It Ain’t What You Eat That Makes You a Cowboy, It’s What You Chew

Performed by Bale Harrison & The Texas Field Hands

It Ain’t What You Eat That Makes You a Cowboy – DOWNLOAD

(Verse 1)
Now some folks think it’s biscuits, beans,
Or maybe a steak that’s cooked real lean,
They think it’s bacon, jerky, or pie,
That makes a cowboy when he rides on by.
But I’m here to say they’re all confused,
‘Cause it ain’t what you eat—it’s what you chew!

(Chorus)

Oh, Copenhagen in my lip,
A tin of Skoal, it’s my cowboy quip.
Grizzly’s strong when I need a boost,
Chewin’ that Red Man’s my cowboy truth.
Forget them fancy steaks and beans,
Just give me my chew, I’ll be lean and mean!

(Verse 2)
I’ve seen a man survive on jerky dry,
Seen ‘em eat sardines, seen ‘em fry,
Cornbread crumbs in a pan of lard,
Out in the prairie, life sure is hard.
But no cowboy’s ever walked away,
Without a chaw to keep the wolves at bay.

(Chorus)
Oh, Skoal mint for those sweet ol’ nights,
And Timber Wolf for them barroom fights.
I don’t need no molasses, honey, or stew,
If I’ve got Levi Garrett, I’ll see it through.
Bacon’s good but can’t compare,
To a mouth full of chew, out in the dusty air.

(Bridge)
Forget them diets, they ain’t right,
I’ll just eat chili, then chew all night.
Kayak, Hawken, or Beech-Nut too,
I got more plugs than a girl’s got shoes!
Got my Red Man’s sweet like a cowgirl dream,
Got Copenhagen strong—feelin’ like the cream!

(Chorus)
So don’t give me no steak on a fancy plate,
I’ll take my plug while I’m sittin’ by the gate.
Ol’ Lancaster’s sweet when I’m feelin’ low,
Got Timber Wolf to chew while ridin’ slow.
Biscuits are fine, and beans are okay,
But it’s what you chew that makes your day!

(Verse 3)
Got a FitBit once, tried it on for kicks,
Kept track of my chews while I split some sticks.
Said I’d walk a mile for a chew so fine,
‘Cause Copenhagen’s always on my mind.
Folks in the gym, flippin’ tractor tires,
But a cowboy gets fit with chaw and campfires!

(Chorus)
Oh, Beechnut sweet and Grizzly’s bold,
It’s all I need when nights get cold.
Forget that bacon, and hold the steak,
Just pass me the chew for goodness sake.
I’m a cowboy true, till the end of time,
‘Cause it’s what you chew that keeps you in line!

(Outro)
So next time you’re thinkin’ what makes a cowboy real,
It ain’t the biscuits, or the beans you feel.
It’s the chew in your lip, that tells ya who,
‘Cause it ain’t what you eat—it’s what you chew!
Auf Wiedersehen, and keep on chewin’ true!

Music and Lyrics by Alan Nafzger

Last Updated on May 24, 2026 by Alan Nafzger