About the song
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” Toby Keith’s debut single released on February 12, 1993, marked the beginning of a storied career in country music. It swiftly ascended to number one on both the US Billboard Hot Country Songs and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks charts by June 5, 1993, establishing Keith as a prominent voice in the genre. The song’s crossover appeal was further solidified by its charting at number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100, underscoring its broader impact beyond country music audiences.
**Background and Inspiration**
The genesis of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” stemmed from a personal experience Toby Keith had in a bar during the early 1990s. Inspired by witnessing a highway patrolman’s failed attempt to impress a young woman on the dance floor, Keith recalled the humorous remark from his friends, “John, I guess you should have been a cowboy.” This anecdote provided the lyrical foundation that romanticizes the cowboy lifestyle, evoking nostalgic imagery from classic Western films and television shows.
**Content**
Lyrically, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” paints a vivid picture of the cowboy archetype through references to iconic Westerns. The verses weave tales of adventure and romance, imagining scenarios where the narrator traverses the Wild West, encounters outlaws like Jesse James, and joins legendary groups like the Texas Rangers. The chorus pays homage to celebrated singing cowboys Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, while also incorporating imagery of six-shooters and cattle drives synonymous with Western folklore.
**Response and Impact**
The song’s enduring popularity is underscored by its triple-platinum certification by the RIAA in September 2023, three decades after its initial release. Its resurgence on the charts following Toby Keith’s passing in February 2024 further highlights its timeless appeal and enduring legacy. Beyond its commercial success, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” has become a cultural touchstone, particularly at Oklahoma State University sporting events, where it is frequently played, celebrating both the university’s team name and Keith’s Oklahoma roots.
**Other Media and Covers**
The song’s influence extends to popular culture, featuring as downloadable content in the music video game Rock Band and inspiring covers such as American Aquarium’s rendition on their album *Slappers, Bangers, and Certified Twangers: Vol 1*. Its impact also reverberates in contemporary responses like Adeem the Artist’s 2021 song “I Wish You Would’ve Been a Cowboy,” offering a fresh perspective on Keith’s classic.
In essence, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” not only marked Toby Keith’s introduction to the music scene but also solidified his place as a storyteller adept at blending nostalgia, humor, and admiration for the cowboy ethos. Its enduring popularity and cultural resonance affirm its status as a definitive piece of country music history and a testament to Keith’s enduring influence.
Video
Lyrics
I bet you’ve never heard ol’ Marshal Dillon say
Miss Kitty, have you ever thought of runnin’ away?
Settlin’ down, would you marry me
If I asked you twice and begged you, pretty please?
She’d have said, “Yes”, in a New York minute
They never tied the knot, his heart wasn’t in it
He just stole a kiss as he rode away
He never hung his hat up at Kitty’s place
I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve learned to rope and ride
Wearin’ my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle drive
Stealin’ the young girls’ hearts
Just like Gene and Roy
Singin’ those campfire songs
Woah, I should’ve been a cowboy
I might of had a sidekick with a funny name
Runnin’ wild through the hills chasin’ Jesse James
Ending up on the brink of danger
Ridin’ shotgun for the Texas Rangers
Go west young man, haven’t you been told?
California’s full of whiskey, women and gold
Sleepin’ out all night beneath the desert stars
With a dream in my eye and a prayer in my heart
I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve learned to rope and ride
Wearin’ my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle drive
Stealin’ the young girls’ hearts
Just like Gene and Roy
Singin’ those campfire songs
Woah, I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve learned to rope and ride
I’d be wearin’ my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle drive
Stealin’ the young girls’ hearts
Just like Gene and Roy
Singin’ those campfire songs
Woah, I should’ve been a cowboy
Yeah, I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve been a cowboy