Songs That Were Born Poems

Songs That Were Born Poems

Many a great cowboy song got its start as a poem.

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Songs That Were Born Poems
  • South Coast

    Ramblin' Jack plays a song he learned thanks to friends, a rainstorm, and his rambling ways. Ramblin' Jack Elliott performs "South Coast" during "The Rambling Boys" show at the 36th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

    ABOUT THE ARTIST

    Ramblin' Jack Elliott
    Marshall, CA
    Ramblin’ Jack Elliott ch...

  • Sierry Petes (Tying Knots in the Devil's Tail)

    Marley's Ghost performs "Sierry Petes (Tying Knots in the Devil's Tail)" during the 37th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering "Rodear Year." Words by Gail I. Gardner & music written by Bill Simon. Originally a poem written in 1917. There are many versions of this poem/song. Powder River Jack and Kit...

  • Grandpa

    Pipp and Lloyd joke and sing about the foolhardiness of the best-laid plans, with the help of lyrics penned by Waddie Mitchell. Pipp Gillette and Lloyd Wright perform "Grandpa" during the "Cowboy Stew" show at the 36th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

    ABOUT THE ARTISTS

    Pipp Gillette
    Crockett,...

  • Equus Caballus

    Wylie sets Joel Nelson's acclaimed poem to music, bringing new life to this equine ode. Wylie Gustafson performs "Equus Caballus" during the 37th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering "Rodear Year."

    ABOUT THE ARTISTS

    Wylie Gustafson
    Conrad, MT
    Singer, songwriter, rancher, horseman, and the original,...

  • Long Johns On

    Andy keeps it clean with this all-good song. Andy Hedges performs "Long Johns On" during the "The Western Trail" show at the 35th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

    ABOUT THE ARTIST

    Andy Hedges
    Lubbock, TX
    Andy Hedges is a songster, reciter, storyteller, guitarist, and collector of cowboy songs...

  • Spanish Is the Loving Tongue

    Michael Martin Murphey plays this well-circulated song based on a Badger Clark poem. Michael Martin Murphey performs "Spanish is the Loving Tongue" during the "Ian Tyson Tribute" show at the 35th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

    ABOUT THE ARTIST

    Michael Martin Murphey
    Walden, CO
    Michael Mart...