With just ten words Kacey Musgraves had my full and undivided attention. “You look out the window, while I look at you.” Those simple words immediately tell you so much. “Space Cowboy” is Musgraves’ newest release (2.23.18), and it is incredible. Co-written with Shane McAnally and Luke Laird, Musgraves relays so much emotion in just over three and a half minutes.
One of my favorite things about songwriting is play on words – how a title doesn’t mean what you would expect. This song does just that. “Space Cowboy” is most definitely not about a man lassoing cows in space.
You look out the window, while I look at you / saying I don’t know, would be like saying that the sky ain’t blue / them boots weren’t made for sitting by the door, since you don’t wanna stay anymore / you can have your space, Cowboy
McAnally wrote on his Instagram “…the day she walked in with this idea was one I will never forget. Luke and I just sat there watching her lay out this story and this melody, and couldn’t believe how lucky we were to be sitting in the room. It is the kind of hurt that country music was built on, and the kind of song I came to Nashville hoping to write.”
Musgraves’ voice is devastatingly beautiful on this track. Fans who say we need to “save country music” will be pleased. The imagery sucks you into the song and you feel every bit of pain along with her.
Yeah we had our day in the sun / when a horse wants to run, there’s no sense in closing the gate / you can have your space, Cowboy
When I first heard it this morning, I had tears in my eyes and didn’t even know why. I just knew that I needed to write a review and share this song with as many people as I could. If you haven’t heard it yet, listen below, and then go download it.
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