Introduction:
Alright, folks, gather ‘round and let’s set a spell for a tale of the American West, sung by a true son of Oklahoma – the legendary Toby Keith. Released in 2013 on his album Show Dog, Last Living Cowboy might not have been the flashiest track on the record, but it certainly struck a chord, resonating deeply with those who hold the fading spirit of the Wild West close to their hearts.
Keith, a country music powerhouse known for his anthemic, flag-waving hits, took a more introspective turn with Last Living Cowboy. This ballad simmers with a quiet nostalgia, a reflection on a bygone era where cowboys weren’t characters on a dusty screen, but the very lifeblood of the American frontier.
Now, Toby Keith is no stranger to painting vivid portraits of the Wild West. Tracks like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “A Ride in the Country” showcased his love for the open range and the rugged individualism that defined the cowboy way of life. But Last Living Cowboy feels different. It’s not a celebration of wide-open spaces and thrilling cattle drives. It’s a poignant look back, a reminder that time marches on and even the most enduring legends eventually become relics of the past.
The song opens with a gentle guitar melody, weaving a melancholic tapestry that sets the stage for Keith’s signature baritone. He paints a picture of an old man, weathered and worn by the harsh realities of life on the range, but still carrying himself with a quiet dignity. This man, who “turned 87 on the 2nd day of June”, is no longer out wrangling cattle or riding the dusty trails. He’s a fixture on “Main Street”, a symbol of a time almost forgotten.
Last Living Cowboy isn’t some romanticized ballad; it acknowledges the harsh realities of the cowboy life. There’s a quiet acceptance of the twilight years settling in, a bittersweet reminder that the West may be tamed, but the spirit of those who carved their lives out of its unforgiving landscape endures.
This song resonated with audiences. It reached number 16 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, a respectable showing but not a chart-topper. But its impact went beyond mere chart positions. Last Living Cowboy became an anthem for a generation that grew up on tales of cowboys and the Wild West, a poignant reminder of a fading era and the enduring spirit of those who lived it.
So, put on your boots, folks, and settle in for a ride. We’re about to embark on a journey with Toby Keith, a journey down memory lane, where the spirit of the West still flickers in the heart of an old cowboy, the Last Living Cowboy.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Last Living Cowboy”
In case nobody’s countin’ Son, that’s many a moon.
You’ll find him down on Main Street. That’s where he likes to walk.
It’s worth the price of admission just to hear that old man talk.
He’s the last livin’ cowboy in this town.
He rode off into the sunset, yet naw, he’s still kickin’ round.
You’ll find him halfway liquored up on Caddo County shine,
Or all the way drunk half the time.
He’s got 40 head of cattle down on Turkey creek.
There’s always some old stray dog round the cabin at his feet.
His family left for California back in ’29.
When it was two bits for the whiskey, and tobacco was a dime.
He’s the last livin’ cowboy in this town.
He rode off into the sunset, yet he’s still kickin’ round.
You’ll find him halfway liquored up on Caddo county shine,
Or all the way drunk half the time.
Keeps a jack knife in his pocket and pistol in his boot.
I’ve heard a lot of stories, but I’ve never seen him shoot.
A ’60 model pickup’s all I’ve ever seen him drive.
He ‘aint rode a horse since the day ole Bully died.
He’s the last livin’ cowboy in this town.
He rode off into the sunset, yet he’s still kickin’ round.
You’ll find him halfway liquored up on Caddo County shine,
Or all the way drunk half the time.
Yeah, you’ll find him halfway liquored up on Caddo County shine,
Or all the way drunk half the time.