# The Cowboy explained — Songs of the Cattle Trail and Cow Camp

> Chapter companion for Songs of the Cattle Trail and Cow Camp by John A. Lomax.

## What happens

A poetic tribute to the cowboy, celebrating his distinctive attire, riding skill, loyalty, bravery, and rough-hewn virtues while acknowledging his flaws and calling for understanding and kindness toward him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Masculinity and Bravado

The cowboy is depicted as fearless, skilled, and proud, embodying a rugged masculine ideal.

### Community and Camaraderie

The poem calls for giving the cowboy his due and being kind to him, suggesting a communal bond and respect for his way of life.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The anonymous speaker who extols the cowboy's qualities and urges kindness toward him.

## Key lines

> He wears a big hat and big spurs and all that, And leggins of fancy fringed leather; He takes pride in his boots and the pistol he shoots, And he’s happy in all kinds of weather;

The cowboy is characterized by his iconic attire—a large hat, spurs, and fringed leather leggings—and takes pleasure in his boots and firearm, remaining cheerful regardless of the weather.

_Opens the poem by listing the cowboy's distinctive clothing and his contentment._

> He is loyal as steel, but demands a square deal, And he hates and despises a coward; Yet the cowboy, you’ll find, to women is kind Though he’ll fight till by death overpowered.

The cowboy is fiercely loyal and insists on fairness, despising cowardice; he is gentle with women but will fight to the death if necessary.

_Highlights the cowboy's code of honor: loyalty, fairness, courage, and chivalry._

> Hence I say unto you⁠—give the cowboy his due And be kind, my friends, to his folly; For he’s generous and brave though he may not behave Like your dudes, who are so melancholy.

Therefore, I urge you to respect the cowboy and be tolerant of his faults, because he is generous and courageous, even if he doesn't act like the melancholy dudes of polite society.

_Concludes with a plea for understanding and appreciation of the cowboy's virtues over those of conventional gentlemen._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/songs_of_the_cattle_trail_and_cow_camp_se/chapters/the-cowboy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/songs_of_the_cattle_trail_and_cow_camp_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/songs_of_the_cattle_trail_and_cow_camp_se/chapters