Behind the Meaning of “Cowboys Cry Too” by Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan

Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan recently teamed up for a powerful duet, “Cowboys Cry Too.” The duo take on an interesting perspective on vulnerability in the lyrics. Uncover that perspective, below.

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Behind the Meaning of “Cowboys Cry Too” by Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan

Ballerini takes on toxic masculinity in “Cowboys Cry Too.” Sings about men struggling to open up and be vulnerable. It’s a topic that feels particularly timely in today’s world. Given that, it’s a powerful message for Ballerini to relay on her own, but it’s made even more so by the addition of Kahan.

“I thought it was a really interesting perspective for a woman to sing about toxic masculinity,” Ballerini once said of the song. “But, I thought it could be more powerful to have both sides of that story. From his songwriting, I knew he was emotionally vulnerable.”

He’s as tough as the tattoos up his right arm
And I’ve talked him down from getting in a fight or two
He stands his ground, he’s as stubborn as the weeds in the backyard
‘Cause growing up he had to go where the wind blew
He hides his heart and hurt, guess he kinda had to

Ballerini opens her verse by describing a hardened cowboy that lived his life on the road. He hides his heart and hurt, guess he kinda had to, she sings. In the first chorus, she reveals that even that man–even though he puts up a front–finds time to be emotional.

Cowboys cry too
They may not let ’em fall down in their hometown thinkin’ they still got shit to prove
That well runs deep

Kahan then comes in with his verse, adding a male perspective. He sings about not being able to shed his emotions–much like his father did throughout his life. But I’ve burned too many miles tryna ride out all the sadness / But you can’t outdrive pain, he sings.

As Ballerini has said, Kahan’s verse is deeply affecting. He backs up the sentiment in the song with his lines, proving that men should (and will) let their deep-seated emotions out from time to time. Revisit the song, below.

(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)