Real Life Cowboys
A group of cowboys sing about their short reign of the American West, debunking some of stereotypes we get from TV and film.
IN THE STYLE OF
Bluegrass
LYRICS BY
Laurence Rickard / Terry Deary
FROM
Series 2 Episode 9
LYRICS:
Well, I’m a real life cowboy just a quiet, humble fella.
That’s what we’re like, apart from Mike - yeah, I’m more of a yeller!
Sing songs to pass the evenings and because it soothes the herd
So they won’t stampede, unless Mike sings lead
And shouts every single word!
‘Cos we’re cowboys, real life cowboys
Not like the ones you see on your TV.
We’ve never held up banks at all
We’re poorly paid and kinda small
If you still wanna be a cowboy stick with me.
On your horse for eighteen hours, that saddle sores a curse.
Then you feed your horse and yourself, of course
Though beans just make it worse!
Then you’re back driving cattle, that’s what being a cowboy means
Moving those beasts from west to east.
Sorry, it’s the beans!
‘Cos we’re cowboys, real life cowboys
Not like the ones you’ve seen in the movies.
We’re not big hunks like that John Wayne
‘Cos our horses would complain
If you still wanna be a cowboy join us please.
You should be aware we have some customs that are strange
Like saying ‘howdy' and not ‘hello’ when you’re out here on the range.
Never touch a cowboy’s hat, never ride his horse.
So what would happen if I took your old mare?
Well, I’d shoot you, of course. (Fair enough! )
Cowboys, real life cowboys
Not like the ones you see on silver screens.
We didn’t go out starting fights
‘Cos unions fought for our rights
Now Mike will do a solo thanks to beans!
​
And now my friend, I fear
That the end is drawing near
‘Cos we only ruled the range for twenty years!
Yee-haw!