Willie Nelson, “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other” | LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶

On the 3^rd edition of LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 (2022), we highlight “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other” performed by Willie Nelson.  

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ring on the B-O-P-Z, like #SLAYYY! LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 is a column t that embraces, highlights, and celebrates singles and tracks by LGBTQIA musicians.  On LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶we provide background info and insight into the respective musician(s), as well as analyze + go gaga over the bops being served up.  Furthermore, when the music dictates deeper, more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is articulated to the fullest.  All styles of music are welcome and the BOPZ can be classics or brand-spanking new. So, without further ado, on the 3^rd edition of LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 (2022), we highlight 🎵 “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other” performed by 🎙 Willie Nelson.

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Theme & Lyrics ✍ 

“Well, a cowboy may brag about things that he’s done with this women / But the ones who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer.” Woo! I believe there’s some truth to those lyrics – NO CAP!  I mean, think about it. How often does it seem that men who aren’t comfortable with their masculinity and sexuality feel they need to brag about (and likely, exaggerate) their conquests? That’s clearly explored on the song at hand, 🎵 “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other.”  Cowboys, these ultra-masculine beings – have ‘gay’ sensibilities, tendencies, and historically, some participated in same-sex activities.

Let’s move on to country music, shall we? It seems that you can count the number of queer songs in country music on one hand.  The genre has NEVER been considered a friendly space for LGBTQ musicians.  Hopefully, country continues to evolve and progress so that this is NOT the case.  Honestly, having ‘out’ country musicians hopefully, helps the genre become more inclusive. Back in 1981, 🎙 🎼✍ Ned Sublette wrote and recorded a gay country song ahead of its time, at least, big picture. “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other” has become known as the gay cowboy song – not what you expect from country music!  In 2006, one of country music’s legends, 🎙 Willie Nelson, recorded a high-profile cover – huge considering the genre’s conservative reputation.

The Nelson version, which ultimately appears on his 2009 album, 💿 Lost Highway, arrived at a more ‘accepting’ time for LGBTQ-themed music.  No, the aughts weren’t as progressive as the 10s or 20s have been for gay-themed music among other happenings, but, certainly more tolerant than the past. “Cowboys” has some old-school lyrics, but still relevantly highlights sexuality, gender, and stereotypes, making it a unique conversation piece. It’s humorous, but also, it’s clear Ned Sublette was making a statement.

“Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other

Say, what do you think all them saddles and boots was about?

And there’s many a cowboy who don’t understand the way that he feels for his brother

And inside every cowboy there’s a lady that’d love to slip out.”

For good measure, there’s even a f-bomb, which easily comes off of Willie’s tongue: “So, when you talk to a cowboy don’t treat him like he was a sister / You can’t fuck with a lady that’s sleepin’ in each cowboy’s head.”

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Final Thoughts 💭

🎵 “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other,” a post-Brokeback Mountain gem, maybe funny and silly to an extent, but it’s also a great conversation piece.  The world may be viewed by many through a totally straight, heterosexual lens, but that view is myopic.  There are people of all walks of life throughout the world, and more songs – more media – needs to highlight this.  For that, Ned Sublette and Willie Nelson serve up sheer brilliance.

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🎙 Willie Nelson • 💿 Lost Highway • 🏷 UMG Recordings, Inc. • 🗓 2009
Willie Nelson, “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 3 [📷: Anna Shvets, Brent Faulkner, Kurious, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, UMG Recordings, Inc.]

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