About the song
Good evening, music enthusiasts and fellow admirers of genuine storytelling in song. Tonight, we’re going to share a moment with a powerful and poignant narrative from one of country music’s most successful duos: Brooks & Dunn. The song we’re focusing on is the heartfelt and emotionally resonant ballad, “Cowgirls Don’t Cry.”
Released in 2007, this track quickly became a standout from their Cowboy Town album. What makes “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” particularly impactful is its sensitive exploration of a universal theme: resilience in the face of heartache, especially for young women learning to navigate the world. The song was a collaborative writing effort, co-written by the legendary Ronnie Dunn himself, along with the talented Terry McBride. Their combined artistry created a narrative that is both specific in its imagery and broadly relatable in its emotional core. It tells the story of a young girl, then a woman, facing life’s inevitable disappointments and finding strength, often through the guiding wisdom of a loving father.
The beauty of “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” lies in its nuanced message. It’s not about stifling emotions, but rather about finding the inner fortitude to move forward. Ronnie Dunn’s lead vocal performance is, as always, exceptional—full of warmth, empathy, and that signature powerful delivery that has defined Brooks & Dunn’s sound for decades. The arrangement, with its gentle build and supportive harmonies from Kix Brooks, perfectly complements the song’s tender theme, allowing the lyrics to truly shine.
The song resonated strongly with audiences, a testament to its compelling story and emotional depth. It performed very well on the charts, climbing to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2008. This chart-topping success further cemented Brooks & Dunn’s legacy as artists who could consistently deliver not just catchy tunes, but also songs with profound lyrical meaning that struck a chord with listeners.
For many of us, “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” serves as a touching reminder of the quiet strength we often find within ourselves, and the enduring power of guidance from those who care. It’s a song that can bring a tear to your eye, not out of sadness, but out of a deep understanding of life’s journey. So, let us listen once more to the incomparable Brooks & Dunn and their moving rendition of “Cowgirls Don’t Cry.”
Video
Lyrics
Her daddy gave her her first pony
Then taught her to ride
She climbed high in that saddle
Fell, I don’t know how many times
He taught her a lesson that she learned
Maybe a little too well
Cowgirls don’t cry
Ride, baby, ride
Lessons of life are gonna show you in time
Soon enough, you’re gonna know why
It’s gonna hurt every now and then
If you fall, get back on again
Cowgirls don’t cry
She grew up, she got married
It never was quite right
She wanted a house, a home and babies
He started comin’ home late at night
She didn’t let him see it break her heart
She didn’t let him see her fall apart
‘Cause cowgirls don’t cry
Ride, baby, ride
Lessons of life are gonna show you in time
Soon enough, you’re gonna know why
It’s gonna hurt every now and then
If you fall, get back on again
Cowgirls don’t cry
Phone rang early one morning
Her momma’s voice, she’d been crying
Said, “It’s your daddy, you need to come home
This is it, I think he’s dying”
She laid the phone down by his head
The last words that he said
Were, “Cowgirl, don’t cry
Ride, baby, ride
Lessons of life show us all in time
Too soon, God lets you know why
If you fall, get right back on
The good Lord calls everybody home
Cowgirl, don’t cry”
