I'm gonna drink my whiskey
I'm gonna have my man
I know you got nothing to say
I'm gonna have my man
I'm gonna steal their hearts
and save them for another day
Ain't gonna hang my hat
Ain't gonna take off my boots
Ain't nothing gonna stop me
In my pursuit
My stage,
Time to rehearse
Gonna see all the wonders of the universe

[Chorus]

Pack my bags and mount my horse
I'm gonna ride on into the next town
Spend all my money on absolutely nothing
Need no man to pay for anything
Ain't got no shame,
Nobody knows my name
I'm gonna ride on into the next town
Paegos Bill, couldn't hang for long
A female legend with a song

Such a beautiful day, such a beautiful day
I think I'll wear my brand new negligee
I'll probably change my mind
it happens every time
Just speak to my ex-fiance
I'm gonna hunt the hunter,
Gonna serve'em well done
Nowhere to hide, nowhere to run
Up goes the moon, down goes the sun
Cook my dinner while I shine my gun

[Chorus]

I'd give my life to be her
I'd give my life just to be her
I'd give my sight to see her
I'd give my sight just to see her
So here's the way
I'm gonna break it down
Speak my mind anytime
'Cause I got the master plan
Power in my soul strength from my hand
I'm going up north
to claim my land
Won't settle by a river,
might make me shiver
So look out and hide your fans
I'm a woman on fire
with a huge desire
To be as good as any man

Overall Meaning

The song "Legend of a Cowgirl" by Imani Coppola is about an independent and free-spirited woman who is not bound by the societal norms and expectations of her time. The lyrics convey her desire to live life on her own terms and her refusal to conform to the patriarchal norms that govern her society. The singer is determined to pursue her dreams without any hindrance and asserts her power and strength as a woman.

The song starts with the singer saying that she is going to have her whiskey and man regardless of what others may think about it. She asserts her independence by saying that nothing can stop her in her pursuit of happiness. She declares that she is going to see all the wonders of the universe with the power and strength that she has from her hands and soul. She then packs her bags, mounts her horse, and rides into the next town. She does not need a man to pay for anything as she has no shame and nobody knows her name.

The chorus of the song talks about how the singer is a female legend with a song who spends all her money on absolutely nothing. She is not like Pecos Bill, who could not hang for long, she is a woman on fire with a huge desire to be as good as any man. She is going to hunt the hunter and serve them well-done as nowhere to hide and nowhere to run. The song ends on a note that the singer is going to break it down, speak her mind anytime with her master plan.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna drink my whiskey
I'm going to enjoy myself and do what I want.

I'm gonna have my man
I have a partner and I'm happy with him.

I know you got nothing to say
I don't care what you think.

I'm gonna steal their hearts and save them for another day
I'm going to be charismatic and leave a good impression on people.

Ain't gonna hang my hat Ain't gonna take off my boots
I'm not going to settle down, I'm going to keep going.

Ain't nothing gonna stop me In my pursuit
I'm determined and nothing will get in my way.

My stage, Time to rehearse Gonna see all the wonders of the universe
This is my moment to shine and explore the world.

Pack my bags and mount my horse I'm gonna ride on into the next town
I'm leaving to go on an adventure.

Spend all my money on absolutely nothing Need no man to pay for anything
I don't need a man to take care of me, I can do that myself.

Ain't got no shame, Nobody knows my name
I'm not embarrassed of who I am and I'm not famous.

Paegos Bill, couldn't hang for long A female legend with a song
I'm going to outdo those who came before me and become a legend.

Such a beautiful day, such a beautiful day I think I'll wear my brand new negligee I'll probably change my mind it happens every time
I'm indecisive and change my mind often about what to wear.

Just speak to my ex-fiance
I have a past relationship that didn't work out.

I'm gonna hunt the hunter, Gonna serve'em well done Nowhere to hide, nowhere to run Up goes the moon, down goes the sun Cook my dinner while I shine my gun
I'm going to take down those who try to take advantage of me and protect myself.

