I think the reason I like this song so much is for one, the folky element. The melody sounds like a combination of century-old folk tunes and when played with the flute, can't help but make me think of olden-day ditties. Then, the beautiful vocals and harmonies make me romanticize the days when horses were a necessary part of life...then slam..."Heavy Horses!" The chorus doesn't let you forget you're listening to a rocking Jethro Tull song, and it works in the context of the lyrics. Now, when all these elements are combined, as well as many others I'm sure big Tull fans would berate me for not including in this paragraph about what makes this song great, you get the urge to call this one of their best.
I think the reason I like this song so much is for one, the folky element. The melody sounds like a combination of century-old folk tunes and when played with the flute, can't help but make me think of olden-day ditties. Then, the beautiful vocals and harmonies make me romanticize the days when horses were a necessary part of life...then slam..."Heavy Horses!" The chorus doesn't let you forget you're listening to a rocking Jethro Tull song, and it works in the context of the lyrics. Now, when all these elements are combined, as well as many others I'm sure big Tull fans would berate me for not including in this paragraph about what makes this song great, you get the urge to call this one of their best.