Acclaimed as “one of the best artists in present-day country” by Stereogum, Grammy-winning country star Ashley McBryde has released her latest single ‘Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs' through Warner Music Nashville. The heartfelt track reflects on the values of resilience, authenticity, and hard work, painting a poignant picture of a changing world.
Produced by John Osborne, the song opens with the haunting strains of a fiddle, setting the tone for McBryde’s exploration of longing and nostalgia. Co-written with Chris Harris and Patrick Savage, the lyrics lament the loss of the rugged spirit and values that once defined the west.
A Message of Simplicity and Integrity
Speaking with Cowboys & Indians, McBryde explained the inspiration behind the song:
“Cowboys are the ones doing what needs to be done before it is an emergency. If you would simply be where you are, do what you say you’re gonna do, and mean what you say when you say it, it would simplify a lot of things.”
Rather than mourning the decline of these ideals, McBryde captures their absence with poetic imagery:
“Instead of us saying, ‘Work ethic’s out the window, stick-to-it code’s pretty much dead, and idealism is gone,’ it was easier to say that by saying there is no wild out west. That’s all gone.”
Lyrics Highlight the Changing West
The track’s evocative lyrics include:
“The horse I rode in on got put out to pasture / And someday they’ll put me there too.
They traded our heroes for overpaid actors / Who can’t even fill up their boots.”
Through its chorus and vivid storytelling, ‘Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs' captures a collective yearning for the authenticity and simplicity of a bygone era.
Upcoming Appearances and Tour Dates
McBryde will soon join Jackie Crawford, a 23-time Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Champion Roper, for a Q&A session at Ariat’s Las Vegas brand shop on December 12, followed by an acoustic performance.
On December 13, McBryde will take the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas with Cody Johnson, kicking off a series of performances on his Leather Deluxe Tour in 2025.
She will also perform at major festivals, including Stagecoach, Country Thunder Arizona, and Country Thunder Florida.
Ashley McBryde Tour Highlights
Solo Performances
- Jan. 16 – State Theatre of Ithaca // Ithaca, NY
- April 12 – Country Thunder Arizona // Florence, AZ
- April 26 – Stagecoach Festival // Indio, CA
- May 4 – Country Thunder Florida // Kissimmee, FL
With Cody Johnson’s Leather Deluxe Tour
- Dec. 13 – MGM Grand Garden Arena // Las Vegas, NV
- Feb. 15 – Bridgestone Arena // Nashville, TN
- May 2 – PNC Music Pavilion // Charlotte, NC
For a complete list of tour dates and ticket information, visit AshleyMcBryde.com.
Listen to ‘Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs'
Fans can stream the new single now: Listen Here.
With “Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs,” Ashley McBryde reaffirms her reputation as one of country music’s most compelling storytellers, delivering a song that resonates with heartfelt emotion and timeless themes.
