Here Come Cowboys

Album: Mirror Moves (1984)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written by the Butler brothers of The Psychedelic Furs (lead singer Richard and bass player Tim), "Here Come Cowboys" is one of the few songs by the band that takes a political lean, with Richard taking aim at US President Ronald Reagan and his law-and-order cohorts. In an interview with Artist magazine, Butler said that Reagan was the main cowboy, but the song is also "an attack on TV heroes."
  • Tim Pope directed the music video, which cuts between shots of the band performing the song and scenes from rural America, including sheriffs, rodeos, and, yes, cowboys. It's one of the few videos where you'll see star wipes. (Why have hamburger when you can have steak?)
  • Mirror Moves was the fourth Psychedelic Furs album. Drummer Vince Ely left before they started making it, so their producer, Keith Forsey, stepped in behind the kit.
  • Psychedelic Furs are from England, but by this time, Richard and Tim Butler had moved to America, which explains the very America-oriented lyric. The song was released as a single but failed to chart. Hopes were high that Mirror Moves would be the US breakthrough for the band, but the only single to chart was "The Ghost In You" at #59.

Comments: 1

  • UpstateIf you have a problem with Ronald Reagan and America, then I have a problem with YOU!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Lita Ford

Lita FordSongwriter Interviews

Lita talks about how they wrote songs in The Runaways, and how she feels about her biggest hit being written by somebody else.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.