“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Rawhide” isn’t just a song—it’s a galloping journey through the American West that practically kicks up dust as it plays. Released in 1958 as the theme for the CBS television series of the same name, this Frankie Laine classic captures the gritty determination of cattle drivers pushing their herds across the frontier.
What makes this song special is how Laine’s powerful, slightly raspy voice embodies the rugged spirit of the cowboys he’s singing about. The driving rhythm mimics hoofbeats, while the iconic whip-crack sound effects and shouted “Hya!” create an immersive experience that transports listeners straight to the trail.
Beyond its catchy chorus and memorable “rollin’, rollin’, rollin'” refrain, “Rawhide” represents a pivotal moment in American pop culture when Western themes dominated entertainment. The song helped cement Laine’s reputation as the “King of Western Theme Songs” and has endured for generations, finding new life in films like “The Blues Brothers” and countless commercials.
Even if you’ve never herded cattle across the plains, there’s something universally appealing about the song’s themes of perseverance and frontier spirit that continues to resonate with listeners today.
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Lyrics
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’.
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’.
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’.
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’.
Rawhide!
Hah! Hah!
Keep rollin’, rollin’, rollin’,
Though the streams are swollen,
Keep them dogies rollin’, rawhide.
Through rain and wind and weather,
Hell bent for leather,
Wishin’ my gal was by my side.
All the things I’m missin’,
Good vittles, love, and kissin’,
Are waiting at the end of my ride.
Move ’em out, head ’em up,
Head ’em up, move ’em on.
Move ’em out, head ’em up:
Rawhide.
Cut ’em out, ride ’em in,
Ride ’em in, cut ’em out,
Cut ’em out, ride ’em in:
Rawhide!
Hah! Hah!
Movin’, movin’, movin’,
Though they’re disapprovin’,
Keep them dogies movin’, rawhide.
Don’t try to understand ’em,
Just rope an’ throw an’ brand ’em.
Soon we’ll be living high and wide.
My heart’s calculatin’,
My true love will be waitin’:
Waitin’ at the end of my ride.
Move ’em out, head ’em up,
Head ’em up, move ’em on.
Move ’em out, head ’em up:
Rawhide.
Cut ’em out, ride ’em in,
Ride ’em in, cut ’em out,
Cut ’em out, ride ’em in:
Rawhide!
Hah!
(Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’.)
Hah!
(Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’.)
Rawhide.
Hah!
Rawhide!