Jessie went away last summer, a couple of months ago 

After all our time together, it was hard to see her go 

She called me right up when she arrived 

Asked me one more time to come 

Livin’ on an LA freeway ain’t my kind of havin’ fun 

I think I’d rather be a cowboy 

I think I’d rather ride the range 

I think I’d rather be a cowboy 

Than to lay me down in love and ladies chains 

We were just beginning; it was such an easy way 

Layin’ back up in the mountains makin’ songs for sunny days 

She got tired of pickin’ daisies and cookin’ my meals for me 

She can live the life she wants to, yes; it’s all right with me 

I think I’d rather be a cowboy 

I think I’d rather ride the range 

I think I’d rather be a cowboy 

Than to lay me down in love and ladies chains 

I’d rather live on the side of a mountain 

Than wander through canyons of concrete and steel 

I’d rather laugh with the rain and sunshine 

Than lay down my sundown in some starry field 

Oh bur I miss her in the mornin’ when I awake alone 

The absence of her laughter is a cold and empty sound 

But her memory always makes me smile 

And I want you to know 

I love her, yes I love her just enough to let her go 

I think I’d rather be a cowboy 

I think I’d rather ride the range 

I think I’d rather be a cowboy 

Than to lay me down in love and ladies chains 

Repeat