Saddle Up” for a musical journey through the rugged terrains of cowboy life with this ultimate collection of 77 songs about cowboys.
Every summer, as a young child, I found myself eagerly awaiting the days I would spend with my dad. My parents were divorced and my dad lived with my grandparents. With him at work during the long, sun-drenched afternoons, I had a special ritual to pass the time. Nestled in the comfort of our living room, I would gently place LPs on the record player, the soft hum and crackle of the needle setting the stage for an afternoon filled with music.
I am fervent fan of country music, I am particularly drawn to the sounds of the 70s and 80s—a golden era that produced some of the most iconic country albums. These were the albums that my dad had stashed away in old console record player. The melodies and lyrics of artists from this period, many of whom are listed among the greatest country albums of all time, were more than just music to my ears; they were a bridge to the world I longed to explore.
These records, spinning tales of love, life, and adventure, were my faithful companions as I waited for dad to come home. They not only helped me pass the time but also kindled in me a deep love for the cowboy lifestyle and country music. The songs spoke of wide-open skies and untamed frontiers, echoing my own dreams of riding horses and living the cowboy life.
In those moments, with the music playing and my imagination running wild, I was no longer just a kid in a living room; I was a part of the grand, heart-stirring narratives that country music so beautifully crafts.
These songs are in no particular order or rank. I have commented on some to reflect a certain feeling I have about that particular song. FYI–not all these songs are country.
77 Greatest Songs About Cowboys
Ghost Riders in the Sky” by Johnny Cash (1979): This haunting classic paints a vivid picture of cowboy spirits chasing a cursed herd across the sky.
“Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson (1978): A cautionary tale, this song humorously advises mothers about the cowboy lifestyle.–My Karaoke go to song.
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” by Toby Keith (1993): A modern take on cowboy dreams, this song laments a missed opportunity to live the cowboy life.
“Cowboy Take Me Away” by Dixie Chicks (1999): This song romanticizes the freedom and escape offered by a cowboy’s world.
“I Wanna Be a Cowboy” by Boys Don’t Cry (1986): A synth-pop ode to cowboy fantasies, reflecting the 80s pop culture’s fascination with the Wild West.
“Amarillo By Morning” by George Strait (1983): A song about the life of a rodeo cowboy, capturing the spirit of resilience and wanderlust.
“My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” by Willie Nelson (1980): This song pays homage to the cowboy’s enduring role as an American icon and personal hero.
“Cowboys Like Us” by George Strait (2003): A celebration of the camaraderie and freedom found in the cowboy way of life.
“The Cowboy Rides Away” by George Strait (1985): A reflective ballad about the end of a love affair, using the metaphor of a cowboy riding off.
Dixie Chicks
“Back in the Saddle Again” by Gene Autry (1939): An iconic, cheerful tune that epitomizes the cowboy’s return to the life he loves.
“Desperado” by The Eagles (1973): A classic rock ballad that uses the metaphor of a lone cowboy to explore themes of freedom and solitude.—Love how this starts out.
“The Last Cowboy Song” by Ed Bruce (1980): A reflective tune that pays tribute to the vanishing American cowboy and the changing West.
“Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glen Campbell (1975): A song that became an anthem for dreamers and drifters, blending cowboy imagery with the pursuit of fame.—Another Karaoke favorite. Love me some Glen Campbell. Fellow Arkansan.
“El Paso” by Marty Robbins (1959): A classic ballad that tells a dramatic story of love and tragedy in the old West.
“Pancho and Lefty” by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard (1983): A folk song that narrates the tale of two outlaws, blending cowboy lore with a sense of nostalgia.
“Beer for My Horses” by Toby Keith and Willie Nelson (2003): A modern country song that combines traditional cowboy themes with contemporary issues.
“Cowboy Logic” by Michael Martin Murphey (1987): A song that humorously explores the practical and straightforward philosophy of a cowboy’s life.
“Big Iron” by Marty Robbins (1960): A Western ballad that tells the story of a gunfight, showcasing the classic cowboy’s courage and skill.
“Cowboys and Friends” by Garth Brooks (2016): A lively song celebrating the camaraderie and wild spirit of cowboys and their close-knit circle.
“This Cowboy’s Hat” by Chris LeDoux (1993): A song that symbolizes the cowboy’s identity and values, wrapped in a story of confrontation and respect.
