Her Daddy gave her first pony
Then told her to ride
She climbed high in that saddle
Fell I don’t know how many times
Taught her a lesson that she learned
Maybe a little too well
Cowgirls don’t cry
Ride, baby, ride
Lessons in life are going to show you in time
Soon enough your gonna know why
It’s gonna hurt every now and then
If you fall get back on again
Cowgirls don’t cry
She grew up
She got married
Never was quite right
She wanted a house, a home and babies
He started coming home late at night
She didn’t let him see it break her heart
She didn’t let him see her fall apart
’cause Cowgirls don’t cry
Ride, baby, ride
Lessons in life are going to show you in time
Soon enough your gonna know why
It’s gonna hurt every now and then
If you fall get back on again
Cowgirls don’t cry
Phone rang early one morning
Her momma’s voice, she’d been crying
Said it’s your daddy, you need to come home
This is it, I think he’s dying
She laid the phone down by his head
The last words that he said
Cowgirl don’t cry
Ride, baby, ride
Lessons in life show us all in time
Too soon God lets you know why
If you fall get right back on
Good Lord calls everybody home
Cowgirl don’t cry
Resilience and Heartbreak: The Message Behind “Cowgirls Don’t Cry”
“Cowgirls Don’t Cry” by Brooks & Dunn is a poignant narrative about strength, perseverance, and enduring life’s toughest moments. The lyrics trace a woman’s journey from childhood, where she learns resilience after falling from her first pony, to adulthood, where she faces heartbreak and loss. Each life lesson reinforces the song’s central message: true strength lies in getting back up, no matter how hard you fall. The phrase “cowgirls don’t cry” serves as a mantra, encouraging both stoicism and the courage to persevere through personal struggles and family tragedy. The emotional core of the song is universal, making it a powerful anthem for anyone who has faced adversity and refused to give up.
Song Credits
Artist: Brooks & Dunn
Songwriters: Ronnie Dunn, Terry McBride
Release Year: 2008
Label: Arista Nashville