About the song

“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” as interpreted by The Highwaymen is a classic country ballad that humorously and poignantly reflects on the realities of the cowboy lifestyle. Originally written by Ed Bruce and Patsy Bruce, The Highwaymen’s version, released in 1985, brings a unique blend of their individual vocal styles and a collective sense of world-weariness to this timeless song.

The song’s lyrics, delivered with a mix of humor and sincerity, warn against the allure of the cowboy’s romanticized image. The song highlights the inherent loneliness and hardship that often accompany the cowboy’s life. The Highwaymen’s vocal delivery, marked by its raw emotion and conversational phrasing, transforms the song into a personal reflection on the sacrifices and realities of a life lived on the road.

The Highwaymen’s vocal styles, while distinct, blend seamlessly in this collaboration. Each member of the group—Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson—brings their own unique vocal timbre and interpretive style to the song, creating a rich and layered tapestry of sound. They don’t just sing the lyrics; they embody them, conveying the weariness and wisdom of the narrative with a palpable sense of sincerity.

The song’s arrangement, typically gentle and flowing, allows the vocals and the narrative to take center stage. The gentle acoustic guitar, harmonica, and subtle rhythm section create a sense of intimacy and reflection, mirroring the song’s theme of a life lived on the fringes of society.

“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” in The Highwaymen’s hands, becomes more than just a country song; it’s a poignant reflection on the realities of a life lived on the road, a cautionary tale delivered with a touch of humor and a deep sense of sincerity. It’s a testament to their collective artistry and their ability to breathe new life into a timeless classic.

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Lyrics

Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars and drive them old trucks
Make ’em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
They’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they love
Cowboys ain’t easy to love and they’re harder to hold
And they’d rather give you a song than diamonds or gold
Lonestar belt buckles and old faded Levis
And each night begins a new day
And if you don’t understand him and he don’t die young
He’ll probably just ride away
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars and drive them old trucks
Make ’em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
They’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they love
Cowboys like smoky old pool rooms, clear mountain mornings
Little warm puppies and children, girls of the night
And them that don’t know him won’t like him and them that do
Sometimes won’t know how to take him
He ain’t wrong, he’s just different but his pride won’t let him
Do things to make you think he’s right
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars and drive them old trucks
Make ’em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
They’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they love
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars and drive them old trucks
Make ’em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys