About The Song
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” is a hit country song performed by American singer Toby Keith. Released in 1993, it was Keith’s debut single and became one of his most successful and iconic songs, establishing him as a prominent figure in country music.Background and Release
- Artist: Toby Keith
- Album: Toby Keith
- Release Date: February 8, 1993
- Label: Mercury Records
Songwriters and Production
- Written by: Toby Keith
- Produced by: Nelson Larkin, Harold Shedd
Musical Style and Themes
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” is a mid-tempo country song with a traditional honky-tonk feel. The song features prominent guitar riffs and a catchy, sing-along chorus. The lyrics nostalgically romanticize the Old West and cowboy lifestyle, expressing a longing for the freedom, adventure, and heroism associated with cowboys. The narrator reflects on how he should have been a cowboy, drawing parallels between his dreams and the legendary figures of the Wild West.Chart Performance
The song was a major success on the charts:- Billboard Hot Country Songs: Reached number one
- Canadian RPM Country Tracks: Reached number one
Impact and Legacy
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” became an instant classic, resonating with fans for its relatable themes and catchy melody. The song is credited with helping Toby Keith launch a highly successful career in country music. It remains one of the most-played country songs of the 1990s and is considered a staple of the genre.Music Video
The music video for “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” directed by Marc Ball, features Toby Keith performing the song interspersed with scenes that evoke the cowboy theme. The video includes imagery of rodeos, open plains, and Western settings, reinforcing the song’s nostalgic and adventurous spirit.Awards and Recognition
While “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” did not win major awards at the time, its enduring popularity and significant radio airplay have cemented its status as one of the most influential country songs of the decade.Legacy
Decades after its release, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” remains one of Toby Keith’s signature songs. It is frequently performed at his concerts and continues to receive substantial airplay on country radio stations. The song’s timeless appeal and celebration of the cowboy mythos have made it a beloved anthem in country music, symbolizing the enduring allure of the American West.Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I bet you’ve never heard ol’ Marshal Dillon sayMiss Kitty, have you ever thought of runnin’ away?Settlin’ down, would you marry meIf I asked you twice and begged you, pretty please?She’d have said, “Yes”, in a New York minuteThey never tied the knot, his heart wasn’t in itHe just stole a kiss as he rode awayHe never hung his hat up at Kitty’s place
I should’ve been a cowboyI should’ve learned to rope and rideWearin’ my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle driveStealin’ the young girls’ heartsJust like Gene and RoySingin’ those campfire songsWoah, I should’ve been a cowboy
I might of had a sidekick with a funny nameRunnin’ wild through the hills chasin’ Jesse JamesEnding up on the brink of dangerRidin’ shotgun for the Texas RangersGo west young man, haven’t you been told?California’s full of whiskey, women and goldSleepin’ out all night beneath the desert starsWith a dream in my eye and a prayer in my heart
I should’ve been a cowboyI should’ve learned to rope and rideWearin’ my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle driveStealin’ the young girls’ heartsJust like Gene and RoySingin’ those campfire songsWoah, I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve been a cowboyI should’ve learned to rope and rideI’d be wearin’ my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle driveStealin’ the young girls’ heartsJust like Gene and RoySingin’ those campfire songsWoah, I should’ve been a cowboy
Yeah, I should’ve been a cowboyI should’ve been a cowboy