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The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy
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Wikipedia article
"'The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy'" is song written and composed by Randy Newman, and performed by Chris Stapleton, for the soundtrack of the Disney/Pixar feature film 'Toy Story 4'. The song was released as a single on June 5, 2019, and was met with a positive reception from critics.
The tune they used in this song is also the same one from the song "Ang Kawawang Cowboy" ("The Pitiful Cowboy" in English) sung by a Filipino singer Fred Panopio. "Ang Kawawang Cowboy" was released in the Philippines in 1976. This was considered a parody of the song "Rhinestone Cowboy" by American singer Glen Campbell, which was released in 1975.
Background and composition
Randy Newman, known for his work as composer and songwriter on the 'Toy Story' films, was confirmed to be returning for 'Toy Story 4'. "The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy", the film's main single, written by Newman and performed by Chris Stapleton, was revealed and released on June 5, 2019. The song is performed through the perspective of Sheriff Woody, the film's main character, because, according to Newman, "[Woody] feels like he was a lonesome cowboy until someone comes along and changes his world." Newman was particularly pleased by the fact that Stapleton performs the song, while Stapleton felt that "[i]t's a tremendous honor to get to sing a Randy Newman song in what is without question one of the most iconic animated franchises in history.
Music video
On June 5, 2019, a lyric video of the song was released. On June 26, 2019, a YouTube channel called FANIMATOR released another music video of the song. In this version, FANIMATOR played scenes from the first three 'Toy Story' films and arranged them to fit the song. The scenes were picked to represent the themes of loneliness and friendship.
Other versions
Randy Newman performed a version for the soundtrack of 'Toy Story 4'.
Reception
Rania Aniftos of 'Billboard' praised the song's melody as "catchy". Nick Evans of 'CinemaBlend' positively compared the song to Newman's previous songs from the 'Toy Story' films, writing: "In keeping with the tradition of 'Toy Story' songs, Randy Newmans The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy is equal parts tear-jerking and heartwarming". Similarly, Ming Lee Newcomb of 'Consequences of Music' compared the song to Newman's "You've Got a Friend in Me" from the original film, writing that "the charming Western ballad is similarly feel-good and kid-friendly". Angela Stefano of 'The Boot' wrote that "[n]ot only is Pixar making childhood dreams come true with the release of a new 'Toy Story' movie, they're making country music dreams come true, too" praising Newman's lyrics as "heartfelt yet childlike" and Stapleton's singing as "instantly recognizable".
References
Category:Songs from Toy Story
Category:Chris Stapleton songs
Category:2010s ballads
Category:2019 singles
Category:2019 songs
Category:American songs
Category:Walt Disney Records singles
Category:Songs written by Randy Newman
Category:Songs about cowboys and cowgirls
Category:Songs about loneliness
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