Introduction
“This Is Where the Cowboy Rides Away” is a poignant and heartfelt rendition by country music duo Brooks & Dunn of the classic song originally recorded by George Strait, “The Cowboy Rides Away”. Written by songwriters Sonny Throckmorton and Casey Kelly, the song was first released by Strait in January 1985 as the second single from his album Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind. It became one of his emblematic closing numbers, peaking at number 5 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart and number 3 on Canada’s RPM Country Tracks .
Brooks & Dunn delivered their version during the “ACM Artist of the Decade” television special honoring George Strait, reinforcing the enduring appeal of the song. Their performance added their signature harmonies, underscoring the song’s powerful imagery and emotional depth .
Thematically, the song finds resonance through its portrayal of a cowboy riding away—not just from a failed relationship, but from shared memories too heavy to carry. It encapsulates the timeless cowboy mythos: stoic, solitary, yet emotionally authentic .
Brooks & Dunn’s tribute underscores their respect for country tradition and the legacy of George Strait. Ronnie Dunn has even noted their respect for Strait’s artistry and the way their partnership contrasts with the portrayal of their “fictional cowboy alter egos” created by Kix Brooks .
In adapting “The Cowboy Rides Away,” Brooks & Dunn not only honor the original but also infuse it with their own artistic identity—bringing a fresh emotional resonance through stellar harmonies that pay tribute to a legendary country standard.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I knew the stakes were high right from the start
When she dealt the cards, I dealt my heart
I just found a game that I can’t play
This is where the cowboy rides away
[Chorus]
And my heart is sinking like the setting sun
Setting on the things I wish I’d done
It’s time to say goodbye to yesterday
This is where the cowboy rides away
[Verse 2]
We’ve been in and out of love and in-between
Now we play the final showdown scene
As the credits roll, a sad song starts to play
This is where the cowboy rides away
[Chorus]
And my heart is sinking like the setting sun
Setting on the things I wish I’d done
Last goodbye’s the hardest one to say
This is where the cowboy rides away
[Outro]
And the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say
This is where the cowboy rides away