Oct 20, 2021

Miranda Lambert “If I Was a Cowboy” Song Review

Miranda Lambert surprised her fans by releasing her new single “If I Was a Cowboy” on Friday, October 15. The winningest artist in ACM history often needs no introduction, and this single will certainly add to her long list of acclaimed songs.

This single is the first taste of new music from Lambert following the Grammy award-winning album Wildcard. The 2019 project spawned hits such as “Bluebird” and “Settling Down.” Lambert also released a collaborative album just this year titled The Marfa Tapes with John Randall and Jack Ingram, which brought even more focus on her artistry and songwriting. She’s also releasing a Christmas album with trio Pistol Annies on October 22nd. Lambert’s continuously creating and giving her fans exactly what they want.

“If I Was a Cowboy” speaks to the honest way in which Lambert approaches her music. The song is based around the notion “Mama’s, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys,” which derives from the hit Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings song from 1978. Lambert is turning that idea around by saying what if your daughters grow up to be cowboys? “So mamas if your daughters grow up, to be cowboys, so what?” Lambert argues being a cowboy wouldn’t be the worst thing that could happen. “I’d be a legend at loving and leaving, nipping on a whiskey, and numbing off my feelings. You thought the west was wild, but you ain’t saddled up with me, if I was a cowboy, I’d be the queen.”

The chorus kicks in with a dreamy, almost escapist type sound. “If I was a cowboy, I’d be wild and free, rolling around these towns like tumbleweeds.” Her fans have come to love her free-spirited nature, and this song speaks to the freedom she craves. This single works just as well today as it would have if it was released decades earlier. “If I Was a Cowboy” is a country song that Dolly, George, and Patty would be proud of.

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