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 and The Rocky Mountain Collection Albums. A live version also appears on The Best of John Denver Live Album.
Jesse went away last summer, a couple of 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 on an LA freeway, Ain't my kinda havin' fun
I think I'd rather be a I I'd rather ride the reigns I I'd rather be a cowboy Then to lay me and love the lady's 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, my meals for me She can live the life she wants to, yes, alright with me
I I'd rather be a cowboy I I'd rather ride the reigns I I'd rather be a cowboy Then to lay me down and love the chains
I'd rather live on the of a mountain Than wander through canyons of concrete and I'd rather with the rain and the sunshine Then lay down my sun down in some starry
Oh, but I miss her in the morning, when I alone The absence of her laughter, is a cold and sound But her always makes me smile, and I want you to know 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 think I'd be a cowboy Then to lay me down and love the chains
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 lady's
Words and music by John