About the song
“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Waylon Jennings is a poignant country ballad with a timeless message about the challenges of life on the road. Co-written by Ed Bruce and Patsy Bruce, the song was first released in 1978 as part of Jennings’ album “Waylon & Willie.”
The song struck a chord with listeners, climbing to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, where it stayed for multiple weeks. Its heartfelt lyrics and Jennings’ emotive delivery resonated with audiences, making it one of his most memorable hits.
“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” offers a glimpse into the hardships and sacrifices of the cowboy lifestyle, urging mothers to steer their children away from a life of hardship and uncertainty. Despite the romanticized image of cowboys in popular culture, the song highlights the harsh realities of the profession.
Jennings’ gravelly voice lends an authenticity to the song’s lyrics, conveying a sense of wisdom and experience that comes from years spent on the road. His emotive performance brings depth and sincerity to the song’s message, making it a standout track in his extensive discography.
In conclusion, “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its poignant lyrics, heartfelt delivery, and universal message have solidified its place as one of Waylon Jennings’ most enduring hits.
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Lyrics
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars and drive them old trucks
Make ’em be doctors and lawyers and suchMamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
‘Cause they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they loveA cowboy ain’t easy to love and he’s harder to hold
It means more to him to give you a song than silver or gold
Big trophy buckles and soft faded Levi’s
And each night begins a new day
If you can’t understand him and he don’t die young
He’ll probably just ride awayMamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars and drive them old trucks
Make ’em be doctors and lawyers and suchMamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
‘Cause they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they loveA cowboy loves smoky ole 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’s not wrong, he’s just different and 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 and drive them old trucks
Make ’em be doctors and lawyers and suchMamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
‘Cause they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they loveMamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars and drive them old trucks
Make ’em be doctors and lawyers and suchMamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
‘Cause they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone