Rhinestone Cowboy is a song written and recorded by Larry Weiss in 1974, then popularized the next year by American country music singer Glen Campbell. When released on May 26, 1975, as the lead single and title track from his album Rhinestone Cowboy, it enjoyed huge popularity with both country and pop audiences.
The song tells the story of a man named Billy Ray who dreams of becoming a country music star. He moves to Nashville, Tennessee, with his guitar and hopes to make it big. However, he soon realizes that the music business is tough and that it’s hard to get noticed. He starts playing in small clubs and honky-tonks, and he eventually gets a job playing guitar for a band.
One night, the band’s lead singer gets sick and Billy Ray is asked to fill in. He sings “Rhinestone Cowboy” and the crowd loves it. He is finally discovered and goes on to become a successful country music star.
The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, and they capture the dream of many aspiring musicians. The melody is catchy and upbeat, and the song has been covered by many artists over the years. It is considered one of Glen Campbell’s signature songs and one of the greatest country songs of all time.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
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