Originally recorded by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, this classic country song features a gentle, swinging rhythm and prominent acoustic guitar. The original arrangement is relaxed, making it approachable for beginners.
Chords & Key Changes
The song uses basic open chords: D, G, A, A7 in the first half, then transitions to E, A, B7 in the second half. Practice switching smoothly between these chords. For A7, simply lift your middle finger off the second fret of the B string from the standard A chord.
Strumming Pattern
A simple country strum works well: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up. Play gently, keeping the rhythm laid-back. Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become comfortable.
Transitions & Tips
- The verses and choruses start on the root chord (D or E).
- Watch for the key change after the first chorus. Pause and shift up from D to E shape.
- Practice A to A7 and B7 to E transitions, as these are frequent and essential for the song’s feel.
- For a more authentic sound, try light palm muting with your strumming hand.
Final Advice
Keep your strumming hand relaxed for a steady groove. Focus on clean chord changes, especially during the key change. Listen to the original recording to get a feel for the tempo and mood. With practice, this song is very rewarding for beginners.
IntroD
Verse 1Cowboys ain't easy to love and they're harder toG hold
A7 They'd rather give you aA song than diamonds orD gold
Lonestar belt buckles and old faded Levis andG each night begins a new day
If youA7 don't understand him, andA he don't die young,A7 he'll prob'ly just ride aD way
ChorusMamas, don't let your babies grow up to beG cowboys
Don'tA7 let 'em pick guitars orA drive them old trucks
Let 'em be doctors and lawyers andD such
Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to beG cowboys
Cuz they'llA7 never stay home and they'reA always alone,A7 even with someone theyD love
Verse 2E Cowboys like smokey old pool rooms and clear mountainA mornings
B7 Little warm puppies and children and girls of theE night
Them that don't know him won't like him and them that doA sometimes won't know how to take him
He ain'tB7 wrong he's just different but his pride won't let him do things to make you think he'sE right
ChorusMamas, don't let your babies grow up to beA cowboys
Don'tB7 let 'em pick guitars or drive them old trucks
Let 'em be doctors and lawyers andE such
Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to beA cowboys
Cuz they'llB7 never stay home and they're always alone, even with someone theyE love
OutroMamas, don't let your babies grow up to beA cowboys
Don'tB7 let 'em pick guitars or drive them old trucks
Let 'em be doctors and lawyers andE such
Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to beA cowboys
Cuz they'llB7 never stay home and they're always alone, even with someone theyE loveA E