Introduction:
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” was Toby Keith’s breakthrough single, released on February 12, 1993, as part of his debut self-titled album. Written solely by Keith, the song was inspired by a humorous moment he witnessed involving a failed dance-floor attempt, which led to the memorable line, “You should’ve been a cowboy.” The song reflects a nostalgic longing for the cowboy life, referencing iconic figures like Gunsmoke’s Marshall Dillon, Jesse James, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers.
The track became a massive hit, quickly climbing the country charts and reaching No. 1 by June 1993. It became the most-played country song of the 1990s, solidifying Keith’s place in country music history. With its mid-tempo rhythm and storytelling lyrics, the song taps into a classic Western theme, painting vivid pictures of cowboy life, complete with roping, riding, and stealing hearts. It struck a chord with country audiences and remains one of Keith’s most iconic songs.
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” not only propelled Keith to stardom but also left an enduring legacy in country music. Over the years, the song has earned over three million spins on radio and is considered a hallmark of 1990s country music. It laid the foundation for Keith’s prolific career, marking the beginning of his long-standing success in the genre.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Should’ve Been A Cowboy”
I bet you’ve never heard old Marshal Dillon say
Miss Kitty have you ever thought of running away
Settling down would you marry me
If I ask you twice and beg you pretty please
She’d’ve said, “Yes” in a New York minute
They never tied the knot
His heart wasn’t in it
He stole a kiss as he rode away
He never hung his hat up at Kitty’s placeI should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve learned to rope and ride
Wearing my six-shooter riding my pony on a cattle drive
Stealing the young girls’ hearts
Just like Gene and Roy
Singing those campfire songs
I should’ve been a cowboyI might have had a sidekick with a funny name
Running wild through the hills chasing Jesse James
Ending up on the brink of danger
Riding shotgun for the Texas RangersGo west young man, haven’t you been told
California’s full of whiskey, women and gold
Sleeping out all night beneath the desert stars
With a dream in my eye and a prayer in my heartI should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve learned to rope and ride
Wearing my six-shooter riding my pony on a cattle drive
Stealing the young girls’ hearts
Just like Gene and Roy
Singing those campfire songs
I should’ve been a cowboyI should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve learned to rope and ride
Wearing my six-shooter riding my pony on a cattle drive
Stealing the young girls’ hearts
Just like Gene and Roy
Singing those campfire songs
I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve been a cowboy