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 Levi's and
each night begins a new day.
If you don't understand him
and he don't die young
He'll probably just ride away.

Mamas don't let your babies
grow up to be cowboys.
Don't let them pick guitars and
drive them old trucks.
Make them be doctors
and lawyers and such.
Mamas don't let your babies
grow up to be cowboys.
They'll never stay home and
they're always alone.
Even with someone they love.

Cowboys 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 the things that make
you think he's right.

Mamas don't let your babies
grow up to be cowboys.
Don't let them pick guitars and
drive them old trucks.
Make them be doctors
and lawyers and such.
Mamas don't let your babies
grow up to be cowboys.
They'll never stay home
and they're always alone.
Even with someone they love.