This classic was first written and performed by Ed Bruce for his 1976 self-titled album and was ranked number 15 on the Hot Country Single charts by Billboard magazine. It was made even more popular when the song was covered by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson on their 1978 duo album. The song itself is a warning call to mothers and includes details about the rough and heartache-filled life of a cowboy. Although the song itself has a sense of humor, it delves into the loneliness and detachment a cowboy often has to face. The Waylon & Willie version of the song peaked at No. 1 in March during the year of its release and spent 4 weeks on the country music charts. In 1979, the Nelson/Jennings rendition won a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group. The song has been used in countless movies, TV shows, and other media outlets and, for some western historians, is regarded as one of the best western songs ever recorded.