About the song
There are few voices in country music as legendary as **George Strait**’s. A man who earned the title “King of Country” with his smooth baritone, effortless delivery, and an uncanny ability to tell a story through song, he has shaped the genre for over four decades. One of the most bittersweet and beloved songs in his catalog is **The Cowboy Rides Away**, a ballad that captures the essence of nostalgia, farewell, and the unbreakable spirit of the American cowboy.
Originally released in 1985, **The Cowboy Rides Away** became one of **George Strait**’s signature songs—a fan favorite that embodies both the romanticism and the solitude of the cowboy way of life. Written by Sonny Throckmorton and Casey Kelly, the song tells the story of a man realizing that his love story has reached its inevitable end. With its gently rolling melody, pedal steel guitar, and heartfelt lyrics, it paints the image of a cowboy riding off into the sunset—not in triumph, but in quiet resignation.
What makes this song particularly special is how it resonates beyond just a broken relationship. It speaks to anyone who has had to say goodbye, whether to a place, a time in their life, or even a loved one. When **George Strait** performed it as the final song of his farewell tour in 2014, it took on an even deeper meaning. That night, as 104,000 fans at AT&T Stadium sang along, it was more than just the closing of a concert—it was the closing of a legendary chapter in country music history.
Adding to the song’s emotional weight is the presence of **Bubba Strait**, George’s son, in some of the live renditions. A talented songwriter and performer in his own right, Bubba’s involvement makes the song feel even more personal, as if passing down the cowboy legacy from one generation to the next.
Few songs capture the soul of traditional country music quite like **The Cowboy Rides Away**. Whether you hear it as a story of heartbreak, a farewell to a bygone era, or a symbol of resilience, one thing remains true: this song is as timeless as the cowboy himself.
Video
Lyrics
I knew the stakes were high right from the start
When she dealt the cards, I dealt my heart
Now I just found a game that I can’t play
And this is where the cowboy rides away
And my heart is sinkin’ like the setting sun
Setting on the things I wish I’d done
It’s time to say goodbye to yesterday
And this is where the cowboy rides away
We’ve been in and out of love and in-between
And now we play the final showdown scene
And as the credits roll, a sad song starts to play
And this is where the cowboy rides away
And my heart is sinkin’ like the setting sun
Setting on the things I wish I’d done
Oh, the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say
This is where the cowboy rides away
Oh, the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say
This is where the cowboy rides away
