Are you Really a Cowboy

Are you really a cowboy?
Well I thought he asked in jest.
Cause I try and be a cowboy
I'd done my level best.

With my high topped bots and Stetson hat
And fancy wild rag.
I answered back "why sure I am".
I kinda had to brag.

But I've thought about that question
ANd the wisdom it displayed.
Cause looks can be deceiving
And the truth ain't always played.

There's lots of folks in fancy boots
And cowboy hats these days.
They're part of what they like to call
The urban cowboy craze.

But to really be a cowboy,
It takes more that what you wear.
Cause things about a cowboy
That don't readily appear.

Are at ease with mother nature
Can you take what she will give?
Do you thank the God who gave you all
The chance you have to live?

Do you thank Him for the chance you have
To ride and work this land?
And do you thank Him for the cattle
The ones that wear your brand?

Do you take care of your cattle
'Fore you worry bout yourself?
Does you learnin' come from doin?
Not just some book up on some shelf.

Do you get a thrill just watchin'
A wobbly newborn calf?
As he tries to take those first few steps,
It's chance not many have.

Is there something 'bout a well broke horse
That fills your heart with pride.
When you go to workin' cattle
And your there just for the ride.

Are your horse and dog and catch rope
The best friends you've found yet?
And do you get a special feeling
While your watchin' a sunset?

Do you get a peaceful feeling
Lookin' up at starlit skies?
Do rain drops on the hard dry ground
Bring tear drops to your eyes?

Do you see the simple beauties
In this land that you call home?
And do you feel the same way 'bout her
No matter where you roam?

When you find someone in trouble
Do you lend a helpin' hand?
With no thought of public fanfare
And no recompense demand?

When You're ridin' on the open range
And no one else is there
But you feel like someones watchin'
Do you know that God is near?

Well these are just a few of the things
A man can't see.
That make a cowboy what he is
And what he'll always be.

And it don't matter what you're doin'
This spirit you can't tame.
There's folks that's workin' nine to five
But they're cowboys just the same.

But looks can be deceivin'
And sometimes it's not to clear.
As to if a man's a cowboy
By the clothes he's chose to wear.

Cuz there's lots of folks that's tryin' hard
To look and act the part
But to really be a cowboy
You've got to be one in your heart.