About the song
“Should’ve Been A Cowboy” is a classic country song by American singer-songwriter Toby Keith. Released in February 1993 as his debut single, it quickly became a defining hit not only for Keith but also for the genre of country music in the early ’90s. The song is part of Keith’s self-titled debut album, “Toby Keith,” which helped launch his prolific career.
Written by Toby Keith himself, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” tells the wistful tale of a man who dreams of a life in the Wild West, embodying the romanticized image of a cowboy. With lyrics that evoke iconic figures like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, the song taps into a nostalgic longing for a simpler, more adventurous time. Its catchy melody and relatable themes resonated deeply with listeners, propelling the song to the top of the charts.
“Should’ve Been A Cowboy” reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, establishing Keith as a formidable new voice in country music. The song’s success didn’t stop there; it became the most-played country song of the 1990s, according to Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI). This achievement underscored Keith’s knack for crafting songs that resonate with a wide audience, blending storytelling with a signature country sound.
Over the years, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” has remained a fan favorite and is often cited as a modern country classic. It exemplifies Toby Keith’s talent for combining traditional country elements with contemporary sensibilities, making his music appealing to both older and newer generations of country music fans. Whether you’re a longtime follower of Keith’s career or a newcomer to his work, this song captures the spirit of country music and the timeless allure of the cowboy lifestyle.
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Lyrics
I bet you never heard ol’ Marshall Dillon say
“Miss Kitty, have you ever thought of runnin’ away?
Settling’ down, would you marry me?
If I ask you twice and beg 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’ a young girl’s heart, just like Gene and Roy
Singin’ those campfire songs, oh, I should’ve been a cowboy
I might’ve had a sidekick with a funny name
Running wild through the hills chasing Jesse James
Ending up on the brink of danger
Riding 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 ‘neath 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’ a young girl’s heart, just like Gene and Roy
Singin’ those campfire songs, oh, 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’ a young girl’s heart, just like Gene and Roy
Singin’ those campfire songs, oh, I should’ve been a cowboy
Yeah, I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve been a cowboy