The Surprising Inspiration Behind Toby Keith’s Hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”
Toby Keith’s breakout single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”, not only catapulted him to stardom but also became a timeless anthem in the world of country music. Released in 1993, this song quickly became the most played country song of that year, a title that cemented Keith’s place in country music history. But did you know that the inspiration behind this hit was more personal and unexpected than most fans realize?
In an interview, Keith revealed that the lyrics of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” were inspired by his experiences as a young man dreaming of adventure and the wild frontier. Before entering the music scene, Keith had ambitions of becoming a cowboy, often fantasizing about life on horseback, living by the code of the west, and embodying the rugged spirit of the cowboys he admired in movies and TV shows. 🎸🌵 But, as fate would have it, he found his true calling in music, and the rest is history.
Introduction
The song reflects this inner conflict and nostalgia for a simpler, more adventurous life that many can relate to. It’s not just about the cowboy lifestyle but about the feeling of longing for something more than what life offers—a theme that resonates deeply with those who have ever wondered, What if? The catchy chorus and heartfelt lyrics echo a sense of missed opportunities, yet there’s a certain joy and freedom in the way Keith sings about it. 🎤
What makes “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” stand out is not just its message, but also the way Keith’s delivery taps into that deep well of Americana. With its clever lyrics, toe-tapping rhythm, and undeniable charm, the song evokes memories of classic country music and the tales of cowboys that are etched into American folklore. It’s the kind of song that feels like home to many listeners, especially those who grew up with the sound of Westerns in the background.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I bet you’ve never heard ol’ Marshal Dillon sayMiss Kitty, have you ever thought of runnin’ away?Settlin’ down, would you marry meIf I asked you twice and begged you, pretty please?She’d have said, “Yes”, in a New York minuteThey never tied the knot, his heart wasn’t in itHe just stole a kiss as he rode awayHe never hung his hat up at Kitty’s placeI should’ve been a cowboyI should’ve learned to rope and rideWearin’ my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle driveStealin’ the young girls’ heartsJust like Gene and RoySingin’ those campfire songsWoah, I should’ve been a cowboyI might of had a sidekick with a funny nameRunnin’ wild through the hills chasin’ Jesse JamesEnding up on the brink of dangerRidin’ shotgun for the Texas RangersGo west young man, haven’t you been told?California’s full of whiskey, women and goldSleepin’ out all night beneath the desert starsWith a dream in my eye and a prayer in my heart
Background
But the story behind the song is as iconic as the music itself. Toby Keith originally wrote the song with the intention of paying tribute to his favorite country music legends. What’s even more surprising is that it almost didn’t make it to the radio. The song’s producer initially thought it was too “old school” for the modern country sound of the early ’90s. Fortunately, Keith’s persistence paid off, and “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” not only became his first No. 1 hit but also remained a fan favorite for years.
With over 3 million copies sold, it’s clear that “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” struck a chord with country fans across the globe. It’s a song that continues to inspire both the young and the young-at-heart, proving that sometimes, the wildest dreams lead us exactly where we need to be.