Introduction
Brooks & Dunn’s rendition of “This Is Where the Cowboy Rides Away” traces back to their homage to a country classic originally by George Strait. Written by Sonny Throckmorton and Casey Kelly, the song debuted in 1984 on Strait’s Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind album and became one of his signature closing numbers on tour . Its rich imagery of a lone cowboy walking away from a shattered relationship resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying its place in the country‑music canon .
Brooks & Dunn first performed the song during the George Strait: ACM Artist of the Decade All Star Concert, a televised tribute event. This performance powerfully married Strait’s traditional cowboy ethos with Brooks & Dunn’s contemporary country flair, offering both reverence and a fresh vocal dynamic . Ronnie Dunn’s heartfelt rendition tapped into the emotional core of the lyrics—painting a vivid portrait of heartbreak, resilience, and departure.
While not released as an official single by Brooks & Dunn, the performance captured fans’ attention online. High‑definition (1080p) clips from 2013, shared widely on platforms like YouTube, reignited interest in the song and introduced it to a new wave of listeners . The clip’s quality and the duo’s charisma helped preserve the track in the digital age, showcasing their ability to honor a country legend while reaffirming their own place in the genre.
Ultimately, Brooks & Dunn’s “This Is Where the Cowboy Rides Away” stands as both tribute and transformation—a nod to George Strait’s legacy, filtered through the duo’s charismatic synergy. Their live interpretation captures the essence of country storytelling: emotional rawness, memorable melodies, and the timeless allure of the cowboy’s final ride.