About The Song
You’ve got it! “Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is a classic country song by Waylon Jennings. Here’s a breakdown of this iconic tune:
Origins and Release:
- Written by Carla Carla Thomas.
- Released in 1978 on Waylon Jennings’ album “Waylon & Willie” (a duet album with Willie Nelson).
- The song became a major hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Genre: Country
Lyrics and Theme:
- The song is sung from the perspective of a weary cowboy reflecting on the hardships of the cowboy life.
- The lyrics paint a picture of a lonely existence filled with travel, uncertain income (“They never stay home, and they’re always alone / Even with someone they love”) and the constant dangers of the job (“They just sing a sad song and ride on”).
- The chorus is a plea to mothers (“Mammas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys”) to steer their sons away from this challenging lifestyle.
Musical Style:
- The song features a melancholy melody driven by a simple guitar strumming pattern.
- Jennings’ distinctive vocals convey the weariness and longing of the lyrics.
- The steel guitar adds a touch of country sadness to the overall sound.
Legacy and Impact:
- “Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” became one of Waylon Jennings’ signature songs.
- It resonated with listeners who understood the difficulties of blue-collar jobs and the sacrifices made by those who choose such paths.
- The song transcended the country music genre and became a popular culture touchstone.
- It continues to be enjoyed by fans today for its relatable themes and evocative lyrics.
Want to hear the song?
You can find “Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Waylon Jennings on most streaming platforms. There’s also the official music video available on YouTube: you can search for “Waylon Jennings – Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys (Official Video)”.
Here are some additional points of interest:
- The song has been covered by numerous artists across various genres.
- The lyrics have been parodied and referenced in popular culture on numerous occasions.
I hope this information is helpful! Let me know if you’d like to explore other Waylon Jennings songs or if you have any other questions.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Cowboys ain’t easy to love and they’re harder to hold
They’d rather give you a song than diamonds or gold
Lone star belt buckles and old faded Levis
And each night begins a new day
If you don’t understand him, an’ he don’t die young
He’ll prob’ly 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
Let ’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 or drive them old trucks
Let ’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 Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars or drive them old trucks
Let ’em be doctors and lawyers and such