Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Waylon and Willie’s 1970s Classic Hit “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson performed a great duet with the song “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys. “

Waylon, Willie, Classic Hit
Via YouTube.com by Screengrab

Waylon Arnold Jennings professionally known as Waylon Jennings was a popular American singer and songwriter in the 1950s to 2000s. He has achieved numerous honors and awards. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. However, he died on February 2002 due to complications from diabetes.

Willie Nelson is a multi-awarded country artist in the 1950s up to the present. He is one of the most influential and most recognized music artists of all time. He has also achieved numerous major awards and honors. He had also made countless hit singles and albums.

Both were really good singers. Today, let us talk about one of their hit singles “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.”

“Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”

It is a classic song written by Ed Bruce and his wife. Ed Bruce popularized this song in the 1970s and his rendition appears on his self-titled album. The song made it to number 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

Waylon, Willie, Classic Hit
Via YouTube.com by Screengrab

Years ago, “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” rose to number 1 on the country charts because of Willie and Jennings’s rendition. They have covered this song and it was released January 1978 from their album, Waylon & Willie. The duo won the 1979 Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

Nelson also made his own version of the song and it has been featured in the 1979 American film, The Electric Horseman.

The Lyrics Breakdown

Cowboys ain’t easy to love and they’re harder to hold
They’d rather give you a song than diamonds or gold
Lonestar belt buckles and old faded Levi’s and each night begins a new day
If you don’t understand him and he don’t die young
He’ll probably just ride away 

Cowboys may not be easy to love, but this song definitely is. “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is a song that warns every mother not to let their children become cowboys. The life of a cowboy is not as easy as others because cowboys have a tough and busy life.

Listen to Waylon and Willie’s Rendition here:

Trending

Latest Stories

Craig Morgan delivering an emotional performance of 'The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost' on The Kelly Clarkson Show, moving the audience to tears as he honors his son's memory.

Craig Morgan’s “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost” Moves “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to Tears

In 2016, Craig Morgan faced a tragedy no parent should ever endure: the loss of his 19-year-old son, Jerry, in a tubing accident on Kentucky Lake. Morgan’s heartbreak was profound, ...

Jesse Keith Whitley and his son Jackie performing a heartfelt duet of 'Don't Close Your Eyes,' honoring Keith Whitley's legacy with a touching family tribute.

Jesse Keith Whitley and Son Jackie Duet “Don’t Close Your Eyes” in a Heartfelt Tribute

At Lorrie Morgan’s Spicy Hot Chicken Coop in Panama City Beach, Florida, fans were treated to a magical evening when Jesse Keith Whitley performed his father’s iconic song “Don’t Close ...

Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson brought together through modern technology for a duet of 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee,' blending their iconic voices in a timeless gospel masterpiece.

Willie Nelson Joins Patsy Cline for a Heavenly “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

Patsy Cline’s tragic death in a 1963 plane crash left an irreplaceable void in country music. Her haunting voice, which gave us classics like “Cr𝐚zy” and “I Fall to Pieces,” ...

Vince Gill performing 'The Price of Regret,' conveying a heartfelt message of unity, compassion, and healing, showcasing his enduring impact on country music.

Vince Gill’s “The Price of Regret” Is a Timeless Call for Unity

In 2019, Vince Gill once again proved why he’s a cornerstone of country music with his powerful single “The Price of Regret” from the album Okie. Known for his ability ...

George Jones delivering his final performance of 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' in 2013, a heartfelt farewell from a country music legend filled with raw emotion.

George Jones’ Last Performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” Was Unforgettable

George Jones, lovingly known as “The Possum,” gave the world one last gift with his final performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” on April 6, 2013. Captured during his ...

Blake Shelton performing a lively cover of 'Footloose,' inspiring Texas Roadhouse staff to create a viral line dance that blends music, fun, and energetic dining vibes.

Texas Roadhouse Staff Goes Viral Dancing to Blake Shelton’s “Footloose”

In 2015, Texas Roadhouse became more than just a restaurant serving mouthwatering steaks and buttery rolls—it became the stage for a viral moment with everyone tapping their feet. The reason? ...

George Jones and Dolly Parton’s Breathtaking Duet of “The Blues Man”

In 2005, country legends George Jones and Dolly Parton teamed up for a stunning rendition of Hank Williams Jr.’s “The Blues Man.” The collaboration marked the first time these two ...

Scotty McCreery Stuns With “That’s All Right, Mama” on American Idol

In 2011, a skinny, baseball-loving teen from North Carolina stepped onto the American Idol stage and turned the country music world on its ear. Chris Piner of American Songwriter recalls ...

Scotty McCreery performing 'Hello Darlin'' at the Grand Ole Opry in 2015, paying tribute to Conway Twitty and honoring the roots of country music.

Scotty McCreery Honors Conway Twitty with Moving “Hello Darlin'” at the Opry

In 2015, Scotty McCreery stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage with a reverence few performers could match. Four years after his American Idol win, McCreery proved he wasn’t just ...

Alex Miller performing on stage with his signature cowboy hat, showcasing his classic country charm and journey from American Idol to the Grand Ole Opry.

Alex Miller’s “Silver Wings” Performance Earns Grand Ole Opry Invite

For many artists, the Grand Ole Opry is a stage where dreams are made. It’s where legends are born and where country music’s history comes alive. For Alex Miller, a ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.