About the song
“This Cowboy’s Hat” by Chris LeDoux is a captivating and heartfelt tribute to the cowboy way of life, imbued with the spirit and resilience of the American West. Released in 1982 as part of his album “Used to Want to Be a Cowboy,” this song stands out as one of LeDoux’s signature tracks, showcasing his authentic storytelling and deep connection to the cowboy ethos. Written by Jake Brooks, the song has become a beloved anthem among fans of country music and the rodeo circuit.
The lyrics of “This Cowboy’s Hat” tell a vivid story of a cowboy who encounters a group of bikers while wearing his cherished cowboy hat. As tensions rise, the cowboy shares the history and sentimental value of his hat, revealing the deep pride and respect he holds for his heritage. The narrative is rich with emotion and imagery, painting a picture of the rugged, independent spirit that defines the cowboy lifestyle. LeDoux’s delivery is marked by sincerity and a profound understanding of the subject matter, making the song both moving and memorable.
Chris LeDoux, known for his authentic cowboy roots and passionate performances, brings a unique depth to “This Cowboy’s Hat.” His voice, filled with grit and emotion, perfectly complements the song’s narrative, drawing listeners into the story and making them feel the weight of the cowboy’s words. The arrangement, featuring traditional country instrumentation with a touch of Western flair, enhances the song’s impact and underscores its themes of pride and tradition.
Upon its release, “This Cowboy’s Hat” resonated deeply with fans, becoming one of LeDoux’s most popular and enduring songs. While it may not have topped the mainstream charts, its cultural significance and emotional resonance have made it a timeless classic within the country and rodeo communities. The “Used to Want to Be a Cowboy” album, featuring this track, was well-received for its authenticity and LeDoux’s genuine portrayal of cowboy life, solidifying his status as a true cowboy singer.
In summary, “This Cowboy’s Hat” by Chris LeDoux is a poignant and evocative tribute to the cowboy way of life. With its rich storytelling, heartfelt lyrics, and LeDoux’s compelling performance, it remains a standout piece in country music. The song’s success and lasting impact highlight Chris LeDoux’s talent for capturing the spirit and resilience of the American cowboy, offering a blend of emotion and authenticity that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
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Lyrics
Well, I was sittin’ in a coffee shop, just havin’ a cup to pass the time
Swappin’ Rodeo stories, with this ol’ cowboy friend of mine
When some motorcycle riders started snickerin’ in the back
They started pokin’ fun at my friends hat
And one ol’ boy said, “Hey, Tex, where’d you park your horse?”
My friend just pulled his hat down low, but they couldn’t be ignored
One husky fella said, “I think I’ll just rip that hat right off your head”
That’s when my friend turned around, and this is what he said
“You’ll ride a black tornado ‘cross the western sky
You’ll rope an ol’ blue northern, and milk it ’til it’s dry
Bulldog the Mississippi and pin its ears down flat
Long before you take this cowboy’s hat”
He said, “Partner, now this ol’ hat it’s better left alone
You see, it used to be my daddy’s, but last year he passed on
My nephew skinned the rattler that makes up this ol’ hat band
But back in ’69, he died in Vietnam”
“Now the eagle feather was given to me by an Indian friend of mine
But someone ran him down somewhere around that Arizona line
And a real special lady gave me this hat pin
But I don’t know if I’ll ever see her again”
“You’ll ride a black tornado ‘cross the western sky
You’ll rope an ol’ blue northern, and milk it ’til it’s dry
Bulldog the Mississippi, pin its ears down flat
Long before you take this cowboy’s hat”
“Now if your leather jacket means to you what this ol’ hat means to me
Then I guess we understand each other, and we’ll just let it be
But if you still think it’s funny, my back’s against the wall
But if you touch my hat, you gotta fight us all”
Right then I caught a little sadness in that gang leader’s eyes
He turned back to the others, and they all just shuffled on outside
But when my friend turned back towards me, I noticed his ol’ hat brim
Well, it was turned up, in a big ol’ Texas grin
You’ll ride a black tornado ‘cross the western sky
You’ll rope an ol’ blue northern, and milk it ’til it’s dry
Bulldog the Mississippi, pin its ears down flat
Long before you take this cowboy’s hat
You’ll ride a black tornado ‘cross the western sky
You’ll rope an ol’ blue northern, and milk it ’til it’s dry
Bulldog the Mississippi, pin its ears down flat
Long before you take this cowboy’s hat
You’ll ride a black tornado ‘cross the western sky
You’ll rope an ol’ blue northern, and milk it ’til it’s dry