About the song
“The Cowboy Rides Away” is a poignant country song penned by Sonny Throckmorton and Casey Kelly, and brought to life by George Strait. Released in January 1985, it served as the second single from Strait’s album *Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind*. This heartfelt track quickly captured the attention of country music fans, reaching number 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 3 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada.
The song’s narrative centers on a cowboy coming to terms with the end of a significant relationship. It paints a vivid picture of a man reflecting on the trials and tribulations of his life and love, ultimately accepting that despite their efforts, he and his partner cannot make things work. The cowboy’s departure symbolizes not just the end of a personal relationship, but also a farewell to a chapter of his life.
Critics have praised “The Cowboy Rides Away” for its ability to blend traditional cowboy themes with a modern sensibility. Kevin John Coyne from Country Universe gave the song an A grade, highlighting its successful reinvention of classic cowboy mythology while staying true to its roots.
The song holds a special place in George Strait’s career. It has been a staple of his live performances, often used to close out his shows. Notably, it was the final song performed during his last concert on the “The Cowboy Rides Away Tour” at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 7, 2014, which set a worldwide attendance record of 104,000.
In terms of accolades, “The Cowboy Rides Away” was certified Gold by the RIAA, a testament to its enduring popularity and significant sales. This song remains a cherished part of George Strait’s legacy, embodying the emotional depth and storytelling that have defined his illustrious career.
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Lyrics
I knew the stakes were high right from the startWhen she dealt the cards, I dealt my heartNow I just found a game that I can’t playAnd this is where the cowboy rides awayAnd my heart is sinkin’ like the setting sunSetting on the things I wish I’d doneIt’s time to say goodbye to yesterdayAnd this is where the cowboy rides awayWe’ve been in and out of love and in-betweenAnd now we play the final showdown sceneAnd as the credits roll, a sad song starts to playAnd this is where the cowboy rides awayAnd my heart is sinkin’ like the setting sunSetting on the things I wish I’d doneOh, the last goodbye’s the hardest one to sayThis is where the cowboy rides awayOh, the last goodbye’s the hardest one to sayThis is where the cowboy rides away