Cowboy Star
Ambrosia Lyrics


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Of man's progress I don't give a hoot
And man's estrangements of nature's arrangements
Has given cause for my heartbreak to boot

The simple life, though filled with strife
And struggle with the land
Still remained its simple self
And that I understand

So city smog and dog eat dog
For some may hold sublime
Well as for me if I had my way
I'd had lived some other time

Praise the prairie
And pass the cake
I'd like to eat it too
But being born now was my mistake
I've passed the buckaroo

I'd say
You're right
No chance, why fight?
Why be a cowboy star?

(But) hump back Brahmas
Lovely cow mamas
Saw dust floor saloons
Dance hall queens romanced in my dreams
So why pop my balloon?

No chance
Why fight?
Still in my own right
I'd be a cowboy star

Dreams of my life
Are so carried away
If just in my dreams
I could be for one day
Just for one day

Lost in my dreams
I'll be riding away
Like a cowboy star





Stage set: sundown
In my last showdown I'll be

Overall Meaning

Ambrosia's song Cowboy Star reflects the singer's longing for a simpler life that is closer to nature. The first two lines of the song express his lack of interest in human progress and the negative effects it has had on nature. He acknowledges the difficulties of living off the land, but believes that this life is more authentic and understandable. The next lines express his distaste for the cutthroat urban lifestyle and his longing for a different era. He sarcastically praises the dusty prairie of his daydreams and admits that he wants to be a cowboy star, despite the fact that this is no longer possible. He knows he was born too late to realize his dream, but he still holds onto it.


The song is a beautiful commentary on the struggle between nature and civilization throughout human history. The singer yearns for a simpler life in nature, but it is already lost to him. He idealizes the past and dreams of a different life but knows that it can never be his. The beautiful lyrics and the music evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing that resonates with many people.


Line by Line Meaning

Of man's progress I don't give a hoot
I don't care about the advancements humans have made


And man's estrangements of nature's arrangements
Humans distancing themselves from natural ways


Has given cause for my heartbreak to boot
This makes me really sad


The simple life, though filled with strife
Living simply, even though it's difficult


And struggle with the land
Working hard to make a living off the land


Still remained its simple self
It maintained its natural simplicity


And that I understand
And I appreciate that


So city smog and dog eat dog
The polluted city life and competitive mindset


For some may hold sublime
Some people might find it wonderful


Well as for me if I had my way
But if I had a choice


I'd had lived some other time
I'd prefer to live in a different time period


Praise the prairie
I love the open fields


And pass the cake
Pass me a slice of cake too


I'd like to eat it too
I would like to have some cake


But being born now was my mistake
It's unfortunate that I was born in this era


I've passed the buckaroo
I'm not cut out to be a cowboy anymore


I'd say
In response to someone telling me that being a cowboy star is impossible


You're right
I understand where you're coming from


No chance, why fight?
It's probably not realistic or worth trying


Why be a cowboy star?
Why pursue that dream?


Hump back Brahmas
Ugly cows


Lovely cow mamas
Beautiful cows


Saw dust floor saloons
Bars with dirt floors


Dance hall queens romanced in my dreams
I've had dreams about dancing with beautiful women


So why pop my balloon?
Why ruin my dreams?


No chance
I still think it's unlikely


Why fight?
Why bother trying?


Still in my own right
But it's my right to dream and pursue what I want


I'd be a cowboy star
I still aspire to be a cowboy star


Dreams of my life
The aspirations I have


Are so carried away
Seem so out of reach


If just in my dreams
Even if it's just in my imagination


I could be for one day
I can be a cowboy star, even if it's brief


Lost in my dreams
Lost in my imagination


I'll be riding away
I'll be living out my dream


Like a cowboy star
As a famous cowboy


Stage set: sundown
The scene is set at sunset


In my last showdown I'll be
I'll go out with a final bang




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BURLEIGH DRUMMOND, CHRISTOPHER NORTH, DAVID ROBERT PACK, JOSEPH PUERTA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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