Nunca Namore Um Cowboy
João Carreiro
The Lonely Heart of a Cowboy
João Carreiro's song "Nunca Namore Um Cowboy" delves into the life of a rodeo cowboy, capturing the essence of his solitary and nomadic existence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man constantly on the move, driven by his passion for rodeo. The song begins with the end of a rodeo event, highlighting the transient nature of the cowboy's life as he prepares to hit the road again. Despite the excitement of the rodeo, there's an underlying sense of longing and melancholy as he reflects on the woman he loves but rarely sees.
The chorus, with its repetitive "Hey-iê, hey-iê," emphasizes the loneliness and heartache that come with being a cowboy. The cowboy's life is marked by long stretches away from home, with only fleeting moments of connection through photos and messages. The lyrics poignantly capture the emotional toll of this lifestyle, as the cowboy yearns for the comfort and love of his partner but is constantly pulled away by his passion for the rodeo.
The song takes a heartbreaking turn when the cowboy returns to his lover's town, only to find a letter bidding him farewell. The letter's advice, "Nunca namore um cowboy" (Never date a cowboy), underscores the central theme of the song: the inherent difficulty of maintaining a relationship with someone whose life is defined by constant travel and danger. Despite the pain, the cowboy finds solace in knowing he gave his all for his love, yet he acknowledges the wisdom in the letter's advice. The song concludes with a bittersweet acceptance of his fate, as he continues his journey, embracing the freedom and loneliness that come with being a cowboy.