About the song
Ah, yes, George Strait’s “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls”. Now that’s a song that warms the heart of any true country music fan. Released in 2007, it became the fourth single from Strait’s acclaimed album, It Just Comes Natural.
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Strait, a country music titan with a voice as smooth as Texas two-step, needs no introduction. But for those unfamiliar, his career spans over four decades, with countless awards and chart-topping hits that have defined the genre. “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” is a prime example of Strait’s signature style – a simple yet catchy melody wrapped in a relatable story about the enduring allure of the American cowgirl.
The song’s title itself is a playful twist on the classic baseball chant, “How ’bout them Cowboys?” Here, Strait replaces the cowboys with their equally formidable counterparts – the cowgirls. This simple switch sets the stage for a celebration of the strong, independent women who have long been a cornerstone of Western culture.
But “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” is more than just a nostalgic ode. Listen closely to the lyrics, and you’ll find a subtle subversion of the traditional damsel-in-distress trope. The narrator, a seasoned traveler who’s “seen it all,” can’t help but be captivated by the cowgirls he encounters across the country. They’re not passive bystanders; they’re women who work the land, handle their own horses, and exude a quiet confidence that makes them every bit as intriguing as the wide-open spaces they inhabit.
While the song doesn’t delve into specifics, it paints a vivid picture of these cowgirls through evocative imagery. We hear of their “sun-kissed faces” and “eyes that sparkle like the West Texas sky,” hints at their resilience and connection to the natural world. The mid-tempo beat creates a sense of comfortable familiarity, like a dusty road stretching out before you under a vast, clear sky. Strait’s signature vocals, warm and understated, deliver the lyrics with a sincerity that makes you believe every word.
“How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” wasn’t just a hit for Strait; it became a cultural touchstone. It resonated with a generation of women who saw themselves reflected in the song’s portrayal of strength and independence. It also tapped into a broader appreciation for the often-overlooked role of women in shaping the American West.
So, the next time you hear that iconic opening line, “I been all across this land, seen a million things,” take a moment to appreciate the simple yet powerful homage “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” pays to the enduring spirit of the cowgirl. It’s a testament to George Strait’s ability to capture the essence of Americana in a way that’s both timeless and deeply personal.
Video
Lyrics
“How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls”
And I’ve seen first-hand Niagra Falls
And the lights of Vegas
I’ve criss-crossed down to Key Biscayane
And Chi-town via Bangor, Maine
Think I’ve seen it all
And all I can say is
[Chorus:]
How ’bout them cowgirls
Boys ain’t they somthin’
Sure are some proud girls
And you can’t tell them nothin’
And I tell you right now girls
May just be seven wonders of this big, old round world
But how ’bout them cowgirls
She’s a ridin’ colts in Steamboat Springs
Bailing hay outside Abilene
She’s trying hard
To fit in some city
But her home is ‘neath that big, blue sky
And the Northern Plains and those other wide open spaces
[Chorus]
Boy, she don’t need you and she don’t need me
She can do just fine on her own two feet
But she wants a man who wants her to be herself
And she’ll never change, don’t know how to hide
Her stubborn will or her fightin’ side
But you treat her right and she’ll love you like no on else
Yeah, how ’bout them cowgirls
Boys ain’t they somethin’
Sure some are proud girls
But you can’t beat their lovin’
And I’ll tell you right now girls
May just be seven wonders of this big, old round world
But how ’bout them cowgirls
How ’bout them boys