I'd give my life to be her I'd give my life just to be her I'd give my sight to see her I'd give my sight just to see her
I greatly admire some other woman and would do anything to be like her or even meet her.

So here's the way I'm gonna break it down Speak my mind anytime 'Cause I got the master plan Power in my soul strength from my hand I'm going up north to claim my land
I have a plan and I'm going to execute it, I have power and strength, and I'm going to go and take what is mine.

Won't settle by a river, might make me shiver So look out and hide your fans
I'm not going to settle for something second-rate, and I'm going to make people keep their distance.

I'm a woman on fire with a huge desire To be as good as any man
I'm ambitious and determined to be as good as men in everything.

[Chorus]
Refrain of the song.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Donovan Leitch, Imani Coppola, Mike Mangini

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Comments from YouTube:

Miranda Riley

3y↑130

Finally found this. It would randomly pop into my head every now and then but as a kid I didn't know who sang it. I just loved the song!

Jonathan Webb

2y↑3

She's the shit.

tracy weisberg

2y↑4

Same story here! I found it after almost twenty years! Heard it in a movie I was watching! Love this song!!!

Jim Radloff

Saaaame. And for some reason, it feels like this isn't the "version" I remember. Like I recognize some of the visuals, but the song sounds off to me.

Miranda Riley

2y↑1

@Jim Radloff really? It sounds right to me. I was singing every word and note even though it's been years since I've heard it.

Jim Radloff

@Miranda Riley (Shrug) I'm not knocking it, I just feel weird with my memory drift.

6 More Replies...

Andrew Douglass

3y↑57

What's crazy is that this song was fresh 24 years ago and still is now. Tight arrangements on vocals and instrumentals, a fluid concept--it's just so stoopid good.

Colonel Blimp

9y↑308

Imani is one of the greatest "should-have-beens" of all time. Still can't figure why she didn't own the late 90's.

Ani Dominus

5y↑33

I just discovered today and I'm only two songs in and so far so good. But I think Lenny Kravitz explained that he had a hard time "getting in" because "black record labels" said he was too white for they wanted and the "white lables" said he was too black. I am paraphrasing him so he didn't say those exact words. But I think this lady and Kravitz had similar backgrounds in that their moms were black and their fathers white. Kravitz had the avantage though because he family had some coin.

Susan Avery

5y↑22

I have noticed that some singers are sooo underrated while some that arent so great just take off..i dont get it

ClassicTVMan1981X

5y↑14

@Ani Dominus Lenny's mother was actress Roxie Roker, who played Helen Willis on The Jeffersons, so that's one part of his advantage over Imani.

Philip Faustino

4y↑7

@ClassicTVMan1981X and he was also married to Lisa Bonet

Brandon M

4y↑4

She’s Brilliant

13 More Replies...

Nyc Guy

5y↑87

"Ain't no thing like a chicken wing." Imani an incredible talent. I've been following her career for 20 years. I can't figure out why she is not much more successful and famous. Her lyrics, music, voice, style, beauty, originality - it's all there.

Victor Marr

2y↑7

Because she wouldn't conform to corporate ideology. She knows her talents and how to use them.

Victoria Innes

2y↑18

2022 and this STILL SLAPS. She should have been huge. I still listen to this on the regular. What a legend!

Bufford Ang

4y↑29

Love this song, she’s a visionary and encompasses several musical genres: pop, country, rap, hip hop and rock. It should have gone to #1, and imani deserves more hits, not a one hit wonder

Mara B

6y↑54

This whole album is blows my friggin mind. Has been since I was 12 years old. This shit is timeless. Sounds just as current now, as when in came out in the 90's. Now this song is hick hop, in a good way. A whole album of with the country twang, beats and rapping over top would make my life. Such a good combination for some reason.

krogdog

4y↑30

If this song were released today it would still be a huge hit.

Dallas Heltzell

4y↑55

I'm 67 and Donovan's "Sunshine Superman" was one of my favorites from my teen years. But 30 years later I was blown away by what Imani Coppola did with this great sample. Why was she just a one-hit wonder? As somebody else wrote here, she should have owned the late '90s. I especially love her sweet, longing, wistful aside in the middle of this song:

"I"d give my life to be her. I'd give my life just to be her.
"I'd give my sight to see her. I'd give my sight just to see her."

