Galactic Cowboys are a heavy rock/metal band based in Houston, Texas. They … Read Full Bio ↴Galactic Cowboys are a heavy rock/metal band based in Houston, Texas. They combine progressive metal with a style of vocals influenced by The Beatles and the heavy playing style of thrash bands such as Anthrax.

Original members Monty Colvin (Bass, vocals), Alan Doss (Drums, vocals), Ben Huggins (Lead vocals, guitar), and Dane Sonnier (Guitar, vocals) released their self-titled album in 1991, with the follow-up "Space In Your Face" in 1993. Sonnier then decided to leave the group. The band returned in 1996 with album number three entitled "Machine Fish" on Metal Blade Records, along with new guitarist Wally Farkas.

It was in 1997 that they released "The Horse That Bud Bought", which was a minor departure for the band. They used a similar songwriting style but lightened the tone. The music contained a more rock feel, with less metal leanings. The music for the next two albums, "At The End Of The Day" and "Let It Go" also were also similar in this regard.

After 2000's "Let It Go" the Cowboys decided to disband. The former members of the band continued to be active in the music scene, until the original lineup reunited in 2017 for the album "Long Way Back to the Moon".

Pattin' Yourself On The Back
Galactic Cowboys Lyrics

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OK they all say you're a winner now
Save face, win with grace
But you don't know how

So big your heads gonna crack
Someday your arms gonna snap
From pattin' yourself on the back

Big drag hate to brag but you always do
Been told that you're gold
And ya think it's true

Don't ya know I'm a winner now

Don't ya know I'm a winner now
You know I'll never be a loser

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Galactic Cowboys's "Pattin' Yourself On The Back" talks about the idea of being a winner and the ego that comes with it. The first verse starts off by stating that everyone says you are a winner and need to save face and win with grace, however, the problem is that you don't know how to do that. The chorus talks about how big your head has gotten from constantly patting yourself on the back, to the point where someday your arms will snap from doing it too much. The second verse continues to berate the ego of the winner, by stating that they hate to brag but always do so, believing that they are gold and think it's true.

The song can be interpreted as a critique on the self-congratulatory behavior of individuals who constantly seek validation and praise from others, without really deserving it. It can also serve as a reminder to remain humble and gracious in one's successes. The song is poignant in its message about not losing oneself to the success of one's achievements.

Line by Line Meaning

OK they all say you're a winner now
People say that you are successful at the moment

Save face, win with grace
If you fail, keep your composure and accept it gracefully

But you don't know how
You have no idea how to handle losing or failure

So big your heads gonna crack
You have an inflated ego

Someday your arms gonna snap
You're continuously patting yourself on the back for your accomplishments, which eventually will lead to your downfall

From pattin' yourself on the back
Your self-congratulatory attitude is your undoing

Big drag hate to brag but you always do
You don't like to show off but you can't help yourself

Been told that you're gold
You've been praised excessively

And ya think it's true
You believe the praise and think you are truly superior

Don't ya know I'm a winner now
You keep reminding others that you are currently successful

Don't ya know I'm a winner now
You are desperate for others to acknowledge your success