Earlier this year we learned about the #RamRanchResistance, a counterprotest campaign in Canada using a very gay, very explicit, song about gay cowboys to troll anti-vaxers.
The song was “Ram Ranch” by Grant MacDonald, and while it did make us laugh, it’s admittedly a bit hard to listen to.
No disrespect to MacDonald, but we’d probably leave it off our gay country playlist. That got us thinking…what would go on that list?
Related: Get ready for Pedro Almodóvar’s answer to ‘Brokeback Mountain’, a gay Western with a smokin’ cast
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Orville Peck – “C’mon Baby, Cry”
We’ll start with the latest from the mysterious cowpoke himself, Orville Peck. Peck’s style is distinctively queer, proving there’s room in any musical genre to live authentically.
Lil Nas X – “Old Town Road”
When “Old Town Road” was released in 2019, you could hardly go anywhere without hearing it. In fact, it became the fastest song ever to be certified diamond when it sold 10 million units. It also helped launch Nas X into stardom, and we’ll forever be grateful for that.
Paisley Fields – “Ride Me Cowboy”
Here’s a honkey-tonk tale of cowboy on cowboy desire that will get you right in the mood. The mood for what, exactly? We’re not sure. But it’s a mood nonetheless.
Cameron Hawthorn – “Cowboy Take Me Away”
Hawthorn’s stripped-down cover of The Chicks’ “Cowboy Take Me Away” just begs for a slow dance next to the campfire.
Hot Crazy – “Manly in Heels”
This new track from Hot Crazy, on the other hand, begs for something far more boisterous. Best enjoyed with whiskey.
Tommy Atkins – “Kiss Me, Cowboy”
This tender love song will likely strike a chord if you can still remember your first crush.
*Honorable Mention* Dolly Parton – “9 to 5”
OK there’s nothing explicitly queer about Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” (unless you count Lily Tomlin’s cameo) but put it on in a room full of gays and witness the magic that happens.
jeffsmith60
You left off Dean Martin’s “It’s 1200 Miles from Palm Springs to Texas”
Ronbo
I worked in a stable for a while and found that there were FAR more cowgirls than cowboys.
Never
Ever
Get
Between
a
Cowgirl
and
her
horse.
ddmtl
What about RAM RANCH! 18 naked cowboys in the showers at Ram Ranch!
kirkthompson5
You also forgot Willie Nelson’s “Cowboys are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other”
Mack
Not a song but James Taylor in introducing “Sweet Baby James” talks about “lights out in the bunkhouse with the buckaroos.”
Den
I missed the original article about “Ram Ranch”, so checked it our. Loved it! I usually like songs with skilled vocals and not crazy about spoken word (so not crazy about some classic B-52 stuff). But what’s not to like about 18 hot hard cowboys, especially when their story is used to troll the Canadian asshole truckers.
Den
“checked it ouT”
Den
I often do the Chicks “I’m Gonna Let Him Fly” (originally written by the amazing Patty Griffin) in Karaoke. Always makes the straight girls cry.
okokwhatever
Let Him Fly. It’s called Let Him Fly. You obviously don’t karaoke that song AS MUCH as you say.
cpt-picard
Don‘t forget Depeche Mode „Never Let Me Down Again“!
jd1row
I would add “Papa Was a Rodeo” by the Magnetic Fields.
tommyatkins
Thanks for including my lil’ ol’ song alongside these ICONS, Dan!
abfab
And from way back, Elton’s Don’t Let Your Son Go Down On Me
Drew1500
You missed “Checotah, Oklahoma” by Drake Jensen. It’s a great song about a cowboy struggling with his identity.
There’s also “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other” by Pansy Division. Willie Nelson covered it for Brokeback Mountain.