Tonight, Cody Johnson surprise-released his rendition of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jenning’s legendary song, “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.” His live cover from the 2023 ACMs took place in May. His performance came just a few days after Willie’s 90th birthday. Johnson’s rendition of the song became an immediate fan favorite from the Texas native. Notably, he also adds a sly twist on the lyrics in the final chorus, singing, “Mammas don’t let your cowboys grow up to be babies.”
Cody Johnson has a history of drawing attention for his covers of legendary songs. Some other fan favorites include “Travelin’ Soldier,” originally by The Chicks, and “She’s Actin’ Single,” originally by Gary Stewart. Fans have been pushing Johnson to release those covers to streaming platforms for years. In addition, he also recorded a cover of Reba’s “Whoever’s In New England.” In 2023, Johnson added “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” and “Travelin’ Soldier” to the setlist on his tour that year, giving fans some hope that one day, some of these other covers may hit streaming.
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Johnson works as a cowboy on his ranch in Texas in his spare time, so covering the songs of these Texas legends is all too fitting for the former rodeo performer.
Johnson’s version of “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” from the 2023 ACM Awards is available everywhere.
