"The Cowboy Rides Away" is the title of a song written by Sonny Throckmorton

Sonny Throckmorton

James Fron "Sonny" Throckmorton is an American country music singer and songwriter. Known primarily for his songwriting, Throckmorton has had more than 1,000 of his songs recorded by various country singers...

 and Casey Kelly, and recorded by American country music

Country music

Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...

 artist George Strait

George Strait

George Harvey Strait is an American country music singer, actor, and music producer. Strait is referred to as the "King of Country," and critics call Strait a living legend. He is known for his unique style of western swing music, bar-room ballads, honky-tonk style, and fresh yet traditional...

. It was released in January 1985 as the second single from his 1984 album Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind

Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind

Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind is the fourth studio album from American country music artist George Strait, released in 1984. It is certified platinum by the RIAA for sales of one million copies in the U.S...

. It peaked at #5 in the United States, and #3 in Canada. It is the song used by Strait to close out his performances.

Content

The song is about a cowboy riding away from a failed relationship. He and his woman have been through it all and they just can’t work things out.

Chart positions

Chart (1985)	Peak position
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles	5
Canadian RPM Country Tracks	3