“The Only Thing He Ever Wanted” . Ten years ago, Toby Keith stood beneath the bright lights of New York City and accepted one of the greatest honors of his career — induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In his acceptance speech, Toby said, “This is the only thing I ever wanted.” Not the fame, not the money — just the recognition that his words, his melodies, and his truth mattered. Toby didn’t just write songs. He wrote about America, about freedom, about everyday folks and quiet heartbreaks. He poured real life into every line, and that’s why his music still hits home. ▶️ Listen “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” — the breakout hit that started it all, and a perfect reminder of why Toby Keith’s pen earned him a place among legends.

Introduction

Toby Keith’s debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” was released in February 1993 and quickly became one of the most iconic country songs of the 1990s. Written solely by Keith himself, the song was featured on his self-titled debut album Toby Keith, released by Mercury Records. The track resonated immediately with fans and radio audiences alike, becoming the most-played country song of the 1990s, with over three million radio spins according to BMI.

“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” draws on imagery from the Old West, romanticizing the cowboy lifestyle as seen in classic American cinema and folklore. The lyrics reference historical and fictional figures like Gene Autry and Marshall Dillon, painting a nostalgic picture of gunslingers, wide-open plains, and the pursuit of freedom. It speaks to a universal yearning for adventure, independence, and a simpler, idealized past.

The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and also gained crossover attention, helping to launch Toby Keith’s successful career. It became a staple on country radio and has remained a crowd favorite at Keith’s live shows for decades. Its popularity helped define Keith’s image as a modern cowboy figure — rugged, patriotic, and grounded in traditional country values.

Over time, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” has also been recognized as a culturally significant anthem that bridges nostalgic Americana with 1990s country’s evolution. In 2021, Keith was honored with induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, with “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” often cited as one of the pivotal works in his songwriting legacy.

Today, the song remains a symbol of Toby Keith’s enduring influence and his ability to craft songs that capture both the heart and imagination of his audience.

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Lyrics

I bet you’ve never heard ol’ Marshal Dillon say
Miss Kitty, have you ever thought of runnin’ away?
Settlin’ down, would you marry me
If I asked you twice and begged you, pretty please?
She’d have said, “Yes”, in a New York minute
They never tied the knot, his heart wasn’t in it
He just stole a kiss as he rode away
He never hung his hat up at Kitty’s place
I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve learned to rope and ride
Wearin’ my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle drive
Stealin’ the young girls’ hearts
Just like Gene and Roy
Singin’ those campfire songs
Woah, I should’ve been a cowboy
I might of had a sidekick with a funny name
Runnin’ wild through the hills chasin’ Jesse James
Ending up on the brink of danger
Ridin’ shotgun for the Texas Rangers
Go west young man, haven’t you been told?
California’s full of whiskey, women and gold
Sleepin’ out all night beneath the desert stars
With a dream in my eye and a prayer in my heart
I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve learned to rope and ride
Wearin’ my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle drive
Stealin’ the young girls’ hearts
Just like Gene and Roy
Singin’ those campfire songs
Woah, I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve learned to rope and ride
I’d be wearin’ my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle drive
Stealin’ the young girls’ hearts
Just like Gene and Roy
Singin’ those campfire songs
Woah, I should’ve been a cowboy
Yeah, I should’ve been a cowboy
I should’ve been a cowboy