About the song
“In the vast and storied career of George Strait, a figure synonymous with the very essence of traditional country music, “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” stands as a poignant and enduring example of his artistry. This 1996 release, featured on his ‘Blue Clear Sky’ album, delves into the complexities of love, duty, and the cowboy spirit, resonating deeply with listeners who appreciate the authentic storytelling that defines country music.
“George Strait – I Can Still Make Cheyenne” is a narrative masterpiece, painting a vivid picture of a man torn between his romantic commitments and the pull of his rodeo obligations. The song’s protagonist, a cowboy facing the end of a relationship, makes the difficult choice to prioritize his professional commitments, uttering the now-iconic line, “I can still make Cheyenne.” This phrase encapsulates the song’s central theme: the sacrifices inherent in a life lived on the rodeo circuit.
What sets this song apart is Strait’s ability to deliver the lyrics with a sense of understated emotion. There’s no melodrama, no over-the-top theatrics; instead, he conveys the protagonist’s inner turmoil with a quiet dignity that is both moving and believable. The song’s arrangement, with its traditional country instrumentation, provides a perfect backdrop for Strait’s heartfelt delivery, allowing the story to take center stage.
“I Can Still Make Cheyenne” is more than just a song; it’s a window into the cowboy ethos, a reflection on the values that have shaped the American West. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional country music, and a reminder that even in the face of heartbreak, the cowboy spirit endures. For those who appreciate the storytelling tradition of country music, this song is a must-listen, a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all generations.”
Video
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
