How I Fell in Love With a Magical Horse Named ‘Wildfire’

Being from here in Western Colorado and growing up in Fruita, I used to listen to cassette tapes of Michael Martin Murphy all the time. And I remember falling in love with a song about a horse, a "magical horse" named "Wildfire".

I didn't know much at the time about Mr. Murphy except my Mom would play his cassettes in the car all the time. I remember us kids (my little sister, brother and I) singing "Wildfire" over and over again.

I didn't know why, I just remember loving that song. I didn't even understand the lyrics. I just remember singing the chorus "Wiiiiiiiillllld Fire, she ran calling Wiiiiiiiilllllld Fire" and then "We'll be riding Wiiiillllld-fire, We'll be riding Wildfiiiire".

I know I may not have been able to write this as well as Mr. Murphy sung the song, but I remember it being sung so powerfully and probably being the first song I remember feeling such passion in someone's voice.

These days I still love this song and finally understand and appreciate it more than ever. Mr. Murphy is a true cowboy and loves to sing about the cowboy way and cowboy lifestyle. He'll always be one of my favorites.

Michael Martin Murphy will be performing at the Moss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall in Grand Junction Friday February 7th and The Montrose Pavilion and Events Center in Montrose February 8th.