The Meaning and Legacy of "We Were Cowboys" by Dayseeker

The Meaning Behind the Lyrics of "We Were Cowboys" by Dayseeker

The emotional rock band Dayseeker released their hit single "We Were Cowboys" in 2018 as part of their album Sleeptalk. With vulnerable lyrics and a driving beat, the song quickly became a fan favorite and a highlight of their live shows. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the meaning behind the lyrics of "We Were Cowboys" and why it resonates with so many listeners.

Examining the Western Motif

The central motif of "We Were Cowboys" is comparing a failed relationship to two cowboys. Frontman Rory Rodriguez sings in the chorus, "We were cowboys/With our pistols drawn/Aimless without one another." This comparison emphasizes the close partnership between the two people, like that of cowboys watching each other's backs in the Wild West. It also shows how they feel aimless and lost without the other person by their side.

Later in the song, Rory sings, "I guess we drew first blood/We both aimed for the heart." Here, the cowboy comparison extends further by depicting the hurtful actions in the relationship like a gunfight. Both people wounded each other emotionally, shooting straight for the most vulnerable spot - the heart.

Overall, the old Western theme highlights the companionship and conflict that existed in the relationship. Like two cowboys, the couple relied on each other but also ended up inflicting pain when things fell apart.

The Push and Pull of the Relationship

Throughout the lyrics, Rory explores the push and pull dynamic of the relationship. In the first verse, he sings about how the couple used to be close: "Two kids under golden moons/You held my hand, said we'd make it." Here, he reminisces on happier times together and the hope they used to feel.

However, the chorus reveals things going downhill: "How'd we end up on opposite sides/Of separate trains, such a shame." The imagery of travelling in opposite directions symbolizes the distance growing between them. Rory's regretful tone shows dissatisfaction with how things turned out.

In the second verse, Rory questions if they could ever reconnect: "If I called, would you still answer?/If I saw you, would you laugh again?" He seems conflicted, feeling drawn back to this person but uncertain if the relationship could be rebuilt.

The back and forth in the lyrics captures the complicated emotions of holding onto a connection even when it seems to be slipping away.

Longing for What's Lost

An undeniable sense of loss and longing permeates "We Were Cowboys." In the pre-chorus, Rory sings, "Maybe in time we will forget/How good it felt just to run." Here, he acknowledges the chance of the memories fading but also admits how amazing those times felt when things were good.

In the bridge, he directly expresses that yearning: "Oh, I'd go back if I could/Return us to the way we were." It's a poignant statement revealing his deep desire to reclaim the past and recapture what's gone. Even if repairing the relationship isn't possible, part of him will always miss what they had.

When Rory sings "we were cowboys" in the chorus, it sounds like the good-natured fellowship has been replaced by distance and heartache. The song clearly communicates the mournful feeling of losing someone who meant so much.

Trying to Let Go

As the song comes to a close, we get the sense Rory is attempting to accept the finality of the split. In the third verse, he sings, "Now we're strangers living separate lives" and acknowledges they will both need to move on without each other.

However, in the very last chorus he reverts back to the language of "we," singing "we were cowboys" together one more time. This fluctuation shows the complexity of processing a breakup, as feelings evolve and it takes time to truly let go.

While the lyrics convey sadness over what's been lost, there are also hints of resilience. With its soaring melodies, the song itself feels somewhat hopeful, suggesting there are brighter days ahead even if the road to recovery feels long.

Connecting Through Shared Experience

"We Were Cowboys" has clearly resonated with Dayseeker fans, especially those who have endured painful relationship struggles. The song articulates the complicated mix of affection, disappointment, and longing that can accompany a breakup. Rory's honest lyrics help listeners dealing with similar emotions realize they are not alone in that experience.

By poetically comparing a failed romance to two cowboys who can no longer survive side-by-side, Dayseeker managed to make heartbreak feel somehow epic. For many fans, "We Were Cowboys" will remain the song that gave voice to the restless longing and quiet heartbreak that lingers after a relationship ends.

The Enduring Popularity of "We Were Cowboys"

"We Were Cowboys" quickly became a fan favorite upon its release in 2018. The lyrical themes clearly resonated with Dayseeker's passionate supporters, many of whom feel a deep connection to Rory's vulnerable words. Beyond the lyrics, the song also features the band's signature blend of melodic hard rock and infectious pop punk energy.

