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.
Well I'm sittin' down in San Anton'
Waiting on an eight o'clock train
My woman left me here last night
Things ain't been quite the same
I gotta get back to Dallas
And tie up a few loose ends
I'm gonna work a week make a hundred dollars
Aw and hit the road again
So I don't want you to think
That you're the first one
To leave me out here on my own
Cause this ain't gonna be the first time
This ol' cowboy spent the night alone
Now honey I've been a fool but a bigger fool
I can't remember when I've been
Just to open up my heart
And let you walk right in
Now there's one thing in this life
Ain't hard for me to do
That's as soon as I kiss the lips of another woman
I'm gonna forget all about you
So I don't want you to think
That you're the first one
To leave me out here on my own
No this ain't gonna be the first time
This ol' cowboy spent the night alone
(Solo)
If you wrote all the woman's names down I know
And let me pick one out
I don't think there'd be one in the whole bunch
Aw I'd give a hoot about
So I don't want you to think
That you're the first one
To leave this ol' boy out here on his own
Cause this ain't gonna be the first time
This ol' cowboy spent the night alone
No this ain't gonna be the first time
This ol' cowboy spent the night alone
Waiting on an eight o'clock train
My woman left me here last night
Things ain't been quite the same
I gotta get back to Dallas
And tie up a few loose ends
I'm gonna work a week make a hundred dollars
Aw and hit the road again
So I don't want you to think
That you're the first one
To leave me out here on my own
Cause this ain't gonna be the first time
This ol' cowboy spent the night alone
Now honey I've been a fool but a bigger fool
I can't remember when I've been
Just to open up my heart
And let you walk right in
Now there's one thing in this life
Ain't hard for me to do
That's as soon as I kiss the lips of another woman
I'm gonna forget all about you
So I don't want you to think
That you're the first one
To leave me out here on my own
No this ain't gonna be the first time
This ol' cowboy spent the night alone
(Solo)
If you wrote all the woman's names down I know
And let me pick one out
I don't think there'd be one in the whole bunch
Aw I'd give a hoot about
So I don't want you to think
That you're the first one
To leave this ol' boy out here on his own
Cause this ain't gonna be the first time
This ol' cowboy spent the night alone
No this ain't gonna be the first time
This ol' cowboy spent the night alone
Lyrics submitted by irrelevance10
This Ol' Cowboy Lyrics as written by Toy Caldwell
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
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I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
I'm seriously the first comment on this? What a shame, this is such a great song. Definitely one of Marshall Tucker Band's best. RIP Toy, you were such a talent.