I also love her quote in Wikipedia about this video: "It was very uncomfortable 'cause we had no room and their penises and their bums are just flopping around. It was like, 'Whoops, sorry. Didn't mean to touch you!' But they were all gay, so it didn't really matter. They were cute though. It was a shame."

AuberJean 68

3y↑2

Dallas Heltzell , always liked Sunshine Superman and this song is great! Has such an energy about it! Just saw Imani's video for the first time today and LOVE IT! Her video comment was hilarious! Thank you for posting it. Do you like Harry Styles song Golden? Only song I like by him, he's got America's You Can Do Magic as a back up. Whoever arranged it is talented. Be well. Greetings from Chicago 🍕

J C

3y↑3

I always think that about the bridge too. It brings a certain depth and dimension to the song, just that little dose of vulnerability in the middle of such a confident, assertive song. Really turns it into something even more remarkable.

Dallas Heltzell

3y↑1

@J C Well said about the bridge -- vulnerability beneath the confident façade. It really makes the song something special.

Dan Burke

3y↑5

Imani Coppola is one of the few one-hit-wonders who deserved better (i.e. more hits). Her whole debut album is cool, and she wasn't (isn't) like any other musical artist out there.

Casey Wortham

1y↑3

I love this song, first heard it in the 90’s. It’s a great fusion of R & B, alternative and a little country western imagery. Great song!

thetruth6872

5y↑22

I haven't heard this song in 20 years. What a great song.

Kelly Coleman

9y↑16

This song is a true classic with female independence leadership and unusual but collectively interesting sound of instrumentals. Hats off Imani! I have always loved this era of music.

Clay Goodwin

Women run the world........but men own it

ClassicTVMan1981X

The melody you hear is none other than "Sunshine Superman" by Donovan, which was a number 1 hit here in 1966.

Ralph Aldape

6y↑7

Loved this song. She should have had better promotion. She had it all voice, looks and style.

Unreleased/Underrated R&B Grooves

3y↑10

I’m surprised this wasn’t a huge hit back in ‘97, considering alternative & country were among the staples to some of the best hits of the mid/late 90s.

Mary Beth Morrison

2y↑4

This was my personal anthem for the all-too-short time it played on the radio. Seriously, this song was one of the best songs to come out of the 1990s, alongside Madonna’s Vogue.

This song was way ahead of its time. 😍😍😍

Franco R

3y↑3

I was mostly on the alternative rock, industrial rock and grunge ticket, but this song was one my musical happy places, for my rock loving early teenager self, it was a guilty pleasure. You rock Imani!!

taunton613

52w↑2

She's incredible.

Ghostlore

2y↑5

This girl was (and is) SO ahead of her time.

Duncan Pinderhughes

2y↑3

Imani was just way too ahead of her time. America didn't know what to make of a beautiful mixed black woman with an African/Italian name who could sing, play a violin and blended classic rock with a little country western and hip-hop. Absolutely amazing, well rounded woman. Still wanna marry her 😍

kcbh24

1y↑1

I loved this song and video as a kid. I fell in love with her vibe right away.

Milo The Russian Blue

6y↑23

I thought this song would have been a bigger hit. I loved it.

BasqueNYC

10y↑23

I was lucky enough to see her live in NYC and she was great live more rock sounding added more sound I loved it and once you heard that looped sample "Sunshine Superman" by Donovan start up u knew "Legend Of A Cowgirl" was coming on but with added guitars and live drummer,and she is a riot on stage too!!!

Jessica Gold

10y↑1

Thats what I told my mom in the car that i can hear Sunshine Superman and im 11

Alexandria Gold

10y

Jessica Gold I was on ur account so I said that lol love u mom!

Martin Lapalme

Always loved this song! Beatlesish Tomorrow never knows wanna be song?