Fans immediately responded to the song, with many praising it as Dayseeker's best work yet. The track shot up the iTunes rock charts shortly after its debut. It remains one of the band's most streamed songs across all major platforms.

Due to the single's popularity, Dayseeker made "We Were Cowboys" a staple of their live setlist. Crowds often sing along word-for-word when Rory performs it on stage. The song typically draws big reactions from concert audiences, making it a highlight of each show.

In various interviews, Rory has spoken about the personal meaning "We Were Cowboys" has for him. He says revisiting the song always takes him back to the mindset he was in while writing it during a difficult time. Fans appreciate his honesty and find the track even more relatable knowing its autobiographical origins.

Years after its release, "We Were Cowboys" continues to leave its mark. Dayseeker still receives social media messages and fan art related to the nostalgic breakup anthem. Clearly, the song's themes of loss, change, and holding onto memories remain impactful for listeners over time.

Legacy Within Dayseeker's Discography

Beyond just its popularity, "We Were Cowboys" also represents an important moment in Dayseeker's musical evolution. Their previous work gravitated toward metalcore and heavier guitar-driven sounds.

With "We Were Cowboys," the band showed they could blend pop-centric melodies into their hard rock style. Rory's vocal delivery expanded into more melodic territory while still retaining his edgy, emotive edge.

This fusion of styles on "We Were Cowboys" pointed the way forward for Dayseeker's future music. Their next album, Sleeptalk, featured their signature rock foundations overlaid with infectious pop choruses and hooks. Later releases like 2020's Burst Into Flame expanded upon this formula that "We Were Cowboys" helped originate.

The song demonstrated Dayseeker's ability to craft relatable lyrical themes with broader pop appeal outside of the metalcore genre. As a key landmark in the band's catalog, "We Were Cowboys" showed Dayseeker's potential for evolution and capturing larger audiences.

Years later, the song still holds a special spot as the breakthrough that opened up new creative directions for Dayseeker. Even as their sound continues to progress, "We Were Cowboys" remains a fan favorite representing a pivotal moment for the group.

Experience "We Were Cowboys" Live on Tour

Fans will have plenty of chances to hear Dayseeker's signature ballad performed live in the coming months. The band just announced their headlining We Were Cowboys Tour kicking off on April 4th.

The nearly month-long tour crosses the United States, hitting major cities like Denver, Atlanta, Orlando, and Nashville among several others. Support acts include fellow rockers The Animal In Me, Savage Hands, and Vatican.

With a new album on the horizon, fans can expect to hear some fresh material from Dayseeker at these shows. But the band is sure to make room for old favorites like "We Were Cowboys" that supporters continue to love singing along to after all these years.

Based on past tours, the crowd will likely erupt when those familiar opening chords kick in. There should be plenty of hands swaying and lighters raised as Rory leans into the emotional chorus. Trust us, hearing "We Were Cowboys" live is an experience every Dayseeker fan needs.

This run also marks Dayseeker's first nationwide headlining tour since before the pandemic. Expect high energy performances as the band returns to stages across the country. They clearly appreciate every fan that comes out, with Rory often sticking around after shows to chat and take photos with supporters.

If you haven't seen Dayseeker live before, this is the perfect opportunity to catch them out on the road. And die-hard fans are sure to turn up to relive hearing beloved tracks like "We Were Cowboys" in a live setting. Don't miss out on Dayseeker's return to stages across America on the We Were Cowboys Tour!

FAQs

What album is "We Were Cowboys" by Dayseeker originally from?

"We Were Cowboys" is from Dayseeker's 2018 album Sleeptalk. It was the second single released from the record.

What music genre is Dayseeker's song "We Were Cowboys"?

"We Were Cowboys" falls into the emotional rock and post-hardcore genres. It combines melodic pop choruses with Dayseeker's signature aggressive guitar riffs.

What is the meaning behind the lyrics of "We Were Cowboys"?

The lyrics use a Wild West cowboy motif to represent the deteriorating relationship between two people. Lines like "we both aimed for the heart" depict the emotional hurt they inflicted on each other.

Why did "We Were Cowboys" become so popular?

Fans connected with the vulnerable lyrics about loss and change after a breakup. The song merged Dayseeker's hard rock sound with infectious pop melodies that drew wider audiences.

What upcoming tour will Dayseeker play "We Were Cowboys" on?

Dayseeker's 2023 headlining We Were Cowboys Tour will feature the song. The US tour runs April 4th through May 5th with support from The Animal In Me, Savage Hands, and Vatican.