About the song
In the annals of country music, few collaborations have been as iconic or as enduring as The Highwaymen. This quartet, comprised of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, defined an era with their outlaw spirit and timeless melodies. One of their most poignant offerings, “The Last Cowboy Song,” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the disappearing world of the American cowboy.
Released in 1990 on their acclaimed album The Road Goes On Forever, the song stands as a testament to the rich storytelling tradition of country music. Penned by the talented songwriters Ed Bruce and Patsy Bruce, “The Last Cowboy Song” poignantly narrates the tale of the last cowboy in a rapidly changing world. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a way of life that is fading into the sunset, capturing the spirit and struggles of the cowboy’s existence with evocative imagery and a nostalgic tone.
The Highwaymen’s rendition of this song brings a layer of gravitas and emotional depth, showcasing their ability to interpret classic themes with profound respect and artistry. Their harmonies and individual contributions to the track create a powerful and moving performance that resonates with listeners on a deep level.
While “The Last Cowboy Song” may not have been released as a single, it stands out as a significant track on The Road Goes On Forever. The album, a critical and commercial success, showcased the group’s remarkable ability to blend traditional and contemporary country music. It reinforced The Highwaymen’s position as one of country music’s most influential supergroups, praised for their harmonies and individual contributions to the genre.
Though the song may not have garnered specific awards, its inclusion in The Road Goes On Forever contributed to its success and highlighted The Highwaymen’s commitment to preserving and honoring country music’s heritage. “The Last Cowboy Song” remains a cherished piece among fans of The Highwaymen and country music enthusiasts, resonating with those who appreciate the rich storytelling and deep emotional connection inherent in the genre.
For listeners who value the legacy of country music and its storytelling tradition, “The Last Cowboy Song” offers a moving reflection on a bygone era. It serves as a testament to The Highwaymen’s ability to convey profound themes through their music, celebrating the enduring spirit of the cowboy while acknowledging the inevitable changes of time.
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Lyrics
This the last cowboy song:
The end of a hundred year waltz.
The voices sound sad as they’re singin’ along.
Another piece of America’s lost.[Waylon Jennings:]
He rides the feed lots, clerks in the markets,
On weekends sellin’ tobacco and beer.
And his dream’s of tomorrow, surrounded by fences,
But he’ll dream tonight of when fences weren’t here.[Kris Kristofferson:]
He blazed the trail with Lewis and Clark,
And eyeball to eyeball, old Wyatt backed down.
He stood shoulder to shoulder with Travis in Texas.
And rode with the Seventh when Custer went down.[All:]
This the last cowboy song:
The end of a hundred year waltz.
The voices sound sad as they’re singin’ along.
Another piece of America’s lost.[Willie Nelson:]
Remmington showed us how he looked on canvas,
And Louis Lamour has told us his tale.
Me and Johnny and Waylon and Kris sing about him,
And wish to God we could have ridden his trail.[Johnny Cash verse spoken over Chorus:]
The old Chisholm trail is covered in concrete now,
They truck it to market in fifty foot rigs.
They roll by his markings and don’t even notice,
Like living and dying was all he ever did.[All:]
This the last cowboy song:
The end of a hundred year waltz.
The voices sound sad as they’re singin’ along.
Another piece of America’s lost.[All:]
This the last cowboy song:
The end of a hundred year waltz.
The voices sound sad as they’re singin’ along.
Another piece of America’s lost.