From the year 2001 to 2004, Cyrus starred in the television show Doc. The show was about a country doctor who moved from Montana to New York City. In late 2005, he also began to co-star in the Disney Channel series, Hannah Montana, with daughter Miley Cyrus. The show has been on the air for three seasons.
The I'm American Songfacts reports that Billy Ray Cyrus’ twelfth studio album, I'm American is a collection of patriotic songs. It was initially scheduled to be released in November 2010, but after being pushed back numerous times, it finally came out on June 28, 2011.
The Buffalo
Billy Ray Cyrus Lyrics
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Its Friday afternoon about five
We had to make some cuts around here
Sorry, Mac, you won't survive"
He sat there stunned in silence
The hard word's ringing in his ears
Couldn't believe all the years he'd given
His first thought was, "How do I tell her
That I lost my job today?"
As he left he felt so wounded
And his boss just slipped away
He wondered where's the justice
When I gave it everything I got?
And driving home the fire kicked in
And the feeling sorry for himself just stopped
[Chorus]
He said, "I ain't gonna go the way of the buffalo"
I will not go quietly the way that they want us to be
Driven from the only life we've known
I ain't gonna go the way of the buffalo
He held her close as he told her the news
Prepared for her to cry
As the afternoon sun was going down
He saw a different look in her eyes
She said, "Baby you've always been my hero
So hold your head up tall and proud
Let them take away everything we own
But we ain't going down
[Chorus]
We ain't gonna go the way of the buffalo
No, we will not go quietly the way that they want us to be
Driven from the only life we've known
We ain't gonna go the way of the buffalo
As they stood there in the darkness
She reached out and took his hand
She whispered, "Remember, baby, you have the blood of everyone
Who's ever had to make a stand,
Who's ever had to find a brand new land"
[Chorus]
And We ain't gonna go the way of the buffalo
No, we will not go quietly the way that they want us to be
Driven from the only life we've known
We ain't gonna go the way of the buffalo
And, baby, who knows what's waiting out there?
As long as we got each other, baby, I don't care
The lyrics of Billy Ray Cyrus's song "The Buffalo" tell a story of a man named Mac who loses his job and contemplates his future with his wife. The song's title and message stem from the analogy of the way of the buffalo. The chorus mantra repeats that they will not go the way of the buffalo, that they will not go quietly the way that they are expected to go. The metaphorical buffalo evokes a feeling of determination, resilience, and freedom. The song encourages listeners to not conform to societal expectations and expectations of one’s supposed destiny. It is a call to be strong in the face of challenges.
The lyrics' story reflects a universal experience felt by many who encounter lost jobs or unforeseen hardships, highlighting the fear, confusion, and self-pity they can experience. It portrays the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and how the support of loved ones can make all the difference. When Mac alerts her partner to the bad news, she responds with an inspirational and supportive message, assuring him of her admiration and reminding him of the strength he possesses.
Overall, "The Buffalo" serves as a reminder of the power of human perseverance and the ability of individuals to rise above difficult circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Boss said, "Mac, I need to see you
The superior called Mac to let him know of a sudden layoff on a Friday afternoon.
Its Friday afternoon about five
The company waited until the end of the week to let people go.
We had to make some cuts around here
The company had financial struggles and had to let go of some employees.
Sorry, Mac, you won't survive"
Mac was informed that he was let go in the most straightforward manner.
He sat there stunned in silence
Mac was in disbelief and speechless.
The hard word's ringing in his ears
Mac couldn't forget the harshness of the message he has just received.
Couldn't believe all the years he'd given
Mac devoted a significant portion of his life to his job and was upset to be let go.
Suddenly had disappeared
Mac's career prospects suddenly vanished in front of him.
His first thought was, "How do I tell her
Mac was worried about how he would break the news to his loved one.
That I lost my job today?"
Mac was laid off and parting ways with his company.
As he left he felt so wounded
Mac left work feeling hurt and disappointed in himself.
And his boss just slipped away
Mac's boss chose a cowardly approach to avoid directly speaking to Mac.
He wondered where's the justice
Mac felt that he didn't deserve to lose his job after years of hard work.
When I gave it everything I got?
Mac was bewildered because he had put in all his efforts in his work.
And driving home the fire kicked in
While driving home, Mac's passion and fighting spirit were reignited.
And the feeling sorry for himself just stopped
Mac stopped feeling sorry for himself and decided to fight the injustice.
He said, "I ain't gonna go the way of the buffalo"
Mac decided that he won't be a victim of the layoff and fight against it.
I will not go quietly the way that they want us to be
Mac was determined to fight and not give up without a struggle.
Driven from the only life we've known
The layoffs threatened the life he and his partner had created for themselves.
He held her close as he told her the news
Mac shared the devastating news with his partner, holding her tight.
Prepared for her to cry
Mac's partner was anticipating bad news and was ready to be emotional.
As the afternoon sun was going down
The sun was setting, symbolising an end to Mac's work life.
He saw a different look in her eyes
His partner looked at him differently, showing support and solidarity.
She said, "Baby you've always been my hero
Mac's partner called him a hero in a sign of emotional support.
So hold your head up tall and proud
She encouraged Mac to be confident and stand tall.
Let them take away everything we own
She recognized the possibility of losing material possessions but believed in their strength as a unit.
But we ain't going down
They decided that they won't let the situation break them down.
And baby, who knows what's waiting out there?
They acknowledged the uncertainty of the future but found strength in each other's company.
As long as we got each other, baby, I don't care
Mac and his partner found profound contentment in the rarity of having each other.
She whispered, "Remember, baby, you have the blood of everyone
His partner reminded him of their ancestors who stood up for their rights, hoping to reignite his fighting spirit.
Who's ever had to make a stand,
She reminded him of those who took a stand and fought injustice in the past.
Who's ever had to find a brand new land"
She encouraged him to seize the opportunity to find a new path in life.
__chorus__
Mac and his partner chose not to be victims of job loss and rather made a decision of determination to fight and soldier on.
And We ain't gonna go the way of the buffalo
Mac and his partner chose not to just give up without a fight.
No, we will not go quietly the way that they want us to be
Mac and his partner won't let the company make them powerless and subdued.
Driven from the only life we've known
Mac and his partner refused to give up everything they knew and loved without a fight.
We ain't gonna go the way of the buffalo
They decided to fight the layoffs bravely and stand up for what they believe in.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDY GOLDMARK, TOM DOUGLAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brittney Berg
I really enjoy this song
Scott Bjorgum
Happy birthday Billy Ray
Nelson Fischer
Me too