The Enduring Fire Of 'I Only Date Cowboys': 5 Reasons Kylie Morgan's Hit Is Still Dominating Country Music In 2025

Kylie Morgan’s fiery 2021 track, "I Only Date Cowboys," remains one of the most talked-about and streamed songs in contemporary country music, a testament to its infectious energy and confident, straight-shooting lyrics. As of the current date in December 2025, the song continues to be a fan-favorite staple in her live shows, perfectly encapsulating the Oklahoma native's blend of sass, relatability, and traditional country charm, all while serving as a powerful chapter in her journey from a promising newcomer to a recognized force on the airwaves.

The track, co-written by Morgan herself, is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a mission statement. Released on her debut EP, Love, Kylie, the song laid the groundwork for the authenticity and storytelling that would define her later success, including her Top 40 breakout hit, "If He Wanted To He Would." The enduring popularity of "I Only Date Cowboys" highlights how a well-crafted, personality-driven song can outlast fleeting trends and cement an artist's signature sound for years to come.

Kylie Morgan: Biography, Profile, and Career Milestones

Kylie Morgan has established herself as one of country music’s most compelling storytellers, known for baring her soul and injecting her infectious personality into every track. Her journey from the plains of Oklahoma to the stages of Nashville is a story of dedication, resilience, and unapologetic self-expression.

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• Full Name: Kylie Morgan
• Origin: Newcastle, Oklahoma, United States
• Genre: Country Music, Country Pop
• Record Label: EMI Nashville (Universal Music Group)
• Early Career: Began writing songs at the age of 12, demonstrating an early knack for confessional lyrics and catchy melodies.
• Debut EP: Love, Kylie (2021), featuring the fan-favorites "Shoulda" and "I Only Date Cowboys."
• Breakthrough Single: "If He Wanted To He Would" (2022), which became her first Top 40 hit on the Country Airplay chart, solidifying her status as a radio contender.
• Studio Album: PS (2022), which further showcased her versatility with tracks like "Bridesmaids" and "Independent Without You."
• Industry Recognition: Named to the prestigious MusicRow Next Big Thing Artist Class of 2023, a title reserved for artists poised for major success.
• Live Performance: Known for her engaging and high-energy live shows, which have taken her on tours across the US and include a scheduled performance in Dublin, Ireland, in late 2025.

The Flirty Wink: Unpacking the Meaning of 'I Only Date Cowboys'

The core intention behind "I Only Date Cowboys" is a lighthearted yet firm declaration of a woman knowing exactly what she wants in a partner. It’s a fun, soaring anthem that gives listeners a direct glimpse into Morgan’s vibrant, no-nonsense personality, which is a hallmark of her music.

It’s a Rejection of the Wrong Types

The song’s lyrics quickly establish the types of men Morgan has moved past, creating a relatable narrative for anyone who has cycled through disappointing relationships. She sings about trying the "clean cut" guy and the "bad boy," only to find them lacking. The clean cut was too safe, and the bad boy "wasn't bad enough." This lyrical setup makes the eventual choice of the "cowboy" feel earned, not just a cliché, but a preference born from experience.

The 'Cowboy' as a Modern Archetype

The "cowboy" in the song is less about riding a horse and more about embodying a specific set of desirable traits. It represents the quintessential man of the country genre: rugged, dependable, honest, and grounded. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who is both tough and tender, a perfect blend of excitement and reliability. This archetype resonates deeply with country music audiences who value tradition and authenticity.

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The song’s co-writers, Nate Kenyon and Jay Allen, helped Morgan craft a narrative that is inherently country while remaining universally appealing. The track’s production, handled by industry heavyweights Shane McAnally and Ben Johnson, gives it a powerful, anthemic sound that elevates the simple, confident message into a stadium-ready declaration.

Why 'I Only Date Cowboys' Continues to Define Kylie Morgan’s Career

Though released years ago, "I Only Date Cowboys" remains one of the most critical tracks in Kylie Morgan’s catalog. Its sustained success—evidenced by millions of streams and its permanent place on her setlist—is due to several strategic and artistic factors that continue to drive her career forward into 2025.

1. The Shane McAnally Production Stamp

The involvement of celebrated producer Shane McAnally, known for shaping the sound of modern country stars like Kacey Musgraves and Sam Hunt, gave the track instant credibility and a polished, radio-ready sound. McAnally and co-producer Ben Johnson brought a soaring quality to the music that perfectly complements Morgan’s powerful voice, turning a simple preference into an undeniable earworm that stands up against the latest releases.

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2. A Pillar of the 'Love, Kylie' EP

The track was a key component of the Love, Kylie EP, a project Morgan described as a collection of songs that were "chapters" of her life. By placing a fun, confident song like "I Only Date Cowboys" alongside more vulnerable tracks such as "Break Things" and "Cheating On You," the EP showcased her emotional range. This balance immediately established her as a complex, multi-faceted artist capable of both a "flirty wink" and deep introspection.

3. The Gateway to Her Major Hits

While "I Only Date Cowboys" was a fan-favorite, it set the stage for her official debut single success. The playful, self-assured tone of the "Cowboys" track directly paved the way for the viral success and Country Airplay chart debut of "If He Wanted To He Would." Both songs share a theme of self-respect and knowing one’s worth, creating a cohesive brand identity that fans quickly embraced.

4. High Topical Authority and LSI Keywords

The song is a masterclass in leveraging the core entities and LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords of the country genre. By focusing on a "cowboy" theme, it naturally connects to a vast network of related concepts: western lifestyle, boots, trucks, honesty, and rugged romance. This high topical authority ensures the song remains relevant in search and recommendation algorithms for fans of traditional and modern country alike, keeping her name and music in front of new listeners.

5. A Live Show Must-Have

In 2025, Morgan's touring schedule, which includes major US dates and an international stop in Dublin, continues to rely on the energy of this track. "I Only Date Cowboys" is a perfect live song—it’s high-energy, easy to sing along to, and instantly connects with the audience's desire for a fun, empowering moment. Its inclusion in her current setlist is proof that its relevance has not faded; it is a foundational piece of the Kylie Morgan live experience.

The Future of Kylie Morgan: Beyond the Cowboy

While "I Only Date Cowboys" will forever be a signature song, Kylie Morgan has continued to evolve. Her 2022 album, PS, further explored her journey, tackling themes of independence with tracks like "Sugar Daddy" and self-discovery. Her ability to consistently deliver relatable, confessional lyrics—whether she’s singing about a perfect man or navigating a tough breakup—is why she was named a "Next Big Thing" artist.

As she continues to tour and release new music, the legacy of "I Only Date Cowboys" will remain a powerful symbol of the moment she confidently introduced her true self to the country music world. It is the song that said, "This is Kylie Morgan, and she knows what she wants." And in 2025, that message is as strong as ever.