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 Levis

And each night begins a new day

If you don't understand him, an' 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 'em pick guitars or drive them old trucks

Let 'em be doctors and lawyers and such

Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys

'Cause they'll never stay home and they're always alone

Even with someone they love



Cowboys like smoky, 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 things to make you think he's right



Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys

Don't let 'em pick guitars and drive them old trucks

Let 'em be doctors and lawyers and such

Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys

'Cause they'll never stay home and they're always alone

Even with someone they love



Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys

Don't let 'em pick guitars and drive them old trucks

Let 'em be doctors and lawyers