Songs About Cowboys

Updated April 1, 2024

Thinking about Songs About Cowboys, there is no limit to the singers exploring this idea. Here are 24 of our favorites.

Washing Machine Heart by Mitski

From the album, Be the Cowboy, released on August 17, 2018

"Washing Machine Heart" is a song by Mitski from her album Be the Cowboy. The song was produced by Patrick Hyland and Mitski. The song is about a relationship that has ended, and the speaker is trying to figure out what went wrong. The production is minimal, with just a piano and Mitski's voice. The song is sad and introspective, but there is also a feeling of hope and resilience.

Cowboys from Hell by Pantera

From the album, Cowboys from Hell, released on July 20, 1990

"Cowboys from Hell" is a song by American heavy metal band Pantera. The song was released in 1990 as the lead single from the band's album of the same name. The song was written by Pantera vocalist Phil Anselmo and guitarist Dimebag Darrell. The song is an uptempo track with a heavy metal riff and a chorus that features the repeated lyric "Cowboys from hell". The song's lyrics are about the band's touring lifestyle and their dedication to heavy metal music. The song was produced by Terry Date and recorded at Pantego Sound Studio in Arlington, Texas. The song was mixed by Andy Wallace.

Should've Been A Cowboy by Toby Keith

From the album, Toby Keith 35 Biggest Hits, released on January 1, 2008

"Should've Been A Cowboy" is a song by country singer-songwriter Toby Keith. It was released in 1993 as the lead single from Keith's debut studio album, Toby Keith (1993). The song was a major hit in the United States, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for the week of August 7, 1993. The song was produced by Harold Shedd and Keith himself and was released by Mercury Records. The song was written by Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick. The single reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and remained there for four weeks. The song was certified Gold in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling 500,000 copies.

Me and My Kind by Cody Johnson

From the album, Cowboy Like Me, released on January 14, 2014

"Me and My Kind" is a song by Cody Johnson, off his 2019 album Ain't Nothin To It. The song was co-written by Johnson and his band, with production by Ben Jones and Johnson. The song is a defiant tribute to hard work, determination, and staying true to one's self. Johnson sings of upholding his own values and ideals, no matter how many people may disagree with them. The song is an anthemic blend of country, folk, and rock, with a driving beat, soaring guitars, and an infectious chorus.

Cowboy Take Me Away by The Chicks

From the album, Fly, released on August 27, 1999

"Cowboy Take Me Away" is a song by the American country music group The Chicks, from their 1999 album Fly. It was co-written by the group's lead singer Natalie Maines, as well as Martie Maguire and Emily Robison. The song was released as the album's second single and reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Musically, "Cowboy Take Me Away" is a mid-tempo country ballad. Its instrumentation includes electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, banjo, and drums. Lyrically, the song is a romantic ode, as the singer longs for her lover to take her away from all of her worries and troubles. The single was produced by Paul Worley and The Chicks. It was mixed by Mike Shipley and mastered by Denny Purcell.

Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) by Big & Rich

From the album, Horse of a Different Color, released on April 20, 2004

"Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" is a song by American country music duo Big & Rich. It was released in June 2004 as the second single from their album Horse of a Different Color. The song was written by the duo and John Rich, and was produced by John Rich and Kenny Alphin. The upbeat song has a country rock sound, and tells a story of a man who is looking for love. He finds a woman who is bored with typical men and decides to take her out on a date; he suggests they "save a horse, ride a cowboy" instead. The song peaked at #1 on the US Hot Country Songs chart, and also peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was certified Platinum by the RIAA for selling over 1 million copies.

Hippies and Cowboys by Cody Jinks

From the album, Less Wise, released on June 28, 2010

Hippies and Cowboys" is a song by American country music singer and songwriter Cody Jinks. It was released as the third single from Jinks' 2019 album, The Wanting. Written by Jinks along with Ward Davis and Jonny Burke, the song is an uptempo country rock track that talks about the tension between hippies and cowboys. The song was produced by Ryan Hewitt and recorded at Sputnik Sound in Nashville, Tennessee. The instrumentation features electric guitar, electric bass and drums, as well as some banjo and steel guitar. The song features a prominent vocal harmony from Jinks and Davis.

Cowboys Don’t Cry by Oliver Tree

From the album, Cowboy Tears, released on February 18, 2022

"Cowboys Don’t Cry" is a single by American singer-songwriter Oliver Tree, released in 2019. The song was produced by Oliver Tree and David Wexler, with additional production from Blake Slatkin and engineer Rob Kinelski. It is a pop-rock song featuring sentimental lyrics about being vulnerable and allowing emotions to be expressed. The song was accompanied by a music video in which Tree is seen in a melodramatic Western-style saloon.

If I Was a Cowboy by Miranda Lambert

From the album, If I Was a Cowboy, released on October 15, 2021

"If I Was a Cowboy" is a song by American country music artist Miranda Lambert. It was released as the third single from her album Platinum, and was co-written by Lambert and Natalie Hemby. The song is an upbeat, country-rock track about a female fantasizing about the life of a cowboy. The production of the song was handled by Frank Liddell, and it features guitar, steel guitar, banjo, fiddle, and drums. The track was recorded at Nashville's Blackbird Studios and was mixed by Justin Niebank.