Cowboy Song

Thin Lizzy

About Cowboy Song

"Cowboy Song" is a song by Thin Lizzy that originally appeared on their 1976 album Jailbreak. Released as a single in an edited version, it reached № 77 on the US charts, but at the time did not gain as much attention as two of their most popular songs on the same album, "The Boys Are Back in Town" and "Jailbreak". The song was written by frontman Phil Lynott and drummer Brian Downey. Written from the perspective of a cowboy, the lyrics tell of his wandering across the United States through various adventures and romances. The song begins with a mellow acoustic, country music-style introduction before a transition to up-tempo hard rock. "Cowboy Song" has since been described as one of Thin Lizzy's great songs because it has "one of the catchiest, most memorable twin-guitar harmony leads ever". AllMusic described the song as turning the commonplace into legend, or bringing myth into the modern world. The author of Phil Lynott: The Rocker, Mark Putterford, described the song as "a cross between Clint Eastwood and Rudolph Valentino, with a bit of George Best thrown in for good measure". Rolling Stone magazine called the song "definitive". Over time, it has become a fan favourite and one of Thin Lizzy's signature songs. The song is now one of their most popular and referred to as a classic. 


Year:
2011
5:14
46 
#1

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I am just a cowboy, lonesome in the trail.
Starry night, campfire light, and the coyote calls where the howlin' winds will.
So I ride out to the ol' sundown. I am just a cowboy, lonesome on the trail.
Lord I'm just thinking about a certain female.
And the nights we spent together, riding on the range.
Looking back, it doesn't seem so strange.

Roll me over and turn me around. Let me keep spinning 'til I hit the ground.
Roll me over and let me go, riding in the rodeo.

I was took in Texas, I did not know her name.
But Lord all these southern girls, they seem the same.
But down below the border, in a town in Mexico,
I got my job busting broncs for the rodeo.

Roll me over ans turn me around, let me keep spinnin till I hit the ground.
Roll me over and let me go, running free with the buffalo.

Roll me over, and I'll turn around.
And I'll move my fingers up and down.
Up and down.

It's ok amigo, just let me go.
Riding in the rodeo.

Roll me over and turn me around, let me keep spinning till I hit the ground.
Roll me over and let me go, riding in the rodeo.
Roll me over and set me free, the cowboy's life is the life for me.

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Thin Lizzy

Thin Lizzy are an Irish rock band formed in Dublin in 1969. Two of the founding members, drummer Brian Downey and bass guitarist/vocalist Phil Lynott, met while still in school. Lynott assumed the role of frontman and led them throughout their recording career of twelve studio albums. Thin Lizzy are best known for their songs "Whiskey in the Jar", "Jailbreak" and "The Boys Are Back in Town", all major international hits still played regularly on hard rock and classic rock radio stations. After Lynott's death in 1986, various incarnations of the band have emerged over the years based around guitarists Scott Gorham and John Sykes, though Sykes left the band in 2009. more »

3 fans

Written by: Brian Michael Downey, Philip Parris Lynott

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Cowboy Song" was co-written by Phil Lynott and Brian Downey, members of the rock band Thin Lizzy.
Album Inclusion
The track was included in the band’s fifth studio album, "Jailbreak," which was released in 1976.
Popularity Ranking
Although it wasn't the most popular song from the "Jailbreak" album (that honor goes to "The Boys Are Back in Town"), "Cowboy Song" holds a special place among the band's fans and has become a staple in their repertoire.
Live Performances
"Cowboy Song" was frequently performed by Thin Lizzy during their concerts. Its live version was included in their 1978 live album "Live and Dangerous”.
Song Theme
The song talks about a longing for freedom and the romanticism associated with being a cowboy. It's about a cowboy's lonely and picaresque life, ridden with both adventure and nostalgia.
Cover Versions
"Cowboy Song" has been covered by several artists, proving its enduring popularity. It has been covered by bands like the Deftones and Anthrax.
Tribute
In 2005, a tribute album for Phil Lynott called "Phil Lynott: The Man and His Music Vol. VI" was released, featuring "Cowboy Song" as one of the tracks.
Musical Composition
The song is marked by its dual-guitar harmony, a signature of Thin Lizzy's style.
Phil Lynott
As an Irishman, Phil Lynott had a unique perspective on American culture, and his lyrics often reflect this, including those in "Cowboy Song."
Legacy
The song remains one of the defining tracks of Thin Lizzy, symbolizing their unique blend of hard rock and lyrical elegance.

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    Cowboy Song

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1976

    Billboard #77


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