Cowpoke

Hank Williams Jr. · Ballads Of The Hills And Plains [1965]

Cowpoke

From Cheyenne to Douglas. all the ranges I know

I drift with the wind, no one cares where I go

I'm lonesome but happy' rich but I'm broke

And the good Lord knows the reason I'm just a cowpoke

Well I ain't got a dime in these old worn out jeans

So I'll quit eatin' steak and go back to beans

I'll pick up a ten spot in Prescott I know (not press God)

From ridin' the broncs in the big rodeo

Maybe this winter, a filly I'll find,

And I'll spend the whole summer with her on my mind,

But I'll never be saddled, I'll never be broke,

I'm a ramblin', gamblin', driftin' cowpoke

Uh huh huh ooo ooo ooo

Been down in the prairie my pony and I

hear the wail of the coyote hear his cry

Uh huh huh ooo ooo ooo

Thanks for helping me remember the words to this old-timer.

I learned it from my dad when I was a kid,

(I'm 62). I thought of this song today,

couldn't remember all the words.

Now I have them back. Never heard the last one though.

Kind of awkward. Needs another word or two.

Anyway,

Thanks-George Bentley

Cowpoke - Hank Williams Jr.

'Cowpoke' stands as a defining track on Hank Williams Jr.'s 1965 album, Ballads Of The Hills And Plains, showcasing his early mastery of country rock and honky-tonk fusion. The recording captures the raw energy of the mid-1960s Southern music scene, blending traditional storytelling with a driving, electric rhythm that would become a hallmark of his career. As one of his most recognizable songs, it reflects the artist's unique ability to reinterpret the legacy of his father while establishing his own distinct voice. The track remains a staple of his discography, illustrating the enduring appeal of his work and cementing his status as a pivotal figure in modern country music history.