Story Behind The Song

Written while I was a struggling musician, traveling with a country band. I was inspired to write about career choices one day after I reflected on a statement I made - "if I got paid to drive this van to our gigs I'd make good money..." The song took form in a children's genre. Related items of interest include - my parents wanted me to study medicine, and I am now a teacher.

Song Description

Sometimes a child may try to express something that we adults cannot understand. Consider the statement "I want to be a butterfly", how might an adult respond? I would hope that it might start with trying to understand what is trying to be expressed. While this song is about possible career choices, it also underscores the importance of understanding and positive support.

Lyrics

So You Want To Be A Cowboy
L. Teruel

So you want to be a cowboy
that's a mighty fine choice
You're gonna need some comfortable boots
And a smooth smooth voice
To bring the song from your heart
Yeah that's a great place to start
So you want to be a cowboy
that's a mighty fine choice

So you want to be a doctor
I think that's really great
A doctor meets a lot of patients
And you may have to wait
Helping others is a noble thing
You can always find the time to sing
So you want to be a doctor
I think that's really great

You can drive a truck or drive a nail
Run a cleaning service or deliver the mail
Catalog media for the County Lib.
Take care of the home and of the tribe
You can work for Sam or for yourself
Do it alone or you can get some help
Whatever it is that you want to start
I'll be beside you when you follow your heart

- Instr -

So you want to be a teacher
teachin' others is swell
There's always somethin' to learn
There's always somethin' to tell
If you do I know that you'll fill your lessons
With strength and goodwill
So you want to be a teacher
teachin' others is swell