About the Song
Toby Keith, a country music icon known for his anthems of patriotism and rugged individualism, takes a more introspective turn with “Last Living Cowboy.” This poignant song, released in 2013 as part of his album Drinks After Work, pays homage to a dying breed: the cowboys of old.
The opening lines immediately set the scene, introducing us to an elderly man, “87 on the 2nd day of June,” who still walks down Main Street, a relic of a bygone era. The song paints a vivid picture of this weathered cowboy, his stories etched in every wrinkle, his presence a reminder of a simpler time.
Keith’s vocals, imbued with a touch of melancholy, perfectly capture the bittersweet nostalgia of the lyrics. He sings of a life spent under the open sky, of riding horses and working the land, a stark contrast to the modern world that surrounds him.
“Last Living Cowboy” is more than just a tribute to the cowboy lifestyle; it’s a reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. It’s a reminder to cherish the traditions and values of the past, even as the world moves forward.
The song resonates with anyone who feels a connection to the land, a sense of belonging to a place and a way of life. It’s a poignant reminder that while the world may change, the spirit of the cowboy, with its resilience and independence, will always endure.
Toby Keith’s “Last Living Cowboy” is a beautiful and evocative song that captures the essence of a fading era. It’s a testament to the enduring power of nostalgia and the importance of preserving the stories and values of the past.
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Lyrics: Last Living Cowboy
He turned 87 on the 2nd day of June.
In case nobody’s countin’ Son, that’s many a moon.
You’ll find him down on Main Street. That’s where he likes to walk.
It’s worth the price of admission just to hear that old man talk.He’s the last livin’ cowboy in this town.
He rode off into the sunset, yet naw, he’s still kickin’ round.
You’ll find him halfway liquored up on Caddo County shine,
Or all the way drunk half the time.He’s got 40 head of cattle down on Turkey creek.
There’s always some old stray dog round the cabin at his feet.
His family left for California back in ’29.
When it was two bits for the whiskey, and tobacco was a dime.He’s the last livin’ cowboy in this town.
He rode off into the sunset, yet he’s still kickin’ round.
You’ll find him halfway liquored up on Caddo county shine,
Or all the way drunk half the time.Keeps a jack knife in his pocket and pistol in his boot.
I’ve heard a lot of stories, but I’ve never seen him shoot.
A ’60 model pickup’s all I’ve ever seen him drive.
He ‘aint rode a horse since the day ole Bully died.He’s the last livin’ cowboy in this town.
He rode off into the sunset, yet he’s still kickin’ round.
You’ll find him halfway liquored up on Caddo County shine,
Or all the way drunk half the time.Yeah, you’ll find him halfway liquored up on Caddo County shine,
Or all the way drunk half the time.