorus: Billy Ray Cyrus]Yeah, I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road
I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more
I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road
I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more (Kio, Kio)[Verse 1: Lil Nas X]I got the horses in the back
Horse tack is attached
Hat is matte black
Got the boots that's black to match
Ridin' on a horse, ha
You can whip your Porsche
I been in the valley
You ain't been up off that porch, now[Refrain: Lil Nas X]Can't nobody tell me nothin'
You can't tell me nothin'
Can't nobody tell me nothin'
You can't tell me nothin'
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Get tickets for your favorite artists[Verse 2: Lil Nas X]Ridin' on a tractor
Lean all in my bladder
Cheated on my baby
You can go and ask her
My life is a movie
Bull ridin' and boobies
Cowboy hat from Gucci
Wrangler on my booty[Refrain: Lil Nas X]Can't nobody tell me nothin'
You can't tell me nothin'
Can't nobody tell me nothin'
You can't tell me nothin'[Chorus: Lil Nas X]Yeah, I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road
I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more
I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road
I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more[Verse 3: Billy Ray Cyrus]Hat down, cross town, livin' like a rockstar
Spent a lot of money on my brand new guitar
Baby's got a habit: diamond rings and Fendi sports bras
Ridin' down Rodeo in my Maserati sports car
Got no stress, I've been through all that
I'm like a Marlboro Man so I kick on back
Wish I could roll on back to that old town road
I wanna ride 'til I can't no more[Chorus: Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus]Yeah, I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road
I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more
I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road
I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more
Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road” Meaning
“Old Town Road” is a symbol of the journey to the success of Lil Nas X. The “road of the old city” represents its path towards fame, luck and unlimited opportunities, which it embraces fully, swearing to “ride until it can no longer”. Line as “I took the horses in the back” reflect his trust in his talent, showing that he does not need luxury or symbol status to do it in the sector. Instead of a flashy car, he rides a horse from the old school, showing his belief that pure talent is sufficient to be successful.
The song also addresses those who doubt him, clarifying that he refuses to be retained by negativity. While parts of the texts refer to a lifestyle of Rockstar, Lil Nas X later clarified that it was imagining what the fame could bring rather than promoting it. Its fusion of country and hip-hop is reflected in its mix of simple and high-end images, balancing humility with success. The verse of Billy Ray Cyrus adds another perspective, reflecting on his journey and on the ups and downs of fame. While he likes the luxury that success has brought him, he also suggests losing a simpler life.
Although “Old Town Road” was seen as a fun success and suitable for families, Lil Nas X subsequently reminded fans that the song contains mature themes such as the use of substances and infidelity. He wrote it as a message to himself during a period of doubt, uncertain if he should continue to pursue music. However, while working on the song, he realized that he would become a decisive symbol of his success, a journey that, against every prediction, turned into a record phenomenon.
