About the song
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” Toby Keith’s debut single released on February 12, 1993, marked the beginning of a storied career in country music. This iconic song not only launched Keith into the spotlight but also became a defining piece of American country music history.
The song quickly ascended to number one on both the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart by June 1993. Its success wasn’t limited to country audiences, as it also made a notable impact on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 93, demonstrating its appeal across genres.
Inspired by a real-life incident at a bar in the early 1990s, the song’s origins add a personal touch to its narrative. Toby Keith recounted an amusing encounter involving a highway patrolman named John and a young cowgirl, which sparked the idea behind “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” The lyrics evoke nostalgia for classic Westerns, referencing iconic figures like Marshal Dillon from “Gunsmoke,” Jesse James, and legendary singing cowboys Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. This blend of personal experience and homage to cowboy culture resonates deeply with listeners, capturing the romanticized allure of the Old West.
Beyond its lyrical charm, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” holds cultural significance at Oklahoma State University, where it’s frequently played after sporting events due to the university’s cowboy mascot, further cementing its place in popular culture.
The song’s enduring popularity is reflected in its certifications, achieving a three-times platinum status from the RIAA in September 2023, three decades after its release. Even following Toby Keith’s passing in February 2024, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” experienced a resurgence, re-entering the Hot Country Songs chart and reaffirming its timeless appeal and lasting impact on country music fans worldwide.
In conclusion, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” not only launched Toby Keith’s career but also became a cherished anthem that continues to resonate with audiences, celebrating the spirit of the cowboy and the enduring legacy of country music storytelling.
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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