About the song
Good evening to all of you who appreciate the rich tapestry of American music, particularly those threads woven with grit, wisdom, and a touch of melancholy. Tonight, we’re going to spend some time with a track that, for many of us, evokes a profound sense of nostalgia and a quiet understanding of passing eras. I’m talking about The Highwaymen’s poignant rendition of “The Last Cowboy Song”.
For anyone who came of age with the likes of Willie, Waylon, Johnny, and Kris, the very name The Highwaymen conjures images of a summit meeting of musical giants. And indeed, that’s precisely what they were. This supergroup, a collection of some of country music’s most independent and iconic voices, brought a gravitas to their collaborations that was simply unmatched. When they lent their collective talents to a song, it wasn’t just a performance; it was a conversation, a shared narrative spun by master storytellers.
“The Last Cowboy Song” is, in many ways, the perfect vehicle for this quartet. Penned by Ed Bruce and Ron Peterson, it’s a lament not just for a disappearing way of life, but for the inherent dignity and solitude of a particular kind of man. It’s a song that speaks to the heart of what it means to be an individual against an ever-changing backdrop, a theme deeply resonant with the personal philosophies of each of The Highwaymen. You can practically feel the dust of the trail and the weight of a lifetime of decisions in every note.
What truly elevates this track, beyond its evocative lyrics, is the way each of these legends brings their unique timbre and interpretive genius to the fore. You hear Willie’s signature laid-back delivery, Waylon’s powerful, resonant baritone, Johnny’s gravelly conviction, and Kris’s poetic sensibility, all interweaving to create a sound that is both singular and deeply collaborative. It’s not just four voices singing a song; it’s four sagacious spirits sharing a collective truth. Each verse feels like a fireside chat with an old friend, reflecting on a world that’s slowly, inexorably fading into memory.
For an audience such as ours, one that has witnessed significant shifts in culture and technology, “The Last Cowboy Song” resonates with a particular poignancy. It’s about more than just cowboys; it’s about the passing of traditions, the quiet strength of those who live by their own code, and the bittersweet acceptance of inevitable change. It’s a reminder that while the physical landscape may transform, the spirit of independence and resilience continues to ride on, even if only in song. And in the masterful hands of The Highwaymen, this ode to a bygone era becomes a timeless classic, a testament to the enduring power of honest storytelling and unparalleled musicianship.
Video
Lyrics
This is the last cowboy song
The end of a hundred year Waltz
The voices sound sad as they’re singin’ along
Another piece of America’s lost
He rides the feed lots, clerks in the markets
On weekends sellin’ tobacco and beer
And his dreams of tomorrow, surrounded by fences
But he’ll dream tonight of when fences weren’t here
He blazed the trail with Lewis and Clark
And eyeball to eyeball, old Wyatt backed down
He stood shoulder to shoulder with Travis in Texas
And rode with the 7th when Custer went down
This is the last cowboy song
The end of a hundred year Waltz
The voices sound sad as they’re singin’ along
Another piece of America’s lost
Remington showed us how he looked on canvas
And Louis Lamour has told us his tale
Me and Johnny and Waylon and Kris sing about him
And wish to God, we could have ridden his trail
This is the last cowboy song
The end of a hundred year Waltz
The voices sound sad as they’re singin’ along
Another piece of America’s lost
This is the last cowboy song
The end of a hundred year Waltz
The voices sound sad as they’re singin’ along
Another piece of America’s lost
This is the last cowboy song
The end of a hundred year Waltz
