Mamas, Don’t Let Your Cowboys Grow Up to Be Babies

History reveals an army of mothers who raised their sons to enter into the fray of life

Jim Owen, the author of "Cowboy Ethics," pointed out the basics undergirding the code of manners in the Old West. They were as simple as working hard, knowing right from wrong, and following the Golden Rule. Jeanne Provost/Shutterstock

In “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” which became a smash hit in 1978 when sung by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, songwriters Ed and Patsy Bruce warned mothers against the cowboy life:

“Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys Don’t let ‘em pick guitars or drive them old trucks Let ‘em be doctors and lawyers and such Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys ‘Cause they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone Even with someone they love.”