This song appears on six albums, and was first released on the Farewell Album, and has also been released on the Changes, Country Classics, The Country Roads Collection and The Rocky 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 time together, it was to see her go She called me right up when she arrived, asked me one time to come Or livin' on an LA freeway, Ain't my kinda fun
I I'd rather be a cowboy I think I'd rather the reigns I I'd rather be a cowboy Then to lay me down and the lady's chains
We were just beginnin', it was an easy way Layin' up in the mountains, makin' songs for summer days She got tired of daisies, cookin' my meals for me She can live the she wants to, yes, it's alright with me
I think I'd be a cowboy I think I'd rather ride the I I'd rather be a cowboy Then to lay me and love the lady's chains
I'd live on the side of a mountain Than wander canyons of concrete and steel I'd rather laugh with the and the sunshine Then lay my sun down in some starry field
Oh, but I miss her in the morning, when I alone The absence of her laughter, is a cold and empty But her memory makes me smile, and I want you to know I love her yes I love her, enough to let her go
I think I'd be a cowboy I I'd rather ride the reigns I think I'd rather be a to lay me down and love the lady's chains
I think I'd be a cowboy I think I'd ride the reigns I think I'd be a cowboy Then to lay me down and love chains
Words and music by Denver