About the song
Toby Keith’s Should’ve Been a Cowboy is one of the most beloved country songs of the 1990s. Released in 1993 as his debut single, the song quickly made an impact, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It introduced Toby Keith to country music fans across the world and became the foundation of his long and successful career. Today, it remains one of the most played songs in country music history.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who dreams of being a cowboy, imagining a life filled with adventure, freedom, and romance. He pictures himself riding across open plains, wearing a six-shooter, and living the legendary cowboy life seen in classic Western movies. The song references famous cowboys like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, adding a nostalgic touch that appeals to longtime fans of country and Western culture.
Musically, Should’ve Been a Cowboy blends traditional country sounds with a modern style. The song features a strong melody, upbeat tempo, and rich instrumentation, including steel guitar and fiddle. Toby Keith’s deep, confident voice adds warmth and sincerity to the song, making it easy to sing along to. This combination of heartfelt lyrics and engaging music helped the song become a favorite on country radio stations and in live performances.
Over the years, Should’ve Been a Cowboy has remained a defining song in Toby Keith’s career. It captures the spirit of the American West and the timeless dream of cowboy life. Even decades after its release, it continues to resonate with listeners, proving that the cowboy way of life still holds a special place in the hearts of country music fans.
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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
