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