Released: 2004
Big & Rich’s ‘Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy’ is a playful country anthem that juxtaposes the cowboy lifestyle with modern city life. The song tells a story of a cowboy who’s unapologetically himself, and his adventures in the city.
The song starts with the cowboy entering a room, handing out hundred-dollar bills, and buying rounds of drinks, creating a lively atmosphere. The ‘horns on my Silverado grill’ is a nod to the traditional cowboy’s vehicle, a pickup truck, in this case, a Chevrolet Silverado. The phrase ‘double round of crown’ refers to Crown Royal, a popular whiskey.
‘Saddle up my horse and I ride into the city’ signifies the cowboy’s journey from the countryside to the city. The phrase ‘Save a horse, ride a cowboy’ is a playful suggestion from the city girls, implying they’d rather spend time with the cowboy than ride a horse.
The cowboy declares he doesn’t ‘give a dang about nothing’, showing his carefree attitude. ‘Bling-Blinging’ is a term for flashy jewelry or accessories, indicating he’s enjoying his time in the city. ‘Long necks down’ refers to drinking long neck beers.
He wouldn’t trade his horse, Leroy, or his Chevrolet for an Escalade, a luxury SUV, or join the ‘freak parade’, likely referring to the city’s more extravagant lifestyle. He considers himself the ‘only John Wayne left in this town’, comparing himself to the iconic cowboy actor, implying he’s a true cowboy amidst city folks.
The ‘thoroughbred’ line is a flirtatious comment from a girl, indicating she sees him as a high-quality catch. ‘Getting buzzed on suds’ means they’re getting drunk on beer, while ‘giggin frogs’ refers to hunting frogs at night, a country pastime. He tries to impress her by singing Willie Nelson songs, a legendary country singer, and they end up making love.
The song concludes with repeated choruses, emphasizing the cowboy’s adventures in the city and the playful suggestion to ‘Save a horse, ride a cowboy’. The cowboy remains true to his roots, embracing his country lifestyle amidst the city’s glitz and glamour.
