About the song
“Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” is more than just a country song; it’s a timeless ballad that encapsulates the rugged lifestyle and uncertain future of those who choose the cowboy way of life. Released in 1978, this duet between country music legends Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson became an instant classic, striking a chord with audiences of all ages.
The song’s title itself is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the traditional advice given to mothers about the dangers and hardships of the world. However, Jennings and Nelson turn this familiar saying on its head, painting a vivid picture of the cowboy’s life filled with loneliness, danger, and uncertainty. The lyrics delve into the emotional toll that the cowboy lifestyle takes on both the cowboy and his loved ones.
The song’s melancholic melody and heartfelt vocals perfectly complement the somber themes of the lyrics. Jennings’ deep, resonant voice and Nelson’s soulful tones create a powerful and evocative performance that lingers long after the final note. The harmonies between the two singers are particularly striking, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to the song.
“Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” is a testament to the enduring power of country music to tell stories of love, loss, and the human condition. The song’s themes of nostalgia, longing, and the passage of time resonate with listeners of all generations. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of country music or simply appreciate a well-crafted song, this classic is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Key themes explored in the song include:
- The hardships of the cowboy lifestyle
- The emotional toll on both the cowboy and his loved ones
- Nostalgia for a simpler time
- The passage of time
- The enduring power of love
Video
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
‘Cause 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
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
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 or drive them old trucks
Make ’em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
‘Cause they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they love
Cowboys like smoky old pool rooms and clear mountain mornings
Little warm puppies and children and girls of the night
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
‘Cause they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they love