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 the LA freeway ain't my kind of havin' fun
I think I'd rather be a cowboy I think I'd rather ride a range
I think I'd rather be a cowboy than to lay me down in love and lady's chains

When we were just beginning it was such an easy way
Myin' backup 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 and it's all right with me
I think I'd rather be a cowboy

I'd rather live on the side of a mountain
Than wander through the canyons of concrete and steel
I'd rather laugh with the rain and sunshine
And lay down my sundown in some starry field

Oh but 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 be a cowboy