“The Beaches of Cheyenne” by Garth Brooks (1995): A haunting ballad blending the cowboy lifestyle with a tragic love story.
Gene Autry
“Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” by Garth Brooks (1989): A song that reflects on the challenges and weariness of life on the road, from a cowboy’s perspective.
“Red Headed Stranger” by Willie Nelson (1975): A narrative song that tells the tale of a fugitive cowboy, marked by its haunting and sparse arrangement.
“Cowboy in the Continental Suit” by Marty Robbins (1964): A song that tells the story of a modern cowboy, blending traditional Western themes with a contemporary twist.
“Streets of Laredo” (Traditional, popularized by Johnny Cash, 1965): A timeless cowboy ballad that tells a story of life and death in the American West.
“A Cowboy’s Work is Never Done” by Sonny & Cher (1972): A pop take on cowboy life, showcasing the daily grind and adventures of a cowboy.
“Here Comes The Cowboy” by Mac DeMarco (2019): A modern, indie interpretation of cowboy themes, blending a laid-back style with introspective lyrics.
“The Cowboy Song” by Thin Lizzy (1976): A rock interpretation of cowboy life, blending the freedom of the open road with the band’s signature sound.
“Ride ‘Em Cowboy” by Paul Davis (1974): A soft rock song that uses cowboy imagery to convey a message of freedom and adventure.
“Cowboy’s Sweetheart” by Patsy Montana (1935): A pioneering country song by the first female country artist to sell one million records, celebrating the spirit of a cowgirl
“The Yellow Rose of Texas” by Mitch Miller (1955): A traditional folk song that has become synonymous with cowboy culture and the American West.
“Jingle Jangle Jingle” by Kay Kyser (1942): A popular song from the World War II era that features cowboy imagery and a catchy, upbeat rhythm.
“Tumbling Tumbleweeds” by The Sons of the Pioneers (1934): A classic Western song that beautifully captures the roaming spirit of the cowboy.
“Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi (1986): A rock anthem that uses cowboy imagery to describe the life of a touring musician, drawing parallels with the solitary cowboy.—Takes me back to high school. It rocks!
Willie Nelson
“Home on the Range” (Traditional, popularized by Gene Autry, 1933): A well-known cowboy ballad that idealizes the life of a cowboy and the beauty of the Western landscape.
“The Cowboy Song” by Garth Brooks (1990): A song that captures the essence of cowboy life, reflecting on the freedom and challenges faced by cowboys.
“Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” by Paula Cole (1996): A 90s hit that uses cowboy imagery to discuss modern relationships and societal expectations.
“Cowboy Boogie” by Randy Travis (1993): A fun and lively song that combines traditional country with a danceable beat, celebrating the cowboy lifestyle.
“Cowboy Cadillac” by Garth Brooks (1997): A fun and upbeat song that combines the themes of cowboy life with modern elements, celebrating the joy of the open road.
“The Cowboy and the Lady” by Lee Hazlewood (1969): A song that tells a romantic story set in the Western landscape, blending cowboy imagery with a love narrative.
“The Cowboy’s Lament” (Traditional, popularized by Burl Ives, 1956): Also known as “Streets of Laredo,” this classic folk song is a poignant cowboy ballad about life and death in the West.
“I Can Still Make Cheyenne” by George Strait (1996): A touching song about the sacrifices and choices faced by a rodeo cowboy, and the impact on his personal life.
“The Last Cowboy Song” by The Highwaymen (1985): A reflective tune by the country supergroup that pays homage to the fading cowboy era and its enduring legacy.
Garth Brooks
“Lone Cowboy” by Kevin Costner & Modern West (2008): A song by actor Kevin Costner’s band that delves into the solitary and reflective nature of the cowboy’s life.
Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy” by Chris LeDoux (1992): A lively song featuring Garth Brooks, discussing the realities and challenges of being involved with a cowboy.
“Copenhagen” by Chris LeDoux (1981): An upbeat ode to the cowboy’s choice of tobacco, showcasing LeDoux’s authentic cowboy background.
“Rodeo Or Mexico” by Garth Brooks (2001): A song about the tough choices faced by a cowboy between love and the rodeo life.
“Even Cowboys Like a Little Rock and Roll” by Chris LeDoux (1993): A song that blends the cowboy lifestyle with rock and roll, showcasing LeDoux’s unique style.
