Introduction:
“The Cowboy Rides Away” is a poignant country ballad by George Strait, released in January 1985 as the second single from his album Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind. The song, penned by Sonny Throckmorton and Casey Kelly, delves into the theme of a cowboy departing from a failed relationship, using the metaphor of riding away to signify the end. Musically, it embodies the neotraditional country genre, characterized by its classic country instrumentation and storytelling. Upon its release, the track achieved significant success, peaking at number 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and reaching number 3 on Canada’s RPM Country Tracks chart.
Over the years, “The Cowboy Rides Away” has become emblematic of George Strait’s illustrious career. It frequently served as the closing number in his concerts, symbolizing farewells and new beginnings. This association was further solidified when Strait named his final tour “The Cowboy Rides Away Tour,” which spanned from 2013 to 2014. The tour concluded with a record-breaking performance at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 7, 2014, drawing an unprecedented 104,793 attendees—the largest ever for a single-show concert in the U.S. at that time.
In summary, “The Cowboy Rides Away” stands as a testament to George Strait’s impact on country music, blending heartfelt storytelling with traditional melodies, and remains a cherished piece in his extensive repertoire.