About the Song
Cody Johnson, the “CoJo” to his fervent fanbase, has carved a unique path in country music. He’s a bona fide rodeo cowboy turned singer-songwriter, a man whose music resonates with authenticity and grit. His voice, a raw and powerful instrument, carries the weight of lived experience, telling stories of heartbreak, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the American West. In “Dear Rodeo,” a poignant ballad off his 2019 album Ain’t Nothin’ to It, Johnson delivers a love letter not to a person, but to a passion, a lifestyle, a bittersweet chapter of his past.
And who better to join him on this journey than the queen of country herself, Reba McEntire? With a career spanning decades, McEntire’s own deep connection to rodeo culture adds another layer of emotional resonance to the duet. Her voice, a timeless blend of warmth and strength, intertwines with Johnson’s, creating a harmonious tapestry of shared nostalgia and understanding.
“Dear Rodeo” is a song about longing and acceptance, a farewell to a dream that left its mark. It speaks to the bittersweet reality of letting go, of acknowledging the scars both physical and emotional, while recognizing the profound impact that the rodeo life has had on their identities. The lyrics, penned by Johnson and Dan Couch, are imbued with a raw honesty that cuts deep. Lines like ” ‘Tween the almost-had-’ems and broken bones / The dream of a buckle I’ll never put on ” perfectly encapsulate the mixture of pride and regret that comes with walking away from a lifelong pursuit.
What elevates this song beyond a simple nostalgic ode is the way it taps into universal themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and the enduring power of dreams. Whether you’ve ever set foot in a rodeo arena or not, “Dear Rodeo” will resonate with anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to a cherished aspiration, a chapter of their life that shaped who they are. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to find meaning and beauty even in the face of disappointment and loss.
In this duet, Johnson and McEntire have created something truly special. Their voices blend seamlessly, their shared history with the rodeo lending an undeniable authenticity to their performance. “Dear Rodeo” is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most profound love stories aren’t about romance, but about the passions that shape our lives and the dreams that forever hold a place in our hearts.