Introduction
“Cowgirls Don’t Cry,” a hidden gem on Reba McEntire’s 1994 album Read My Mind, took on a whole new life when she performed it live with Brooks & Dunn. While the studio version is a poignant ballad, the live performance with the iconic duo transforms it into a powerful anthem of resilience and heartbreak. The song, written by Robert Ellis Orrall and Larry Rogers, tells the story of a tough-as-nails cowgirl who has to confront her own vulnerability when her heart gets broken. The title itself is a statement of defiant strength, but the lyrics reveal the painful truth: even the strongest among us can be brought to their knees by love.
When Reba, Ronnie, and Kix join forces on stage, the song becomes a masterpiece of collaborative storytelling. Reba’s vocal performance is, as always, a perfect blend of power and raw emotion. Her voice soars with the pain and frustration of a woman trying to hold it all together. The addition of Ronnie Dunn’s rich, soulful harmonies elevates the emotional weight of the song. His voice provides a perfect foil to Reba’s, creating a duet that feels both mournful and resolute. Kix Brooks’s guitar work and harmonies add a final layer of texture, rounding out the performance and giving it a true “trio” feel.
The live setting brings out a rawness that the studio track can’t fully capture. The energy between the three performers is palpable, and they feed off each other’s passion, making the song an unforgettable experience for the audience. “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” live with Brooks & Dunn isn’t just a performance; it’s a testament to the power of three country music legends coming together to tell a universal story about strength, vulnerability, and the difficult truth that even cowgirls, sometimes, do cry.
video
https://youtu.be/acln8iddsLA?si=rkLqfgA30aHNplYZ