Guideposts Classics: Eddy Arnold on the Value of Aiming High - Guideposts

About the Song

Eddy Arnold‘s “The Cattle Call” is a classic country tune that has stood the test of time. Released in the late 1940s, this song captured the hearts of listeners with its simple yet evocative portrayal of life on the ranch. Arnold, often referred to as the “Tennessee Plowboy,” had a unique ability to connect with audiences through his warm, rich voice and heartfelt delivery.

“The Cattle Call” is more than just a song; it’s a nostalgic trip back to a simpler era. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the cowboy’s life, filled with open spaces, hard work, and a deep connection to the land. Arnold’s smooth vocals complement the song’s gentle melody, creating a sense of peace and longing.

What makes this song so enduring? It’s the universal themes it explores. The idea of calling out to loved ones or friends, represented by the cattle in the song, resonates with everyone. We’ve all felt the yearning for companionship and the comfort of familiar voices. Arnold’s masterful interpretation transforms this simple concept into a timeless piece of art.

Beyond its lyrical beauty, “The Cattle Call” is also a testament to the enduring appeal of country music. It’s a genre that celebrates the American spirit, the working class, and the beauty of nature. Arnold’s version of the song is a prime example of why country music has remained so popular for generations.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of country music or simply appreciate great songwriting, “The Cattle Call” is a song worth discovering or rediscovering. It’s a reminder of a bygone era and a testament to the power of music to evoke strong emotions.Eddy Arnold - Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Video 

Lyrics: The Cattle Call

The cattle are prowlin’ the coyotes are howlin’
Out with the doggies bawl
Where spurs are jinglin’ a cowboy is singin’
This lonesome cattle call [moan]He rides in the sun till his day’s work is done
And he rounds up the cattle each fall
[Moan] Singin’ this cattle callFor hours he will ride on the range far and wide
When the night wind blows up a squall
His heart is a feather in all kinds of weather
He sings his cattle call [moan]

He’s brown as a berry from ridin’ the prairie
And he sings with an old western drawl
[Moan] Singin’ this cattle call… [moan]

 

You Missed

CANCER MAY HAVE TAKEN HIS STRENGTH, BUT IT NEVER STOLE THE FIRE FROM HIS SOUL. Toby Keith spent his entire life sounding like a man who couldn’t be pushed around—a kid from the Oklahoma oil fields who learned early on that you don’t wait for success; you earn it with calloused hands and a blunt, honest pen. He was the voice of the 90s, the man who turned “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” into a national anthem. But in 2021, life threw him a fight that no stage or spotlight could drown out. Stomach cancer didn’t care about his platinum records or his swagger. As the illness tore through him, his frame grew frail, his face thinned, and for the first time, the loudest man in the room had every reason to go quiet. The world expected him to fade into the shadows. Toby chose to stand in the light instead. When he walked onto the stage at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards to sing “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” he didn’t try to play the part of the invincible star. He sang like a man staring death in the eye and refusing to blink. He wasn’t pretending to be young; he was simply refusing to let sickness dictate the terms of his end. He passed on February 5, 2024, at 62. But the image that remains isn’t the tragedy of his final days—it’s the defiance of that night. They always called Toby loud. They called him stubborn. In the end, he proved them right. He turned his refusal to surrender into his final, most haunting melody. He didn’t just sing about not letting the “old man” in—he showed us exactly how to stand your ground when the clock starts running out.