About the song
George Strait, the undisputed “King of Country,” has a knack for weaving stories into his songs that resonate with listeners of all ages. His 1996 hit, “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” is a perfect example of this. This poignant ballad tells the story of a rodeo cowboy who must choose between his love for a woman and his passion for the rodeo. The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics, combined with Strait’s smooth vocals, create a moving and relatable narrative that speaks to the complexities of love and commitment.
“I Can Still Make Cheyenne” was written by Aaron Barker and Erv Woolsey, and it was released as the third single from Strait’s album “Blue Clear Sky.” The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It has since become one of Strait’s signature songs, and it is often cited as one of the greatest country songs of all time.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is torn between his love for a woman and his love for the rodeo. He is on the phone with his girlfriend, and he is telling her that he has to leave to compete in the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo. He knows that she is upset, but he also knows that he has to follow his dreams.
These lyrics are both heartbreaking and relatable. They capture the difficult choices that we all have to make in life. Sometimes, we have to sacrifice one thing for another. The song’s narrator is not a bad person, but he is a man who is trying to balance his love for his girlfriend with his love for the rodeo.
Strait’s vocals on “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” are nothing short of masterful. He conveys the narrator’s emotions with a raw honesty that is both moving and believable. His voice is full of pain, regret, and longing. He sounds like a man who is truly torn between two worlds.
The music for “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” is a classic country sound. The song features a simple acoustic guitar melody, accompanied by a steel guitar and a fiddle. The music is understated and allows Strait’s vocals to take center stage.
Older listeners will likely relate to “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” on a number of levels. First, the song’s themes of love, loss, and sacrifice are universal. Second, the song’s classic country sound will appeal to those who grew up listening to traditional country music. Finally, Strait’s smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery will resonate with listeners of all ages.
“I Can Still Make Cheyenne” is a timeless country classic that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come. The song’s powerful lyrics, Strait’s masterful vocals, and the classic country sound all combine to create a truly unforgettable listening experience. For older listeners, the song is a reminder of the complexities of love and the importance of following your dreams.
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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
