cowboy like me

evermore (2020)

“cowboy like me” is the eleventh track on Taylor’s ninth album, “evermore” (2020). It is a country-style song reminiscent of Taylor’s early days. It tells the story of two swindlers who fall in love through a cat-and-mouse fling “while hanging out at fancy resorts trying to score rich romantic beneficiaries”.

Produced by Taylor’s frequent collaborator Aaron Dessner, the track has the same base but instrumentals in the back change depending on the lines.

Taylor shared in a YouTube live chat for the “willow” music video:

“There’s a really beautiful background vocal on ‘cowboy like me’ sung by someone I’m a big fan of.” — Taylor Swift

Taylor has since confirmed that the singer is none other than Marcus Mumford from Mumford & Sons. Discussing her collaborators on Twitter, Taylor said: “I loved creating these songs with Aaron Dessner, Jack Antonoff, WB, and Justin Vernon. We’ve also welcomed some new (and longtime) friends to our musical kitchen table this time around.”

While Taylor hasn’t mentioned Marcus by name on social media, his name appears in the official credits for the album.

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
And the tennis court was covered up
With some tent-like thing
And you asked me to dance
But I said, “Dancin’ is a dangerous game”

[Verse 2]
Oh, I thought
This is gonna be one of those things
Now I know
I’m never gonna love again

[Chorus]
I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve
Takes one to know one
You’re a cowboy like me

[Verse 3]
Never wanted love
Just a fancy car
Now I’m waiting by the phone
Like I’m sitting in an airport bar

[Chorus]
You had some tricks up your sleeve
Takes one to know one
You’re a cowboy like me

[Post-Chorus 1]
Perched in the dark
Telling all the rich folks anything they wanna hear
Like it could be love
I could be the way forward
Only if they pay for it
You’re a bandit like me

[Post-Chorus 2]
Eyes full of stars
Hustling for the good life
Never thought I’d meet you here
It could be love
We could be the way forward
And I know I’ll pay for it

[Chorus]
You’re a cowboy like me

[Post-Chorus 1]
Perched in the dark
Telling all the rich folks anything they wanna hear
Like it could be love
I could be the way forward
Only if they pay for it
You’re a bandit like me

[Post-Chorus 2]
Eyes full of stars
Hustling for the good life
Never thought I’d meet you here
It could be love
We could be the way forward
And I know I’ll pay for it

[Bridge]
And the skeletons in both our closets
Plotted hard to fuck this up
And the old men that I’ve swindled
Really did believe I was the one
And the ladies lunching have their stories about
When you passed through town
But that was all before I locked it down

[Verse 4]
Now you hang from my lips
Like the Gardens of Babylon
With your boots beneath my bed
Forever is the sweetest con

[Chorus]
I’ve had some tricks up my sleeve
Takes one to know one
You’re a cowboy like me

[Outro]
And I’m never gonna love again
I’m never gonna love again
I’m never gonna love again

Album	evermore
Released	December 11, 2020
Recorded	November 2020
Studios	Scarlet Pimpernel (UK) Marcus Mumford’s Studio (UK) Long Pond (Hudson, NY)
Genre	Alternative Country
Length	4:35
Label	Repulic Records
Songwriters	Taylor Swift Aaron Dessner
Producers	Aaron Dessner Taylor Swift