Introduction
I Can Still Make Cheyenne: A Race Against Time
“I Can Still Make Cheyenne” is a classic country ballad penned by Aaron Barker and Erv Woolsey, and immortalized by the iconic voice of George Strait. Released in 1996 as the third single from his album “Blue Clear Sky,” the song quickly climbed the charts, solidifying its place in country music history.
The song paints a vivid picture of a man in a desperate race against time. A phone call brings devastating news: his lover has moved on. Yet, fueled by love and hope, he embarks on a high-speed journey to Cheyenne, a symbolic destination of second chances. The lyrics are filled with raw emotion, capturing the protagonist’s internal turmoil as he grapples with the possibility of losing the love of his life.
Strait’s delivery is masterful, conveying the character’s urgency and heartache with poignant authenticity. The song’s simple yet evocative melody, combined with Strait’s signature vocal style, creates a timeless and unforgettable listening experience.
Beyond its narrative appeal, “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” resonates with listeners on a deeper level. It explores universal themes of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of hope. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, making it a cornerstone of George Strait’s impressive discography.
Video
Lyrics
Her telephone rang ’bout a quarter to nine
She heard his voice on the other end of the line
She wondered what was wrong this time
She never knew what his calls might bring
With a cowboy like him it could be anything
And she always expected the worst in the back of her mind
He said, It’s cold out here, and I’m all alone
I didn’t make the short go again and I’m comin’ home
I know I’ve been away too long
I never got a chance to write or call
I know this rodeo has been hard on us all
But I’ll be home soon, and honey is there something wrong?
She said, don’t bother comin’ home
By the time you get here I’ll be long gone
There’s some body new and he sure ain’t no rodeo man
He said, I’m sorry it’s come down to this
There’s so much about you that I’m gonna miss
But it’s all right baby, if I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
Gotta go now baby, if I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
He left that phone danglin’ off the hook
Then slowly turned around and gave it one last look
Then he just walked away
He aimed his truck toward that Wyoming line
With a little luck he can still get there in time
And in that Cheyenne wind he could still hear her say:
She said, don’t bother comin’ home
By the time you get here I’ll be long gone
There’s some body new and he sure ain’t no rodeo man
He said, I’m sorry it’s came down to this
There’s so much about you that I’m gonna miss
But it’s all right baby, if I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
Gotta go now baby, if I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
She never knew what his calls might bring
With a cowboy like him, it could be anything
And she always expected the worst in the back of her mind…