About the song
Rhinestone Cowboy is a country song written by Larry Weiss and recorded by American country music singer Glen Campbell. It was released in May 1975 as the lead single from his album of the same name. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1976. “Rhinestone Cowboy” has become one of Campbell’s signature songs and is considered a classic of country music.
The song tells the story of a down-on-his-luck country singer who travels from town to town, performing in small clubs and bars. He dreams of one day making it big, but he’s starting to lose hope. The song’s lyrics are full of vivid imagery, painting a picture of the singer’s lonely and itinerant lifestyle.
Campbell’s performance on “Rhinestone Cowboy” is simply stunning. His voice is rich and expressive, and he perfectly captures the song’s emotional depth. The song’s melody is also unforgettable, and it’s easy to see why it became such a huge hit.
“Rhinestone Cowboy” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today. It’s a song about hope, dreams, and the never-ending struggle to make it in the music industry. If you’re a fan of country music, or if you just enjoy great music, then you need to hear “Rhinestone Cowboy.”
Here are some additional details about the song and its impact:
- “Rhinestone Cowboy” was written by Larry Weiss, who was inspired by the story of a real-life country singer named Skeeter Davis.
- The song was originally recorded by Weiss in 1974, but it didn’t become a hit until Campbell released his version the following year.
- Campbell’s version of “Rhinestone Cowboy” was produced by Jimmy Bowen and Al De Lory.
- The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.
- “Rhinestone Cowboy” won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1976.
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Elton John.
- “Rhinestone Cowboy” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.
“Rhinestone Cowboy” is a true classic of country music. It’s a song that has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by listeners of all ages.
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Lyrics
I’ve been walkin’ these streets so long
Singin’ the same old song
I know every crack in these dirty sidewalks of Broadway
Where hustle’s the name of the game
And nice guys get washed away like the snow in the rain
There’s been a load of compromising
On the road to my horizon
But I’m gonna be where the lights are shinin’ on me
Like a rhinestone cowboy
Riding out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo
Like a rhinestone cowboy
Getting cards and letters from people I don’t even know
And offers comin’ over the phone
Well, I really don’t mind the rain
And the smile can hide all the pain
But you’re down when you’re ridin’ the train that’s takin’ the long way
And I dream of the things I’ll do
With a subway token and a dollar tucked inside my shoe
There’ll be a load of compromisin’
On the road to my horizon
But I’m gonna be where the lights are shinin’ on me
Like a rhinestone cowboy
Riding out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo
Rhinestone cowboy
Gettin’ cards and letters from people I don’t even know
And offers comin’ over the phone
Like a rhinestone cowboy
Riding out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo
Like a rhinestone cowboy
Gettin’ cards and letters from people I don’t even know
Like a rhinestone cowboy