Introduction
Willie Nelson’s “We Are the Cowboys” might evoke images of the Wild West, but this 2020 song is far from a traditional cowboy ballad. Released during a challenging year, the track offers a message of unity and hope, redefining the concept of a cowboy for the modern age.
While Nelson himself didn’t write “We Are the Cowboys,” the song found its perfect home with the legendary musician. Songwriter Billy Joe Shaver penned the original version in 1981 for his album “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal.”
Nelson’s rendition takes Shaver’s message and expands on it. The lyrics move away from romanticized cowboys and instead paint a picture of everyday people. They are “Texans, Mexicans, Black men and Jews” – average Americans from all walks of life who share a love for their country and a desire to see it improve.
The song isn’t just about patriotism; it’s a call to action. The lyrics state: “There are those who are blind so we’ll all have to lead them / It’s everyone’s job till we get the work done.” It’s a powerful reminder that positive change requires collective effort and that everyone has a role to play.
“We Are the Cowboys” isn’t just a song by Willie Nelson; it’s a modern anthem for anyone who believes in unity, compassion, and the collective power of ordinary people. So saddle up and listen closely, because this song’s message might just inspire you to be the cowboy you never knew you could be.