Rodeo Cowboy

Lynn Anderson · Lynn Anderson's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 [Columbia] [1976]

(Glen Sutton)



I meet him in Wyoming at the Cheyenne rodeo

Just a kid in pigtails and thirteen at the time

I remember how I cheered the day he rode a horse called Midnight

And I vowed that someday that cowgirl could be mine.



Followed him to Denver where we became good friends

We'd sit around the cutes and talk while he was killin' time

He'd laugh and tell me stories but he'd never mention stayin'

For the next town and the rodeo were always on his mind.



He's a rodeo cowboy he follows the circuit

Where top money's paid that's where he'll be found

The only thing he owns is a horse and silver saddle

Rodeo cowboy he'll never settle down.



--- Instrumental ---



In Salt Lake City Utah he told her that he loved her

But still I knew he wasn't born to be the settling kind

For with tomorrow's sun he'd pack up his ol' suitcase

And leave all thoughts of me and love a hundred miles behind.



The last time that I saw him was in Amarillo Texas

I'm still in love with him although he can't be mine

But I'll always keep the shinny silver buckle that he gave me

Reads All Around Cowboy of 1969.



He's a rodeo cowboy he follows the circuit

Where top money's paid that's where he'll be found

The only thing he owns is a horse and silver saddle

Rodeo cowboy he'll never settle down...

Rodeo Cowboy

Lynn Anderson's "Rodeo Cowboy" stands as a defining track from her 1976 greatest hits compilation, showcasing her signature blend of country and pop sensibilities. The song captures the romanticized spirit of the American West, a theme Anderson explored throughout her career with both traditional and contemporary flair. Her distinctive vocal style, characterized by a clear, melodic delivery, brings a unique warmth to the narrative, distinguishing her work from her male country contemporaries. Released during a period where Anderson solidified her status as a leading female country artist, the recording reflects the enduring appeal of cowboy-themed ballads that resonated with audiences across the genre. The track serves as a testament to her ability to craft memorable melodies that celebrate classic tropes while maintaining a fresh, polished sound.