Introduction
“The Cowboy Rides Away” is a poignant country ballad by George Strait, released in January 1985 as the second single from his album Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind. Written by Sonny Throckmorton and Casey Kelly, the song reached No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and No. 3 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada .
The song’s lyrics depict a cowboy leaving behind a failed relationship, using the metaphor of a cowboy riding away to symbolize the end of a love affair . This theme of bittersweet farewell resonated deeply with audiences, making it a staple in Strait’s live performances. Notably, it became the namesake of his farewell tour, The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, which commenced on January 18, 2013, and concluded with a record-breaking concert at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 7, 2014, attended by over 104,000 fans .
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional depth and Strait’s masterful storytelling, solidifying its place as one of his most iconic tracks.