The image of the cowboy has become a symbol of American culture, embodying the ideas of freedom, independence, and adventure. It’s no surprise that cowboys have become a popular subject in music, with countless songs dedicated to their unique lifestyle and experiences. From classic country to rock and roll, the cowboy has captured the imagination of artists and listeners alike. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 19 best songs about cowboys. These songs have been chosen for their timeless appeal, evocative storytelling, and memorable melodies. Each one captures a different aspect of the cowboy experience, from the rough-and-tumble life on the range to the romanticized hero of the silver screen. Whether you’re a diehard country music fan or simply drawn to the mystique of the cowboy, these songs will transport you to another time and place. So, saddle up and get ready for a journey through the best songs about cowboys that have stood the test of time.
1. Cowboy Casanova – Carrie Underwood
Cowboy Casanova by Carrie Underwood is a fiery country-pop anthem that warns women about the seductive charms of a player. Underwood’s powerful vocals are complemented by an upbeat melody and catchy guitar riffs, creating an energetic and empowering song that encourages listeners to stand up for themselves and avoid falling for the wrong guy. The lyrics describe a charming cowboy who uses his good looks and smooth talk to manipulate women, but the singer won’t be fooled by his tricks. Cowboy Casanova is a fun and feisty song that showcases Underwood’s dynamic voice and showcases her ability to craft memorable pop-country hits.
2. Should’ve Been a Cowboy – Toby Keith
Should’ve Been a Cowboy by Toby Keith is a classic country song that celebrates the freedom and adventure of the cowboy lifestyle. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and memorable lyrics make it an instant crowd-pleaser, while Keith’s distinctive voice adds a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to the performance. The lyrics tell the story of a man who longs to be a cowboy, traveling the open road, chasing after dreams, and living life on his own terms. With its infectious chorus and catchy guitar riffs, Should’ve Been a Cowboy is a timeless country classic that has remained a fan favorite for decades.
3. El Paso – Marty Robbins
El Paso by Marty Robbins is a classic country ballad that tells the story of a cowboy who falls in love with a Mexican woman named Felina. The song’s haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and Robbins’ distinctive voice make it an enduring classic that has stood the test of time. The lyrics describe the cowboy’s desperate love for Felina, their tragic separation, and his eventual return to El Paso, where he meets his fate. El Paso is a timeless classic that showcases Robbins’ storytelling ability and his mastery of the country music genre.
4. Cowboy Take Me Away – The Chicks
Cowboy Take Me Away by The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks) is a heartfelt country ballad that celebrates the freedom and romance of the cowboy lifestyle. The song’s lilting melody, beautiful harmonies, and thoughtful lyrics create a dreamy, wistful atmosphere that transports listeners to a simpler time. The lyrics describe a woman’s desire to escape the pressures of the modern world and find solace in the arms of a cowboy. Cowboy Take Me Away is a tender, romantic song that showcases The Chicks’ exquisite harmonies and their ability to capture the essence of the country music genre.
5. Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys – Waylon
Jennings & Willie Nelson
Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson is a classic country song that celebrates the rugged, independent spirit of the cowboy. The song’s lively tempo, catchy melody, and iconic lyrics have made it a fan favorite for decades. The lyrics warn mothers about the dangers of raising their sons to be cowboys, but also celebrate the freedom and adventure of the cowboy lifestyle. Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys is a fun, upbeat song that showcases Jennings’ and Nelson’s unique vocal styles and their ability to create memorable country classics.
6. Rhinestone Cowboy – Glen Campbell
Rhinestone Cowboy by Glen Campbell is a classic country-pop song that celebrates the resilience and determination of the cowboy spirit. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and optimistic lyrics make it an instant classic that has become synonymous with the country music genre. The lyrics describe a struggling musician who finds inspiration in the image of a rhinestone cowboy, and uses his inner strength to overcome the obstacles in his path. Rhinestone Cowboy is a feel-good song that showcases Campbell’s smooth vocals and his ability to craft memorable country-pop hits.
7. The Cowboy Rides Away – George Strait
The Cowboy Rides Away by George Strait is a poignant country ballad that celebrates the bittersweet nature of endings and new beginnings. The song’s gentle melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Strait’s iconic voice create a touching, introspective atmosphere that captures the essence of the country music genre. The lyrics describe a cowboy who has come to the end of his journey, and must say goodbye to the people and places that have defined his life. The Cowboy Rides Away is a beautiful, contemplative song that showcases Strait’s talent as a storyteller and his ability to create enduring country classics.
8. The Cowboy in Me – Tim McGraw
The Cowboy in Me by Tim McGraw is a reflective country ballad that explores the duality of the cowboy spirit. The song’s haunting melody, introspective lyrics, and McGraw’s distinctive voice create a powerful emotional resonance that captures the essence of the country music genre. The lyrics describe the inner conflict between the cowboy’s wild, adventurous side and his more sensitive, introspective side. The Cowboy in Me is a poignant, deeply personal song that showcases McGraw’s talent as a songwriter and his ability to create enduring country classics.
9. Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? – Paula Cole
Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? by Paula Cole is a soulful, introspective song that explores the changing roles of men and women in modern society. The song’s plaintive melody, thought-provoking lyrics, and Cole’s expressive voice create a haunting, melancholic atmosphere that captures the essence of the alternative country genre. The lyrics describe the struggle of a woman who is searching for a traditional cowboy-type man, but finds only disappointment and disillusionment in the modern dating scene. Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? is a thoughtful, introspective song that showcases Cole’s talent as a songwriter and her ability to create memorable alternative country hits.
10. Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) – Big & Rich
Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) by Big & Rich is a lively, irreverent country rock song that celebrates the rowdy, adventurous side of the cowboy lifestyle. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and raucous lyrics create a party atmosphere that has made it a fan favorite for years. The lyrics encourage women to embrace their wild side and “save a horse, ride a cowboy,” while the driving guitar riffs and pounding drums create a high-energy, danceable groove. Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) is a fun, carefree song that showcases Big & Rich’s unique sound and their ability to create unforgettable country rock anthems.
11. Wanted Dead or Alive – Bon Jovi
Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi is a classic rock anthem that celebrates the free-spirited, adventurous side of the cowboy lifestyle. The song’s driving guitar riffs, pounding drums, and soaring vocals have made it a fan favorite for decades. The lyrics describe the struggles of a rock star who finds solace in the image of a cowboy, and uses his inner strength to overcome the challenges of life on the road. Wanted Dead or Alive is a powerful, inspiring song that showcases Bon Jovi’s talent as songwriters and their ability to create timeless rock classics.
12. Space Cowboy – Kacey Musgraves
Space Cowboy by Kacey Musgraves is a dreamy, ethereal country song that celebrates the independent, free-spirited nature of the cowboy lifestyle. The song’s languid tempo, atmospheric instrumentation, and Musgraves’ distinctive voice create a dreamy, introspective atmosphere that captures the essence of the country music genre. The lyrics describe a woman who is searching for freedom and adventure in the vastness of space, while also finding inspiration in the traditional image of the cowboy. Space Cowboy is a beautiful, otherworldly song that showcases Musgraves’ talent as a songwriter and her ability to create distinctive, genre-defying country hits.
13. I Wanna Be a Cowboy – Boys Don’t Cry
I Wanna Be a Cowboy by Boys Don’t Cry is a playful, irreverent pop song that celebrates the wild, adventurous side of the cowboy lifestyle. The song’s catchy melody, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and synth-driven instrumentation create a fun, danceable atmosphere that captures the essence of the 1980s pop music genre. The lyrics describe the singer’s desire to be a cowboy, and his humorous attempts to adopt the image and lifestyle of a rugged western hero. I Wanna Be a Cowboy is a lighthearted, fun song that showcases Boys Don’t Cry’s distinctive sound and their ability to create memorable pop hits.
14. Ain’t Always The Cowboy – Jon Pardi
“Ain’t Always the Cowboy” is a 2019 country song by Jon Pardi, from his album “Heartache Medication.” The song talks about a cowboy’s life, exploring the idea that not everything in life is predictable, and even cowboys can get heartbroken. The lyrics speak about a cowboy who is tired of being alone and wants to settle down with someone, but they are not always successful in finding true love. Pardi’s deep, rich vocals, combined with the traditional country music style, make this song an instant classic, resonating with anyone who has ever experienced love and loss.
15. Cowboy Song – Thin Lizzy
“Cowboy Song” is a classic rock song by Thin Lizzy, released in 1976 on their album “Jailbreak.” The song has a fast-paced, energetic sound and is a tribute to the cowboy lifestyle, featuring driving rhythms and searing guitar riffs. It tells the story of a cowboy who roams the countryside, living life on his own terms. The song’s memorable chorus and catchy melody make it a favorite of fans of classic rock and cowboys alike.
16. I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart – Patsy Montana
“I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” is a country western song by Patsy Montana, first recorded in 1935. It was the first country song by a female artist to sell more than one million copies. The song tells the story of a woman who wants to be a cowboy’s sweetheart and join him in living the cowboy lifestyle. The catchy chorus and upbeat melody made it a popular song, and it became an anthem for cowgirls and women who wanted to break free from traditional gender roles.
17. Cowboy Logic – Michael Martin Murphey
“Cowboy Logic” is a song by Michael Martin Murphey, released in 1983 on his album “River of Time.” The song is a celebration of the cowboy way of life, featuring lyrics that describe the virtues of hard work, honesty, and independence. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a favorite of fans of country music and the cowboy lifestyle.
18. Whatcha Gonna Do With a Cowboy – Chris LeDoux
“Whatcha Gonna Do With a Cowboy” is a country western song by Chris LeDoux and Garth Brooks, released in 1992. The song features LeDoux’s distinctive voice and describes the life of a cowboy who loves the open range, but also longs for a woman’s touch. The catchy chorus and lively melody make it a popular song, and it remains a favorite of fans of country music and the cowboy lifestyle.
19. Cowgirls Don’t Cry – Brooks & Dunn
“Cowgirls Don’t Cry” is a country song by Brooks & Dunn, featuring Reba McEntire on vocals. Released in 2008, the song tells the story of a young cowgirl who dreams of riding the range, but also learns the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. The song’s catchy chorus and uplifting message make it a favorite of fans of country music and the cowgirl lifestyle.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
