About The Song
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” is a hit country song performed by American singer Toby Keith. Released in 1993, it was Keith’s debut single and became one of his most successful and iconic songs, establishing him as a prominent figure in country music.
Background and Release
- Artist: Toby Keith
- Album: Toby Keith
- Release Date: February 8, 1993
- Label: Mercury Records
Songwriters and Production
- Written by: Toby Keith
- Produced by: Nelson Larkin, Harold Shedd
Musical Style and Themes
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” is a mid-tempo country song with a traditional honky-tonk feel. The song features prominent guitar riffs and a catchy, sing-along chorus. The lyrics nostalgically romanticize the Old West and cowboy lifestyle, expressing a longing for the freedom, adventure, and heroism associated with cowboys. The narrator reflects on how he should have been a cowboy, drawing parallels between his dreams and the legendary figures of the Wild West.
Chart Performance
The song was a major success on the charts:
- Billboard Hot Country Songs: Reached number one
- Canadian RPM Country Tracks: Reached number one
Impact and Legacy
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” became an instant classic, resonating with fans for its relatable themes and catchy melody. The song is credited with helping Toby Keith launch a highly successful career in country music. It remains one of the most-played country songs of the 1990s and is considered a staple of the genre.
Music Video
The music video for “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” directed by Marc Ball, features Toby Keith performing the song interspersed with scenes that evoke the cowboy theme. The video includes imagery of rodeos, open plains, and Western settings, reinforcing the song’s nostalgic and adventurous spirit.
Awards and Recognition
While “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” did not win major awards at the time, its enduring popularity and significant radio airplay have cemented its status as one of the most influential country songs of the decade.
Legacy
Decades after its release, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” remains one of Toby Keith’s signature songs. It is frequently performed at his concerts and continues to receive substantial airplay on country radio stations. The song’s timeless appeal and celebration of the cowboy mythos have made it a beloved anthem in country music, symbolizing the enduring allure of the American West.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the 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
