Background
“How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” is a lively and upbeat song performed by George Strait, released in 2006 as the second single from his album “It Just Comes Natural.” While not a ballad or a deeply introspective piece like some of his other signature songs, “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” is a fun, celebratory tune that pays tribute to the spirit and allure of cowgirls. It reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, demonstrating its popularity and its ability to connect with audiences looking for a more lighthearted and energetic side of Strait’s repertoire. The song’s appeal lies in its catchy melody, its playful lyrics, and its celebration of a distinctly Western and American image. It’s a song that evokes images of rodeos, wide-open spaces, and the independent, spirited women who embody the cowgirl ideal.
The song was written by Jim Lauderdale and Shawn Camp. Lauderdale is a highly respected singer-songwriter in the Americana and country music world, known for his own distinctive style and for writing songs that have been covered by numerous artists. Camp is also a successful songwriter and musician with a strong track record in the country music industry. Their collaboration brought a unique blend of musical sensibilities to “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls,” resulting in a song that is both traditional in its country roots and contemporary in its feel. The combined talent of Lauderdale and Camp created a song that perfectly captures the playful and celebratory spirit of the cowgirl image.
The album “It Just Comes Natural,” from which “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” was taken, was a successful release for Strait, further solidifying his position as a leading figure in country music. The album showcased his versatility as an artist, featuring a mix of ballads, mid-tempo tunes, and upbeat songs like “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls.” The album’s overall sound was contemporary while still retaining the traditional country elements that have defined Strait’s career. “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls,” as one of the more energetic tracks on the album, provided a contrast to some of the more introspective songs and demonstrated Strait’s ability to deliver a fun and engaging performance.
The release of “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” as a single further demonstrated Strait’s consistency in releasing high-quality country music. By this point in his career, he had already achieved legendary status, with a vast catalog of hit songs and numerous awards to his name. However, he continued to release new music that resonated with his fans, maintaining his relevance and solidifying his legacy. “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” showcased his ability to deliver a song with both a playful energy and a classic country sound, appealing to a broad range of listeners.
Musical Style
“How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” is a mid-tempo country song with a strong emphasis on traditional instrumentation and a lively, upbeat rhythm. The song’s musical style is firmly rooted in the sounds that have defined George Strait’s career, featuring prominent use of acoustic guitar, steel guitar, and fiddle. The instrumentation creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfectly complementing the song’s lyrical themes of admiration and celebration. The melody is catchy and memorable, with a simple yet effective structure that makes the song easy to listen to and sing along with. The overall feel is energetic and fun, reflecting the celebratory spirit of the lyrics.
The use of traditional instruments is a hallmark of Strait’s music, and “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” exemplifies this. The acoustic guitar provides a solid rhythmic foundation, while the steel guitar adds a distinctive country flavor, its twangy notes contributing to the song’s upbeat feel. The fiddle, another essential element of classic country, weaves in and out of the melody, adding a touch of warmth and emotional depth. The interplay between these instruments creates a rich and textured soundscape that is both familiar and comforting to country music fans. The production is clean and uncluttered, allowing each instrument to shine through, a characteristic of Strait’s music that prioritizes authenticity and emotional resonance over overly polished production.
The song’s tempo is moderate, creating a lively and danceable feel. It’s a song that’s perfect for a night out at a honky-tonk or a rodeo. The rhythm is steady and driving, providing a solid groove that anchors the song without being overly dominant. The drums are subtle and understated, never overpowering the other instruments, maintaining the focus on the melody and lyrics. The bass line provides a solid harmonic foundation, grounding the song’s structure.
Strait’s vocal performance is, as always, a highlight. His smooth and effortless delivery perfectly captures the playful and celebratory vibe of the song. He sings with sincerity and enthusiasm, conveying his admiration for cowgirls with authenticity. His phrasing is impeccable, and he navigates the melody with ease. He doesn’t oversing or try to impress with vocal acrobatics; instead, he lets the song speak for itself, allowing the simplicity and honesty of the lyrics to shine through. His vocal delivery reinforces the sense of a seasoned performer enjoying the song and its subject matter.
The song’s structure is straightforward and traditional, adhering to a classic verse-chorus format. The verses paint a picture of the cowgirl lifestyle and the qualities that make them so appealing, while the chorus provides a catchy and memorable hook that celebrates their spirit. The bridge offers a brief change of pace, adding a slightly different perspective to the narrative. The overall structure is simple yet effective, allowing the song to build gradually and create a sense of excitement. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the song’s central message, making it stick in the listener’s mind long after the song has ended.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” are a lighthearted and appreciative tribute to the spirit and allure of cowgirls. The narrator expresses his admiration for their independence, their strength, and their unique style. The lyrics use vivid imagery and playful language to paint a picture of the cowgirl lifestyle, highlighting their connection to the Western landscape and their ability to handle anything that comes their way. The song’s narrator isn’t necessarily romantically involved with any of these cowgirls; instead, he observes them with a sense of respect and admiration.
The phrase “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” serves as a central exclamation of appreciation for these women. It’s a rhetorical question that doesn’t require an answer, as the narrator’s enthusiasm makes his admiration clear. The lyrics suggest that cowgirls embody a certain kind of freedom and independence that is both admirable and attractive. They are portrayed as strong, capable women who are comfortable in their own skin and who are not afraid to take on challenges.
The lyrics also touch upon the romanticized image of the cowgirl in popular culture. They evoke images of rodeos, horses, and wide-open spaces, contributing to the song’s overall Western feel. The lyrics celebrate the cowgirl’s connection to this iconic image, portraying them as a symbol of the American West.
The imagery used in the lyrics is colorful and evocative. The song paints a picture of cowgirls who are both beautiful and tough, who can ride a horse as well as any man and who are not afraid to get their hands dirty. The lyrics use simple yet effective language to convey the narrator’s admiration for these women.
The lyrics also hint at a sense of respect for the cowgirl’s independence. The narrator doesn’t try to romanticize or idealize them; instead, he acknowledges their strength and their ability to take care of themselves. This respect adds depth to the song’s lighthearted tone.
Cultural Impact
“How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls,” while not a deeply serious or introspective song, has had a positive cultural impact, particularly among country music fans and those who appreciate the Western lifestyle. The song’s upbeat energy and its celebration of cowgirls have resonated with listeners looking for a fun and feel-good tune. It has become a popular song at rodeos, Western-themed events, and country music gatherings. The song’s positive portrayal of cowgirls has also contributed to its appeal, reinforcing the image of strong, independent women who embody the spirit of the West.
The song’s cultural impact is also evident in its influence on other artists. While not necessarily a direct influence, “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” has contributed to the ongoing celebration of the cowgirl image in popular culture. It has helped to keep this iconic figure alive in the minds of country music fans and has reminded people of the strength and independence that cowgirls represent.
The song’s message of admiration for strong women has also resonated with listeners from all walks of life. While the song specifically celebrates cowgirls, its underlying message of respect for female independence and strength can be applied to women in all professions and lifestyles. “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” has become an anthem for those who appreciate the strength and resilience of women.
The song’s inclusion on the “It Just Comes Natural” album further solidified its place within Strait’s extensive catalog. The album’s success and the popularity of the song have ensured that “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” will continue to be enjoyed by country music fans for years to come.
Conclusion
“How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” is a fun, lighthearted, and celebratory song that pays tribute to the spirit and allure of cowgirls. George Strait’s energetic performance, combined with the song’s catchy melody and playful lyrics, has made it a popular choice for those looking for a feel-good country tune.