Feel the Cowboy Charm in Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been A Cowboy”
On February 12, 1993, Toby Keith unveiled “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” as his inaugural single and the lead track from his first album bearing his own name. Shortly thereafter, the tune ascended to the pinnacle of both the Billboard Hot Country Songs and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks charts. It even managed a modest foray into mainstream popularity, reaching number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100.
What’s truly remarkable is the resonance “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” found on country radio airwaves, amassing over three million spins and clinching the accolade of the most frequently played country track of the 1990s.
Moreover, the song has ingrained itself into the post-game traditions at Oklahoma State University, becoming a fixture on the PA system and echoing through the stadium or arena as the crowd disperses.
Delving into the Essence of the Song Crafted by Toby Keith himself, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” weaves a nostalgic narrative inspired by the allure of classic Western films and their hallmark motifs. It harks back to the era of the iconic American Western drama “Gunsmoke,” where Marshal Dillon perpetually eludes domestic bliss with his beloved Miss Kitty.
The chorus pays homage to revered singing cowboys like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers while evoking the essence of the Wild West with mentions of legendary six-shooters and the epic cattle drives depicted in cinema.
The song’s protagonist fantasizes about a life filled with cowboy adventures, envisioning a loyal companion akin to the memorable Tonto or Gordito, embarking on a journey to California, and living out the time-honored adage “Go West, young man.” He imagines himself in pursuit of the infamous Jesse James, riding with the Texas Rangers, and experiencing the quintessential exploits of the Old West.
So, brace yourself for an exhilarating exploration of cowboy lore! Press play below and immerse yourself in Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” – a spirited ode to the wanderlust of the cowboy era!
