About the song
In the vast landscape of country music, where tales of love, loss, and the open road intertwine, few voices resonate with the authenticity and timeless appeal of George Strait. **”I Can Still Make Cheyenne,”** a poignant ballad from his repertoire, stands as a testament to his mastery of storytelling and his ability to capture the bittersweet essence of human experience.
For those of us who’ve traversed the winding highways of life, **”I Can Still Make Cheyenne”** evokes a familiar ache, a reminder of love’s fleeting nature and the choices we make along the way. The song’s protagonist, faced with the abrupt end of a relationship, finds solace in the vast expanse of the American West, symbolized by the distant city of Cheyenne.
**”She said, ‘Don’t bother comin’ home. By the time you get here I’ll be long gone.'”** With these stark words, Strait sets the stage for a journey of both physical and emotional distance. The singer, wounded but resolute, seeks refuge in the open road, his destination a symbol of escape and the possibility of starting anew.
**”I’m sorry it’s come down to this. There’s so much about you that I’m gonna miss.”** In these lines, we hear the echoes of regret, the acknowledgment of a love that once was. Yet, there’s no room for self-pity or bitterness. Instead, Strait imbues the song with a quiet dignity, a sense of acceptance that comes with age and experience.
**”But it’s alright baby, if I hurry I can still make Cheyenne.”** This refrain, repeated throughout the song, serves as a mantra, a declaration of independence and a reminder of the singer’s resilience. Cheyenne, in this context, is more than just a city; it’s a symbol of hope, a place where the past can be left behind and the future embraced.
Musically, **”I Can Still Make Cheyenne”** is a masterpiece of understated elegance. Strait’s smooth, effortless vocals glide over a traditional country arrangement, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. The instrumentation is subtle yet evocative, painting a vivid picture of the vast landscapes and the solitary journey that lies ahead.
For those who appreciate the depth and nuance of country music, **”I Can Still Make Cheyenne”** is a must-listen. It’s a song that speaks to the heart, reminding us of the enduring power of love, loss, and the open road. So, sit back, pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage, and let George Strait take you on a journey to Cheyenne and beyond.
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Lyrics
Her telephone rang ’bout a quarter to nine
She heard his voice on the other end of the line
She wondered what was wrong this time
She never knew what his calls might bring
With a cowboy like him, it could be anything
And she always expected the worst
In the back of her mind
He said, it’s cold out here and I’m all alone
Didn’t make the short go again and I’m coming home
I know I’ve been away too long
I never got a chance to write or call
And I know this rodeo has been hard on us all
But I’ll be home soon
And honey is there somethin’ wrong
She said, don’t bother comin’ home
By time you get here I’ll be long gone
There’s somebody new and he sure ain’t no rodeo man
He said, I’m sorry it’s come down to this
There’s so much about you that I’m gonna miss
But it’s alright baby
If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
Gotta go now baby
If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
He left that phone danglin’ off the hook
Then slowly turned around and gave it one last look
Then he just walked away
He aimed his truck toward that Wyoming line
With a little luck he could still get there in time
And in that Cheyenne wind he could still hear her say
She said, don’t bother comin’ home
By time you get here I’ll be long gone
There’s somebody new and he sure ain’t no rodeo man
He said, I’m sorry it’s come down to this
There’s so much about you that I’m gonna miss
But it’s alright baby
If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
Gotta go now baby
If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
She never knew what his calls might bring
With a cowboy like him, it could be anything
And she always expected the worst
In the back of her mind
