Neil Young

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Hello, cowgirl in the sand (Hello, cowgirl in the sand)
Is this place at your command?
Can I stay here for a while?
Can I see your sweet, sweet smile?

[Chorus]
Old enough now to change your name
When so many love you, is it the same?
It's the woman in you that makes you want to play this game

[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 2]
Hello, ruby in the dust (Hello, ruby in the dust)
Has your band begun to rust?
After all the sin we've had
I was hoping that we'd turn bad

[Chorus]
Old enough now to change your name
When so many love you, is it the same?
It's the woman in you that makes you want to play this game

[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 3]
Hello, woman of my dreams (Hello, woman of my dreams)
Is this not the way it seems?
Purple words on a grey background
To be a woman and to be turned down

[Chorus]
Old enough now to change your name
When so many love you, is it the same?
It's the woman in you that makes you want to play this game

[Guitar Solo]

[Outro]
Hello, cowgirl in the sand (Hello, cowgirl in the sand)
Hello, cowgirl in the sand (Hello, cowgirl in the sand)
Hello, cowgirl in the sand (Hello, cowgirl in the sand)

Cowgirl in the Sand is a classic rock tune written by legendary singer-songwriter Neil Young. The song first appeared on his second solo studio album, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, which was released on May 1, 1969. It was one of the album's three hit singles, alongside the title track and "Down by the River."

The song's popularity has endured over the decades, and it remains a favorite among diehard Neil Young fans and classic rock aficionados alike. Its popularity can be attributed to Young's mesmerizing guitar riffs, haunting lyrics, and the overall dreamy vibe that it exudes.

About Cowgirl in the Sand

The origins of Cowgirl in the Sand are shrouded in mystery and a little bit of humor, as Young himself has stated that he wrote the song about the beaches in Spain, even though he had never been there. In a London concert in 1971, he famously said, "It's just my idea of what it's like over there."

Despite that, the song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a solitary woman, the titular "Cowgirl," wandering through a surreal desert landscape. She is an enigmatic figure, and the lyrics leave it up to the listener to decide whether she represents a lost love or some other form of longing and disillusionment.

One of the main reasons Cowgirl in the Sand continues to captivate audiences to this day is the unique guitar work featured on the song. Young uses a technique known as "whammy bar" or "tremolo arm" to create a distinctive, dreamlike effect that perfectly complements the lyrics and overall mood of the song. The effect is created by pushing or pulling the guitar's bridge to change the pitch of the strings, resulting in a wavering, ethereal sound.

The song's structure is built around several repeating guitar riffs, with Young slowly building up the intensity of the playing until it reaches a crescendo of distorted notes and feedback. This structure creates a mesmerizing effect, drawing the listener into the song's hypnotic, dreamlike atmosphere.

Despite the success of Cowgirl in the Sand and the rest of Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, Young was not content to rest on his laurels. Instead, he continued to experiment with his sound and songwriting, ultimately becoming one of the most influential and innovative musicians of his generation.

Overall, Cowgirl in the Sand is a true classic of rock music, showcasing Neil Young's unique talents as a guitarist, songwriter, and storyteller. Despite its melancholy perspective, its message of perseverance in the face of adversity continues to resonate with audiences today.

• Release Date: May 14, 1969
• Artist: Neil Young