Big Hat, No Cattle
Randy Newman · Other Songs - Randy Newman
I've tried to be what I'm not
I've lied and I've enjoyed it all my life
I lied to my dear mother
to my sisters and my brother
and now I'm lying to my children and my wife
Big Hat, no cattle
Big head, no brain
Big snake, no rattle
I forever remain
big hat, no cattle
I knew from the start
Big boat, no paddle
Big belly, no heart
Can't remember why I do it,
Oh, maybe I can.
An honest man these days is hard to find.
I only know we're living in an unforgiving land.
And a little lie can buy some real big piece of mind.
Oftimes I wondered what might I have become,
Had I but buckled down and really tried.
But when it came down to the wire
I called my family to my side
Stood up straight, threw my head back and I lied, lied,lied
Big hat, no cattle
Big shoes, well you know...
Big horse, no saddle
He goes wherever I go
Big hat, no cattle
Right from the start
Big guns, no battle
Big belly, no heart
When it came down to the wire
I called my little family to my side
Stood up straight, threw my head back and I lied, lied,lied
lied, lied, lied
Big hat, no cattle
Big head, no brain
Big snake, no rattle
I forever remain
Big hat, no cattle
I knew from the start
Big boat, no paddle
Big belly, no heart
Big boat, no paddle
Big belly, no heart
Big Hat, No Cattle
Randy Newman's 'Big Hat, No Cattle' stands as a quintessential example of his satirical songwriting, blending narrative storytelling with biting social commentary. The track exemplifies Newman's signature style, utilizing a straightforward melody to deliver a critique of consumer culture and the absurdity of modern life. As a standalone recording, it showcases his ability to craft memorable verses that resonate with universal themes of greed and conformity. The song remains a staple in discussions of American folk-rock and satirical music, reflecting the era's growing awareness of societal excess. Its enduring popularity highlights Newman's unique voice, which continues to influence artists who seek to merge humor with serious observation in their own work.