About the song
“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is a country song written by Ed Bruce and Patsy Bruce. It was first recorded by Ed Bruce for his 1976 album of the same name, but it became a much bigger hit when it was covered by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson for their 1978 duet album Waylon & Willie. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in March 1978 and has since become a classic country standard.
The song is a cautionary tale about the dangers of the cowboy lifestyle. The lyrics tell the story of a young boy who dreams of growing up to be a cowboy, but his mother warns him that it is a hard life and that he will never be rich or famous. The boy ignores his mother’s advice and grows up to be a cowboy, but he soon finds out that she was right. He lives a life of hard work and danger, and he never achieves the success he dreamed of.
The song is a powerful reminder of the importance of following your dreams, but it is also a warning about the potential dangers of choosing a life that is too difficult or dangerous. It is a song that will stay with you long after you have heard it.
The song’s message is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. In a world where children are constantly bombarded with messages about the importance of success and fame, it is important to remember that there is more to life than just money and material possessions. “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is a reminder that it is okay to choose a different path, even if it is not the path that everyone else is taking.
Willie Nelson’s version of the song is a classic. His smooth, mellow voice perfectly captures the song’s message of caution and regret. The song’s simple melody and lyrics make it easy to sing along to, and its message is one that everyone can relate to.
“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. It is a song that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and it is a song that will stay with you long after you have heard it.
Video
Lyrics
“Willie Nelson – Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys (with Waylon Jennings)”
Cowboys ain’t easy to love and they’re harder to hold
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
If you don’t understand him, an’ he don’t die young
He’ll prob’ly just ride awayMamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars or drive them old trucks
Let ’em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
‘Cos they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they loveCowboys like smokey old pool rooms and clear mountain mornings
Little warm puppies and children and girls of the night
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 rightMamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars or drive them old trucks
Let ’em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
‘Cos they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they love