A Parker McCollum Song We Know You Will Love. This Weeks Friday Find!

Parker McCollum’s good ole boy persona and arched attitude find an ideal mesh in his third outing to date, Like A Cowboy, puts him in firm standing amongst today’s new country elite.

Written by country star Chris Stapleton and Al Anderson, “Like a Cowboy” is the first song recorded by McCollum that the Austin, Texas, native didn’t write himself — but it means a lot to him all the same. Backed by a patient piano and sung with careful reservation, the weary open-range ballad tributes stand-up men and women with a little outlaw in their heart. Meanwhile, its video brings that theme to life, mixing in-studio footage and live performance shots with photos of McCollum’s late grandfather, who he says inspires much of his career.

When I first heard ‘Like A Cowboy’ I probably listened to it 15 times in a row. It made me think of my Grandpa who would have loved this song. He was one of my best friends and he believed in me so much that I know he’d be happy to see everything that’s happened in my career.”

Just 29 years old, he already wears enough grit and gravitas on his rolled-up sleeves to suggest he’s ready to tackle life’s challenges even when the odds appear stacked against him. Consequently, the song retraces the common themes associated with a hard-luck existence— unfaithful lovers, the struggle to maintain an enduring relationship, and, of course, plenty of barroom bravado.

Given its sway and swagger, it’s really not suitable for describing anything else. That said, McCollum shows potential to make a meaningful impact through some credible country crossover. If he allows himself to expand his parameters beyond his own solitary circumstance, this self-styled gold chain cowboy may be able to rope in some additional glitter as well.