[Verse 1: Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson]

Cowboys ain't easy to love

And they're harder to hold

They'd rather give you a song

Than diamonds or gold

Lonestar belt buckles and old faded Levis

And each night begins a new day

If you don't understand him and he don't die young

He'll probably just ride away

[Chorus: Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson]

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

[Verse 2: Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, & Both]

Cowboys like smoky old pool rooms

And clear mountain mornings

Little warm puppies and children

And girls of the night

Them that don't know him

Won't like him and them that do

Sometimes won't know how to take him

He ain't wrong, he's just different

But his pride won't let him

Do things to make you think he's right

[Chorus: Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson]

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