Song Information
Title: Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy
Artists: Chris LeDoux & Garth Brooks
Written by: Garth Brooks and Mark D. Sanders
Released: July 13, 1992
Album: Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy
Label: Liberty Records
Genre: Country
Chart Performance: Peaked at No. 7 on Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks
This song marked a significant moment in Chris LeDoux’s career, pairing him with superstar Garth Brooks — who had long admired LeDoux and even referenced him in the song Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old). Their duet brought LeDoux wider mainstream recognition, despite his already strong rodeo and western fanbase.
Song Summary
Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy is a lighthearted yet honest reflection on the realities of loving a cowboy. Sung as a duet between Chris LeDoux and Garth Brooks, the song captures the carefree, unpredictable, and sometimes inconvenient lifestyle that comes with rodeo life. It tells the story of a woman who has fallen for a cowboy — only to realize that he may not be the dream partner she imagined.
The lyrics playfully explore how his rugged charm may wear off when faced with everyday life. What happens when he doesn’t conform to the “normal” — when he doesn’t shave, doesn’t stay home, and prefers open ranges to dinner parties? The cowboy in question knows he isn’t changing for anyone, and asks — perhaps with a wink — if she’s really prepared for the wild, restless spirit she’s drawn to.
Musically, the song is upbeat and catchy, blending classic country instrumentation with a distinct western flair that fits LeDoux’s rodeo roots. The chemistry between LeDoux and Brooks gives the song both authenticity and mainstream appeal, making it a memorable anthem for anyone who’s ever loved — or been — a cowboy.
Explaining the Underlying Message
Beneath its playful tone, Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy presents a deeper question about compatibility and sacrifice in relationships — especially when two worlds collide. It highlights a timeless tension: romance versus reality.
The cowboy in the song isn’t just a figure of western fantasy — he’s a symbol of independence, unpredictability, and nonconformity. While his rugged lifestyle may seem thrilling at first, the song subtly suggests that maintaining a relationship with someone so untamed can be difficult. He won’t fit into a domestic mold or be easily changed. He lives for open skies, early mornings, and dusty roads — not for quiet nights at home.
This narrative mirrors the lives of real-life cowboys like Chris LeDoux himself, who balanced rodeo careers with music, family, and fame. It challenges listeners — particularly women drawn to the cowboy myth — to consider the long haul. It’s not just about falling in love with a cowboy… it’s about living with one.
By ending with the repeated line “Whatcha gonna do with a cowboy, when he don’t saddle up and ride away?”, the song leaves listeners with an honest, slightly bittersweet reminder: cowboys aren’t always meant to stay.