Asterix

I photographed several Lilith Fair shows that year. She played on one of them. Amazing.

CaapriceTube

10y↑60

I LOVED THIS SONG...AND THE VIDEO EVEN MORE WHEN I WAS A KID.
Lol.

1997 WAS JUST A GOOD YEAR FOR MUSIC, IN EVERY GENRE!!!! R&B, Pop, all that boyband Backstreet stuff, Rap/Hip Hop, Rock, etc. Man, wish I could be 8-years old again! :(

Marion Harris

4y↑3

It was a cool year for music and it seemed like the strongest during that period. They even used a portion of her song in the comedy Bowfinger, when Heather Graham's character gets off the bus after arriving in L.A. One of the best songs of the 90s and she Imani should have had a bigger career after making such an awesome song.

C E NorthEast

3y↑4

The years 1994-1997 were AMAZING for so many kinds of music. We will probably never see the likes again.

AuberJean 68

3y↑2

STILL LOVE IT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS! Whoever thought about sampling Donovan is a genius! Good woman's emancipation song, like Independent Woman by Destiny's Child.

Wyld Heart

41w

This song is so catchy! It's one of those songs that's gonna be cool no matter what century it is

Unreleased/Underrated R&B Grooves

3y↑12

1:30 - 1:46 looks like a Missy Elliott video. This era was very unique, meshing any form of creativity that came to mind and squeezing into one video. There’s not enough words to describe how earth-shattering the late 90s were regarding music videos + catchy hits.

Opheliange

4y↑7

No idea why she didn't take off. Either way, this song is STILL a whole mood in the 2020s. 😎

351528

3y↑2

Like a lot of other people in this comment section I am baffled as to why she didn't blow up after this song, as far as I'm concerned it's just as fresh as it was in '97. One a related note I saw a short video about her on YouTube and I learned that she never stopped working in music. From what I remember she composes music for commercials, film, and tv so she's doing well.🙂

u_kbh

10y↑10

Great great great song! And, oh, what a lovely video.. Brings back good memories and lifts the spirit!

Cheryl Z

6y↑2

This whole album was just amazing.

2120musiclover

42w

Still one of my favorite albums!

Nicola Honey 🍯

5y↑2

Such a great song! Loved it when it came out, love it now!

DaveRave (AKA DAVE GØRDØN)

We haven't had a singer like this come out and really come up with some awesome sounds since, that is, until Janelle Monae, and I love her work with Grimes!

PeeGee

6y↑5

Love this song! Sounds like country hip hop..

Dallas Heltzell

39w

It's everything: Hip hop, country, rock, pop, classic rock, R&B, alternative - and with an appeal that spans nearly 60 years, from Donovan in 1966 through 1997 to today in 2023. That's a big part of what makes this so special. I bought "Sunshine Superman" on a vinyl 45 when I was 14, bought Imani Coppola's CD when I was 45, and today at age 71 I've been known to crank up both songs back to back on my Bose bluetooth speakers and annoy the neighbors!

Drop Point

Saw this on a just turned 25 years playlist and it blasted from a long forgotten place in my brain i love this song.

Gay Air Conditioner

1y↑2

Dad, I blame you for this song being stuck in my head. told myself I wasn't obsessed with it but, well, it's literally all I can think about right now lol

MsBerryVeryMuch

43w↑1

😂 lol props to dad!! 🎉

Julia

2y↑2

I used to love this song as a kid, completely forgot about it!! This is now my single independent female anthem

Megan Schultz

4y↑8

I used to order clothing from Delia's magazine back in the late '90s and they sent a CD with one of my orders. It had a bunch of awesome female artists on it and that was the first time I heard this song. I was OBSESSED!

LilyJu

9y↑3

Thank you Imani to have maid those creative pieces of art! I Still listen to it while practicing my voice and dance!!!!!! Thanks (Y) And you have the most beautiful voice in the world!!! ^^

Dawn Marie Martinson Cordes

6y↑5

I've always loved this song!!!

Peta Goodsir

7y↑9

Imani is so beautiful. way before her time and indecently overlooked. her influence however,, remains strong!!!

