"Thunder in The Heart"
[Intro: Instrumental]
[Verse 1]
I was born in Bourbon County, where the bluegrass kisses the sky
With thunder in my muscles and a fire in my stride
They brushed me down with reverence, whispered, “This one’s got soul”
But they really didn’t see the spirit — just the silver and the gold
I heard tales from the rail birds…
…saw the roses in my dreams
Now I’m laced up for glory…
…chasing more than just esteem
[Chorus]
I’m the heart of the track… I’m the thunder and the flame
Not just a name in your program…not just bred for fame
I run for the wind in my mane… for the wild in my veins
For every colt who never made it… I carry their names
This isn’t just a race — there’s a story in my mane
I’m the heart of the Kentucky Derby…
…and I’m born to break the reins
[Verse 2]
I’ve heard the crowd’s roar — it’s a weight, it’s a drug
Jockey’s heels dig in like the past I try to shrug
They cheer for me to finish first
…but forget everything that came before
The barns and the bruises… the storms I had to endure
Still, I gallop with great pride…
‘Neath Churchill Downs twin spires standing tall
Because no matter what they wager…
I always give it my all!
[Chorus]
I’m the heart of the track… I’m the thunder and the flame
Not just a name in your program…not just bred for fame
I run for the wind in my mane… for the wild in my veins
For every colt who never made it… I carry their names
This isn’t just a race — there’s a story in my mane
I’m the heart of the Kentucky Derby…
…and I’m born to break the reins
[Verse 3]
Don’t we all wear heavy blinders?
…chasing something grand?
Don’t we all have parents, spouses, or bosses?
…who don’t quite understand?
But I’ve outrun my elusive shadow…
…left all doubt in the dust
My heart pounds for more than trophies…
…it pounds for more than trust
[Bridge]
Some run for ribbons and glory…
…some run for just the coin
But I run for the whisper of the wind
…the thunder of hooves on bluegrass soil
They say glory’s always fleeting…
Who knows, maybe they’re right?
But I feel eternal…
…with the roses in my sight
[Verse 4]
They talk of legends in stone and bronze displays
But forget the barn hands breaking their backs
…for just a day’s wage
The groomers, the gallop boys, the ones who hold the line…
We're all part of this dance…
…this strange and sacred grind
So when the spotlight fades…
…and verdant green pastures are near
Just now I ran for all of us…
…I ran for the roses without fear
[Chorus]
I’m the heart of the track… I’m the thunder and the flame
Not just a name in your program…not just bred for fame
I run for the wind in my mane… for the wild in my veins
For every colt who never made it… I carry their names
This isn’t just a race — there’s a story in my mane
I’m the heart of the Kentucky Derby…
…and I’m born to break the reins
[Final Chorus]
I’m the heart of the track… I’m the thunder and the flame
Not just a name in your program…not just bred for fame
I run for the wind in my mane… for the wild in my veins
For every colt who never made it… I carry their names
This isn’t just a race — there’s a story in my mane
I’m the heart of the Kentucky Derby…
…and I’m born to break the reins
[Outro: Echoing hoofbeats, ambient strings, fade under a distant bugle call]
[End]
Song Description
"Thunder in the Heart" is a soul-stirring anthem told through the voice of a Kentucky Derby racehorse, blending reverence, resilience, and raw energy. Set against a sweeping Americana backdrop, the track fuses indie folk-rock with cinematic country textures — including atmospheric strings, brushed drums, and finger-picked acoustic guitar — to create a rich, emotionally immersive soundscape.
The song captures the spirit of competition and the deeper humanity beneath the pageantry, spotlighting not just the glory of the track but the unseen stories behind it. With soaring choruses, poetic storytelling, and a final verse that honors the unsung heroes of the racing world, “Thunder in the Heart” gallops from inspiration to introspection, ultimately breaking free with triumphant grace.
