Introduction
A Ballad of the Vanishing West: The Highwaymen’s “The Last Cowboy Song”
When four titans of country music – Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson – united as The Highwaymen, they crafted a sound that was both timeless and uniquely their own. Their 1990 live album , American Outlaws: Live at Nassau Coliseum, is a testament to their legendary status, and their performance of “The Last Cowboy Song” stands as a poignant tribute to a fading way of life.
Originally penned by Ed Bruce and Ron Peterson, “The Last Cowboy Song” is a ballad steeped in nostalgia and a sense of loss. It paints a vivid portrait of the American cowboy, a figure romanticized in countless films and songs, but now facing an uncertain future in a rapidly changing world. The Highwaymen, with their weathered voices and lived-in experiences, imbue the song with a profound sense of authenticity and melancholy.
The live rendition at Nassau Coliseum captures the raw energy and emotional depth of the song. Each verse, delivered by a different Highwayman, tells a story of hardship, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the cowboy. Johnny Cash’s booming baritone anchors the song with a sense of authority, while Waylon Jennings’ gritty vocals add a touch of rebelliousness. Willie Nelson’s plaintive delivery brings a touch of vulnerability, and Kris Kristofferson’s world-weary voice adds a layer of philosophical reflection.
The song’s lyrics evoke a bygone era of open ranges, cattle drives, and rugged individualism. The cowboy, once a symbol of freedom and self-reliance, is now depicted as a relic of the past, struggling to find his place in a world that no longer values his skills or way of life. The song’s chorus is a lament for a fading breed: “And the last cowboy’s cryin’ / ‘Cause the fences have closed him in / And the range has all been taken / And there’s no place left to begin.”
The Highwaymen’s performance of “The Last Cowboy Song” is more than just a nostalgic tribute; it’s a meditation on the passage of time, the loss of tradition, and the enduring spirit of the American West. Their voices blend together seamlessly, creating a tapestry of sound that is both haunting and uplifting. The song’s message resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pull of the past or mourned the loss of a way of life.
For those who appreciate country music with heartfelt lyrics and soulful vocals, “The Last Cowboy Song” is a must-listen. It’s a timeless ballad that captures the essence of the American cowboy and pays tribute to a vanishing breed. The Highwaymen’s live performance at Nassau Coliseum is a powerful and moving experience that will stay with you long after the last note fades away.
Video
Lyrics
This is the last cowboy song
The end of a hundred year Waltz
The voices sound sad as they’re singin’ along
Another piece of America’s lost
He rides the feed lots, clerks in the markets
On weekends sellin’ tobacco and beer
And his dreams of tomorrow, surrounded by fences
But he’ll dream tonight of when fences weren’t here
He blazed the trail with Lewis and Clark
And eyeball to eyeball, old Wyatt backed down
He stood shoulder to shoulder with Travis in Texas
And rode with the 7th when Custer went down
This is the last cowboy song
The end of a hundred year Waltz
The voices sound sad as they’re singin’ along
Another piece of America’s lost
Remington showed us how he looked on canvas
And Louis Lamour has told us his tale
Me and Johnny and Waylon and Kris sing about him
And wish to God, we could have ridden his trail
This is the last cowboy song
The end of a hundred year Waltz
The voices sound sad as they’re singin’ along
Another piece of America’s lost
This is the last cowboy song
The end of a hundred year Waltz
The voices sound sad as they’re singin’ along
Another piece of America’s lost
This is the last cowboy song
The end of a hundred year Waltz