https://soundcloud.com/kybordr/rugged-cowboy

A song I wrote a few years ago, recently re-imagined using (as usual for me) drums and bass courtesy of Band In A Box.

****** Song Summary *************
Title: Rugged Cowboy (2)
File:Rugged Cowboy (2).MGU
Key=C , Tempo 80, Length (m:s)=4:15
No intro. 83 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 83. Repeat x1 chorus
Style is C_90BAL.STY (Country 90's Ballad)
MIDI Drums :1 Standard Drum Kit (1)
RealDrums will be substituted :NashvilleEven8^2-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Snare, HiHat
*******************

The RealDrums are straight from BIAB. The lightly edited BIAB bass line (MIDI) is rendered in Cubase (a GM fretless bass). The B3 is my performance using a combo jazz organ patch in Cubase. The "pedal steel" is an iOS pedal steel app performed on my iPad Pro, recorded into Cubase. The vocals are me.

This song is about someone very close to me (but not me, honest), after I came to realize he is probably never going to change. I think most of us know this guy.

Rugged Cowboy
© Robert Allen 2016
Lyrics and music by Robert Allen

Well I’ve got this bar stool, I’ve got an open tab
I’ve got deeper insights now, what I’ve lost and what I had
And I’ve got your number, I’ve got two bars on this phone
I’ve got half a mind to call you up, see if you’re alone, and tell you

I’m a rugged cowboy, I’m a rolling stone
Against the wind, against the world, out here on my own
I don’t need anyone, I guess I know the way
Anyway … that’s what the bourbon’s got to say

I’ve had time to think now, I guess I’ve made mistakes
Had my heart broke once or twice so I know what it takes
Had my words get away from me, leave my thoughts behind
Had Jim Beam in here with me, messing with my mind, and tell me

You’re a rugged cowboy, you're a regular rolling stone
Against the wind, against the world, out here on your own
You never needed anyone, I’m sure you know the way
Anyway … that’s what the bourbon’s got to say

Sure I’ve seen better days, I’ve seen the rain pour down
I’ve seen em fade away, seen em circle round
I tell myself stories, I guess that it’s OK
Sit here and listen to what the bourbon’s got to say

You’ve heard enough of this, now it just makes you sad
You’ve got deeper insights now, what you lost and what you had
You don’t have to tell me what I’ve lost and what I’ve gained
And if you have to ask me well I just can’t explain why

I’m a rugged cowboy, I’m a god damn rolling stone
Against the wind, against the world, out here on my own
I don’t need anyone, I guess I know the way
Anyway … that’s what the bourbon’s got to say

I’m a rugged cowboy, a regular rolling stone
Against the wind, against the world, out here on my own
I never needed anyone, I’m sure I know the way
Anyway … that’s what the bourbon’s got to say.

A moving saga Robert, with an excellent vocal delivery. I loved the feel of this, especially your very tasteful 'Like A Rolling Stone'-type organ parts. Nice track.

John

Robert,

This is really excellent - I love the story, arrangement and vocal. Great B3 sound as well.

Much enjoyed.

Bob

Wow - what a tune! I love how rough around the edges your vocals are. Its almost like a country version of Tom Waits. Very emotive, and very good at catching one's attention. It had my foot tapping the whole way through, and I loved the hook!

Great job and thanks for sharing

Robert, this is just great, all instruments, lyrics, harmony, all is so goooood!!!!

This is a great tune and perfomance. But to me the lyrics are the real stand out. Great work. Rob

That was a really lovely tune. I really liked the lyrics.

I especially loved:

"I’ve had time to think now, I guess I’ve made mistakes. Had my heart broke once or twice so I know what it takes. Had my words get away from me, leave my thoughts behind."

Very heartfelt. I enjoyed it!

Great lyric and laid-back feel! Also, good work on the vocals! Thanks, Torrey

Robert,

This is excellent. An excellent write. Good lines and phrases all over the place.

Your vocal on this is perfect for the story. Engaging.

Nice arrangement and mix.

I really like this.

floyd

Man, I love your vocal! Perfect for this material.

Good song, enjoyed very much.

Hi Robert,

Fantastic song.
Great delivery.
Excellent listen.

Cheers.

Loved this song. Super vocal and lyric. Very neat backtrack. Loved it

I was impressed with the lyrics right from the tart.

The Holds and Rhythm all slotted in on top to create a really great song.

Fine lyrics and a very strong vocal - that slight rasp in your voice perfect for the song. The organ fills work well.
Well done!

Robert

I very much like the way the organ solo was set up around 2:30 Then, when it came in, it totally opccupied the space in a most pleasing way.

"Well I’ve got this bar stool, I’ve got an open tab
I’ve got deeper insights now, what I’ve lost and what I had
And I’ve got your number, I’ve got two bars on this phone
I’ve got half a mind to call you up, see if you’re alone, and tell you"

As the piano yields to the vocal on the first line we already know it's a heckuva setup for what follows.

This is a fine write with a great arrangement and vocal performances. Cool B3 accents also. Got a little late Mellencamp vocal vibe going...good thing in our book.

Yeah, we enjoyed it!

J&B

I really liked this a lot.

The chord progression reminded me somewhat of Angel from Montgomery, but there ain't nothing wrong with that!!



Great job and great mix. Very enjoyable.

Robert

Superb song, excellent vocal and set of lyrics. Nice build.
Loved the organ sound and playing, and clever use of an Ipad pedal steel.
Really well done.

Peter

" that’s what the bourbon’s got to say" and "Had Jim Beam in here with me, messing with my mind" are two great lines!

You sound like you were influenced by those "cowboy outlaws" like Willie, Waylon Jennings and David Allen Coe.

Great song.