Zoey and I were watching an episode of The Backyardigans the other day when she asked me, "What does a cowboy do?" Since we live in suburbia, I couldn't actually drive out to a ranch and let her take a look around. So I turned to my best friend: pop culture.
I was going to tell her about Cowboys and Indians. But then I remembered the game wasn't politically correct and probably hadn't been played since 1974. What do they play today? Antagonist and Conflict Negotiator?
Then I was all set to tell her about The Marlboro Man but he's hanging out in the Home For Forgotten Advertising Icons with Joe Camel, Joe Isuzu, and Joe Namath.
So I hit iTunes instead. Music is a great teaching aid. Here are ten songs about cowboys:
Glen Campbell Rhinestone Cowboy
I don't think I could name another Glen Campbell song.
Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys
Willie Nelson has an incredible voice. Dude could sing Itsy Bitsy Spider and make it sound cool.
We could explore the country genre all day, so let's change gears.
Kid Rock Cowboy
I hate Kid Rock. But I had to add this song because it's so popular.
The Unforgiven Hang 'Em High
This band released one album. They had one video. But they had four guitarists! Anyone remember this band?
I really dug this album. When I was researching the band for this piece, I found out that Cracker's Johnny Hickman was a member of this band. Cool.
Boys Don't Cry I Wanna Be A Cowboy
This song is beyond cheesy but Lemmy was in the video so it all equals out.
Pantera Cowboys From Hell
Killer guitar work on this disc.
Tesla Modern Day Cowboy
I may be the only person left on the planet who cares, but Tesla is releasing an album of cover songs on Tuesday, just like Poison is doing on the very same day. And speaking of Poison…
Poison Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Yeah, I know this song isn't about cowboys. But it mentions the word cowboy and I like the song a lot. Deal.
Jon Bon Jovi Blaze Of Glory
Not happy with peppering his band's releases with songs about cowboys, Jon Bon Jovi created the soundtrack to Young Guns II, an entire album about cowboys. Rock on!
Bon Jovi Wanted Dead Or Alive
The granddaddy of all cowboy songs. End of discussion.
So for Zoey and all the other children reading this, a cowboy:
- Receives cards and letters from complete strangers
- Enjoys smoky poolrooms, clear mountain mornings, puppies, children, and prostitutes
- Can smell a pig from a mile away
- Hangs liars
- Owns a horse named T-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-trigger
- Can't be locked in your cage
- Is cold as ice and hard as stone (and really big on clichés)
- Sings sad songs
- Has seen love come, shot down, and die in vain
- Has seen a million faces yet has somehow managed to rock every single one
Song of the day: Rehab by Amy Winehouse
