George Strait – Cowboys Like Us

Ah, yes, George Strait’s “Cowboys Like Us”. Now that’s a song that takes you straight back to the heart of Texas. Released in 2003, it became the second single from Strait’s iconic album, Honkytonkville. While Strait is known as the “King of Country” for a reason, “Cowboys Like Us” offers a twist on the traditional cowboy narrative.

This song isn’t about the dusty trails and longhorns of the Wild West. Instead, it paints a picture of a more modern cowboy, one who still embodies the spirit of independence and adventure, but with a contemporary twist. Strait, with his signature smooth baritone, sings about men who trade in their trusty steeds for “steel horses with wheels” – motorcycles.

“Cowboys Like Us” wasn’t written by Strait himself, but by songwriters Bob DiPiero and Anthony Smith. It’s interesting to see how these outside voices manage to capture the essence of Strait’s persona. The lyrics are full of those classic country themes: living off the land, chasing the sunset, and finding solace in simple pleasures. But they’re presented with a modern edge, reflecting the changing times of the cowboy lifestyle.

There’s a sense of nostalgia in the song, a longing for the simpler days. Lines like “We take off time to time with those crazy friends of mine / I don’t steal horses with wheels and we ride we burn of that row Mexico blend” evoke a sense of camaraderie and escape. These cowboys may be riding motorcycles, but they still share the same rebellious spirit and love for wide-open spaces as their predecessors.

“Cowboys Like Us” also isn’t afraid to delve into the melancholic side of the cowboy life. The line “We sing about true love, bad luck, and our aim for more / But mira, we all roll on, cowboys like us, forever on the run” speaks to the rootlessness and loneliness that can come with a nomadic existence. There’s a bittersweet beauty in this portrayal, a recognition of the sacrifices that come with a life of freedom.

The song’s success is a testament to Strait’s ability to connect with his audience. He took a familiar trope, the cowboy, and reimagined it for a new generation. “Cowboys Like Us” became an anthem for those who yearn for a simpler life, even if it means trading in a trusty steed for a motorcycle. It’s a song that celebrates the enduring spirit of the cowboy, one that continues to resonate with listeners today.

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Lyrics

“Cowboys Like Us”