I'm an Old Cowhand

Bing Crosby

About I'm an Old Cowhand

"I'm an Old Cowhand (From the Rio Grande)" is a comic song written by Johnny Mercer for the film Rhythm on the Range and sung by its star, Bing Crosby. The Crosby commercial recording was made on July 17, 1936 with Jimmy Dorsey & his Orchestra for Decca Records. It was a huge hit in 1936 reaching the No. 2 spot in the charts of the day, and it greatly furthered Mercer's career. Crosby recorded the song again in 1954 for his album Bing: A Musical Autobiography. Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.  


Year:
1954
1:21
170 

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

I'm an old cowhand from the Rio Grande
But my legs ain't bowed and my cheeks ain't tan
I'm a cowboy who never saw a cow
Never roped a steer cause I don't know how
Sure ain't a fixin to start in now
Yippie yi yo kayah
I'm an old cowhand and I come down from the Rio Grande
And I learned to ride, ride, ride 'fore I learned to stand
I'm a riding fool who is up to date
I know every trail in the Lone Star State
Cause I ride the range in a Ford V-8
Yippie yi yo kayah
We're old cowhands from the Rio Grande
And we come to town just to hear the band
We know all the songs that the cowboys know
'Bbout the big corral where the doggies go
We learned them all on the radio
Yippie yi yo kayah
I'm an old cowhand
Oh yes, Mr. Bing.
Too hot for you, Uncle Fudd?
Down from the Rio Grande
Oh where the west is wild all around the borderland
Where the buffalo roam around the zoo
and the Injuns run up a rug or two
and the old Bar X is just a barbecue, yeah
Yippie yi yo kayah
I'm a pioneer who began from scratch
I don't bat an eye in a shootin' match.
They don't call me Elmer, they call me Satch.
Yippie yi yo kayah
Yippie yi yo kayah
Get along little horsy
Get along little horsy
Yippie yi yo kayah, oh!

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Bing Crosby

Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby (May 3, 1903 – October 14, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Crosby's trademark bass-baritone voice made him one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century, with over half a billion records in circulation. more »

31 fans

Written by: JOHNNY MERCER

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Significance
"I'm an Old Cowhand" was recorded by Bing Crosby for his album "Rhythm on the Range" in 1936, contributing significantly to the rise of 'Western Swing' music.
Chart Performance
The song achieved remarkable chart success, reaching number 2 on the popular charts of the time.
Origin
The song was written by renowned songwriter Johnny Mercer, who drew inspiration from a trip through Texas where he felt out of place amongst the cowboys.
Notable Covers
"I’m an Old Cowhand" has been covered by many artists, with versions by Frankie Laine and Sonny Rollins, showcasing the song’s cross-genre appeal.
Movie Appearance
The song made its premiere in the legendary Paramount Western musical film "Rhythm on The Range" starring Bing Crosby.
Crosby's Adaptability
The release of "I'm an Old Cowhand" actually showcased Bing Crosby's versatility as he could sing a wide variety of genres, not just crooner or jazz-inspired pieces.
Lyric Sarcasm
The lyrics of “I'm an Old Cowhand” are often interpreted as a satire, poking fun at the life and authenticity of Hollywood cowboys compared to genuine, hardworking individuals on the frontier.
Legacy
Even decades after its release, "I'm an Old Cowhand" continues to be a recognized staple in the genre of traditional pop and country music.
Humor Element
The song is known for its humor and lighthearted take on Western life, making it a favorite amongst fans of Crosby and Western Swing music.
Influence
Due to its popularity, the song helped to solidify Bing Crosby's status as one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century.

Discuss the I'm an Old Cowhand Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "I'm an Old Cowhand Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 3 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8790860/Bing+Crosby/I%27m+an+Old+Cowhand>.

    Missing lyrics by Bing Crosby?

    Know any other songs by Bing Crosby? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    I'm an Old Cowhand

    186.4K
    912     34

    more tracks from the album

    A Musical Autobiography [Remastered]

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    The English rock band "Oasis" is composed of?
    A 5 artists
    B 3 artists
    C 4 artists
    D 6 artists

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Bing Crosby tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    I'm an Old Cowhand

    »
    • Four Dead Batteries