This song appears on six albums, and was first released on the Farewell Andromeda Album, and has also been released on the Changes, Country Classics, The Country Roads Collection and The Mountain Collection Albums. A live version also appears on The Best of John Denver Live Album.
Jesse went away summer, a couple of months ago After all our together, it was hard to see her go She called me right up she arrived, asked me one more time to come Or livin' on an LA freeway, Ain't my kinda fun
I think I'd be a cowboy I think I'd rather the reigns I think I'd be a cowboy Then to lay me down and love the chains
We just beginnin', it was such an easy way Layin' up in the mountains, makin' songs for summer days She got tired of pickin' daisies, cookin' my for me She can live the she wants to, yes, it's alright with me
I I'd rather be a cowboy I think I'd rather ride the I think I'd be a cowboy Then to lay me down and the lady's chains
I'd rather live on the side of a Than wander through canyons of and steel I'd rather laugh with the rain and the lay down my sun down in some starry field
Oh, but I miss her in the morning, when I awake The absence of her laughter, is a cold and empty But her memory always makes me smile, and I want you to I her yes I love her, just enough to let her go
I think I'd rather be a I think I'd ride the reigns I I'd rather be a cowboy Then to lay me down and love the lady's
I think I'd rather be a I think I'd ride the reigns I I'd rather be a cowboy Then to lay me down and lady's chains
Words and music by John