I’ve always enjoyed westerns and stories of cowboys. Some rock artists have songs that deal with or at least mention these wild west heroes. I’ll find a few of those here, give you a little history, the lyrics, and link the music below. Enjoy, partner.
The Ballad Of Billy The Kid
“The Ballad of Billy the Kid” by Billy Joel is a narrative song released in 1973 on his album “Piano Man.” The lyrics tell the tale of a fictional Wild West outlaw named Billy the Kid, blending historical references with a romanticized portrayal of the legendary figure. The song explores themes of rebellion, adventure, and the fleeting nature of fame,
as Billy the Kid rises to notoriety but ultimately meets a tragic end. Joel employs a mix of folk and country musical styles, incorporating harmonica, piano, and guitar to evoke the Western atmosphere. The narrative unfolds through a series of verses that depict various stages of Billy’s life, from his early exploits to his untimely demise.
Basically [the song] was an experiment with an impressionist type of lyric. It was historically totally inaccurate as a story.
Billy Joel
With its catchy melody and storytelling prowess, “The Ballad of Billy the Kid” showcases Billy Joel’s songwriting versatility and storytelling ability, capturing the essence of American folklore. The song pays homage to the mythic nature of the Wild West and adds a musical layer to the legend of Billy the Kid.
The Ballad Of Billy The Kid written by Billy Joel
From a town known as Wheeling, West Virginia
Rode a boy with a six gun in his hand
And his daring life of crime
Made him a legend in his time
East and west of the Rio Grande.
Well he started with a bank in Colorado
In the pocket of his vest, a Colt he hid
And his age and his size
Took the teller by surprise
And, the word spread of Billy the kid
Well he never traveled heavy
Yes he always rode alone
And he soon put many older guns to shame
And he never had a sweetheart
And he never had a home
But the cowboy and the rancher knew his name
Well he robbed his way from Utah to Oklahoma
And the largest could not seem to track him down
And it served his legend well
For the folks they loved to tell about
When Billy the kid came to town.
Well one cold day a posse captured Billy
And the judge said String him up for what he did.
And the cowboys and their kin
Like the sea, came pouring in
To watch the hanging of Billy the kid.
Well he never traveled heavy
Yes he always rode alone
And he soon put many older guns to shame
And he never had a sweetheart
But he finally found a home
Under the boot hill grave that bears his name.
From a town known as Oyster Bay Long Island
Rode a boy with a six pack in his hand
And his daring life of crime
Made him a legend in his time
East and west of the Rio Grande.
Bad Company
“Bad Company” by the band Bad Company is a classic rock anthem released in 1974 as the title track of their debut album. The song, written by lead singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke, captures a rebellious spirit and a sense of independence, reflecting the band’s name. The lyrics convey a narrative of a man who has lived a rough and rebellious life, embracing a carefree attitude and acknowledging the consequences of his choices.
The protagonist expresses a willingness to face the challenges that come with his lifestyle, suggesting a sense of acceptance and defiance. The powerful vocals of Paul Rodgers, accompanied by the bluesy guitar riffs and dynamic instrumentation,
contribute to the song’s enduring popularity. “Bad Company” became a signature track for the band and remains a staple in classic rock playlists, embodying the raw energy and rebellious ethos of the 1970s rock era.
Bad Company written by Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke
Company
Always on the run
Destiny is the rising sun
Oh I was born six gun in my hand
Behind a gun I'll make my final stand
That's why they call me
Bad company
And I can't deny
Bad company
Till the day I die
Till the day I die
Till the day I die
Rebel souls
Deserters we are called
Chose a gun and threw away the sword
Now these towns
They all know our name six gun sound is our claim to fame
I can hear them say
Bad company
And I won't deny
Bad, bad company
Till the day I die
Till the day I die
Bad company
I can't deny
Bad company
Till the day I die
And I say it's
Bad company oh yeah, yeah
Bad company
Till the day I die oh yeah
Tell me that you are not a thief
Oh but I am
Bad company
It's the way I play
Dirty for dirty
Oh somebody double-crossed me
Double-cross, double-cross
Yeah
We're bad company
Kill in cold blood
Back In The Saddle
“Back in the Saddle” by Aerosmith, released in 1976 on their album “Rocks,” is a hard-rock anthem that embodies the band’s gritty and rebellious spirit. Penned by lead singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry, the song is a swaggering celebration of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle and the thrill of being back on tour.
