The Last Sensitive Cowboy
The Last Sensitive Cowboy: Rethinking Cowboy Culture
Lyrics
When you hear that i'm a cowboy, and i work the cattle trail.
Expresses the speaker's cowboy identity and occupation as a cattle trail worker.
You probably assume i'm big and tough (big and tough)
Addresses the common assumption that cowboys are traditionally big and tough.
But the trail's worn me down, i don't want to hang around
Reveals the wear and tear of the trail on the speaker, expressing a desire to move on.
I've just about had enough (had enough)
Conveys the speaker's feeling of being fed up and reaching a limit with cowboy life.
you see i like a nice cup of expresso,
Highlights an unexpected preference for a refined taste, enjoying espresso.
and i like to read my people magazine
Contrasts cowboy stereotypes by mentioning the speaker's interest in People Magazine.
I co-ordinate my chaps, but everybody laughs
Humorously describes the speaker coordinating their chaps, facing ridicule for the shade of green.
and say they don't like that shade of green
Reflects the irony of the speaker's attempt at fashion in the cowboy context.
Chorus:
Introduces the chorus expressing the speaker's realization of being a sensitive cowboy.
Oh no, it's true, i'm a sensitive cowboy and i don't know what to do
Acknowledges the sensitivity and confusion of the speaker about their cowboy identity.
oh no, it's kinda strange, i'm the last sensitive cowboy on the range
Emphasizes the uniqueness of being the last sensitive cowboy on the range.
well i try to eat a healthy, balanced diet
Describes the speaker's attempt at maintaining a healthy diet in contrast to cowboy norms.
but they all eat their brown beans from the can
Mocks the traditional cowboy diet of beans from a can, highlighting the speaker's different choices.
They all have to smoke about six packs a day
Satirizes the smoking habits of cowboys, drawing a humorous parallel to the Marlboro Man.
you'd think they was the marlboro man (*cough* smooth!)
Continues the satire on cowboy stereotypes related to smoking and toughness.
and they don't like to go to see the opera
Pokes fun at the reluctance of cowboys to attend opera on Friday nights.
on friday nights when they get paid
Highlights the disconnect between the speaker and other cowboys regarding cultural activities.
and they don't help me bring in the hanging plants
Humorously refers to a lack of assistance from other cowboys in dealing with hanging plants.
every time there's a native american raid
Satirizes the cowboy response to Native American raids, emphasizing the speaker's sensitivity.
Chorus
Reiterates the chorus, emphasizing the speaker's unique identity among cowboys.
(Spoken)
Introduces a spoken section reflecting on the changing nature of cowboy life.
Cowboy life sure is different these days
Comments on the evolving cowboy lifestyle, suggesting alternatives to traditional practices.
why brand your cattle when you can just use bovine psychology?
Questions the need for branding cattle, proposing the use of bovine psychology instead.
why have a gun fight when there are so many good para-legals out there?
Humorously suggests the shift from gunfights to legal resolutions using para-legals.
Nobody drinks and bush-whacks anymore
Observes the decline of certain cowboy behaviors, such as drinking and bushwhacking.
And besides, we're all switching over to eating salt-reduced tofu jerky
Highlights a change in dietary preferences, incorporating salt-reduced tofu jerky.
And if you're gonna ride off into the sunset,
Provides advice on riding into the sunset with a humorous reference to effective sunblock.
make sure you're using an effective sun-block
Continues the advice with a playful twist, maintaining the satirical tone.
Chorus (x2)
Concludes with a final repetition of the chorus, reinforcing the theme of the sensitive cowboy.
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