Bing Crosby

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I'm an old cowhand from the Rio Grande
But my legs ain't bowed and my cheeks ain't tanned
I'm a cowboy who never saw a cow
Never roped a steer cause I don't know how
Sure ain't a fixin' to start in now

[Chorus]
Oh, yippie yi yo kayah
Yippie yi yo kayah

[Verse 2]
I'm an old cowhand and I come down from the Rio Grande
And I learned to ride, ride, ride 'fore I learned to stand
I'm a ridin' fool who is up to date
I know every trail in the Lone Star State
Cause I ride the range in a Ford V8

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
We're old cowhands from the Rio Grande
And we come to town just to hear the band
We know all the songs that the cowboys know
'Bout the Big Corral where the doggies go
We learned them all on the radio
[Chorus]

[Verse 4]
I'm an old cowhand, down from the Rio Grande
Oh, where the West is wild all around the Borderland
Where the buffalo roam around the zoo
And the engines run up a rug or two
And the old Bar X is just a barbecue, yeah

[Chorus]

[Verse 5]
I'm a pioneer who began from scratch
I don't bat an eye in a shootin' match
They don't call me 'Elmer', they call me 'Satch'

[Chorus]

[Outro]
Get along little horsey, get along little horseyEmbed

Get ready to saddle up and take a ride down memory lane with the classic tune, "I'm an Old Cowhand (From the Rio Grande)" by Bing Crosby, featuring the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. This comedic song was originally written by Johnny Mercer for the film Rhythm on the Range and became an instant hit with Western lovers across the United States.

About I’m an Old Cowhand (From the Rio Grande)

The song has been popular since it was first recorded by Bing Crosby in 1936, but it has an interesting origin story. It was actually written for a Western film, Rhythm on the Range, directed by Norman Taurog. The film starred Bing Crosby, Frances Farmer, and Bob Burns.

The film was released on August 19, 1936, and the song became an instant hit. It was an interesting take on Western music, poking fun at the genre while simultaneously popularizing it. Crosby's performance and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra's music added to the charm of the song and helped it win over audiences across the nation.

The humor in the song was not only appreciated by audiences but also by the Western Writers of America association. They chose the song as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time. The song was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, making it an industry-standard.

While the song did not take its inspiration from a real-life event, it has been used in various Western films and television shows. It fittingly captures the essence and humor of the Wild West, making it a favorite among Western enthusiasts.

Crosby's smooth voice and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra's music make this song a timeless classic. The lyrics, which include fun and humorous verses like "I'm an old cowhand from the Rio Grande / And my legs ain't bowed, and my cheeks ain't tan / Well, I'm a cowboy who never saw a cow / Never roped a steer 'cause I don't know how," will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time.

In short, "I'm an Old Cowhand (From the Rio Grande)" by Bing Crosby, featuring the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, is a classic song that has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved tune for Western enthusiasts. Its catchy melody, humorous lyrics, and lasting impact on the Western music genre make it a must-listen for anyone who appreciates good music and a good laugh.

• Release Date: 1936
• Artist: Bing Crosby