About the song
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” is a significant song in the career of Toby Keith, marking his debut single and setting the stage for his future success. Released on February 12, 1993, this song was the first single from his self-titled debut album. The track quickly captured the attention of country music fans, reaching number one on both the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart by June 5, 1993. It also achieved a minor crossover success, peaking at number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The inspiration behind “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” comes from an amusing incident Toby Keith experienced at a bar in the early 1990s. According to Keith, a highway patrolman he knew tried to impress a young cowgirl with his dance moves but was rejected. Later, a young cowboy came in, and the two ended up dancing together. This led to the playful comment, “I guess you should have been a cowboy,” which sparked the idea for the song.
The lyrics of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” celebrate the romanticized cowboy lifestyle. They reference classic Westerns and legendary figures such as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. The song’s verses paint a picture of the adventurous life of a cowboy, including sidekicks with quirky names, travels out west, and confrontations with outlaws. The chorus reflects the typical cowboy imagery of revolvers and cattle drives, evoking the spirit of old Western tales.
The song’s popularity extends beyond country music. At Oklahoma State University, where the Cowboys are a beloved team, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” is a fixture at sporting events, often played repeatedly as fans exit the stadium.
In 2021, American Aquarium released a response song titled “I Wish You Would’ve Been a Cowboy,” which offers a different perspective on the cowboy lifestyle, providing a modern counterpoint to Keith’s classic.
The song has also appeared in popular media, including as downloadable content in the music video game Rock Band. It was certified three-times platinum by the RIAA in September 2023, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Following Toby Keith’s passing on February 5, 2024, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” re-entered the Hot Country Songs chart, demonstrating its lasting influence and the impact of Keith’s legacy.
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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