Watercolour Ponies

Album: Watercolour Ponies (1987)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song, written by Wayne Watson with the help of Paul Mills, is a reminder to parents to cherish their children while they're young, and before its too late. Watson explained in CCM Magazine presents 100 Greatest Songs In Christian Music that the inspiration for the song came when he was sitting at his kitchen counter and noticed a school painting by one of his sons, Adam, sticking to the door. He added: "It sort of looked like a pony, but there were elements and other things I couldn't identify. The house was cluttered with kid stuff; I thought of how soon the clutter would change to other stuff and then be gone altogether. It helped me take a deep breathe and appreciate the gift in front of me-children in care."
  • Watson said in CCM Magazine presents 100 Greatest Songs In Christian Music that prior to recording this, he'd been taking a few jazz guitar lessons and the song's distinctive opening chords are a direct result of those lessons. He added; "I've never really used them in any other songs. Even now, in concerts, audiences recognize 'Ponies' from the first chord."
  • This won the 1988 Dove Award for Pop Contemporary Song of the Year. The Watercolour Ponies set also won the award for Pop Contemporary Album of the Year.
  • When Watson re-recorded this for the acoustic retrospective album Signatures, the new version was produced by his oldest son, Neal.

Comments: 1

  • Dave from Wheaton, IlThen-unknown Susan Ashton sang backgrounds on it. I wonder why Wayne opted for the British spelling of Watercolor? I dunno.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?