Cowboys Cry Too (feat. Noah Kahan)

Kelsea Ballerini's song 'Cowboys Cry Too,' featuring Noah Kahan, delves into the often-overlooked emotional depth of men who are typically seen as stoic and unyielding. The song challenges the traditional image of the cowboy, a symbol of rugged masculinity, by revealing their hidden vulnerabilities. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who, despite his tough exterior and stubborn nature, harbors deep emotional scars and a capacity for profound sadness. This duality is captured in the line, 'He's as tough as the tattoos up his right arm,' juxtaposed with 'But when he's showin' his skin, lettin' me in, that's when he's toughest to me.' The song suggests that true strength lies in the ability to be vulnerable and open, rather than in maintaining a facade of invincibility.

The narrative also touches on the generational transmission of emotional stoicism, particularly from fathers to sons. Ballerini reflects on her own upbringing, wishing she could emulate her father's emotional detachment but realizing that such a path only leads to more pain. The lyrics, 'I grew up wishing I could close off the way my dad did,' highlight the internal conflict between societal expectations of masculinity and the natural human need for emotional expression. This theme is further emphasized by the line, 'Blame it on their fathers, the ones that said they'd stay,' suggesting that the emotional repression seen in cowboys is a learned behavior, passed down through generations.

The song also critiques the cultural narratives that perpetuate the idea of the emotionally distant cowboy. Ballerini and Kahan point out that songs and stories often glorify the image of the lone cowboy who rides away, leaving behind any emotional entanglements. However, 'Cowboys Cry Too' seeks to dismantle this myth, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of masculinity. By acknowledging that 'cowboys cry too,' the song encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability as a form of strength and to challenge the rigid gender norms that dictate emotional expression.