The song is also notable for the slow buildup of the drum beat and guitar riff in the beginning of the song, as well as the sound effects of a galloping horse and whips, and screams and yodeling by Steven Tyler at the end of the song. A real bullwhip was intended to be used for the whip effects and hours were spent trying to get it to crack. The band members ended up cut up and hurt without making any progress. Eventually, the band decided the whip effects would be created by whirling a 30-foot cord from the studio, then by firing a cap gun to create the crack of the whip
The lyrics feature a mix of innuendo and rock imagery, suggesting a return to the stage after a period of absence or challenges. Tyler’s powerful vocals, Perry’s scorching guitar riffs, and the band’s tight instrumentation contribute to the song’s infectious energy. “Back in the Saddle” captures the essence of Aerosmith’s raw and bluesy rock sound, reflecting their resilience and passion for the music that defined their career. The song remains a staple in their live performances and is regarded as one of their iconic tracks.
Back In The Saddle written by Matraca Maria Berg and Stanley Lynch
I'm back
I'm back in the saddle again
I'm back
I'm back in the saddle again
Ridin' into town alone by the light of the moon
I'm lookin' for old Sukie Jones, she crazy horse saloon
Barkeep gimme a drink, that's when she caught my eye
She turned to give me a wink, that'd make a grown man cry
I'm back in the saddle again
I'm back
I'm back in the saddle again
I'm back
Come easy, go easy, all right until the rising sun
I'm calling all the shots tonight, I'm like a loaded gun
Peelin' off my boots and chaps, I'm saddle sore
Four bits gets you time in the racks, I scream for more
Fools' gold out of their mines, the girls are soaking wet
No tongue's drier than mine, I'll come when I get back
I'm back in the saddle again
I'm back
I'm back in the saddle again
I'm ridin', I'm loadin' up my pistol
I'm ridin', I really got a fistful
I'm ridin', I'm shinin' up my saddle
I'm ridin', this snake is gonna rattle
I'm back in the saddle again
I'm back
I'm back in the saddle again
I'm back
Ridin' high
Ridin' high
Ridin' high
Cowboy Song
“Cowboy Song” by Thin Lizzy, featured on their 1976 album “Jailbreak,” is a reflective and poignant track written by the band’s charismatic frontman Phil Lynott. The song delves into themes of loneliness, longing, and the hardships of life on the road as a musician. Lynott, who often drew inspiration from his own experiences, paints a vivid picture of the nomadic and challenging lifestyle faced by touring musicians,
emphasizing the toll it takes on personal relationships. The lyrics also convey a sense of yearning for connection and the difficulties of maintaining stability amidst the constant movement. Written from the perspective of a cowboy, the lyrics tell of his wandering across the United States through various adventures and romances.
“Cowboy Song” is described by Phil Lynott biographer Mark Putterford as “a cross between Clint Eastwood and Rudolph Valentino, with a bit of George Best thrown in for good measure. Philip strode into the sunset of his own imagination and always, of course, lived to fight another day.”It was also, he says, “One of Lizzy’s most effortlessly seductive rockers to date.”
The song begins with a mellow acoustic, country music-style introduction before a transition to up-tempo hard rock. Musically, the song showcases Thin Lizzy’s trademark twin-guitar harmonies and Lynott’s soulful vocals. “Cowboy Song” is a testament to Lynott’s songwriting prowess and remains a standout in the band’s catalog, capturing the universal struggles faced by those who live their lives in the pursuit of artistic expression.
Cowboy Song written by Brian Michael Downey and Philip Parris Lynott I am just a cowboy, lonesome on the trail A starry night, a campfire light The coyote call and the howling wind wail So I ride out to the old sundown I am just a cowboy, lonesome on the trail Lord, I'm just thinking about a certain female The nights we spent together riding on the range Looking back it seems so strange Roll me over and turn me around Let me keep spinning 'til I hit the ground Roll me over and let me go Riding in the rodeo I was took in Texas, I did not know her name Lord, all these southern girls all seem the same Down below the border in a town in Mexico I got my job busting broncs in the rodeo Roll me over and turn me around Let me keep spinning 'til I hit the ground Roll me over and let me go Running free with the buffalo Here I go Roll me over and I'll turn around And I'll move my fingers up and down Up and down It's ok amigo Just let me go Riding in the rodeo Roll me over and turn me around Let me keep spinning 'til I hit the ground Roll me over and let me go Riding in the rodeo Roll me over and set me free A cowboys life is the life for me
Ballad Of A Well-Known Gun
“Ballad of a Well-Known Gun” is a track from Elton John’s 1970 album “Tumbleweed Connection.” The song, written by Elton John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, is a gritty and evocative narrative that captures the essence of the American West. The lyrics tell the story of a lone gunman, disillusioned and worn by a life of violence and hardship.
