About the song
“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is a classic song performed by The Highwaymen, a supergroup comprised of legendary country artists Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson. Released in 1978, this song stands as a timeless anthem in the country music genre, celebrated for its insightful lyrics and memorable melody.
The song delivers a message wrapped in a touch of humor and wisdom. It speaks to the often romanticized but challenging lifestyle of a cowboy. The lyrics offer a gentle, yet firm, piece of advice to mothers everywhere: rather than wishing their children would grow up to embrace the tough and unpredictable life of a cowboy, they should encourage them to pursue a more stable and secure path.
The Highwaymen’s rendition of the song combines their distinct voices and styles, creating a harmonious blend that resonates with listeners of all ages. The narrative within the song reflects on the hard realities of cowboy life, contrasting it with the comfort and predictability of more conventional careers. This dichotomy is presented in a way that is both thought-provoking and accessible.
The catchy chorus and the straightforward, conversational tone of the lyrics make the song easy to relate to, while its rich musical arrangement showcases the depth of the performers’ talent. The song’s message remains relevant today, reminding us of the values of stability and the practical considerations in guiding the next generation.
Overall, “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is more than just a song; it’s a piece of musical wisdom, delivered with charm and sincerity by some of country music’s greatest icons. Its enduring appeal lies in its blend of humor, practicality, and heartfelt sentiment, making it a cherished classic for country music fans of all ages.
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Lyrics
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars and drive them old trucks
Make ’em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
They’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they love
Cowboys ain’t easy to love and they’re harder to hold
And they’d rather give you a song than diamonds or gold
Lonestar belt buckles and old faded Levis
And each night begins a new day
And if you don’t understand him and he don’t die young
He’ll probably just ride away
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars and drive them old trucks
Make ’em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
They’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they love
Cowboys like smoky old pool rooms, clear mountain mornings
Little warm puppies and children, girls of the night
And them that don’t know him won’t like him and them that do
Sometimes won’t know how to take him
He ain’t wrong, he’s just different but his pride won’t let him
Do things to make you think he’s right
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars and drive them old trucks
Make ’em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
They’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they love
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars and drive them old trucks
Make ’em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys