Should Have Been A Cowboy

Toby Keith's song 'Should Have Been A Cowboy' is a nostalgic ode to the romanticized image of the American cowboy. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life filled with adventure, freedom, and romance, contrasting it with the mundane reality of modern life. Keith uses the character of Marshall Dillon from the classic TV show 'Gunsmoke' to set the stage, imagining a world where he could have lived out the cowboy fantasies of his youth. The mention of Miss Kitty and the unfulfilled romance adds a layer of wistfulness, suggesting a longing for simpler, more straightforward times.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the allure of the cowboy lifestyle, with its promises of adventure and heroism. Keith imagines himself riding a pony on a cattle drive, wearing a six-shooter, and stealing young girls' hearts, much like the legendary cowboys Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. This imagery taps into the cultural mythos of the cowboy as a symbol of rugged individualism and romantic freedom. The repeated refrain 'I should've been a cowboy' underscores a sense of regret and missed opportunities, as if the singer feels he was born in the wrong era.

The song also touches on the broader theme of the American West as a land of opportunity and adventure. References to chasing outlaws like Jesse James and riding with the Texas Rangers evoke a sense of danger and excitement. The line 'Go west young man, haven't you been told, California's full of whisky, women, and gold' captures the historical allure of the West as a place where dreams could be realized. Sleeping under the desert stars with a 'dream in my eye and a prayer in my heart' encapsulates the romantic ideal of the cowboy's life, filled with hope and endless possibilities.