About the song
An Ode to the Grit and Glory of the Rodeo: Chris LeDoux’s “National Finals Rodeo”
In the realm of country music, where the echoes of the Wild West still resonate, few artists captured the spirit of the rodeo like Chris LeDoux. A rodeo champion himself, LeDoux infused his music with an authenticity that spoke to the hearts of cowboys and cowgirls across the land. Among his most cherished works, “National Finals Rodeo” stands as a testament to his deep connection to the sport and the men who risked it all for the thrill of the ride.
LeDoux‘s “National Finals Rodeo” is not just a song; it’s a vivid narrative, a sonic painting of the high-stakes drama that unfolds within the rodeo arena. With his unmistakable baritone voice, LeDoux transports listeners to the heart of the action, where the air crackles with anticipation and the crowd roars with excitement. The lyrics paint a picture of the cowboys, their faces etched with determination, as they prepare to face the unpredictable fury of the bulls and broncs.
The song’s melody is as infectious as it is evocative, a driving rhythm that mirrors the pounding hooves and the adrenaline rush of the competition. It’s a tune that can get your toes tapping and your heart racing, even if you’ve never set foot in a rodeo arena. But beyond the catchy melody, “National Finals Rodeo” offers a glimpse into the soul of the cowboy, the unwavering spirit that drives him to push his limits and conquer the challenges before him.
Chris LeDoux was more than just a musician; he was a cowboy through and through. He lived the life he sang about, and his music reflected the values he held dear: courage, resilience, and a deep respect for the traditions of the West. “National Finals Rodeo” is a testament to those values, a celebration of the cowboy way of life that has captivated the American imagination for generations.
For those who have experienced the thrill of the rodeo firsthand, “National Finals Rodeo” will evoke a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of the sights, sounds, and emotions that make this sport so unique. And for those who have never witnessed the spectacle, the song offers a window into a world where grit and determination are the keys to success.
In the pantheon of country music, Chris LeDoux holds a special place, a true original who blended the raw energy of rock and roll with the heartfelt storytelling of country. His music is a reminder that the spirit of the West lives on, not just in the dusty plains and rugged mountains, but in the hearts of those who dare to dream big and chase their passions with unwavering resolve.
So, whether you’re a seasoned rodeo fan or simply someone who appreciates a good story well told, I invite you to listen to Chris LeDoux‘s “National Finals Rodeo.” Let the music transport you to the heart of the arena, where the cowboys and their животные dance a dangerous ballet, where the roar of the crowd echoes through the night, and where the spirit of the West shines bright.
Video
Lyrics
A rodeo’s just a rodeo after riding several yearsFrom ol’ Cheyenne to Houston, they never cause too much fearBut let me tell you about one that will chill your very soulIt happens in December when it’s snowin’ and it’s coldIn Oklahoma City, there’s a building of concreteIt’s where the toughest stock and men will gather and competeThe points have all been tallied and the stock has all been broughtWe’ve got just two more hours ’cause it starts at eight o’clockIt’s the Finals, the NFR, the Series of the sportHey rookie, can you take ten head, have you got the heart?You think you’re a tough cowboy, we’ll find out in the endWhen that final whistle blows and the stock’s all in the penThe Colosseum’s quiet except for the soundsOf cowboys getting ready and the workmen of the groundsThe cowboys ask each other, what each other’s got“Did you draw ol’ Necklace or pluck old Double-Ought?”The tension now is mounting as the crowd starts pouring inA shiver goes all through me like from a cold, cold windI hear the horses comin’, runnin’ down the alleywayThey’re snortin’ and a-blowin’ as men shut the sliding gatesIt’s the Finals, the NFR, the Series of the sportHey rookie, can you take ten head, have you got the heart?You think you’re a tough cowboy, we’ll find out in the endWhen that final whistle blows and the stock’s all in the penWe had too much time a while ago but not enough time nowThe Anthem is now over, the grand entry’s going outI sit here on my bronc, I’m ready, and I waitI hear a chute swing open, so I look out through the gateA horse jumps out and blows up, he’s kicking at the roofAnd then out comes another, bucking like a curly wolfI hear the chute boss holler through the yelling of the crowdHe says, “There’s one ahead of you, so you’d better get screwed down”It’s the Finals, the NFR, the Series of the sportHey rookie, can you take ten head, have you got the heart?You think you’re a tough cowboy, we’ll find out in the endWhen that final whistle blows and the stock’s all in the penI nod my head, I’m in a daze, the horse goes boiling outI lay my spurs along his neck, and then I drag him outMy mind is in a blur, my eyes are seeing redThe flank catch slams into my back, his rump bangs on my headThen somewhere in the background, I can hear that buzzer soundMy hand’s jerked from the rigging and I crash into the groundI stumble to my feet, and as I stagger to the wallI wonder to myself, “Is it really worth it all?”It’s the Finals, the NFR, the Series of the sportHey rookie, can you take ten head, have you got the heart?You think you’re a tough cowboy, we’ll find out in the endWhen that final whistle blows and the stock’s all in the penIt’s the Finals, the NFR, the Series of the sportHey rookie, can you take ten head, have you got the heart?You think you’re a tough cowboy, we’ll find out in the endWhen that final whistle blows…