Song meaning of A Cowboy Knows How by Flatland Cavalry

The song "A Cowboy Knows How" by Flatland Cavalry is a heartfelt ballad that delves into the emotions of a cowboy who is trying to move on from a past love. The lyrics suggest a sense of longing and regret, as the cowboy reflects on the mistakes made in the relationship. The opening verse illustrates a phone call made from a pay phone in Dallas, which implies a drunken, desperate attempt to reconnect. The cowboy acknowledges that he probably would have left too if he were in the other person's shoes, but ultimately admits that he loved them deeply.

The chorus repeats the idea that the only way a cowboy knows how to heal a broken heart is to seek solace in the vast openness of the world. The metaphorical "sunset" and "ghost town" symbolize a desire to escape and disappear, while the bar stool represents a temporary respite until the pain subsides. The repetition of the phrase "find me a jukebox heartbreak song" emphasizes the need for catharsis and the repetitive nature of healing.

Overall, the song's message centers around the notion that cowboys, with their rugged and independent nature, have a unique way of dealing with heartbreak. They find solace in solitude, in the beauty of nature, and in the simple pleasures of life. It is through these means that they find the strength to get back on their feet and move forward. The song serves as a reminder that healing takes time and that sometimes the only way to overcome heartbreak is to embrace the unique coping mechanisms we possess.