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

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.