About the song
George Strait’s “I Can Still Make Cheyenne”: A Cowboy’s Enduring Spirit
George Strait has a remarkable knack for embodying the spirit of the American West in his music. “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” a song that resonates with a rugged sense of self-reliance and the enduring spirit of the cowboy, is a prime example of his ability to connect with the heart of country tradition.
Released in 1991, this song isn’t just a tune; it’s a narrative, a glimpse into the life of a man who defines himself by his work and his ability to overcome challenges. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a cowboy facing hardship, perhaps the loss of a loved one or a difficult turn of events, yet still finding strength in his inherent resilience. The phrase “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” becomes a powerful mantra, a declaration of his unwavering determination.
Strait’s vocal delivery on this track is perfectly suited to the song’s theme. His voice, with its characteristic smooth yet grounded quality, conveys a sense of quiet strength and unwavering resolve. There’s no melodrama or over-the-top emotion; instead, it’s a stoic acceptance of life’s difficulties and a firm commitment to carrying on.
The musical arrangement is classic country, featuring the familiar sounds of steel guitar and fiddle, which perfectly evoke the vast landscapes and the hardscrabble life of the cowboy. It’s a sound that feels both timeless and authentic, grounding the song in the rich traditions of the genre.
“I Can Still Make Cheyenne” speaks to a universal human experience: the ability to persevere in the face of adversity. It’s a song about finding strength within oneself, about the importance of resilience, and about the enduring spirit of the human will. For those who appreciate the values of grit, determination, and the quiet dignity of the working man, this song will undoubtedly strike a chord. It’s a testament to George Strait’s ability to embody the spirit of the American West in his music.
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Lyrics
Her telephone rang ’bout a quarter to nine
She heard his voice on the other end of the line
She wondered what was wrong this time
She never knew what his calls might bring
With a cowboy like him, it could be anything
And she always expected the worst
In the back of her mind
He said, it’s cold out here and I’m all alone
Didn’t make the short go again and I’m coming home
I know I’ve been away too long
I never got a chance to write or call
And I know this rodeo has been hard on us all
But I’ll be home soon
And honey is there somethin’ wrong
She said, don’t bother comin’ home
By time you get here I’ll be long gone
There’s somebody new and he sure ain’t no rodeo man
He said, I’m sorry it’s come down to this
There’s so much about you that I’m gonna miss
But it’s alright baby
If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
Gotta go now baby
If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
He left that phone danglin’ off the hook
Then slowly turned around and gave it one last look
Then he just walked away
He aimed his truck toward that Wyoming line
With a little luck he could still get there in time
And in that Cheyenne wind he could still hear her say
She said, don’t bother comin’ home
By time you get here I’ll be long gone
There’s somebody new and he sure ain’t no rodeo man
He said, I’m sorry it’s come down to this
There’s so much about you that I’m gonna miss
But it’s alright baby
If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
Gotta go now baby
If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
She never knew what his calls might bring
With a cowboy like him, it could be anything
And she always expected the worst
In the back of her mind
