Introduction
Released on January 16, 2012, “Let the Cowboy Rock” was the third single from Ronnie Dunn’s self-titled debut solo album, marking a bold shift into country‑rock territory after his storied career with Brooks & Dunn . Co‑written by Dunn and hitmaker Dallas Davidson, the track channels the swagger of The Rolling Stones and the energy of Ronnie’s recent tours with ZZ Top, delivering an unapologetically raucous, club‑ready vibe .
According to Dunn, inspiration struck while driving on I‑65: the title “Let the Cowboy Rock” popped into his head, and a quick call to Davidson led to lyrics built around a celebratory, bar‑worthy anthem “to let the good times roll” . Released by Arista Nashville, the song was positioned to set the tone for the album’s rock‑inclined mood—as Dunn himself described it, a statement of who he was “hanging out in the clubs, throw down with it” .
Critics were split: Taste of Country drew comparisons to Brooks & Dunn’s earlier hits like “Play Something Country,” while Roughstock praised its fiery energy . Despite encouraging reviews, the single stalled at #31 on the Billboard country chart, and radio support dropped when Dunn turned to his fans—via Facebook—to help select his next single. Label executives reportedly told him this move “killed” the single’s momentum . By June 2012, he parted ways with Arista Nashville .
The music video, filmed inside Nashville’s Stage bar, captures the song’s live-wire energy with Dunn front and center, backed by a full band . Additionally, a remixed version, produced with Jeff Balding and Terry McBride, later found life in Professional Bull Riders events
Video
Lyrics
‘Ol boy at the bar with the stagger in his step
Looks like he’s been rode hard and put up wet
Heartache’s on him like stink on a skunk
He’s fighting off lonely, trying to drown it with a drunk
Let the cowboy rock, let the good times roll
This is where the hurt stops or where the whiskey flows
Let him drink every drop, go, go, go ’til he drops
Let the cowboy rock
Yeah, think he’s still a little green
Y’all, he’s fresh off the farm
Some pretty little thing put a whooping on his heart
He’s walking to the left, leaning to the right
Talking to himself, putting up a fight
Let the cowboy rock, let the good times roll
This is where the hurt stops or where the whiskey flows
Let him drink every drop, go, go, go ’til he drops
Let the cowboy rock
He needs a long rope
Boys, cut him some slack
Every now and then you gotta act like that
Let the cowboy rock, let the good times roll
This is where the hurt stops or where the whiskey flows
Let him drink every drop, go, go, go ’til he drops
Let the cowboy rock
Let him drink every drop, go, go, go ’til he drops
Let the cowboy rock