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Introduction
I Can Still Make Cheyenne: A Song of Resilience and Regret
In the heart of Texas, where the wind whispers stories of cowboys and dreams, a song emerged that would capture the essence of a life on the road and the longing for home. “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” a timeless ballad penned by Aaron Barker and Erv Woolsey and made famous by the legendary George Strait, tells the tale of a man torn between his passion for rodeo and the love he left behind.
Released in 1996 as the third single from Strait’s album Blue Clear Sky, “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” quickly climbed the charts, reaching the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot Country Songs. It became an instant classic, resonating with audiences far beyond the world of country music.
The song’s narrative unfolds through the eyes of a rodeo cowboy named Jake, who has dedicated his life to the thrill of the competition. He leaves behind his girlfriend, Sarah, in pursuit of his dreams, promising to return to her once he’s made it big. However, as the years pass, Jake becomes increasingly consumed by his career, neglecting his commitment to Sarah and drifting further away from his roots.
One day, Jake receives a phone call from Sarah, informing him that she has moved on and is now happily married. Devastated by the news, he realizes that he has lost both his love and his chance at a normal life. Yet, even in the face of heartbreak, Jake’s spirit remains unbroken. He decides to continue his journey, not for fame or fortune, but for the simple joy of riding and the camaraderie of the rodeo circuit.
Strait’s soulful vocals, coupled with the poignant lyrics and haunting melody, evoke a range of emotions, from longing and regret to resilience and hope. The song’s message is universal: no matter how far we stray from our roots, there’s always a part of us that yearns for the familiar comforts of home and the love of those we left behind.
“I Can Still Make Cheyenne” is a testament to the enduring power of music to tell stories that transcend time and culture. It’s a song that celebrates the human spirit, the resilience of the heart, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams, even in the face of adversity. George Strait’s masterful rendition, with its heartfelt delivery and emotional intensity, has solidified this song’s place in the pantheon of country music classics.
In the years since its release, “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” has become a beloved anthem for fans of country music and beyond. It continues to inspire and resonate with audiences of all ages, reminding us that even when life takes unexpected turns, there’s always hope for a fresh start and a chance to find our way back home.
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…