Introduction
“Cowboys Like Us,” George Strait taps into the enduring mythos of the American cowboy—not as a character from an old western film, but as a living, breathing symbol of freedom, loyalty, and living life on your own terms. Released in 2003 as a single from his Honkytonkville album, the song became a fan favorite and a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, earning praise for its honest lyricism and understated power.
Written by Bob DiPiero and Anthony Smith, “Cowboys Like Us” is a song about bonded souls who live by the code of the road—riding Harleys instead of horses, trading spurs for leather jackets, but carrying that same sense of unspoken honor and independence. It’s a modern cowboy anthem, not tied to a place or profession, but to a mindset: one of living free, embracing the journey, and holding tightly to friendship along the way.
“Cowboys like us sure do have fun / Racin’ the wind, chasin’ the sun…” — the chorus rolls like open highway, capturing the romanticism of the ride and the camaraderie that makes it all worthwhile. It’s a celebration of the bond between kindred spirits who understand each other without needing to say much. It’s about men who carry their scars lightly, their loyalty quietly, and their freedom proudly.
George Strait’s voice—as always—is steady, smooth, and effortlessly authentic. There’s no exaggeration in his delivery, no performance for the sake of drama. Instead, he lets the lyrics breathe, giving the listener space to settle into the rhythm of the road, the glow of the campfire, or the rumble of a bike beneath the stars.
The arrangement blends traditional country sounds with Southern rock influences—a rich bed of electric guitar, steel guitar, and a steady, almost loping rhythm that feels like the heartbeat of a long ride west. It’s both grounded and open, like the lifestyle it honors.
What makes “Cowboys Like Us” so enduring is that it doesn’t try to redefine the cowboy—it simply reminds us that the cowboy spirit is alive and well, whether on a ranch, a stage, or a stretch of highway with your best friend riding beside you.
For longtime fans of George Strait, this song captures one of the truest themes in his music: honor, freedom, and connection. For new listeners, it’s an invitation to understand country music’s ability to tell stories that are rugged, real, and deeply human.
“Cowboys Like Us” isn’t just about motorcycles or dusty boots—it’s about the kind of loyalty and independence that never goes out of style. And no one delivers that message better than George Strait.