The protagonist reflects on the toll of his actions, expressing a sense of regret and weariness. The music complements the theme with its bluesy and country-rock influences, featuring a strong piano performance by Elton John and dynamic arrangements.
“Ballad of a Well-Known Gun” showcases Elton John’s ability to convey complex narratives through his music and Bernie Taupin’s skill in crafting vivid and poetic lyrics. The song remains a significant piece in Elton John’s early discography, reflecting the duo’s exploration of diverse musical genres and storytelling.
Ballad Of A Well-Known Gun written by Bernie Taupin, music by Elton John I pulled out my Stage Coach Times And I read the latest news I tapped my feet in dumb surprise And of course I saw they knew The Pinkertons pulled out my bags And asked me for my name I stuttered out my answer And hung my head in shame chorus: Now they've found me At last they've found me It's hard to run From a starving family Now they've found me Well I won't run I'm tired of hearing There goes a well-known gun Now I've seen this chain gang Lord I say let me see my priest I couldn't have faced your desert sand Old burning brown backed beast The poor house they hit me for my kin And claimed my crumbling walls Now I know how Reno felt When he ran from the law (repeat chorus) (repeat chorus) (repeat chorus) There goes a well-known gun...
Renegade
“Renegade” by Styx, released in 1978 on their album “Pieces of Eight,” is a powerful rock anthem that tells the story of an outlaw facing the consequences of his actions. Written by Styx’s lead singer, Tommy Shaw, the song features a distinctive riff and showcases the band’s harmonies.
The lyrics narrate the impending capture of the renegade, expressing defiance and a refusal to surrender despite knowing that justice will soon catch up. The song’s intense energy, marked by its driving rhythm and Shaw’s impassioned vocals, has made it a staple in Styx’s live performances.
“Renegade” has been interpreted as an allegory for facing the consequences of one’s decisions and the inevitability of accountability. With its anthemic quality and memorable chorus, “Renegade” remains a classic in Styx’s repertoire, embodying the spirit of rebellion and resilience.
Renegade written by Tommy Shaw Oh, Mama, I'm in fear for my life From the long arm of the law Lawman has put an end to my running And I'm so far from my home Oh, Mama, I can hear you a crying You're so scared and all alone Hangman is coming down from the gallows And I don't have very long (yeah) The jig is up, the news is out They've finally found me The renegade who had it made Retrieved for a bounty Nevermore to go astray This will be the end today of the wanted man Oh, Mama, I've been years on the lam And had a high price on my head Lawman said, "Get him dead or alive" Now it's for sure he'll see me dead Dear Mama, I can hear you a crying You're so scared and all alone Hangman is coming down from the gallows And I don't have very long The jig is up, the news is out They've finally found me The renegade who had it made Retrieved for a bounty Nevermore to go astray The judge will have revenge today On the wanted man Oh, Mama, I'm in fear for my life From the long arm of the law Hangman is coming down from the gallows And I don't have very long The jig is up, the news is out They've finally found me The renegade who had it made Retrieved for a bounty Nevermore to go astray This will be the end today of the wanted man The wanted man And I don't wanna go, no-no Mama, don't let 'em take me! Hey, hey No, no, no, I can't go
Further Reading
Sources
- “Bad Company (song)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Company_(song)
- “The Ballad of Billy the Kid” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ballad_of_Billy_the_Kid
- “The Magnificent Musical Seven: The Seven Greatest Classic Rock Cowboy Songs” https://i95rock.com/the-magnificent-musical-seven-the-seven-greatest-classic-rock-cowboy-songs-of-all-time/
- “Cowboy Song (Thin Lizzy song)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowboy_Song_(Thin_Lizzy_song)
- “Tumbleweed Connection” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumbleweed_Connection
- “Back in the Saddle” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_in_the_Saddle
- “Renegade (Styx song)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renegade_(Styx_song)
- Songfacts https://www.songfacts.com/