Even Cowboys Like a Little Rock and Roll” by Chris LeDoux (1993): A song that blends the cowboy lifestyle with rock and roll, showcasing LeDoux’s unique style.
“Ridin’ for a Fall” by Chris LeDoux (1991): A song that captures the risks and thrills of the rodeo life, emblematic of the cowboy’s constant dance with danger.—I love this song. One of his favorites for me.
“Dancin’ Cowboys” by The Bellamy Brothers (1980): A lively song that blends cowboy imagery with a celebration of dance and joy.
“Cowboy Up” by Joni Harms (2005): A spirited song encouraging resilience and toughness, qualities synonymous with the cowboy ethos.
“Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus (2019): A modern and genre-blending hit that combines rap with country themes, creating a unique take on cowboy imagery.
“Cowboy’s Back in Town” by Trace Adkins (2010): A song that celebrates the return of a cowboy, capturing the excitement and energy of his presence.
“Cowboy Man” by Lyle Lovett (1986): Another look at this song, highlighting its playful take on the cowboy’s charm and lifestyle.
“Cowboy Casanova” by Carrie Underwood (2009): A modern country-pop song warning about a charming yet untrustworthy cowboy.
“God Must Be a Cowboy” by Dan Seals (1984): A gentle, reflective song that idealizes the simple, peaceful life of a cowboy.
“Cowboy’s Dream” by Michael Martin Murphey (1993): A song that captures the essence of the cowboy’s longing and aspirations.
“Rodeo” by Garth Brooks (1991): A powerful song that vividly captures the allure and danger of the rodeo life.
“Cowboy Town” by Brooks & Dunn (2007): A revisit to this anthem, celebrating the cowboy spirit and Western way of life.
“Ain’t That Kind of Cowboy” by Tim McGraw (2020): A recent addition to the cowboy song genre, this song reflects on personal identity and the evolving image of the modern cowboy.
“Cowboy Lullaby” by Dan Seals (1984): A soothing song that combines the imagery of the Western landscape with the comforting aspects of cowboy life.
“Don’t Call Him a Cowboy” by Conway Twitty (1985): A classic country song that emphasizes the authenticity and grit required to truly be considered a cowboy.–Conway maybe one of my all-time favorites. Named after the town I was born in, Conway, Arkansas.
“Cowboy Love” by John Michael Montgomery (1995): A playful country song that uses cowboy imagery to describe a passionate romance.
“The Cowboy in Me” by Tim McGraw (2001): A revisit to this introspective song, highlighting the internal struggles and values of a cowboy’s spirit.–This song best describes how I feel about myself most of the time.
“Ride Cowboy Ride” by Bon Jovi (1988): A rock song with a cowboy theme, showcasing the band’s versatility and the universal appeal of cowboy imagery.
“Cowboy Band” by Billy Dean (1992): A song that celebrates the life of musicians who embody the spirit and lifestyle of cowboys.
“Cowboy’s Like Us” by George Strait (2003): A song that speaks to the camaraderie and freedom found in the cowboy way of life.
“Ghetto Cowboy” by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony (1998): A unique blend of rap and cowboy themes, this song tells a story of outlaws and survival with a modern twist.
George Strait
“Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) by Big and Rich (2004) The song is known for its catchy chorus and playful lyrics. —What a fun song. Great drinking song.
“Cowboy’s Back in Town” by Trace Adkins (2010): Celebrating the return and presence of a cowboy.
“Cowboy Blues” by Gary Allan (1999): A country song about the heartaches and struggles of cowboy life.
“Modern Day Cowboy” by Tesla (1986): A rock song using cowboy imagery to describe contemporary challenges.
“Cowboy’s Prayer” by Chris LeDoux (1992): A song expressing the spiritual side of cowboy life.
“Cowboy Up” by Joni Harms (2005): Encouraging resilience and toughness, qualities of the cowboy ethos.
“Cowgirls Don’t Cry” by Brooks & Dunn featuring Reba McEntire (2008): A song about resilience and strength in women of the cowboy culture–Makes me think about my daughter.
“Like a Cowboy” by Randy Houser (2013): A powerful ballad about the trials and tribulations of cowboy life.
Marty Robbins
Its been fun putting this collection together. I am sure I missed some and would love to hear one of your favorites.
