About the song
There are songs that do more than just entertain—they become emotional landmarks, encapsulating the essence of a genre, a region, even a way of life. **George & Bubba STRAIT – The Cowboy Rides Away** is one of those rare pieces of music that transcends the boundaries of a typical country song. For anyone who’s ever felt the quiet dignity of parting, or the bittersweet ache of watching something familiar drift into the past, this song resonates with remarkable poignancy.
First recorded by **George Strait**, often hailed as the “King of Country,” **The Cowboy Rides Away** is a quintessential example of the neotraditionalist country movement that he championed throughout his career. The track, written by Sonny Throckmorton and Casey Kelly, was released in 1985 as part of Strait’s *Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind* album. The addition of “Bubba STRAIT” in some credits nods to the intergenerational lineage of country storytelling—**Bubba**, George’s son, has carried forward the family’s legacy in the genre, adding layers of familial depth to the track’s enduring narrative.
The song itself is a masterclass in lyrical understatement. There are no grand gestures here, no explosive climaxes—just the quiet resignation of a cowboy who knows when it’s time to move on. The metaphor of the cowboy riding away is powerful in its simplicity. It captures the archetype of the American West: stoic, solitary, and resolute. And yet, the emotional undercurrent is unmistakable. Beneath the cool exterior lies heartbreak, reflection, and acceptance.
Musically, **The Cowboy Rides Away** is elegantly restrained. The arrangement—anchored by pedal steel guitar and unhurried rhythms—supports the lyrics without overwhelming them. It’s this very restraint that gives the song its emotional heft. Strait’s delivery, smooth and unpretentious, lends authenticity to every word. There’s no artifice here—only a man telling a story that feels real because, for so many, it is.
Over the decades, **George & Bubba STRAIT – The Cowboy Rides Away** has evolved from a hit single into a farewell anthem. In fact, it served as the closing song of George Strait’s final tour in 2014, turning it into a personal and collective goodbye for countless fans. In that moment, the title wasn’t just metaphor—it was lived experience. The cowboy wasn’t just a symbol; he was George himself, gracefully stepping back from the stage, hat in hand.
For listeners of a certain age or disposition, the song is more than nostalgic—it’s reflective. It calls to mind the seasons of life, the inevitability of change, and the grace it takes to let go. **The Cowboy Rides Away** reminds us that endings can be as meaningful as beginnings—and sometimes, even more beautiful.
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
