Code of the West and American Society

John Wayne was the embodiment of the silver screen cowboy, and was quoted saying:

A man's got to have a code, a creed to live by, no matter his job.

Old West: The Cowboy

I should've been a cowboy,

I should have learned to rope and ride.

Wearing my six-shooter riding my pony on a cattle drive.

Stealing the young girl's hearts,  Just like Gene and Roy.

Singing those campfire songs - Oh, I should've been a cowboy

I might have had a sidekick with a funny name, Running wild through the hills chasing Jesse James.

Ending up on the brink of danger, Riding shotgun for the Texas Rangers.

Go west young man, haven't you been told, California's full of whiskey, women and gold. Sleeping out all night beneath the desert stars With a dream in my eye and a prayer … In my heart … Oh, I should've been a cowboy.

Lyric from Toby Keith (Covel) song – Should Have Been a Cowboy