About the song
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” by Toby Keith isn’t just a country song; it’s a captivating daydream set against the backdrop of the Wild West. Released in 1993 as Keith’s debut single, the song catapulted him to stardom, topping both the US Billboard Hot Country Songs and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks charts. More than just a chart-topper, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” remains a fan favorite, particularly at Oklahoma State University’s sporting events, where it heralds the end of the game.
The song’s inspiration comes from a barroom encounter. Keith witnessed a state trooper striking out with a dance partner, leading to the now-iconic line, “I guess you should’ve been a cowboy.” This seemingly simple phrase sparked a lyrical journey, romanticizing the cowboy life. The opening verse references Marshal Dillon from “Gunsmoke,” a legendary bachelor who never settled down. This sets the stage for the narrator’s own yearning for a simpler, more adventurous life.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture – a trusty sidekick with a quirky name, expeditions westward, facing outlaws like Jesse James, and joining the Texas Rangers. Each verse builds upon the previous one, showcasing the narrator’s fascination with the romanticized cowboy lifestyle. The chorus further emphasizes this by mentioning iconic singing cowboys like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, along with classic Western imagery of six-shooters and cattle drives.
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” isn’t just about romanticizing the past; it’s a reflection on missed opportunities. The song allows the listener to escape into a world of freedom and adventure, a world where problems are solved with a quick draw and loyalty reigns supreme. This escapism, coupled with the song’s catchy melody and Keith’s signature vocals, has cemented its place as a country music staple.
The song’s influence extends beyond the country music scene. In 2021, Adeem the Artist released “I Wish You Would’ve Been a Cowboy,” a response song that playfully critiques Keith’s romanticized view. The song’s availability for download in music video games like Rock Band further highlights its enduring popularity.
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” transcended its origins as a debut single. It became an anthem for those who dream of wide-open spaces and simpler times. While the cowboy lifestyle it depicts may be a bygone era, the song’s message of adventure and yearning for a life less ordinary continues to resonate with listeners today.
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Lyrics
I bet you’ve never heard ol’ Marshal Dillon say
Miss Kitty, have you ever thought of runnin’ away?
Settlin’ down, would you marry me
If I asked you twice and begged you, pretty please?
She’d have said, “Yes”, in a New York minute
They never tied the knot, his heart wasn’t in it
He just stole a kiss as he rode away
He never hung his hat up at Kitty’s place
I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve learned to rope and ride
Wearin’ my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle drive
Stealin’ the young girls’ hearts
Just like Gene and Roy
Singin’ those campfire songs
Woah, I should’ve been a cowboy
I might of had a sidekick with a funny name
Runnin’ wild through the hills chasin’ Jesse James
Ending up on the brink of danger
Ridin’ shotgun for the Texas Rangers
Go west young man, haven’t you been told?
California’s full of whiskey, women and gold
Sleepin’ out all night beneath the desert stars
With a dream in my eye and a prayer in my heart
I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve learned to rope and ride
Wearin’ my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle drive
Stealin’ the young girls’ hearts
Just like Gene and Roy
Singin’ those campfire songs
Woah, I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve learned to rope and ride
I’d be wearin’ my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle drive
Stealin’ the young girls’ hearts
Just like Gene and Roy
Singin’ those campfire songs
Woah, I should’ve been a cowboy
Yeah, I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve been a cowboy