Greg B

2y↑1

Always really dug this song and I still jam it on occasion. Sad she never really blew up cuz this was awesome.

Jane Wanderlust

You literally had me BELTING this out...with old dance moves included! I'm SO GLAD I FOUND THIS SONG AGAIN!! A OG POWER SONG!!🔥🗣👑👏👏👏

Mike O'Neill

7y↑6

I love this song! I saw her at SXSW in Austin right after this came out (20 years ago!?) I had her sign the tape case insert but lost it after I "upgraded" to CD! Ha! I still listen to it when I need a pick up!

Gary80264

10y↑65

What a song. The way they sampled Donavan's Sunshine Superman

Magic Slave

Tell me about it

Brian

3y↑1

Was just thinking this might be the greatest sample ever done

GrinningBlackDoge

2y↑1

The hook reminds me of Madonna’s beautiful stranger.

1 More Replies...

Melanie E.

5y↑5

I loved this song. I forgot about it until I went to Applebee’s and they were playing it.

jfrey1

10y↑15

Love the song, love the video. One of my favorites from the '90s. Beyonce should take a couple lessons from Imani.

Daniel Lozano

This whole album is bangin'!

Lateshia Childs

2y↑1

I just love her music and her style.

Appy-polly-loggies Shade

3y↑2

I love this song!!

Rodrigo Miguel

4y↑6

For a long time I thought I was crazy because I've heard this song at Brazil's MTV in the 90s a couple of times and I used to love so much but suddenly they stopped playing and I completely forgot to write the artist name down, you know we didn't have internet then it was very important to write stuff down just in case the radio doesn't play anymore or MTV never broadcast the video again. So I was doubting myself if this song real... haha. I love this video and this song. Saved my quarantine. Imani you're the best!

Kimberly McCool

3y↑2

Love, love love this song. The video just makes it better.

Left Is Best

4y↑2

I love this song. 🙌💋😎🎶🎵

fabipivete

38w

this song is and ALWAYS will be DA BOMB!

Sue H

3y↑1

I've always loved this song!

Matthew Jay Evans

4y↑4

This song was in the movie Bowfinger!!! Specifically the scene where Heather Graham gets off the bus and walks over to the audition for Chubby Rain. Wonderful movie. 🙂

btetschner

Amazing song!
Very unique, thank you for the video.

Jorge Luis

Me encanta imani su musica es lo maximo saludos desde latinoamerica.

ClassicTVMan1981X

5y↑3

It would have been cool if Imani had done this song live in concert with Donovan, the man who wrote the melody ("Sunshine Superman").

Jay Squared

7y↑30

I've been trying to find this album on iTunes...why is it not on there?? This album was so good (in my opinion)

mindydawn1

6y↑1

It's not on Spotify either. :-/

How to Play the Drums by Tim Rowe

6y↑3

I have it on CD in the car and it never comes out.

Jesús Gallardo

I could upload it to drive and share it with you.

Tati’s Music Chat’s

Jay Squared it’s on Apple Music

John Jennings

5y↑2

@mindydawn1 it's on spotify

1 More Replies...

B Hyland

7y↑5

I haven't heard this song in years it got me through some difficult moments

G D

Always the best song...
Imani makes me feel free.

Joe Brower

4y↑2

What a great song. :-)

polyprinz

Still listening to this in 2018. Imani is one of those badass female artists that came out in the late 90's with great songs!!!

Kitty

Omg I’ve been looking for this song!!! I remember she dressed up as a club kid for her Arsenio Hall performance. She’s so great!

Fangaliel Lionheart

7y↑1

<3 this song since many years ! Thanks allot for creating it !

Dan O

I loved this song. Why wasn't she more popular ???

Andres Bueno

5y↑4

so talented!

Griemy Pooh

6y↑1

One of my favorite songs.

zzyzx00

3y↑1

this song is ridiculously ahead of its time

Left Is Best

4y↑3

This song should of become a classic for the dancing bikers alone. 🙌😎✊

Noris Kadum

8y↑35

90s music is very enjoyable. Magic Memories

R.D. outlaw

7y↑2

This was and is a great song and video ! Truly enjoy it !

