“Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is a popular country song written by Ed Bruce and Patsy Bruce. It was originally recorded by Ed Bruce in 1975 for his self-titled album. The song gained widespread popularity when it was covered by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings as a duet for their 1978 album “Waylon & Willie.”
The song’s lyrics convey a warning to mothers not to let their children become cowboys because of the hardships and rough lifestyle associated with it. Despite the challenges, the song also romanticizes the cowboy way of life, making it a bittersweet reflection on the allure and toughness of being a cowboy.
The duet version by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings became a hit and remains one of their signature songs, contributing to their status as icons of outlaw country music. It’s a classic in the genre and has been covered by various artists over the years.
Lyrics
Cowboys ain’t easy to love and they’re harder to hold
They’d rather give you a song than diamonds or gold
Lonestar belt buckles and old faded levis
And each night begins a new day
If you don’t understand him, an’ he don’t die young
He’ll prob’ly just ride awayMamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars or drive them old trucks
Let ’em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
‘Cos they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they loveCowboys like smokey old pool rooms and clear mountain mornings
Little warm puppies and children and girls of the night
Them that don’t know him won’t like him and them that do
Sometimes won’t know how to take him
He ain’t wrong, he’s just different but his pride won’t let him
Do things to make you think he’s rightMamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
Don’t let ’em pick guitars or drive them old trucks
Let ’em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys
‘Cos they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone
Even with someone they love