The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
It’s time to hit the dusty trail. My horse is all tied up at the old corral.
The desert sun hung in the desert sky. The smoky cottonwood was dry.
Cowboy-up let’s give it up. Cowboy-up let’s give it up.
The shadows danced an Apache fire. Smell the ancient blood of the old empire.
If there’s no time to grab your gun, hit the dusty trail and run, run, run.
Cowboy-up let’s give it up. Cowboy-up let’s give it up.
Put on your boots and saddle up; rattle snake stew in your whiskey cup.
If you ever wondered how the west was won.
Kick up the dust and have some fun.
Cowboy-up let’s give it up. Cowboy-up let’s kick shit up.
The desert sun hung in the desert sky. The smoky cottonwood was dry.
Cowboy-up let’s give it up. Cowboy-up let’s give it up.
The shadows danced an Apache fire. Smell the ancient blood of the old empire.
If there’s no time to grab your gun, hit the dusty trail and run, run, run.
Cowboy-up let’s give it up. Cowboy-up let’s give it up.
Put on your boots and saddle up; rattle snake stew in your whiskey cup.
If you ever wondered how the west was won.
Kick up the dust and have some fun.
Cowboy-up let’s give it up. Cowboy-up let’s kick shit up.
Lyrics submitted by hurrywhenhome
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