Introduction
Released in 2008 as the fourth single from Brooks & Dunn’s album Cowboy Town, “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” quickly became a standout track in their catalog . Penned by Ronnie Dunn and Terry McBride, the song weaves a poignant tale of resilience: a young girl learns to ride a horse after repeated falls, encouraged by her father’s steadfast belief in her strength—“cowgirls don’t cry.” As life unfolds, her marriage falters and her father passes away, yet his words remain her guiding light .
A pivotal moment in the song’s journey was its re-recording as a duet with Reba McEntire, whose powerful vocals adorn the final chorus following a key change, elevating the emotional impact . This duet version resonated strongly, charting at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and marking Brooks & Dunn’s record-breaking forty-first top-ten country hit, while simultaneously becoming Reba’s fifty-sixth—a feat that surpassed Dolly Parton’s long-standing record .
Visually and musically, the song gained another layer of significance with a live rendition at the 2008 CMA Awards, which introduced the duet to a wider audience . Later, during their mid-2010s Las Vegas residency, Brooks & Dunn—joined by Reba—delivered unforgettable live performances of “Cowgirls Don’t Cry.” One standout moment came near the end, when Reba took over the final chorus, her storied voice infusing the lyrics with softness, strength, and heartfelt charisma .
More than just a song, “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” has become a timeless anthem—celebrating the tenacity of women, the power of family, and the unforgettable synergy of three country legends united on stage.
Video
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Songwriters: Terry A McBride, Ronnie G Dunn
“Cowgirls Don’t Cry” Lyrics below – Brooks & Dunn & Reba
Her daddy gave her, her first pony…♥
Then taught her to ride…
She climbed high in that saddle…♥
Fell I don’t know how many times…
He taught her a lesson that she learned…
Maybe a little too well…♥
Cowgirls don’t cry, ride, baby, ride…♥
Lessons in life are gonna show you in time…
Soon enough you gonna know why…
It’s gonna hurt every now and then…
If you fall get back on again…♥
Cowgirls don’t cry…♥
She grew up, she got married…♥
But never was quite right…
She wanted a house, a home and babies…
He started comin’ home late at night….♥
She didn’t let him see it break her heart….
She didn’t let him see her fall apart…♥
‘Cause cowgirls don’t cry, ride, baby, ride…♥
Lessons of life are gonna show you in time…♥
Soon enough you gonna know why…
It’s gonna hurt every now and then…
If you fall get back on again…♥
Cowgirls don’t cry…♥
Phone rang early one mornin’…♥
Her momma’s voice, she’d been cryin’….
Said it’s your daddy, you need to come home…
This is it, I think he’s dyin’….♥
She laid the phone down by his head…
Last words that he said….♥
Cowgirls don’t cry, ride, baby, ride…♥
Lessons of life show us all in time…♥
Too soon God will let you know why….
If you fall get right back on….
The good Lord calls everybody home….♥
Cowgirl don’t cry….♥