howdy partners, cowboy songs anyone?

October 16, 2010 7:28 AM

I'm editing a video of my kids on a rocking horse and I need to add music. I would love some rodeo music or something cowboy-ish, but I am completely illiterate when it comes to music. Any suggestions?
posted by uauage to Media & Arts (20 answers total)

I wanna be a cowboy is the first thing that came to my mind.
posted by saucysault at 7:40 AM on October 16, 2010

We have a theory in our house that every presentation benefits in some ineffable way from the addition of "Desperado" sung by Karen Carpenter. Try it and be amazed!
posted by amtho at 7:46 AM on October 16, 2010

For a video of kids, I think "Ragtime Cowboy Joe" would be great. On the other hand, Chris Ledoux's Rodeo Song would be completely inappropriate.
posted by drlith at 7:49 AM on October 16, 2010

You can always go with the cliches/classics: Theme from Bonanza, Theme from Gunsmoke, Theme from the Wild, Wild West, Lone Ranger Theme (The William Tell Overture), Theme from Blazing Saddles.

Here's A bunch of Western themes in one video.

For some reason, I also associate Ravel's Bolero with cowboys. I don't know why.
posted by griphus at 7:51 AM on October 16, 2010

Cowboys are very busy.
posted by geekyguy at 7:51 AM on October 16, 2010

Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?
Paula Cole
Google it and the song will come up for ilike.com
posted by Gerard Sorme at 7:56 AM on October 16, 2010

I was riding my horse.... down by the Rio Grandeeeeeeeee...
posted by taz at 8:00 AM on October 16, 2010

Best answer: Bob Wills.
posted by dirtdirt at 8:01 AM on October 16, 2010

Best answer: Gene Autry - Back in the Saddle Again
Sons of the Pioneers - Ghost Riders in the Sky
Dale Evans & Roy Rogers - Happy Trails to You

The Velvet Underground - Lonesome Cowboy Bill
Lee Dorsey - Ride Your Pony
posted by hydrophonic at 8:05 AM on October 16, 2010

Not directly rodeo, but if you want something silly, with a fun feel:
"You Can't Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd"
posted by shinynewnick at 8:25 AM on October 16, 2010

Why, if it's cowboys, it must be the Theme from the Magnificent Seven.

Or Hoedown from Rodeo by Aaron Copland.
posted by SNWidget at 8:30 AM on October 16, 2010

The Ecstasy Of Gold from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!
posted by sourwookie at 8:48 AM on October 16, 2010

"Ride your Pony" by Lee Dorsey isn't a country song, but it's lively and awesome!
posted by kitty teeth at 8:56 AM on October 16, 2010

...or, since it's a video of your kids, how about "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson?
posted by kitty teeth at 8:59 AM on October 16, 2010

Jerry Jeff Walker's Rodeo Cowboy
posted by Right On Red at 9:00 AM on October 16, 2010

Marty Robbings El Paso And here's a link to Steve Martin's video with monkeys, a miniature horse and an elephant.
posted by carmicha at 9:14 AM on October 16, 2010

I can assert with complete experiential authority that there is no finer soundtrack for the relentless rocking horse rampager than Brave Cowboy Bill.
posted by dpcoffin at 9:32 AM on October 16, 2010

Toby Keith's "Shoulda Been A Cowboy" fits just right.
posted by fourcheesemac at 10:52 AM on October 16, 2010

"Mama's Don't Let Your Babies" mentions "girls of the night," just saying, right after "little warm puppies and children" on a cowboy's list. Careful pardner.
posted by fourcheesemac at 10:53 AM on October 16, 2010

Response by poster: thanks everyone!!! I listened to all your suggestions and marked as best answers the ones I ended up using.
Here's the video to prove it here
posted by uauage at 2:38 PM on October 16, 2010 [1 favorite]