About The Song
“Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is a country music song performed as a duet by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. It was written by Ed Bruce and Patsy Bruce, and originally recorded by Ed Bruce for his 1976 self-titled album.
The song became widely popular after Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson recorded their version, which was released as a single in 1978. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and became one of the signature songs for both artists.
The lyrics of the song advise mothers to steer their children away from the cowboy lifestyle, warning of the hardships and challenges that come with it. Despite the romanticized image of cowboys in popular culture, the song portrays the gritty reality of the cowboy lifestyle, emphasizing the tough and often lonely existence it entails.
“Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is celebrated for its catchy melody, clever wordplay, and the distinctive vocal blend of Jennings and Nelson. It has since become a timeless classic in the country music genre, resonating with audiences for its heartfelt message and memorable performances.
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Lyrics
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