The song "Last Cowboy Song" by Waylon Jennings reflects upon the decline of the cowboy way of life and the changing landscape of America. It tells the story of a modern-day cowboy who struggles to make a living amidst the encroaching urbanization and industrialization. The lyrics describe how the cowboy now works in a feed lot and as a clerk in a market, selling tobacco and beer on weekends. He is surrounded by fences and concrete, symbolizing the loss of open spaces and the traditional cowboy lifestyle. The Old Chisholm Trail, once a historic route for cattle drives, is now covered with concrete and the cattle are transported to market in large trucks. The song laments how the cowboy's way of life is fading away, with the market trucks passing by without acknowledging his existence. The lyrics emphasize the sense of loss and nostalgia for a time when the cowboy life and its values were central to American culture. Overall, "Last Cowboy Song" is a reflection on the disappearing traditions and spirit of the cowboy in modern times. It highlights the impact of progress and commercialization on rural America, leaving behind a sense of longing and sadness for a bygone era.