Leslie Jarrell

3y↑3

Still here in 2021. I was like 12 in 1998 and I was jamin this song! Just played it for my 6 year old daughter although it took me about an hour of Google searches to remember her name and the song name/lyrics! i could only remember "i don't need no man" and "im gonna pack my bag" but then i would start sining the lyrics to 'the old town road' song lmao but it was WORTH THE INTENSE GOOGLING!!!

dawn toney

5y↑1

Better than today's music

Jimmy Gillard

5y↑3

I had forggotten about this tune, then it randomly popped in my head a few weeks ago. Such a tune.

Rene Cloarec

LOVE THIS!!

2x._jaydontplay

2y↑2

This song changed my life! I got courage to pack my bags and mount my camaro(horse) and ride on into the next town (Texas)

Lala Agee

Love this song.

IchNaturally

9y↑9

Classically unique...

IDidn'tWantA 2partName

Love This!💝

cocteautwinned

2y↑1

This song was, is, and will always be, da shit!! 🔥😁🤭🥰😘

Danny R

That sample! That sound! I do dare say it: she did a better job utilizing it than Donovan; cool, cool track!

Lillian Griffin

10y↑20

I saw this once on Mtv when I was a teen. Ahh memories.

Jelena Radivojevic

8y↑1

bgdz

Jeanne Simmons

Before MTV turned into soap opera crap. Those were the good old days for sure!

James Dugan

I have to join the other commenters who just can't praise her work enough. I've liked Legend for years, just didn't know the name of the song or who did it until last week. I'm ashamed to admit, but for years I thought this was my favorite Sheryl Crow song. I found the video by searching for lines from the lyric. Suddenly YouTube's algorithm is showing one great Imani Coppola song after another. So my mind is getting blown by all the great work she's done the last 20 years. There's a quote by Eddie Cantor, "It takes 20 years to make an overnight success." Imani, if you read this, I sincerely wish you get all that you've worked so hard to attain.

Shane Sokoluk

3y↑1

Better than most stuff you hear 👂🏻on the radio 📻 these days but maybe it was her choice to stay out of the limelight.

Wowmusicable

I actually got this album on CD 😄

ashley35211x

4y↑3

Brilliant song and video. Wish that she had been bigger. One of my favorite parts in the video are the biker dancers doing the Carlton dance. 😂

MsBerryVeryMuch

43w

omg why im just now noticing that 😂😂😂😂 they are!! lmaoo

HappyGo Lucky7

2y↑1

Childhood Classic ❤

Linsay Thiebaud

I remember having this single on cassette

utoobuser101

9y↑26

great song and video. why isn't she more famous?

Aleha Ingle

9y↑8

utoobuser101 You must not know much about the music industry.

ClassicTVMan1981X

8y↑6

+utoobuser101
Her record label at the time, Columbia Records, wanted her to continue with the Puff Daddy school of sampling other people's tunes, and she didn't want to go down that road any longer. . . she wanted to do original stuff.

SELMUN TATATAYA

6y↑4

Uhhh I remember those endless 90's nights when I was a teen seeing this on the cable music channels. Bittersweet times indeed.

startervisions

43w↑2

pretty interesting how a platinum single from the 90's is just chilling here at 500k views

Ston

6y↑2

Personally, I love it.

Douglas Chappa

7y↑68

proof the 90's were awesome!

Aaron Creagh

5y↑2

This is the pop song, that remains in my personal top 20 list.

Stone Artisen

5y↑3

Anything is better than this shitty era

Jeanne Simmons

I think I was in 10th grade (sophomore year, 1997) or just finishing it when this song came out. Haven't heard it in years, but it randomly popped into my head tonight. Lol!

PoeticJustice

How did she afford all that? Like dancers and crew n stuff😂 Anyways the video production and settings were actually really good Im wondering why she doesn’t have as much views? It was such a 90’s vibe!